Friday, September 7, 2012

Ribbon Hedgehog




Meet Hedgie! He is an adorable hedgehog ribbon sculpture that can be used in a variety of crafts from hairbows to party decorations. Our Dazzle grosgrain gives Hedgie his sparkly spikes. Not only is he an adorable woodland critter, he’s also extremely simple to make.

Materials:
7/8 inch Grosgrain ribbon in Tan
3/8 inch Dazzle ribbon in Turftan
2 Small googly eyes
Scissors
Glue
Black marker

*Note: Remember to seal all your edges.

1. Cut a piece of 7/8 inch Tan Grosgrain ribbon about 3 inches long.
2. Next, fold over as shown and glue the overlapping pieces.
3. Trim off the excess ribbon from the overlapping point. This will be Hedgie’s head and body support.
4. Cut 20 pieces of 3/8 inch Turftan Dazzle ribbon in 2-1/2 inch strips.
5. Fold each piece over to make tight loops. These will be used for Hedgie’s spikes.
6. Attach the loops to the body with glue.
7. Once Hedgie’s body is full, attach the googly eyes to the face.
8. For a cute little nose, color the tip of the face black with the marker.
9. Finally, adhere your new little creature to a clip, headband, pin or woodland scene and enjoy!


Monday, August 13, 2012

Bitsy the Spider Halloween Ribbon Wreath



This beautiful black and orange ribbon scrap wreath makes a perfect home for Bitsy the Spider and his web! Here you will learn how to make a cute spider out of satin cord, a ribbon wreath for Halloween and how to put them together in one adorable door hanger.  Upcycle wire clothes hangers into a wreath frame and ribbon scraps into a colorful Fall decoration. The best part: you can use this tutorial to make ribbon wreaths for any celebration other than Halloween, just change the colors and omit the spider!



Materials:
Satin Cord in Black and White, at least 2 yards each
3/8-inch Grosgrain in Black and Torrid Orange
3/8-inch Grosgrain Swiss Dots in Black and Pumpkin
5/8-inch Harmony in Black/Silver and Orange
5/8-inch Sheer Delight in Black and Orange
7/8-inch Double Ruffle in Black and Orange
1 1/2-inch Double Ruffle in Black and Orange
2 Wire clothes hangers (or a wire wreath frame)
2 Googly eyes, small
2 Balls/Styrofoam, foil, very small
Wire cutters
Hot glue gun
Scissors

How to make “Bitsy” the Spider:

1. Wrap black satin cord around one ball until you cannot see what is underneath and it is about 1 1/2 inches wide. This will be the body of the spider.
2. Do the same to the second ball except make this one only about 3/4 inch wide.
3. Cut 8 pieces of black satin cord 2 3/4 inches long. These will be used for the legs.
4. Put a small dab of hot glue in the middle of the strand and fold in half. Do this for all 8 pieces. Once dry, gentle pull them apart just a little bit to make the leg shape.
5. Next, attach the head and each leg to the body with hot glue. Once the glue is hard, adhere the googly eyes as well.

Congratulations your new little friend is complete! Now, to make his colorful home…

Construct the Ribbon Wreath:
(If using a wire wreath frame skip to step 4)

1. First, cut the actual hanger part off of one hanger. Then bend each hanger into a circle. One should be a bit smaller than the other to fit inside it.
2. Straighten the hook section of the piece that was cut off, then snip it in half. These pieces will be used to connect the two wired circles.
3. Bend the ends of the two short pieces to an “S” shape and hot glue to the wire circles. This will be used as your wreath frame.
4. Cut ribbons into 5-inch pieces to tie around the wreath. Knot each piece in the middle around the wire frame. * Note: Tie a thicker ribbon in an X around the joints of the frame for extra stability.
5. Make sure to slide your knots against one another to fill the wire completely for a full looking wreath.
6. Once your frame is full, wrap the hanger section with ribbon as well.
7. Make a bow out of your ribbon of choice and attach it to the top of the hook.

Now to add Bitsy the Spider…

1. Cut a piece of white satin cord about 2 yards long. Attach one end with hot glue to the top of the spider.
2. Hang the spider in your desired location and wrap the cord around the frame of the wreath to secure it.
3. Continue to string the cord around the center of the wreath creating a web. Once your web is to the desired look, cut off any extra cord and adhere the end to the back of the wreath with hot glue.

Enjoy your new web and wreath! Happy Fall!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Ribbon Lobster

This little guy is just too cute! The Ribbon Lobster is great for hair bows, party decorations, pins or anything your heart desires. Best of all, it's fairly simple to make!

Materials:
7/8 inch Grosgrain
3/8 inch Grosgrain
1/8 inch Grosgrain
2 googly eyes
Glue scissors

*Note: Remember to seal all your edges.

1. Cut a 23 inches long piece of 3/8 inch grosgrain.
2. Start at one end and wrap it around itself tightly. Remember to overlap half the width of the ribbon.
3. Cut 2 pieces of 1/8 inch grosgrain 2 1/2 inches long. Roll up one end of each leaving 1 inch unrolled. These will be the back legs.
4. Fold 1 of the back legs in half to the right and the other to the left. Glue the rolled section on the top of the body and the opposite end underneath.
5. Next, cut four 1 1/4 inch long pieces of 1/8 inch grosgrain. Fold each of these in half, two to the right and two to the left. These will become the legs.  Attach one side of these to the bottom of your body, two on the left side and two on the right.
6. Cut two pieces of 7/8 inch grosgrain 3 inches long. Fold in half and glue one end of each of these as shown. On the unfolded end, make a fishtail cut.
7. Where the half opens up, fold the ribbon section in half; one to the left and the other to the right. These pieces will be used as the claws.
8. Attach the claws to the underside of the body.
9. Cut two 2 1/2 inches long pieces of 1/8 inch grosgrain. On one end, make a diagonal cut.
10. These pieces will be used as the feelers/antenna.  Insert the flat cut end into the open end of the head and glue.
11. Finally, glue both of the googly eyes to the head. Your new ribbon friend is now complete!



* Experiment with different colors and sizes for a creative little sculpture!

Ribbon Fish


These adorable little ribbon fish are great for anything from hair bows to party decorations. Best of all, they're simple to make.  


Materials:
7/8 inch Dazzle Glitter Grosgrain in Turquoise
3/8 inch Dazzle Glitter Grosgrain in Turquoise
1 Small  googly eye
Glue
Scissors



*Note: Dazzle does not have to be sealed… it will not fray. However, if you’re using another grosgrain, remember to heat seal all your edges.


1. Cut a 10 inches long piece of 7/8 inch Dazzle.
2. Next, fold over as shown and glue the overlapping pieces. This will be your fish’s body.
3. Cut a piece of 3/8 inch Dazzle 2 inches long.
4. Wrap this piece around the body of the fish. Be sure to glue it down so the seam is on the back.
5. The remaining pieces sticking out will be the tail. Make a fishtail cut on each of these to complete the look.
6. Cut two 1 3/4 inches long pieces of 3/8 inch Dazzle. Fold these over and glue the ends together to make the fins.
7. Next, adhere the bottom of the fins to the back of the body.
8.For the final touch, glue one googly eye in place on the body. You’re done!


*Try experimenting with different colors and sizes for a rainbow of colored fish!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Ribbon Rocket



Materials:
1 1/2” in. Grosgrain in Cobalt Blue
7/8” in. Grosgrain in Hot Red
7/8” in. Grosgrain Stripes in Red
5/8” in. Stripes in Red/White/Blue
3/8” in. Betsy Ross in Red/Blue
3/16” in. Metallic Curling in colors Red, Silver, and RoyalBlue
3/16” in. Poly (Curling) in colors White, Red, and Royal
Card stock in your choice of color
Scissors
Hot glue

*Important Note: Remember to seal all ribbon edges as you go. This will ensure that it will not fray




1. To make life a little easier,  print out the template and cut out the shapes.
***Note: Right click on the thumbnail and 'Open in New Tab' to view and save in full size. Print the template to fit a 8 1/2" x 11" sheet.
2. Roll the rectangular shape into a tube and secure edges with glue.
3. Next, roll the triangular shape into a cone and secure the edges with glue.
4. Cut (6) 4 3/4” in. pieces of 1 1/2” in. Grosgrain in Cobalt. Seal the edges.
5. Adhere the first Cobalt ribbon strip to the cone from the point to the base vertically. Overlap the next strip slightly to cover fully. Repeat with the remaining strips to evenly cover the cone. Tuck the bottom edges up under cone and glue.
6. Now, start to wrap the tube with alternating strips of 7/8” in. Grosgrain in Hot Red, 7/8” in. Grosgrain Stripes in Red, and 3/8” in. Stripes. Glue teh top inside the tube, and wrap at an angle. Cut to desired length. Be sure to tuck the ends inside the bottom of the tube and glue. 
***Note: you can leave space between your ribbons to allow the background color show through if you wish.
7. Apply a hefty amount of glue around the top of the tube and place the cone here.
8. Line the bottom of your cylinder with 3/8” in. Betsy Ross for a more polished look.
9. For the sparkling tail, cut a pile of random length strips of 3/16” in. Metallic Curling in colors Red, Silver, and Royal Blue and 3/16” in. Poly (Curling) in colors White, Red, and Royal.
10. Take half of these and curl them with your scissors.
11. Adhere bunches of the curling ribbon evenly around the inside of the tube.
12. Once, all your strips are attached… Enjoy!!!


You can either attach a piece of thread/fishing line to hang your new rocket or glue a dowel/paint stir inside the tube and stick it in a planter or the yard for a real looking firecracker!


Looking for more red, white and blue ribbon? 
Check out our Patriotic Ribbon Collection!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Scrap Ribbon Wallet





Materials:
Heat bond (sew through)
1 yd of fabric
7 in. zipper
3/8 in. solid grosgrain (at least 5 yards) (edging)
Thread

Required Tools:
Iron
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Edge seal (lighter, heat sealer, or No Fray)
Fabric marker/chalk




*Important Note: Remember to seal all ribbon edges as you go. This will ensure that it will not fray.

1. Cut a piece of fabric 7x7 1/2 in. **blue**
2. Apply heat bond to the back of each piece of ribbon. (See package for instructions) Let cool.
3. Remove paper backing from the heat bond and arrange the pieces of ribbon to your desired look on the back of the 7x7 1/2 in. piece of fabric.
4. Carefully, iron the ribbon to adhere it to the fabric. Trim any pieces that are hanging off the border. *Remember to seal the edges!
5. Now, sew along the edge of each piece of ribbon to ensure that they are secured to the fabric.  This section will be the outer shell of your wallet.



6. Cut your newly made outer shell **blue** 3 1/8 in. from the bottom of the 7 in. side.
7. Next, sew a piece of the solid grosgrain for edging **yellow** along the edges of your fresh cut.
8. Apply heat bond to your zipper. **white** Then, line it up with newly edged pieces and adhere.
9. Cut a piece of fabric 7 ½ in x 6 ¾ in. **cream** This will be used for your zipper pocket.
10. Line up one edge of your fabric to the zipper’s edge. Make sure the pattern faces inward.
11. Sew this edge to the zipper and outer shell.
12. Fold the rest of fabric up so that the fold will be at the bottom of your outer shell. A portion of the fabric (about ¾ in to an 1in) should surpass the zipper. Use heat bond to adhere this portion to the shell on the opposite side of the zipper.
13. Your outer shell is now complete! Yay!

14. Cut 3 pieces of fabric 3 1/8 x 7 in. **green**   These will be for your cash pocket/slot section.
15. Cut one of these in half (will measure 3 1/8 x 3 1/2 in.). Next, sew a piece of edging grosgrain on the inside and outside of 3 1/8 in. side. Do this to both pieces.  These will both be for card slots on top of your money pouch.
16. Take another one of your 3 1/8 x 7 in. pieces of fabric and lay flat.  Place one of the card slot sections 1 1/2in. from the edge of your money pocket.  Sew along the bottom of this to adhere it to the larger piece.
17. Align the last card slot piece to the bottom of the money pocket and sew along the bottom edge.  This will cover the bottom of your upper card slot. The top portion of your money pocket is now complete
18. Align the remaining 3 1/8 x 7in. piece to the opposite side of your top section of the money pocket and adhere with heat bond. (Make sure your design side is facing out.)
19. Next sew a piece of edging grosgrain on the inside and outside of the long edge. This will polish the edges off and finish this section.

20. Cut a piece of fabric 3 1/2 x 7 in. **pink**  This will be used for your card section.
21. Measure 2 5/8 in. from the short side and mark with your chalk/fabric pen. This will be where your stitch for the pocket goes. Do the same from that line.
22. Next, place a piece of edging grosgrain to the right of the chalk line and adhere it there with heat bond. Do the same with the other line.
23. Now, sew the edge of the grosgrain that it is farthest from the line.
24. Add edging grosgrain along the top edge inside and out. 
25. Next, cut a piece of fabric the same size as your outer shell. **orange** This will be used as your base for the inside portion.
26. Line this piece up with your main inner base piece of fabric.
27. Stitch the remaining vertical edges of your edging grosgrain to create the card slots.

28. You’re almost done! Line up your money pocket section with the opposite side of the main inner base piece and sew along the bottom edge to attach it. Your inner shell is now complete!!!
29. Line up your inner and outer shell.  ** Note: Your money pocket should be back to back with your zipper pocket.
30. Adhere these two together with heat bond.
31. Cut 2 strips of edging grosgrain for each edge (inside and out).
32. Adhere all edging strips with heat bond. ** Note: Let your strips hang over just a tiny bit to ensure that everything gets covered.
33. Once all the edgings have the grosgrain on them (inside and out) sew along the inner and edges to ensure they are attached; be sure to do this on all sides.
34. Congratulations! Your new ribbon wallet is now complete!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Crocheted Then Woven Black & White Choker



Products used:
Ribbon to Bead item #70932-613                       
8mm Black AB faceted round beads
6mm Clear AB Swyrovski crytals
size 6 black luster seed beads
size 6 silver lined crystal seed beads
size 10 black carnival seed beads
Silver plated “S” hook
Silver metal split rings & large jump rings
     by Hirschberg Schultz & Co.
Silver plated headpins
Silver plated eyepins
Silver plated “U” crimps
22 guage Silver wire

Tools required:
Scissors
Split Ring Pliers (available on the Internet)
Flat nose pliers (also known as chain nose pliers)
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
Size G/6 Crochet hook
Tape measure or ruler
Fray Check or glue

Instructions:
Finishing the first end of the necklace
  1. Use the split ring pliers to attach one split ring to the loop on a “U” crimp.
  2. Open the #70932-613 ‘Ribbon to Bead’ package (black organdy with silver edge)
  3. Unwind the ribbon from the spool.
  4. Remove the cut end of the ribbon from the spool, cut off the tape.
  5. Place a thin line of tacky glue or frat check across the end of the ribbon, about 1/8” in from where it is cut, fold over the ribbon end encasing the glue inside the ribbon.
  6. Fold the two woven edges of the ribbon in on top of each other and place inside the one metal “U” crimp with the loop on the folded end. Using a pair of flat nose pliers, squeeze one flap flat and then the other to tightly catch the ribbon in the crimp. Please note that you do not want to see threads from the ribbon sticking out of the crimp.
Creating the main necklace
  1. You will need to know how to crochet a basic chain stitch for this piece.
  2. Starting with the end of the black organdy where you added the “U” crimp, start your chain stitch.
  3. Keep your stitches even in size.
  4. Crochet the chain stitch until it fits around the neck without stretching the chain.
  5. Cut the ribbon about 1” from where you want to end, tie a knot against the last stitch so the chain doesn’t unravel.
  6. Finish off this end by repeating steps 5 & 6 above, you may need to trim some of the excess ribbon off the end so that the “U” crimp positions as close to the knot as possible.
Creating the dangles for the necklace
  1. Hold a head pin in your hand and load a size 10 black carnival seed bead, an 8mm Black AB faceted round bead, a size 10 black carnival seed bead.  Create a loop in the top of the headpin, see the instructions ‘Making loops or eyes’ included on the “How To’s” page of the website.
  2. Repeat step #13  - 12 more times - you should have 13 units when finished. Lay aside.
  3. Twist open the loop of an eye pin, insert the loop of a finished dangle, twist the eye pin closed.
  4. Load onto the wire end of the eye pin the following: 1 size 6 silver lined crystal seed bead, 1 size 6 black luster seed bead, 6mm Clear AB Swyrovski crytal, 1 size 6 black luster seed bead, 6mm Clear AB Swyrovski crytal, 1 size 6 black luster seed bead, 1 size 6 silver lined crystal seed bead. Create the loop in the top of the eye pin. This is your front center dangle, you will only make one of these in this pattern.
  5. Twist open the loop of an eye pin, insert the loop of a finished dangle, twist the eye pin closed.
  6. Load onto the wire end of the eye pin the following: 1 size 6 silver lined crystal seed bead, 1 size 6 black luster seed bead, 6mm Clear AB Swyrovski crytal, 1 size 6 black luster seed bead, 1 size 6 silver lined crystal seed bead. Create the loop in the top of the eye pin. You will make 12 of these.
Attaching the dangles on the necklace
  1. Twist open a large jump ring and hang the top loop of your longest dangle (Step 16 item) from it.
  2. Find the center loop of your crocheted chain, gently place the jump ring thru the bottom part of the loop, twist close the jump ring.
  3. Twist open another jump ring, make sure the crocheted chain is not spiraling or twisted, insert the jump ring thru the bottom part of the second loop from the center, twist the jump ring closed. Do this for the 6 dangles on this side of the necklace.
  4. Mirror the step 21 instructions for the 6 dangles on the other side of the necklace.

Creating the second strand of the necklace
  1. Unwind the Ribbon to Bead item #70932-601 (White organdy with silver edges) from the spool.
  2. Carefully thread the wire needle and ribbon thru the hole in the crocheted chain stitch. Be sure not to catch threads of the ribbon chain on the wire. I suggest pulling the ribbon through each loop the whole way before continuing on to the next loop.
  3. Make sure the necklace does not twist around or it will not lay nicely on the neck.
  4. Continue weaving the white ribbon through the loops in the black chain until you have reached the opposite the end.
  5. Finish off this end by repeating steps 5 & 6 above.


Using jump rings:

Always move the metal ends when opening or closing a jump ring in this direction -  ↑↓

Do NOT move the metal ends in this direction - ←→   this will ruin the jump ring.

Please examine the instructions for creating finishing loops on the end of a head pin @


These instructions were created by Pamela A. Leas for The Ribbon Curl and are the property
of Ms. Leas and The Ribbon Curl. They may not be copied, printed or redistributed without the written consent of either party.  © 2012

Monday, February 27, 2012

Tulle Poof



1366 Tulle in color 024 Orchid
There are several different ways to create these adorable poofs. They are great for hair accessories, Halloween costumes, Christmas garland, and décor for girl’s rooms, or weddings.  In this tutorial you will learn a quick and easy way to create one.

Materials:
Wire or matching thread
4”x 6” in Piece of cardstock or cardboard
Scissors

Directions:
1. First, cut a piece of tulle about 3 yards   long
2. Wrap the tulle around the width of the 4”x6” in. card
3. Next, slide it carefully off the card
4. Cut a piece of wire or thread about 2” long
5. Wrap the wire or thread around the center of the bundle (this will create a bow shape), pull it tight and secure it by twisting (wire) or tying a knot (thread)
6. Next, cut all the loops of tulle
7. Start pulling all the layers toward the center to fluff the poof
8. Once you are happy with overall shape of your creation, trim off any extra long pieces sticking out.  This will make it nice and round
9. Enjoy your new poof!

To make garland:
Thread a needle with fishing line and tie a knot on one end. Next, string your poofs on the line and tie a knot when finished to secure it

Tips:
*Changing the length and width of the tulle will vary the diameter and fullness of your poof
*Try adding another color on top to make one that’s fun and colorful

Monday, February 20, 2012

Dazzle Korker Hair Bow


990 Dazzle Glitter Grosgrain Ribbon (shown above)
Materials:
3/8" #990 Dazzle Glitter grosgrain ribbon
1/4” dowel (16” length)
Wooden clothespins
Wire, string, or elastic cord
Scissors
Super glue
Hair clip

Preheat your oven to 275 Degrees

1. Start by securing your ribbon to one end of the dowel with a clothespin. Tightly wrap the ribbon around the dowel. When you get to the end, cut the ribbon and use another clothespin to secure it to the dowel (You will need about 7 or more of these).
2. Place your dowels on a cookie sheet in the oven and bake at 275 degrees for approximately 25 minutes. Remove and let cool.
**Some ovens do vary. More or less time might be needed.
3. After cool, remove your ribbon from the dowels. Cut your new korks into 3” pieces. You will need 30 pieces or more (This will make a 3 1/2" bow).
**Dazzle ribbon is so extraodinary, the ends will not fray. However, other types of grosgrain will. Use a sealer on those styles.
4. You can use wire, string, or elastic cord to bring the bow together. Lay your strip of wire, string or elastic cord out on a flat surface. Stack your korkers in the center.
5. Grab both ends of the wire, string, or elastic cord, take them over the top of the stack and tie a loose knot.
6. Turn your hair bow over. If any of the ends are sticking out farther than the rest, find the opposite end and pull it gently to even them out.
7. Now, take your wire, string, or elastic cord around the bow one last time and pull tightly. Make a double knot to secure it. Use a dab of super glue on your knot for a better hold.
8. Line up where you want the bow to go on your hair clip and glue it to the back of the bow.
9. Enjoy your new korker hair bow!

Tips: Try experimenting with different colors and patterns for a unique look.