Celebration Streamer Wand Tutorial

Really, you can look at this photo and probably figure out what you need to do, but I get so many requests for wands like this for weddings, that I thought I'd show you a simple version you could whip up in no time all by yourself.
This type of wand is a great addition to weddings, birthdays, parades, and firework events on Canada Day and the 4th of July in the United States. It's super easy to make and will have you wand waving in no time.

Here's what you need:

• A selection of 4 ribbons. I prefer double sided satin and in my example I'm using ribbon that is slightly thicker than 1/4 inch. I'm using white, gray, garnet and teal.
• Scissors
• A big tack
• An eyelet screw (sometimes called a steel eye) usually found in the picture hanging section of your hardware store.
• Round nose pliers (or other long nosed pliers)
• A dowel cut to 12 inches in length. Mine was 1/2 inch dowel.
• A hammer ( only necessary if your thumb struggles with pushing the tack in)
  

They're are more technical ways of doing this, but for the basic, use what you've got method this works in a pinch. A sturdy tack is pushed into the center of the dowel. This is the hole you will be using to turn the eye screw into. I use my pliers to do the turning, but those of you with strong fingers can probably just do it by hand. Depends how many you want to make. More than a couple and the pliers are a must. Decide on your ribbon length. I used 4 feet of ribbon in each color. Gather them all together and push through the eye screw. I pulled the ribbons until they were equal on both sides, so that was an equal two feet, with the eye screw in the middle. I then tied a double knot and I was good to go. If you want to seal the ends of the ribbon, heat with a heat gun or use a basic non toxic glue to seal the ends against fraying. A super simple celebration wand that will keep the kids happy and entertained and they'll look cute while they do it. Enjoy!

RIBBON christmas tree

Another scrap ribbon project! You will need:

-Patterned Ribbon Scraps - the amount really depends on the size of your ribbon, it could be as many as 300, 4 inch long pieces if you are using 1/4 inch width ribbon or much less, if using larger widths.
-Pins
-Styrofoam Cone
-Star ornament for the top

Start from the bottom by pinning ribbon pieces all around the base, allowing the ribbon to overhang slightly past the base. Then apply the next layer like you were shingling a house, in an offset pattern. Repeat process until you get to the top of the cone and finish with a festive star topper.

RIBBON as art

Another simple project for your ribbon scraps. This is a great way to add a touch of art to a space for a very small price. Find coordinating ribbon colors to match your home decor and simply use double sided tape to attach ribbon to a board slightly larger than the framed opening. Tape board into place and put the frame together. Ribbon as art!

the RIBBON hem

Here's a fun project for your ribbon scraps!

Maybe it's my line of work...but the amount of scrap ribbon around my house is alarming and I'm always trying to come up with ways to include my bits and bobs into something new and unique.

Here is a great tutorial for making your own Ribbon Fringe. My best tip is to make sure that your "border ribbon" is a good thick grosgrain ribbon. For those of you who don't have scraps and want to go shopping...I highly recommend Strano Ribbon for this project simply because it is the best stuff out there!

Once the Fringe is made, it's time to attach it to something. I added mine to some jeans that my daughter loved, but had become just a tad short...this added the length and some fun. Be prepared to be bombarded with requests from strangers and friends to know where you bought them, though!
Add this ribbon fringe to the edge of pillow case, the bottom of a lamp shade, curtains, a skirt, a table runner...the possibilities are endless. So get some scraps and start ironing! ;)

The Ribbon Wreath Project

These charming little wreaths are fun and easy project. You'll need a Styrofoam wreath base in the size of your choice. Various ribbon scraps, satin, grosgrain or otherwise in 4.5 inch lengths and LOTS of them. I estimate it's approximately 14 yards of 1 1/2 inch wide ribbon cut up. Then you simply pin the ribbon (shaped into a circle), into the Styrofoam wreath. Viola...you're done! Watch for more variations on this idea coming in November of 2008!

Ribbon Bookmarks

FYI: Sales 82 through 99 at my Etsy Shop will include a sweet ribbon bookmark!

This is the primary way I re purpose my ribbon scraps. It's a simple satin base with either a grosgrain ribbon or patterned paper sewn on and then cut with pinking shears on either end. It makes a superb bookmark, and might even inspire you to make some more of your own!