Articles : Tutorials - Scrapbooking

Using Ribbons for Scrapbooking

If you’re looking for an easy way to add color, pattern, and texture to your layout,

is a wonderful embellishment choice. Ribbons are available in almost every style imaginable, ranging from striped grosgrain to rich velvet trim.

Working with Ribbon

For beginning scrapbookers, self-adhesive ribbons are often the easiest to work with. Simply peel the backing off the ribbon and stick it to your page. If you find a ribbon you love that isn’t self-adhesive, you’ll need to use small glue dots or a Xyron adhesive machine to add it to your layout. Stapling the ends will also work, but this technique isn’t the best choice if you’re concerned about archival quality in your scrapbook album.

If possible, it’s a good idea to cut your ribbon with a separate pair of scissors. Like fabric, ribbon will dull your scissor blades and make it harder to get even cuts on cardstock and patterned paper. When cutting ribbon, remember that trimming the ends at an angle is the best way to prevent fraying.

Ideas for Using Ribbons in Scrapbooking Layouts

If you’re looking for new ways to use ribbon in scrapbooking layouts, consider the following helpful tips:

• Use a simple strip of ribbon as an instant page border.
• Weave two different types of ribbon together.
• Tie ribbon to the top of a journaling tag.
• Add a ribbon bow to the bottom of a photo mat.
• Make masculine page embellishments by purposely knotting and fraying your ribbon.
• Use a folded ribbon triangle as a homemade photo corner.
• Cover bare chipboard shapes with your favorite decorative ribbons.
• Stamp a title or photo caption on a solid colored strip of ribbon.
• Set eyelets or mini brads at random intervals to create a customized look for plain ribbon.
• Dangle tiny charms from a ribbon “clothesline” strung across the top of your page.
• Layer several different styles of ribbon to make your own textured background paper.
• Fold scraps of ribbon around a button center to make a clever flower-like embellishment.
• Use tiny strips of ribbon and small rhinestones to make candle embellishments for a birthday party layout.

Keeping Your Ribbon Collection Organized

If you’re like most scrapbookers, you’ll quickly find that ribbon is very addictive! Unfortunately, a tangled mass of ribbons is also a disaster waiting to happen. Here are a few tips to help keep your ribbon collection neatly organized so you can find what you need for your next scrapbooking layout:

• Stash rolls of ribbon on a repurposed paper towel holder.
• Wind strips of ribbon around wooden clothespins, then store in large clear glass jars for a display that is both pretty and practical.
• Group similar styles of ribbon into plastic storage bags, then bind the bags together with a clip.
• Follow the instructions on the Craft Bits Web site to turn an old photo storage box into a place to keep your growing ribbon collection.