Wednesday 201- Beyond the Basics- Ribbons

Welcome back to another Wednesday 201

Have you discovered that ribbons add so much to our paper crafts? Here are a few ways that I have used ribbon on my cards.

The ribbon is actually lace in this card and the lace is used to enhance the old fashioned look of the card. It is simply wrapped around the panel and tied in a knot. A bow would overwhelm the card taking emphasis away from the focal points instead of adding to them.

The ribbon on this card was used both as a transition between the two card stocks and as a counter balance for the snowflake. It also aids in the basic design of the card by bringing the eye from the upper left hand corner (the eye's natural starting point) across the card to the snowflake, in a 'z pattern' down to the lower left corner and then the ribbon strip helps draw the eye to the right. The 'z pattern' is a natural pattern the for the eyes and pleasing to the brain.

For this card the ribbon is simple. It is fastened with brads on both sides of the oval sentiment and is used to add emphasis to the sentiment. The use of ribbon can be tricky on masculine cards. If I use ribbon on masculine cards it is usually kept simple, no bows.

Here I used the ribbon to anchor the tag. It gives the needed pop of accent color and the bow adds interest to the focal point.

The ribbon is used for a transition on this card between the vertical dark paper and the horizontal printed paper. The bow is placed horizontally and helps that natural 'z pattern' that is pleasant to the eye; it also acts as a counter balances to the group of buttons.

This ribbon is used as part of the card's embellishment. It adds interest, color and texture to the banner.

This card needed the large bow to be an aid to the focal point. The butterfly was not 'heavy' enough to be the main focal point and needed some help. The stripe of ribbon also adds some contrast so that the butterfly doesn't disappear into the brown background.

Because the two ribbon tabs are positioned at the top of the matted sentiment it acts as a counter balance to the flower on the other side. A simple way to add interest and emphasis to the sentiment too.

This bow is incorporated into the collage. Using Crystal Effects, buttons, and beads on and around the bow to create the main focal point of the card.

This sentiment is actually stamped inside the card and a window is cut with an oval die. Then the ribbon was wrapped around the right side of the frame and tied in a bow. Another way to add a pop of color and counter balance the fox stamp.

 I used twine on this card to go along with the fall theme. I vary the type of ribbon I use according to the type of theme/mood the card has. For an elegant card I would go to the satin ribbon first. For a casual look I would use twine, cotton ribbon, twill or gross grain depending on the theme. When I create masculine cards the choices are the same as the casual cards. For feminine cards I use more satin, lace, seam binding and cotton ribbons.

I used ribbon to embellish the embellishments on this card. The small nosegays just needed a little extra emphasis.

This sample shows that you don't even need a lot of ribbon to add a special touch. I used about 3 inches and cut a 'v' in each end then wrapped the prongs of a decorative brad around it. It is just enough without being overwhelming and it draws your eye to the sentiment.

A simple ribbon bow can be very effective too. For an even more feminine look, switch out the ribbon for a lacy bow.

Here I wanted to bring in more color so I repeated the color of the lobster and then added a contrasting ribbon. The ribbon is a dotted gross grain and the overall feel of the card is masculine, so I kept the ribbon simple and flat and added a bottle cap with a stamped anchor insert to continue the marine/nautical theme.

This elegant card calls for an elegant ribbon  I used a knot instead of a bow so that it would add interest, but now flow over onto the next panel and distract from the focal point. I also ran it behind the focal point panel.

Have you created any banner cards? Use twine or ribbon to anchor the pennants. Here's another card with a banner. but instead of the banner being the entire width it is to one side and is balanced by the embossed white swirl.

 The next two cards use ribbon to move the eyes across the card. The first card has a wide ribbon that had the effect of dividing the card into three spaces. That uses the rule of three. Threes are also pleasing to the eye. You can look back through the samples and see how I have applied this rule. Sometimes I use three of the same item, sometimes I use groups of three and then as in this top card there are cards with three 'spaces'.

In the second card you can see that it again employs the 'z pattern' to move the eye across the card.

I know this is a very long post. I hope that it has been interesting. Have fun with ribbon, you will find that it can add so much interest to your projects!

Have a blessed day,
Trude