I made ribbon, reluctantly | How About Orange

August 07, 2008

I made ribbon, reluctantly

J Caroline Creative hired me to design some novelty ribbons for her store. I have to admit my first reaction was: "Uh, okay, but ribbons are stupid and useless." I had visions of teddy bears and ruffles and Precious Moments. But I took a stab at it and tried to think of things that would be cute and funny. Guess what. It was really fun. Here's the result. I still don't know what they're good for, so if you have an idea, please tell me. I'll put the link where you can buy them under each photo.

Get dachshunds here.

Get campers here. (This one is my fave. I want an Airstream!)

Get piggies here.

136 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love love LOVE your ribbon! Cute, but not too cute-sy. Not sure what I would use it on, but as a horizontal embellishment (duh) on some fabric craft.

Anonymous said...

Cute ribbons! I think scrapbookers would get some use out of the ribbons because their bright colored & fun.

Mo said...

These are so cute!
A friend of mine uses ribbon to decorated lampshades, and your designs would be adorable for something like that. If anyone's interested, here's an easy tutorial.

Sara said...

I never know what to use ribbon for either, but I'm going to have to figure something out now! I L.O.V.E. the camper one. Thanks for showing us and I can't wait to see what others make with it too!

Katie said...

I love using novelty ribbon to make key fobs (they make a great, inexpensive gift) and, conveniently enough, there's a tutorial at J.Caroline Creative's website! http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=JC&Screen=KEYFOB

I could also see these ribbons are being cute trim for a tote bag.

Anonymous said...

These are darling but not cutesy. I would use them in a heartbeat for Arlise' jean and skirt belts---just tie off the ends and voila, great belt.

Other ideas are for gift wrap, trim on cute kid's clothes---if they are washable.

great job!!!! you really are amazing.

jana

Anonymous said...

Definitely As Gift Wrap! I especially love the Dachshund ribbon. Then again , I do have a Dachshund as a pet. You can check out his picture:

http://shareworldlove.blogspot.com/

Love your work! Great Job!

Julia

Denise Kiggan said...

I think they are just good for buying because they are so cute. Then you can keep them in case you need them for something!

Jen said...

sew a couple of "D" rings on one end and finish the other, and they make perfect belts!

Grandma G said...

They turned out wonderfully! I'll have to think of something to make for Courtney using some.

Mum/proud again

Anonymous said...

These are awesome! I need to find a good reason to buy some. Though I agree with Freshly Found that "because they are cute" is good enough, my husband tends to disagree. Hmm...

Anonymous said...

First off...I love them all, especially the camper ribbon. I would use it to decorate a stylish "camping tote", the dachsund ribbon, I would use with a sturdy fabric backing to make a wonderful dog collar and the piggy bank I would use to trim out a nice little coin purse for myself. Or...I would put them on anything requiring a little whimsy. Thanks so much for your creative genius.

Anonymous said...

I love these!! I would definitely scrapbook with these. They're adorable!

Anonymous said...

OMG they are amazing! I love using ribbon...kids clothing, purses, paper crafts, garland stringing. It's such an easy thing to craft with.

Anonymous said...

I love them! I have a tote bag that I may need to embellish with the daschunds. The colors are perfect.

Celeste said...

perfect for scrapbooking.

calicodaisy said...

The piggies will go good on a coin purse/wristlet.

Jen said...

These are fabulous! I love the dachsunds. I use ribbon on all of my gift wrapping. I use simple paper, I love great ribbon to dress it up. I'll be looking for yours! thanks!

Alexis said...

i was eyeing these yesterday on jcarolines site! they're too cute, i have no idea what to do with ribbon either, but that wont stop me from buying it.
congrats!

Anonymous said...

Those are sooooo cool!!!

The dachshund ribbon would be so cute for little baby burp cloths... I'm pretty sure I got a link for making those off of your blog awhile back....

Hmmmmm, I might have to try that...

Biddy said...

I make hooded towels as baby gifts and i'm always looking for cute but not too babyish ribbon to trim them with. this is perfect!

also? i totally want to use the camper one or the doggie one to make a collar for my pooch.

precious!

trisha said...

these are awesome! i don't really know what i'd use them for, but what's note to love about little hot doggies and airstreams?

Anonymous said...

Hi, first time to leave a comment but been fan of your blog for a couple of month. I love those ribbons but did you know your fabric is on today's Spool Sewing's blog? Looks soooooo fantastic! Anywhere I can get hold of them in UK? If not, I must mail order them soon.

jeda21 said...

These are really great ribbons. They'd be awesome used in a homemade shopping bag for decoration or doubled up for the straps, depending on how thick/sturdy they are.

June said...

Perfect for the bottom touch to kid's pants. Great for a headband. Need a new placket for your jacket???? The uses are endless!

sillie smile said...

so imaginative and unique! i love the "flavor" of the ribbons (not so cutesy, as mentioned by others)

i'd probably buy it with the intention of using it to embellish a card or gift (tie the card on or something)...

but would most likely end up hoarding it, saving it for something even more special, but then end up hoarding it again(endless cycle)

love it!

Nicole said...

I LOVE them!!!! I agree... cute, but not too cute-sy. Perfect way to say it!

I am going for the airstreams... I know just the project to work on with it. (Uh, like I need any more projects!)

Jessica Jones said...

June, what's a placket?

missb12587 said...

Your ribbons are great! I started watching a website called www.prettywithribbons.com. She makes some amazing quilts and other art pieces with ribbons.
Thanks for such a great site!

gina said...

These are super cute. I have custom "twister" bows made for my daughters and that ribbon could be backed with a solid and make A-Dorable hair ribbons. :)

Kristen said...

OMG! I have to have some - they are to die for adorable!!!!!!!! Hope you have more in the works :)s

Jennifer (mom of four) said...

I lvoe the ribbons!! I have an obsession with ribbon and even went to the ribbon outlet when I was on vacation (I posted about it on my blog).

The dog ribbon would be cute to make dog collars. Just sew it on polyester webbing and add the appropriate D Rings and buckles.

The Camper ribbon would be cute sewn on towels and give them to avid campers. I know a few of those.

THe piggy bank ribbon would be cute at the top of a zipper change purse.

YOu could also make keychains with the ribbon. I make those and monogram initials onto the ribbon.

Sorry to ramble...I LOVE ribbon!

Love your blog.

Tracey said...

The piggies are PERFECT for a retirement gift or graduation gift. Either one needs to count their pennies!

Anonymous said...

cute, cute, cute, cute cute! I'm a scrapbooker & card maker, and these ribbons would be great for pet pages, camping or traveling pages...the piggies would be good for graduation cards or anything where you are going to give some $$. Fun ribbons - thanks for trying out something new!

Mel said...

They turned out great! I love the campers.
I have been looking for cute, small print ribbons, to use as a tag sewn into the side seam near a pants pocket, or to stitch on a sleeve cuff... Cut one piece, fold it in half, seal the ends, and sew it in. They would also work great on the baby taggie blankets.

Anonymous said...

My mom makes baby bibs out of hand towels, and she uses novelty ribbons to decorate them. These would be perfect for them!

Doris said...

The ribbons are fantastic! I love the little piggy bank ones...how charming ^_^. I always have an issue with finding a use for ribbons too. But I always tend to buy at least one spool before leaving Michael's and burying them in my craft closet for some "future project" (sigh).

neverknow said...

You could use it with the starch and use it as trim in a child's room. That's the only idea i got. (I'm not a big fan of ribbon either.)

Liz said...

Very awesome and original. I think I will buy some of the dachshund ribbon to put on the hoods of some baby bath towels I make (Its hard to find boy type things to put on them).

Anonymous said...

ADORBALE!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my! The Airstream ribbon made me gasp. I hurried on over to jcaroline and ordered some (couldn't pass up those sweet dachshunds, either). You inspired me to post about our Airstream and my favorite related links on my blog: http://butterandsugar.blogspot.com/2008/08/airstream.html.

FancyPants-design said...

Fantastic ribbon indeed!!! I don;t really like ribbon either but I looove these!!!

Toby E. said...

I love all of them. They fit me perfectly. Have a dauchsen, we just got a family camper we use a tone, and i have a ton of piggy banks in my house. Now I just need to know what would be good to do with them too. I'm not a scrapbooker. hmmm.......

knit_tgz said...

I would use them on bed clothing (sheets, etc), if they are soft enough! Or even as decoration in pajamas!

knit_tgz said...

On the other hand, they could be nice straps for knitted camis in one matching colour.

rohanknitter said...

OMG--wiener dogs in sweaters. Gonna have to get that - I could use it to trim a tote or whatever! Those little campers would be great to trim some towels for my mom & dad's Rv.

just jen said...

okay. has someone already said these would make stinkin' CUTE dog collars and/or leashes? all of them. but i'm very partial to the piggy banks. so dang cute! any limit to what you can do? just curious.

oliver rain said...

I have a huge thing for AIRSTREAMS. I think I may have to order some of that ribbon. Thank you so much for designing it!

Sarah said...

So cute! I like have small bits of ribbon around - I use it on zipper pulls, and as trim on bag pockets. I love the doggy ribbon!

krista said...

practically? i don't know how to use ribbons other than wrapping presents. but, oh, how delicious they look in glass jars in my creative space.
and the fact that you 'reluctantly' made something so awesome? you're kind of my hero.

Anonymous said...

I'm going to use some of it as a bookmark. I bought some of the travel trailer. It's wonderful.

Anonymous said...

all of them a fabulous. could be used for totes, belts, dog collars, scrapping, etc. my goodness-i'd tie it around my head!!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous ribbons! Not sure how I will use them but I have to get them because they are so darned cute. and I better place my order TODAY or they will be all gone!
P.S. Your blog is the first one I check in the morning and then about five more times...just in case there is something new...
Cindy

Bec @ honi design said...

ooo they're simply wonderful! I LOVE the caravans!!!
ribbons are wonderful for so many things! Trimmings on edges (ie around the top of a handbag) around pants legs (especially for kids) and for necks/ties for aprons!

Anonymous said...

I see someone already posted a link to the ribbon key fob tutorial on the J. Caroline Creative website (here if you missed it).

I use the basic instructions included there to make martingale collars for my dogs (and to make collars as prizes for my dog club).

Too bad I've got whippets instead of dachshunds but, after the huge vet bill I just had to pay, maybe the piggy bank ribbon would be appropriate! :-)

Anonymous said...

As you can see by my name (www.prettywithribbons.com), I love anything with ribbons. Your designs are adorable. The doggie ribbon would make a great dog collar and a matching leash. Even add a brown with white polka-dot coverup! The camper ribbon would be cute on a travel journal or maybe a special "travel pillow" for a small child. I am a bit stumped on the piggies. nice designs and great blog..

sally said...

Those are so freakin cute.

Norma said...

Are you kidding me? These are adorable. I'm goind to make my son pillow cases and put the pups on the edges. He just got a new mini das and will love this!!

yucaree said...

these are so darn cute! they would be perfect for the baby taggy blankets i make: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sleepyhead_paperdesigns/sets/72157594552119047/

please design more!

Eggman Studios said...

It's already been said, but the dachshund one is just *screaming* to be turned into some super-duper-fly dog collars or a leash. How awesome! Want want want! :)

Anonymous said...

We have an Airstream and I'm totally in love with them...your ribbon just makes me smile and fills my heart with joy! Thanks for your creativity and for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I love these! And, like you, I have a hard time immediately coming up with a use for ribbon. If I were handier with a sewing machine, I would totally make pillows or something trimmed with these ribbons. They'd also be adorable as a trim on a little little girl's play dress.

Christy said...

Your ribbons are very cute!! I have been using ribbons to make pacifier clips. I will definitely be using your ribbons for some upcoming baby shower gifts. I am excited to see what you will come up with next!

Jessica Jones said...

Wow, so many great ideas here, guys! Now I just need to pick something. Hmm.

Ayako, I don't know of any sellers in the UK. I'm sorry!

Anonymous said...

I completely love the dogs. I would use them to cover hair clips.

Anonymous said...

These are amazing! I think my favorite is the daschunds--their little sweaters are too cute. :) So glad you made these!

Sarah Wickman said...

You could make super cute pacifier-attacher-thingies from these ribbons. My mom makes cute ones for my baby girl and they're so much fun!

Anonymous said...

Love the piggies and the caravans.

Anonymous said...

Cool stuff, girl!
I wonder if you would weave the airstream ribbon and make something cute like a bag or chair seat. It just looks like they would be the right width to have all the campers going one way and the trees another.

Anonymous said...

Ack! Those dachshunds are soooo wonderful! I have no idea what I would do with them...but I covet them nonetheless. :)

Amy Schimler-Safford said...

These are so fun!

Jessica Jones said...

Jenny, I'll have to look into that. Now I'm curious if they would line up that way...

all over the map said...

Ohhhhh my goodness Jess!
I want the "weiner" dog ribbon. For what?I don't know but it's so darn cute I don't care!
I just posted a photo of me at nine years old with my "weiner" dog and oh the memories. Talk about timing.
I want to see all the suggestions the readers have left.
Ribbon makes a really lovely embellishment to a boring pillowcase edge, and it doesn't have to "cutesy". You can find something more hip and modern.

all over the map said...

oh yeah. i'm right there with you wanting an airstream. gaaaahhhh! can you imagine what fun it would be to decorate the inside of one?
my parent's have a trailer, not an airstream, but i think some pillowcases with that ribbon may be a great gift for Christmas. I know they will love it.

Kristi said...

These made me scream out loud!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful -- the simple-but-adorable designs remind me of the Japanese linen tape that I looooove so much. And I love "All Over the Map"'s idea of using the Airstream for a gift -- we'll be staying in my sister-in-law's Airstream as a "guest house" during an upcoming visit, so that idea has Hostess Gift written all over it!

And P.S. I've been thinking of using your ModernFlora fabric for our soon-to-be nursery but somehow missed the fact that YOU designed it. So, thanks! If I ever actually get around to sewing, will send you a pic....

Sheyb said...

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THESE RIBBONS! I scrapbook, and they would be adorable! I LOVE that Airstream one too!

Bee said...

Well I am so glad you did these! Love love love the camper ribbons:)

Elfin Goddess said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR WORK!!!!! Thanks for being such an inspiration!!!! Cheerio!

Kelley said...

I'm not a big ribbon fan either, but these are great. My favorite is the little piggy banks.

Anonymous said...

Love the ribbons. I have many uses for these: (1) trimming the pant legs of crop pants, shorts, cotton tops, skirts, (2) trimming bags, totes, etc, and my personal favorite (3) sashing for the blocks in my quilts. Ribbons make awsome and unique sashings.

bhumika said...

Haven't seen anything like this before :) great!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Ribbons and trims are extremely popular right now and RICK RACK is back too. I see them embellishing purses and handbags...I'm a sewer. The air stream made me smile.

Burnt Toast Ranch said...

The trailer hitch would be cute on potholders and dishtowels for the summer. The dogs would be cute on a dress as just that little extra under the dress and on the hem. Cute as bows in hair too.

Anonymous said...

Oh my, the campers are too cute!!! ( want an airstream too!)

Anonymous said...

Love the ribbon! I can picture someone using the little campers as a tie on a family camping scrapbook! They all see pretty scrapbook appropriate. Actually - I can think of a great use for the piggy bank ones! My aunt does ceramic piggy banks and that would be adorable to tie around their necks. Can't wait til my paycheck, lol.

Hilarie said...

I love your new ribbons! I use ribbon to make invitations and announcements and can't wait to use yours on a project!

Anonymous said...

Love, love, LOVE the daschund ribbon , that is too cute!

tracie said...

love, love, love!!! if you're willing/able to sell wholesale, please contact me ... tracie{at}broadwaypaper{dot}com ...

Angie said...

This would be great to embellish hand towels along the bottom edge! I just might have to have some of the campers! By the way, saw your mini canvas tutorial over on Craft Magazine's blog. Congrats!

Jessica Jones said...

Tracie, I'll find out.

Anonymous said...

Oh i'd love to use the first one to make a collar for my puppy! These are just fun!

GG Blair said...

LOVE the camper ribbons! I would use ribbon to make a border around curtains or sew them into an interesting pattern to use on the front of a throw cushion.

GG Blair said...

BTW, I would *love* to see some of your leaf designs on ribbon! There tends to be a shortage of modern ribbon designs. They're usually so froo-froo, cutesy,traditional or formal.

Anonymous said...

I would definately buy these ribbons but then I'd have to keep them forever for fear that whatever I make with them would be a flop.

valkuan said...

god, these are so cute!! love it!!

Anonymous said...

Love the ribbons! I don't know if anyone else has suggested this, but I think the dog print would be really cute simply wrapped around a gift, no bow, just a simple wrap of the ribbon.

June said...

Jess, a placket is what runs down the front of your shirt where your buttons and button holes are. If you're tired of the look of that old sweater, take the buttons off and run interesting ribbon (like yours) down both sides. Makes sort of a jacket. Looks great on kid's sweaters and shirts!

Anonymous said...

i saw this yesterday at jcaroline and couldn't believe you hadn't said anything about it! you will surely see these sewn onto some of my aprons.... i love all the designs! CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEW FABRIC TOOOOO!!!

Anonymous said...

So cute! I love the campers best, but all of them are terrific!

I use ribbon a lot. On my totes, on clothing, the uses are really endless. :)

Great job!

marcy wacker said...

i have a hard time with riboon, too. but i can't resist the airstream one (i want one, too!)

britegreenstar said...

Are the ribbons exclusively for jcaroline? We carry your leaf prints at our store and on our website hartsfabric.com and would love to carry your ribbons!

Anonymous said...

These are scrumptastic.

Cream said...

I love your ribbons and I can see using them with my purses that I make once I get better with emblishments.

I would even consider putting on fabric for purses.

Don't get me started on doing a new craft!!!

Donna

visit my blog at http://clicketyclak.wordpress.com
visit my esty site at http://clicketyclak.etsy.com

Anonymous said...

I scrapbook and I use ribbon all the time. I WANT these!!! So cute!

Brian, Jamie, Molly & Sarah said...

If they are washable....you could put them on personalized burp cloths....or coordinate some fabric with them on burp cloths.

Anonymous said...

I made small blankets for both of my boys that had the ribbon "tags" all around the edges (one of my boys was always playing with the tags on his toys). It was very hard to find good "boyish" ribbon so their blankets wouldn't look too girly. I would have loved to have had some of those ribbons!

Rebecca in AR

Jessica Jones said...

They are washable; good news. And I'm forwarding inquiries about wholesale orders to J Caroline Creative. There's definitely a possibility. She'll contact you.

Trish said...

I LOVE your ribbons! Love, love LOOOVVE !!!!! I'm not generally one to craft with ribbons, either, but I'm sure people will find many, many uses for these.

47cats said...

I think the ribbon is adorable! I love it. Might have to have some...don't know what I would do with it, but I like ribbon. :)

Cool Grandma said...

I love the ribbons. I did not read all of the comments, but I could see these ribbons used to embellish burp cloths. I have seen the regular thick, cloth diapers with lace, ribbon, etc. sewn down the length of the open diaper edges and often monogramming added, as well. These ribbons would look adorable.

Anonymous said...

The airstream ribbon is the coolest, maybe the only cool, ribbon I have ever seen. I am not a ribbon gal myself but I am already dreaming of draping that airstream ribbon all over! Great job!

Staceydotdot said...

Love the ribbon for,
scrapbooks
journals
bookmarks
hairbows
trimmings

Or just to have in jars to look pretty!lol!

I love ribbon! I collect ribbon and paper scraps!lol!

Unknown said...

What CAN'T you use ribbon for, is what I have to say! I love ribbon. Yours are adorable. thank you.

kit and nancy. said...

they're gorgeous. too gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Where are the Scottie dogs?!!!

Zylo said...

Lol! I love your initial reaction. The campers are awesome!

Preppy Pink Crocodile said...

Oh you are so silly! I am a ribbon-aholic and just adore your new designs!! Hardly a day goes by that I don't sew or embellish with ribbon somehow!

andrea of ffft said...

Haha... I LOVE these ideas and what a SUPERB artiste you are! I don't use ribbons for much but I would definitely use these for trimming lampshades and pillowcases in kids rooms or any room for that matter, and I love to trim the ends of jeans in fun trims. Or to do the top of a pocket is cute. These would be perfect for kids clothes too cause I loathe the cutesy cute sheep and bunnies on everything kid related. Time for something with personality and these are definitely the answer! Kudos on J Carolyn for her brilliant sourcing!

If you want to see a fun Airstream, I did a post about the teeny one we have tucked into a back alley in town that has been upcycled into a gift shop. It is called the Very Hush Hush Gallery and is just gorgeous. I too dream of the ultimate Airstream to venture about in! We will start a club. Like a Vespa club. Which I also covet. I will put the ribbon on the bottom of my Airstream curtains! AH HA!!!

http://feathersfreesiasandfishingtackle.blogspot.com/

K said...

Oh, they are all so cute! You are so good at this! I agree with tingaling, they are "cute but not too cute-sy". keep up the great work!

Sincerely,
Kait

Anonymous said...

I love your ribbons and I love reading your blog! The campers are my favorite too, we are a pop top family but I dream of an airstream to decorate. I buy ribbon all the time but never know what to do with it, thanks for the ideas.-Amy

Kory said...

I've used wide ribbon in the past to cover up the Nikon logo on my camera strap. Fold the ends over to make a nice edge and match at the ends of the strap, sew down the edges. Voila! Personalized for your own.

Jessica Jones said...

That's a fun idea! Love it.

Pam Hawk said...

Those are just too cute! Now I have to think up some project that uses them.
I think the airstream is my favorite, too.

brandeye said...

i love the airstream ribbon the best too! adorable...

Carrie said...

Dachshunds are the greatest dog ever, which means that by association your dachushund ribbon is the greatest ribbon ever.

Jessica Jones said...

Which means by association that is the greatest compliment ever. Thanks. :)

Annie Pazoo said...

What to use them on? Anything....headbands, hair ribbons, reversible belts, handbag straps, totebag trim, zipper pulls, watch straps, bracelets, tying up wrapping paper, trimming boxes and cartons, trimming lampshades, personalizing books and binders, curtain ties, curtain rings, curtain trims....

Helen7 said...

I absolutely love these ribbons too! I use them to decorate webbing for dog's collars. I make collars for Greyhound Gap, a charity in the UK, which rescues and rehomes greyhounds and lurchers. The money raised from selling the collars goes towards helping these beautiful dogs. I've recently ordered lots of wonderful ribbon from 'jcaroline creative'..... can't wait to receive it!

Thank you for designing such original ribbon!

Oh and I'd LOVE a ribbon with vw camper vans on it!!

Helen

Helen7 said...

I absolutely love these ribbons too! I use them to decorate webbing for dog's collars. I make collars for Greyhound Gap, a charity in the UK, which rescues and rehomes greyhounds and lurchers. The money raised from selling the collars goes towards helping these beautiful dogs. I've recently ordered lots of wonderful ribbon from 'jcaroline creative'..... can't wait to receive it!

Thank you for designing such original ribbon!

Oh and I'd LOVE a ribbon with vw camper vans on it!!

Helen

Jessica Jones said...

That's great, Helen! Glad you like it.

Jennifer A. said...

The dachshund is the cutest, I bought 25 yds. Dog breed ribbon is in high demand please design more dog breeds, I make doggie items and I am a dog groomer and there is a huge market out there. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make more ribbon with different dog breeds. HELLOOOO ARE YOU READING THIS? PLEASE PLEASE MAKE MORE!Little VW bug volkswagens would be cool too!

Jessica Jones said...

Glad you like it! You'll have to take that up with JCaroline Creative to see if they want to pay to manufacture other doggie ribbon. My guess is that it won't appeal to a wide enough audience to make it profitable... but I'm just guessing. The VW bugs would be super fun. Hmmm...

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the Dachshund Ribbon and plan to purchase whole 25 yard roll as soon as it becomes available again (in stock)!
I am a scrapbooker and also have 5 weenie dogs and that ribbon is PERFECT!!! Can't wait until it is back in stock!!

Jessica Jones said...

Excellent!!

bichonpawz said...

LOVE these ribbons!!! Absolutely LOVE them!! Oh! Can you design some with bichons on them?? And how about RV's??? I'd buy them! And I know lots of others that would buy them too!! Lots of uses....for those of us who have an obsession with ribbon!! Thanks for sharing!!