• View Image
  1 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Napkin Bow

  Spread a dinner napkin out, lying flat. Fold opposite sides in so they meet at the center. Then fold again at the center to form a narrow, ribbonlike shape. Next, fold short ends in so they meet at the center. Cinch in the middle with a ribbon in a coordinating color, and glue at back.

  Next: Bouquet Handle

• View Image
  Back2 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Bouquet Handle

  For the bows on these streamers, we used two very different ribbons in the same color. The streamers themselves, and the centers of the bows, are of velvet ribbon that is 7 millimeters wide; the bows themselves are of satin ribbon that's 24 millimeters wide. Use scalloping shears to cut the satin ribbon into 2-inch segments for the bows, and use regular shears to cut the narrower velvet ribbon into 3/4-inch segments. You will need 40 of each. Wrap a narrow ribbon around the center of each satin bow, and glue at the back with high-tack adhesive. Attach the bows to the streamers: Glue them to a 1-yard-long piece of the narrow velvet ribbon, spacing them about 1/4-inch apart and starting from each end. Be sure to leave 8 inches at the center untouched for wrapping around the handle of your bouquet.

  Next: Vase

• View Image
  Back3 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Vase

  We used paper and ribbon in coordinating colors to decorate this vase, which is filled with sweetpeas. For the bow, we chose matching ribbon in two widths: 100 millimeters (about 4 inches) and 25 millimeters (about 1 inch). Wrap a 5-inch-tall glass cylinder vase with colored paper in the same shade as the ribbons, and secure with double-stick tape. Make the bow by folding the ends of a long piece of the wide ribbon in to meet in the middle. Cinch in the middle, and secure by wrapping the narrow ribbon around it so the ends meet at the back, gluing them in place. Attach the bow to the vase with double-stick tape.

  Next: Fabric Boutonnieres

• View Image
  Back4 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Fabric Boutonnieres

  To make this boutonniere, wrap ribbon around three fingers 7 times. Holding lightly at center, fan out loops into a circle. Pin to secure, and apply fabric glue between layers. Let dry, and remove pin.

  Next: Invitations

• View Image
  Back5 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Invitations

  To make these programs (one letter-sized sheet yields two programs), arrange your text horizontally on the page in landscape mode over four columns. Cut the sheet in half, wrap a 10-inch-by-7/8-inch band around the center, and tape in back. Bend the ends of each program toward the center and tuck them under the band, making sure they overlap slightly.

  Next: Cake

• View Image
  Back6 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Cake

  This cake, by Francois Payard, has shimmering gold ribbon bands and a loopy bow that was pulled and formed from sugar, giving the fondant-covered layer cake a couture look.

  Next: Figure Eight

• View Image
  Back7 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Figure Eight

  The figure eight, with its concentric loops, has just a touch of the rococo.

  Next: How-To: Step 1

• View Image
  Back8 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  How-To: Step 1

  Form a loop at one end of ribbon; then, glue in place using Magna-Tac glue.

  Next: How-To: Step 2

• View Image
  Back9 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  How-To: Step 2

  Wind the rest of the ribbon back and forth, forming a figure eight with each layer and making each a little larger than the one before it, until you've created three stacked figure eights. Glue the figure eights together at the points where the ribbon crosses. Hold together until the glue sets. Allow to dry.

  Next: How-To: Step 3

• View Image
  Back10 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  How-To: Step 3

  Knot the second length of the ribbon around the loops at the center; rotate the knot so the smooth side is at the front. Then, trim the ends of the ribbon to create a short tail.

  Next: Medallion Bow

• View Image
  Back11 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Medallion Bow

  The medallion shape, pleated and flattened, evokes the pageantry of parade bunting and the pride of winning first prize.

  Next: How-To: Step 1

• View Image
  Back12 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  How-To: Step 1

  Make a series of accordion folds (we used 1-inch folds), holding the folds in place with your fingers while you're working. Finish with both ends of the ribbon facing the same direction. Thread a needle and knot it, leaving a 1-inch tail. Pass the needle and thread through the layers, centered horizontally and slightly above the edge.

  Next: How-To: Step 2

• View Image
  Back13 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  How-To: Step 2

  Bring ends of thread together and knot them, close to the ribbon. Cut off any excess thread. Glue ends of the ribbon together, covering the knot. Shift the folds so they're evenly spaced.

  Next: How-To: Step 3

• View Image
  Back14 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  How-To: Step 3

  Press the center of the bow to flatten it, rotating the folds in one direction.

  Next: Rosette Chandeliers

• View Image
  Back15 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Rosette Chandeliers

  For a twist on the fancy chandelier, hang these fluffy pom-poms instead. Each one is made up of several separately made rosettes; just combine two or three, sew or tie together at the center with white pipe cleaner, and fluff into pom-poms. Suspended almost invisibly from the ceiling by monofilament, these soft orbs recall clouds sailing across a blue sky; they also recall in color and shape the white peonies in the centerpieces.

  Next: Rosette Napkin Rings

• View Image
  Back16 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Rosette Napkin Rings

  The bow that encircles each napkin has a similar shape to the ribbon chandeliers.

  Next: How-To: Step 1

• View Image
  Back17 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  How-To: Step 1

  Wrap ribbon around hand 10 times (wrap more for a fuller bow; use fewer fingers for a smaller one). Cut a notch at the center on each side, and cinch with string at the notches.

  Next: How-To: Step 2

• View Image
  Back18 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  How-To: Step 2

  Spread loops outward, and twist, shaping them into a ball.

  Next: Tuxedo Bow

• View Image
  Back19 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Tuxedo Bow

  Many grooms would blanch at the thought of wearing something with ribbons, but these lapel accessories are so charming and downright dashing that yours will be eager to pin one on with pride. This tuxedo bow, whether rendered in grosgrain, satin, or velvet ribbon, bespeaks tailored elegance.

  Next: How-To: Step 1

• View Image
  Back20 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  How-To: Step 1

  Fold the ends of a piece of ribbon in toward the center, overlapping them; secure with fabric glue, and let dry. Flatten at center and glue to secure. Wrap a second piece of ribbon around loops at the center, gluing at back of bow.

  Next: How-To: Step 2

• View Image
  Back21 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  How-To: Step 2

  Adjust the loops to the desired fullness. To add tails, cut notches in both ends of a length of ribbon slightly longer than the bow. Then, glue the bow on at center.

  Next: Tie Your Best

• View Image
  Back22 of 23Next

  Ribbon and Bow Projects

  Tie Your Best

  We love each and every one of these ribbons. 1. Cupped sequins, M&J Trimming. Metallic thread, Tinsel Trading Company. 2. 4mm silk ribbons in colors 90, 132, and 10, YLI. 3. 20mm satin ribbon in color 56; 15mm satin ribbon in color 44; 25mm satin ribbon in color 44; 9mm satin ribbon in color 56, all from Mokuba New York, 212-869-8900. 4. 3/4" dupioni silk ribbon in Aegean, Midori. 5. 3" "Elegante" striped velvet ribbon, Hyman Hendler & Sons. 6. 1/2" chinois silk pearl-finish ribbons in sea mist, sea foam, and light blue, Raffit Ribbons. 7. 10mm floral ribbon in color 3, Mokuba New York, 212-869-8900. 3/4" grosgrain ribbon and 2" picot ribbon, both from Hyman Hendler & Sons. 8. Satin ribbon in aqua, Tinsel Trading Company. 9. 11mm organdy ribbon, Mokuba New York, 212-869-8900. Favor boxes (#22 in light green and light blue), U.S. Box Corp.

  Next: More DIY

• View Image
  Next GalleryNext

  More DIY

  • Paper and Fabric Flowers
  • Nonfloral Centerpieces
  • Napkin Ideas
  Start Over