Button painting tutorial

▼

1/15/2015

Ribbon trims are my newest love...

I took my ribbons and the one ribbon book I did have with me when I went to visit Susie Wolfe in California last week.  I had mentioned how pitiful the directions were and I knew she would prevail... And she not only thought the directions were poor, in some cases they were wrong...  But she was like a dog with a bone and one by one she figured them out and we both love them...

First what you don't need.... expensive ribbon or wide ribbon.  Cheap ribbons work especially well.  We started out with 5/8", 1/2, and 1/4" ribbon and the last day she was using 1/8" ribbons that were spectacular.  We were using mostly satin  and grosgrain ribbons medium weight.

All the ribbon books I ordered were here  when I got home and there is only one which I would recommend.. and I recommend it highly... The photos are plentiful and explanations stellar.  It is also readily available used for about $6.  It is "The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Crafts" by Elaine Schmidt.  It is a large book with lots of ribbon projects but the chapter on ribbon trims makes the book well worth the price..

We are just beginning to really explore all the possibilities so you will see me using lots of ribbon trims on my CQJP projects...  And I would have never worked through them without Susie's help. 

One bonus is the same technique looks different on both sides.  We dyed a lot of ribbon which we want to try and the last day we went to a swap meet and bought a lot of novelty ribbons to try.

15 comments:

  1. traderslostartJanuary 15, 2015 at 10:29 PM

    And you have taken to it, like a duck takes to water Gerry. I love to see what you will do next. Such talent, especially teamed up with Susie Wolfe, who I have been following for a long time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UrbanFrogJanuary 15, 2015 at 10:55 PM

    Good to see I'm not the only one who uses the arms of my sofa/chair as a pincushion and work pillow - lol! This opens up a whole new real of ribbon work on CQs - can't wait to try some when winter (and the winter projects) comes!

    ReplyDelete
  3. crazynewbieJanuary 16, 2015 at 12:06 AM

    I love this post. I'm new to CQ, and also on a budget. I love those 3 photos, and would love to be able to work those seam treatments. I must try to get that book here in Australia.
    I love your work Gerry. Have you posted about dyeing your ribbons?
    Claire

    ReplyDelete
  4. crafty cat cornerJanuary 16, 2015 at 2:21 AM

    Inspiration was just what I needed, have been lazy lately, thankyou
    Briony
    x

    ReplyDelete
  5. MarilynJanuary 16, 2015 at 4:41 AM

    Yay, you're back :). And it looks like you had ever so much fun. My copy of the book arrived a while ago - even before the one I had ordered in from the library. But there are a couple of trims you have in your picture that I don't remember seeing in it. Right now I'm making some ribbon flowers from The Artful Ribbon but when I finish those I'm going to try some ribbon trims.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mosaic MagpieJanuary 16, 2015 at 4:47 AM

    Looks like you girls were successful in creating some beautiful ribbons and had fun too!
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  7. LorraineJanuary 16, 2015 at 7:19 AM

    The trims look just beautiful Gerry and thanks for the book recommendation.

    ReplyDelete
  8. MaureenJanuary 16, 2015 at 12:34 PM

    Wonderful outcome you two!

    ReplyDelete
  9. MarlynneJanuary 16, 2015 at 3:12 PM

    They sure do add a
    lot to the masterpiece your working on!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Shirlee FassellJanuary 16, 2015 at 3:44 PM

    I didn't think I would like them as seam treatments but I am wrong they look great!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Susan ElliottJanuary 16, 2015 at 3:49 PM

    What fun! One of my teachers goes to Florida every winter with her sister in law and each year they tackle a new art form together. I'm jealous. I have the book but I would have really loved the company. Glad to hear you had such a good time! Looking forward to the next chapter!! xox Susan

    ReplyDelete
  12. CreateologyJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    How very special and wonderful to have someone to learn with. Ribbon work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your CQ journey...

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lisa BoniJanuary 17, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    The ribbon trims are coming out beautifully! Somewhere, I have a vintage book with a few ribbon trim instructions. I need to see if I can find it for you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. gocrazywithmeJanuary 17, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    Oh, please keep posting photos of the trims you're doing! I have the book you mentioned first that has awful instructions. I thought I was just dumb! I tried one of the simple ones last night and found I could duplicate it best by just looking at the photo example and winging it. If you've found any Youtube videos or online help, I'd appreciate links.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ingrid LeeJanuary 18, 2015 at 3:42 PM

    Thanks for sharing about these ribbon trims, I'm going to try some on my next CQ, you make it look so fun, and beautiful!

    ReplyDelete