Cinco de Mayo and ribbons

The history and reason for the celebration can be found at this website. It is quite interesting, and even includes some recipes. I was excited about this, because I am having a Cinco de Mayo party. I thought the soupy stew called Menduo sounded interesting, but the ingredients of calf's foot and tripe gave me pause for serving it at the party, I am sure it is delicious however.

I am making these wonderful flower cones for my party, and since I don't own a Mexican table cloth I will create some fun on the table with ribbons.

For the flower cone project you will need :   

• pins
• craft glue
• glue gun
• card stock  paper  or colorful wrapping paper
• Styrofoam cones of different sizes
• brightly colored silk flowers or fresh flowers                  
• colorful ribbons from Over the Moon Ribbons, varied widths and textures

I am using Styrofoam cones for ease of doing the project.

Start cutting a square of paper big enough to cover your cone.

Glue or pin paper in place and wrap around cone.

Trim excess paper away from top and bottom of cone.

Next I added my flowers.  Using wire clippers cut stems to three to five inches long. Simply arrange in cone until the Styrofoam is covered, (sometimes foliage is very helpful in covering)  I tend to like to use the same colors and flowers in each cone, you may choose to do it differently, designers choice.

Now I will add a ribbon handle pinning the ribbon and adding a drop of glue to secure the ribbon handle.

Lastly, using pins I will add ribbons to give the cone a festive party look.

I think these would be fun for any party or shower, just use the appropriate paper and ribbon to coordinate with you event.

I am hanging these from my patio umbrella, they can hang from a ceiling, or shepherd hook plant hangers.

Have fun and keep crafting, especially using ribbon!!!

Alice aka The Ribbon Lady

Maypoles and May Baskets

Here we are in the beauty of spring. With all the snow and rain of the winter it is really green around here and soooo very pretty!

I am thinking about May Day and Cinco de Mayo. I think I will save Cinco de Mayo for next week,and talk a little about May Day.


For a complete and informative history of May Day go to http://www.theholidayspot.com/


There are many stories that surround this celebration of spring: one of them the Maypole.


Ceremonial dances around the Maypole have several translations, one being the pagan symbol of fertility, and prosperity to the land and it's people.


Now to the best part---Ribbons of many colors were entwined around the maypole by fair young maidens dancing in a much choreographed manor. Each village seemed to have their own dance that resulted in a specific weave for each village.


It was believed if the ribbons were beautifully woven, without breaking, the village would have a good year of prosperity, and good fortune.


If you would like to try your hand at a maypole, a length of PVC pipe would be a good start. If there is no possibility of driving it into the ground, an old Christmas tree stand camoflauged with grass or fabric could be an alternative. Another thought would be to cement or plaster the pole into a bucket or large flower pot.
depending on the beauty of the bucket or flower pot you may want to camoflague it.Flowers or green plants may be placed in the top of the bucket, if enough space has been left.


I would attach at least four colors of ribbon purchased from http://www.overthemoonribbons.com/ , at the top of the pole, by taping or gluing. The length would depend upon the height of the pole. To finish off the top you could use a Styrofoam ball or a decorative finial from the drapery department. Another thought would be a big beautiful bow.


I would suggest the ribbon be 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide for this project.


This could also be a fun way to decorate your patio umbrellas, the umbrella pole now serves as your maypole. The ribbons could lead to each persons plate, or a favor could be attached to each ribbon.


If all this is too ambitious for you, make a may basket and give it to a neighbor, shut-in or a friend. A little inexpensive basket can be filled with treats, or flowers, pretty ribbons attached, then hung on the door of the recipient for a fun surprise.


I would like all of you to send me a picture of your May Day projects, I would like to post them on my website.


Next week, Cinco de Mayo, not to be missed.