Bring out the Artist Within

This past weekend we had the pleasure of a real get-away, with no agenda!

We escaped to a little town in New Jersey called Frenchtown. A B&B seemed just the thing, so off to the Widow McCree house, a charming 1800's home with many modern but well done updates.

Hunterdon County (NJ) and Buck's County (PA) are separated by the Delaware River, they are truly a weekend getaway delight.

Two of our BFFs met us there, so we were off to a weekend of fine dining, fun, shopping, and viewing of artists galleries. Which brings me to the meat of my story.

In one of the chichi galleries, there was a framed ribbon weaving in the tumbling block style. Although well done, I was dismayed the artist didn't use prettier ribbon. To top it all off, it was was mounted on a fabric covered box but the fabric was badly wrinkled.

I was curious to know how much one could charge for a piece I knew I could create better. It was a mere $400.00.

And so my fellow ribbon lovers; Google "ribbon weaving-tumbling block pattern", and you too can become an artist.

My personal favorite is Elaine Schmidt's book The Complete Guide to Ribbon Craft available on Amazon.

Send pictures, and keep on playing with ribbon.

Alice aka The Ribbon Lady

Over the Moon in Honduras

Two years ago I joined a mission group and visited a little mountain place in San Buena Ventura, Honduras. It is a children’s home of 68 kids rescued from the streets to a home of love, food, shelter and hope!  The name of this special place is the Lamb Institute.

During that trip, members of the group were presented with an opportunity to sponsor a child. My husband and I decided it was the least we could do for these little angels, and we chose a little boy named Alexander.

This year I decided to take Over the Moon to Honduras, and packed one large suitcase full of Over the Moon Ribbons.

WOW, I never expected the response I received all the girls ended up with 2-3 hair bows, as well as creating belts for themselves with ribbon and beads-----even the boys wanted them for their “tutors (house mothers) It did seem strange to me that they were claiming to have  3 to 4 tutors when I knew there was only one, but I let them think they could pull one over on me because they were having so much fun doing it!

Then came the big day----One of the young ladies of Lamb Institute was getting married and could not afford a wedding until one of the members of our visiting group, I will call him ST, paid for her to have a wedding in the magnificent chapel.  

There were two wedding specialists along including me.  We engaged the children and set to work using the few resources we had brought along.  Most of the items had been purchased ahead in Honduras, thanks to ST. 

We wanted it to be a wedding that they loved, and not one we imposed on them.

The wedding was Over the Moon, nothing to do with ribbons, only to do with a rag-tag bunch of nine volunteers who truly cared about making this world a better place to live.

Thank You to the Charleston Mission Group for your southern hospitality to this Yankee!

If you would like to know more about our adventure, and how you can help, contact me at ribbonlady.

About Grosgrain Ribbon

Did you know the translation for the French word grosgrain?  It is coarse texture. This ribbon is aptly named, because it is a textured woven ribbon, very sturdy and utilitarian. It is durable and washable hence you will see it in many fashions, the brim of hats,wraped and woven into plaits and pigtails and, cheerleader ribbon. You can find grosgrain ribbon in many widths, solids, patterns pleats and sometimes scalloped edges. Grosgrains are made of a variety of fibers usually a blend of cotton and viscose, and more recently, green and ecological bamboo.

Grosgrain is an excellent choice for hair ribbons, because it doesn't slide or un-tie

Here at Over the Moon Ribbons we have a wide range of grosgrains,in the coming weeks the Swiss dot. confetti dot, and asprin dots will arrive.

Although the bamboo is not shown, it is available, just e-mail me with your request.www.allim089@cs.com

Dressing up the Pumpkins

As you all know I am in love with fall and I have been dressing pumpkins for years.

You can choose to spray paint your pumpkin a color, or leave it au natural.
I am a big fan of coppery colors, and since the two places where I'm likely to put this pumpkin, the fireplace mantle or the dining room table, are dark, copper works well (in fact, any metallic color works well to bring light to an otherwise dark area).

Next I looked around my studio for ribbons and stuff to add to the little critters. What you see is the end result.

I used sheer ribbons, red gold from our Luxor Collection, and double faced satins. You can pin or glue your creations onto your pumpkin neck. Tying works well too, but if they are moved much the tying sometimes slips and moves around.

Spray painting doesn't seem to affect the life of a pumpkin, in fact it may lengthen it; it seems to seal it as long as there are no blemishes.

Another helpful tip is to be sure to add ribbons on both sides it it is a true centerpiece. If it is only viewed from one side this is not necessary.

You can choose large or small pumpkins, all size pumpkins, you can even choose an artificial pumpkin.

I have used them as an inexpensive centerpiece for charity events, as decorations on my table, as place card holders etc.

Add some fall leaves or some fall garland to give them a little extra punch.

Jodie and Bill are having their wedding here on the mountain this week, I will be showing you pictures of their dressed ladies next week, a real variation on a theme.

IT'S FALL !!!!!

At last, my favorite season. As August arrives and we have a few more heat waves, I am reminded and comforted by knowing fall is almost here.

Now we are in wonderful September with its cool nights and Indian Summer days and I am renewed!

I retired my summer wreath last week and replaced it with a new creation. I used a birch wreath base and studded it with autumm leaves of olive/greens, golds and orange/reds. I added some pale yellow gold pears, followed by my favorite copper accents. All of these items are artificial, but beautiful.

Great possibilities when you combine ribbon!

Of course now I am getting to the good stuff-ribbons. My wreath is under a small overhang, mostly protected from the weather. I used Over the Moon Ribbons 2 inch velvet in reseda combined with 1-1/2 inch width Luxor metalic in red/gold, which is a very coppery metallic, mesh, wired ribbon. I really love the combination, but you can have fun coming up with your own winning combos.

The Luxor line of ribbon is great for outdoors.   If you have some protection from the elements, our double faced satins, grosgrain's, velvets, or any ribbons from our fall collection would be wonderful too. Most of our fall collection is outdoor worthy.

Just a little FYI, I will make a bow of your color choice, and send it safely to you. The price will depend upon what ribbon you choose, they range between $8.00 and $18.00, plus shipping.

I will have a few Halloween and Thanksgiving ideas for you, so stay tuned fellow crafters!!

Until next time

Alice
Over the Moon Ribbons

Gifting with ribbons

Hi fellow ribbon lovers.

I have often given ribbon "birthday cakes",  to my fellow crafters, floral designers, scrap bookers, and romantic ribbon lovers.

You can use any combination of Over the Moon Ribbons to make an exquisite "cake of ribbons".
a color theme may be in order, or perhaps an approaching holiday, and therein lies the fun; using different combinations of ribbon

Of course you don't have to use the birthday candle if you would like to give for another reason, such as newly expectant mother to decorate the nursery, or a cheerleader with different ribbons of her school colors.
I used a narrow plastic bag to wrap the ribbons, such as clear bags that newspapers come in. One could use cellophane as well, and of course shrink wrap would be fabulous.

If you would like to order a ribbon combination from Over the Moon, in your notes include, "please include plastic bag"

Soon to come to Over the Moon "goodie bags" You will love them, they will include at least 5 rolls of  ribbons for $8.00. Perfect for the "Ribbon Cake."

There is a chance you may not want to wait for me to get my act together, in that case contact me ribbonlady

Until next time,


The Ribbon Lady

How to Make the Perfect Bow for Your Christmas Wreath

We specialize in bow making at Over the Moon Ribons. We constantly get requests to make bows. Since Christmas is upon us, we would like to share our technique.

How to Make the Perfect Bow for your Christmas Wreath.