Thursday, April 12, 2007

Terrific Ribbons and Trims

From the LM Archives
Terrific Ribbons and TrimsBy: Franny Lesniak, Design Team Member
What is it about ribbon that is so very alluring? I don’t know about you, but when I see a pretty ribbon it’s hard to look away. I want to feel it, stroke it, and own as many varieties as I can possible get my hands on. If you are like me - bewitched by ribbon - then you will want to pay attention to the new generation of ribbon that is finding its way into the hearts (and onto the shelves of the Lifetime Moments store) of many-a-scrapbooker.
It’s not as if we haven’t seen it all before - or so one might think. But alas, the newly available ribbons and trims present a fresh twist on an old standby. Fancy Pants and Making Memories (soon to be arriving at LM) have taken crocheted and lace trims a step beyond the traditional white and ecru shades that one might scavenge from her granny‘s sewing basket.American Crafts and Maya Road have “Journeyed East“, taking printed ribbon and velvet blossom trim, ribbon and ric rac to all new horizons. This new generation of ribbons, trims, and lace are now available in richer hues, more vibrant colors, and positively luscious textures.
There are so many ways one can incorporate ribbon embellishments on her layouts. Our Design Teamput their creative minds to work - here's a few of our fun ideas:
  • gather and stitch wide trim in a fan shape to make a flower
  • weave thin ribbon through holes in wide trim or lace
  • knot the ends and hang embellishments off the edge of your page
  • machine stitch small strips of various ribbon to create a border
  • create gathers by running a thread through ribbon and pulling
  • knot two ribbons and criss cross them to frame your corner
  • fold and make a flower
If you still find yourself stumped as to how to make use of your ribbon, here are a few ideas (fromShimelle’s list of 101 Things to Do with Ribbon - you can find her whole list here in PDF format) to get you jumpstarted…
  • Make a flower with loops of ribbon plus a button in the middle.
  • Use ric rac as the stem for a flower accent.
  • Use frilly ribbons with rustic elements, mixing girly trims with twill tape or a wooden tag.
  • Grab your favorite ribbon of the moment and work your entire layout around that inspiration. Print your photos in black and white so you don’t have to worry about color clashes and just have fun.
Take my word for it - this new generation of ribbons and trims has some positively delectable offerings!  If after my testimony you still have a smidgeon of remaining doubt, the old adage holds true in this case… seeing is believing.
 
Design Team Examples
To view all layout ideas and products used, please be sure to visit the Design Team Gallery: Terrific Ribbons and Trims
Or Click each image below to see a larger view!
Franny
Melissa
Madeline
Wendy
Nancy
Margaret
Vickie

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