Christmas countdown
02/12/2009
Ribbon is made for Christmas, well we think it is here at Crafty Ribbons. There are so many different ways in which you can use ribbon at this time of year, so we decided we would do a ribbon countdown. You may have seen some of the things we will share with you over the next 23 days, BUT there maybe 1 or 2 ideas that you can use this Christmas. We aim to show you, with the aid of tutorials how to tie the big Pom Pom Bows (for Wilma), ribbon roses, embroidery - we have so many projects and ideas to share with you, all around the Christmas theme. So please check back every day to see what is NEW.
Christmas cards just cry out for ribbons, whether it is just a simple bow, a woven picture or a stripe down the edge, ribbon can take so many different forms on cards. Our last Ribbon Challenge # 10 was using Christmas ribbons, rather then sending every challenger the same ribbon, the girls selected different ribbons, so we have a vast selection to show you - (a little nudge, those of you who have not sent your cards back, please do so sooooon! thanks).
Beryl has used a single strip of sheer snowflake ribbon down the edge to tone in with her elegent image (which I think has been printed). It wasn't until I turned the card over Beryl (to check the name) that I noticed the back has the same image as the front, gorgeous.
I love this card Beryl, and so did Sydney. Two ribbons used, the candy canes running down the centre, with the little Merry Christmas ribbon across the bottom half of the card. The fairy has been decoupaged.
The girls were not too keen on this ribbon when we launched it back in August - I told them to wait and see! It has been very popular, both on the website and at the shows, I think it is down to the musical notes. Just look at this beautiful card Beryl has made, a very simple but stylish design.
This bauble ribbon has been with us for a few years, but is such a delight. Once again Beryl has put a simple single strip of ribbon down the centre and a very cheery Father Christmas image on top. Cutting the baubles from this ribbon is very easy.
This is our first ever easel card (no, I didn't know that, Carol told me in her note!). Carol used three different red ribbons, that are just perfect for the tatty teddy.
Cool colours Carol, I love the red and lime and this tree ribbon is rather special, the trees are slightly raised as if they have been embossed.
Carol used only one ribbon on her last card, but it says it all - Merry Christmas.
Dorothy used the same Merry Christmas ribbon (I think the girls must have sent this ribbon to everyone!)on her delightful gingerbread house card. Dorothy signed it inside - To the Children, Syd, sam and Mollie loved it, thank you.
A pretty ATC from Dorothy - a classic use of ribbon.
This book is a work of art Dorothy and came with it's own stand. Each page has a different item and lots of ribbons have been used. I will show all you others how to make these roses during our "Christmas Countdown", I promise!
I should have shown you this first, it's the box that the book came in. Also decorated with ribbon which has been braided - Slip Knot Braiding.
Dorothy made this to hang in our warehouse, a beaded fairy. Thank you she is wonderful.
There is no name on this card, but I think it is Dorothy's (I am sure you will let me know if I have it wrong!!!). Rereading this I am doubting myself - it could be Marjories.
This one is definately Dorothy's as I had to take it away from Sydney, who tried to tell me it was hers! Four different ribbons layered together to form the stocking shape - very clever.
Dorothy's last project is a sweet little Christmas wreath. Several different ribbons have been scrunched up and held with a few stitches. They have then been glued onto a foam ring, with added flowers and sequins.
This ribbon is Bev's favorite Christmas ribbon (you may have noticed that it has not been in any of her Bev's bags, she wants some left to use on her parcels!!!), I think it looks stunning on here Linda. The other project you sent in I am going to use on another "Christmas Countdown" day - o.k. As for your Bling goodies, nothing has turned up so far - sorry.
Lynne used the same sheer snowflake ribbon on her card as Beryl, but she (very carefully) cut the snowflakes from the ribbon and stuck them on to the card. Lynne also used one of our ribbon banners- Frosty Fun.
Lynne has used four different ribbons on this card, Ho Ho Ho, Skinny Merry Christmas, Silver padded stars and the two candy canes have been cut from sheer ribbon. Put these altogether with a happy Father Christmas and you have a perfect card.
Another classic design by Lynne, one simple ribbon running down the centre. Glad to here your car is all mended Lynne, ours is in the workshop - Tony hit a bollard that wasn't there in Paris!!!!
Marjorie has truly caught the "Stamping Bug"!! Stamping and ribbon are the perfect couple.
Lovely image Marjorie.
What a shame, this ribbon is sold out - sorry. Great card Marjorie.
Beary christmas to you also Marjorie, isn't he fun.
Great idea Tracey and Paul to follow through with the circle idea from the ribbon - works really well. I have kept your second project for another "Christmas Countdown" day, o.k.
Wilma has used two ribbons, you can see the purple one, the second is woven behind the trees - clever.
A jeweled, glittered snowflake bag, how could Sydney resist this Wilma it's gorgeous.
Oh isn't this fairy a dream, I fluffed up her ribbon wings for you Wilma. This card is a stunner.
A simple tag made with one simple length of ribbon, easy - well Wilma made it look easy!
I hope you have enjoyed all these wonderful creations, as I mentioned there are still a few more to arrive. Please do leave a comment to tell everyone how wonderfully talented they are. There will be no more challenges - for this year (that got you worried!!). Why not join in with a new one in 2010 - but you have to be quick, places are taken very quickly!!!!!
Bev's Christmas Bag
01/12/2009
1st December and Christmas is here - well it is at our house, the Christmas tree was put up over the weekend. I had two little helpers this year, I think they were trying to help! Sam wanted to climb the tree and Sydney wanted all the decorations to go where she could place them - hence only the bottom half was decorated!!
We have been busy shipping Christmas ribbons since August and I thought I may have got tired of it by now, but oh no. I have never had this range of ribbons to choose from before, the trouble I am having is finding a wrapping paper to match! I could never understand why Ali had a huge (and I mean HUGE) cupboard of wrapping paper mostly plains, I do now. I will have to start collecting paper as well!!
This is my NEW Bev's Bag and it is stuffed full of CHRISTMAS RIBBON - yeah! 17mtrs of "to die for" Christmas Ribbons, each ribbon bag we make is going to be slightly different, so you will get a nice surprise! Indulge in my Ribbon Bag HERE
I have taken enough "time out" from pulling the orders, so I had better get back to them.
Bev x
FREE Postage for December
01/12/2009
Heres how to get free postage on your orders? All you have to do is answer a simple question.
Each month we will set a question, the answer can be found somewhere in the previous months posts in the blog. So here is December's question....
What did Ali make the Pick 'n' Mix Ribbon Embroidery Kits into for the Paris Exhibition?
Enter the answer (all in lower case) into the voucher section on the website and the postage will be removed on all UK orders and will be reduced on overseas orders.
You can now have your orders sent by City Link Next Day Delivery.
So for all those urgent orders (you wouldn't think ribbon could be urgent - but it is!) you pay an extra £4.25 for this service. We MUST receive orders by 12 noon on the day of desptach.
We have a winner!
30/11/2009
Not sure about where you live but it has got really really cold in Dorset, so much so we did not open our big roll over doors today. Bev did the honours of picking this weeks Friday FREEBIE winner - that's if you can see her in her red coat in front of our red doors!
The lucky winner of our Friday FREEBIE is.....
23 - Tams
Well done Tams, all you have to do is claim your prize is to email us at info@craftyribbons.com with your address details. Thank you to everyone who left wonderful messages, so pleased you like the new check ribbon as much as we do.
We have nearly cleared the back log of orders, so I am hoping tomorrow I will be able to go back to "my proper" job, of updating the website with NEW goodies and ribbons and to show everyone the last ribbon challenge projects. It's not that I don't like working in the packing dept, because I do - now that I have re-organsied everything!!!! It's just I have lots to share with you all - oh and my office is warm!
Till tomorrow......
Friday FREEBIE
27/11/2009
Phew what a busy time we have been having, but with the weekend looming it must be Friday FREEBIE day!!
I have changed my mind on this weeks prize, I had something else lined up, BUT after playing with the Country Check ribbon that arrived in yesterday......
..... this ribbon is wicked, just look at the colours. Red and white is such a classic Christmas combination and gives a real country Christmas feel.
So what's the prize? How about 10mtr of all the 4 widths - 10mtrs of 7mm, 10mtrs of 15mm, 10mtrs of 24mm and 10mtrs of 40mm, so you can have a true traditional Christmas look.
Wrap it around the banisters, hang christmas cards from it, tie up parcels, decorate garlands and swags - all you have to do to win this weeks Friday FREEBIE is to leave a comment - it's that easy!
We have 2 prizes unclaimed from last week, please send us your address so we can send the goodies to you.
I have several new goodies to share with you, as well as the last ribbon challenge cards and projects BUT we have a back log of orders and I have been put in the packing department AGAIN!!!! By the end of today we hope to have caught up and be back on target - so please forgive us if you have had to wait a little longer for your orders over the past few weeks.
Country Check
26/11/2009
Do you want to create a traditional Country Christmas look this year?
Well you can with the charming Country Check red and white ribbon, which has only arrived in the warehouse today!
Look how the colours stand out against the green background of the ivy, this ribbon was made for Christmas!!
With 4 different widths to choose from 7mm, 15mm, 25mm and 40mm we are sure you will find a width for every job you have in mind.
Did we enjoy Paris?
26/11/2009
Did Rachie and I enjoy Paris? YES, YES YES, it was fantastic.
We turned up on the stand on Saturday morning (after negotiating the Metro from the airport) to find Ali demonstrating Ribbon Embroidery with a crowd around her. We were both rather nervous, and had been practicing our little smattering of French, all the way across the channel!! But with so many French people around we came over all tongue tied and forgot everything!
Finally when Ali emerged from the stand she gave us an envelope each, tied up with ribbon – what is this? They were full of Euros – with a big hug she told us that we were not in Paris to work on the stand but to have some fun. She told us to go and enjoy the show, have lots of fun and spend the money. Wow Wee!!!!
So we did! We spent Saturday at the show, and what a wonderful show it was. We went on every stand, looked, touched and just soaked up the atmosphere. Every so often we popped back to the stand with espresso coffee for Ali and Tony, we had exhibitor passes so could go into the exhibitors lounge and make our own, that would be cool for Hobbycrafts at the NEC!
By late afternoon we were shattered so went back to the hotel for a rest, we were shopped out! Once our energy had returned, we went back for another visit. Finally the show closed and we went for a delightful “French” meal.
Sunday a quick trip to the show to buy a few extra bits, then we ventured into Paris to see the sights! Bet you cannot guess where our first port of call was?
Yep the Eiffel Tower. It was unbelievable,we went all the way to the top, although it was rather windy.
Next had to be the Champs Elysees for a little bit more retail therapy! To our surprise there were little chalets lining the street and it was a proper “French Market”, awesome. We had so much fun. Ali and Tony joined us back at the Trocadero for a meal and to wait for the 9pm Eiffel Tower new light show for it’s birthday. It was unreal, the changing colours were amazing– it lasted about fifteen minutes and was just wicked. Shame the photo’s do not do it justice.
Monday our last day, boo hoo. Another look round the show, we had found a favourite stand (apart from Crafty Ribbons!!!) and wanted to buy a few extra goodies. After saying a tearful goodbye to Tony and Ali we made our way to Notre Dame, where we enjoyed a delightful lunch!!! Before we knew it, we had to go back to the airport, we had left all our purchases with Ali, so nothing to carry. She had given us strict instructions not to leave France with any euro’s – so we headed to the duty free shop!!!
Ali and Tony, what can we say, we both had a magical time, thank you so much we loved it.
Bev and Rachie x x
Oh La La
25/11/2009
Oh La la - we forgot to pick the winners of our Friday FREEBIE ribbon box winners yesterday. Shhhhh don't tell Ali, she will be in later.
The winners are numbers....
5 - Claire Louise Clubb
25 - Cazzy
28 - Trish Lucey
Well done winners - all you have to do to claim your 3 ribbonboxes is to email info@craftyribbons.com with your address details. Thanks to everyone who left wonderful comments, we have a super prize coming up for this weeks Friday FREEBIE, so don't forget to check back.
Rachie and I had a wonderful time in paris, will let you know ALL the details later, but I must rush back to the orders before Ali gets in!!!!
Bev x
Friday FREEBIE
20/11/2009
Oh I am so excited its Friday, yes it Friday FREEBIE day, but tomorrow Rachie and I go to Paris!!!! We only have one more sleep left, poor Rachie has to be up at 4.30am to come and pick me up, so it is only really half a sleep!
Rachie and I were putting our heads together yesterday, picking this weeks prize for Friday FREEBIE - so what do you think of these?
If you have never seen these before they are our Ribbon Boxes and they are crammed with RIBBON! There are 10 different colours in the range, and would make perfect Christmas prezzies for your crafty friends. We have 3 prizes this week of 3 different ribbon boxes each. All you have to do for a chance to win is..... leave us a comment. Easy
The office will be closed on Monday, (just incase you have forgotten, we are in Paris!) so we will pick the 3 lucky winners on Tuesday from our "Bingo" Bag.
Tony and Ali had a fantastic first day, Ali was very tired last night, it must be very difficult working in a country where you can not speak the language - I am sure Rachie and I will find out soon!
Have a fantastic weekend, we are taking our cameras with us, we are sure we will share a few piccys with you all.
Bev x
FREEBIE Winner
16/11/2009
We hope you are all safe and sound and have not been blown away this weekend. We arrived at the office this morning with loads of leaves all over the ground, it was a shame they were so wet, I love kicking up dry leaves, it's such fun!
Sydney did not want to pick a winner this week, so I got voted to do the honours, not often you get to see me, I am normally the one behind the camera!
The winner of the Friday FREEBIE Christmas ribbon prize is.....
5 - Charmaine Macedo
Well done Charmaine, if my memory serves me right this is your second win, lucky you. Please can you email us your address at info@craftyribbons.com. Thank you to everyone who left wonderful comments, we love them.
I have been working on a few new samples for the Paris show, Tony and I leave in a couple of hours to catch the night boat (hope the sea has calmed down!).
This is one of my creations, it uses our Pick n Mix Embroidery Kits, but I have turned it into a cushion rather than mounting it into a Frame. I used blanket stich to sew it to the fabric then added gorgeous shell heart buttons. This is one of 5 different cushions I made over the weekend, fingers crossed the French ladies like them as much as the girls did.
That's me for the next week, I have made a big decision (for me) not to take my laptop or my camera with me to Paris (Boo Hoo), I am so worried that they may go missing from the stand. Better be safe than sorry.
Have a fantastic week, if you are at a loose end you can always come and visit me at Creations Savoir Faire - see you there.
my basket