*A Closer Look* #2

I have decided to break the ribbon installment into two groups. Today I will show you how easy it is to organize and store the dreaded, but delicious, ribbon by the yard. I love purchasing ribbon by the yard at my LSS, but bringing it home can be a nightmare. I finally realized that I could make my own *collections* like I can buy from SU!, SEI, Making Memories, Etc.

For me, it all starts with the Pattern Paper. I chose this beautiful collection from Polar Bear Press which can be seen in the background of my photos and then on the finished card. I then select ribbon that coordinates with the paper. I usually get around 5 yards of each, but for this collection, I only purchased 3.

Once I have my selections, I take a piece of the chipboard backing from my SU! designer series paper, to make a base for my ribon. I then take my 3/4 inch square punch to make indents for each ribbon. I make the indentations at the top, wrap the ribbon, and then punch again. This way I will have perfectly spaced notches. I usually pin it once I have come to the end, but some ribbons are so delicate, that a piece of scotch tape is best. Once I have a finished collection, I add it to my container that houses my ribbon by the yard. I put each card in like a file would go into a filing cabinet so that it uses a small amount of space, but all the ribbon can be seen.

Once I had played with all of that scrumptious ribbon, I thought it was only fitting to create with it. I used my Paris Stamp Set from Cavallini and Co. and added some fun buttons. I love this little flapper girl button. Doesn't she look cute?

Also, I had a comment left last week on where I got my desk. It actually belonged to my Father and wasn't in the *best* condition, so I took a can of black spray paint and painted it, took off the original hardware and replaced it with some nickel drawer pulls. I {love} how it turned out and I {love} creating on a desk every day that belonged to my Dad, who I miss very much. I think about him every day as I sit there and hope that the things I create would make him happy.

So...remember, everything old can be new again with a little TLC. All it takes is a little *vision*!

*****Next week I will be showing you some of the ways that I store my ribbon spools. I will also a fun project that you can do to house some of those spools! Thanks for fluttering by!! *****

Also a HUGE thanks to Elaine for helping me get my pictures and text figured out! You are a gem!