Because all of my outdoor Christmas decorations had been in storage for years, they needed a little sprucing up (no pun intended). Instead of just chucking them in favor of new ones, I went to the local crafts store and purchased a 30-foot spool of plaid ribbon in Christmas colors. I prefer the ribbon with wire edges because it holds its shape.
- To make a ribbon, pull the length of the tail that you want. (I made this one about 8 inches).
- Fold back and forth four times.
- Set the ribbon aside while you cut about 3-4 inches and form it into a cylinder.
- Place the cylinder onto the center of the folded section of ribbon.
- Fish a twist-tie (or zip-tie) through the cylinder.
- Turn the ribbon over, and twist (or clamp) the tie until the center is securely fastened together.
- Fluff and voilà – a festive ribbon.
I was able to make 7 ribbons with the 30-foot spool. Three for the back-door garland and wreath, three for the front-door garland and wreath, and one for the mail box.
A new look – all for just $4.97. I priced the pre-made ones in the store for $5.00 apiece. As ole Ben said, “A fool and his money are soon parted.”
Festive times, friends!
Dearest Stacy,
Those ribbons are lovely; very cleverly made and you are a smart lady! Did you have your Christmas items in storage while you lived in France or did they go with you back and forth? We never moved any Christmas items but gave them away twice. When coming to the USA and again when leaving Georgia for Pennsylvania and on to Italy. When we’d bought again garlands (guirlandes) for our front porch it was one very cold and windy Christmas season when we were putting them up and looking at each other I suggested to put all inside several garbage bags and giving it to some poor Mexicans we knew. They LOVED the generous gift and we warmed our hands inside and have not attempted to decorate again…
Yours looks very natural and I love that; no artificial looking colors and it blends in so well with the door and siding.
Hugs to you and enjoy!
Mariette
Mariette – we traveled to France and Africa with our tree, but we left the ornaments in storage in the States. I was too afraid to move them, given that they were some of the few sentimental items we had left after the storm.
Thank you for the kind words! ❤
Great tutorial, Stacy! I’m looking forward to further adventures of Bayou decorating. You know, you could be re-selling those bows and creating a little income stream . . . 😉 of course, then it’s not so much fun; more like work. Hope you are staying warm. ~ Linne
That’s not a bad idea, Linne, but I rarely do crafts for hire. With writing and teaching, I only have enough time for weekend crafting.
I am so enjoying our cold snap!
Very nice! Your wreaths look lovely.
Thanks, Bonnie! They’re so old, but very well loved. ❤
Oh how lovely! You are a decorating genius. I, for one, want to hear the story about the artificial tree rebellion, pretty please.
Ok, I’ll get right (write) on it! Coming this week – I promise! ❤