Ribbon

Many scrapbooking companies are now including a range of ribbons to match their paper collections. Manufacturers, who previously had no association with the scrapbooking industry, and possibly never saw the potential for their product to be used in scrapbooking, are seeing an increased popularity in the scrapbooking world.

Ribbons have two purposes. They can be used for purely practical purposes, to tie things together or be used as a pull on a tag for example. But ribbon can also be used to embellish and it is now seeing its popularity in the decorative area of scrapbooking.

Use ribbon to cover a large monogram!

There are several ‘varieties’ of ribbons, and they can add a variety of textures to a project. Velvet, for example, can add a luxurious feel to a layout, or a soft gentle feel when used in softer colours. A few terms which you will hear relating to ribbons currently popular in the scrapbooking industry are:

Grosgrain is a woven ribbon with a ribbed effect. It is available in many plain colours and widths. Stripes are usually created during the weaving of the grosgrain ribbon, while patterns are usually added by printing the designs onto the ribbon.

Jacquard ribbons have their design woven as part of the ribbon and have an embroidered appearance. As the designs are woven through the ribbon (not printed) and are usually more expensive than printed ribbons, but will be more durable.

Velvet is a soft, plush woven ribbon available in many colours and widths. Velvet rick rick is now available, as is crushed velvet.

Rick rack (or ric rac) is a wavy braid in many colours and widths which can add a funky, fun element to layouts. As well as the plain rick racks available, it is also available in velvet and chenille varieties.

Organdy is a woven ribbon which is fine and sheer. The colours of organdy ribbons are quite subtle due to the sheer delicate nature of this ribbon.

Use textures

Texture is certainly one effect we like to add to our scrapbooks. The many varieties of ribbons available allow us to choose the texture we want. Whether it is a soft, delicate texture or a chunky, fun and funky feel, there is usually a ribbon for us!

The best ribbon for scrapbookers