How To Make a Beautiful Faux Poinsettia
Whether you are decorating your Christmas tree, adding color to your packages, or using it for table decor, this easy-to-make poinsettia is sure to please.  I used Over the Moon Ribbons Elite red velvet for this particular poinsettia , however, you may choose to use any color that will work with your decor.


What you will need:

• between 1-1/2 and 2-1/2 inch wired ribbon
• sharp scissors
• craft glue (Sobo) or glue gun
• small beads or berries that simulate the stamen of a flower (any craft store will have these in the silk flower section)or a sparkly piece of jewelry
• 12-inch piece wire or 1 pipe cleaner

Step 1:  cut 4 pieces of  ribbon approximately 8 inches long
Step 2:  cut 4 pieces of ribbon approximately 6 inches  long
Step 3:  take each piece of ribbon and cut a point on each end
Step 4:  start with the longer pieces of ribbon.  Fan out into a flower shape.  Squeeze all of them at the center.  While continuing to squeeze, add the shorter pieces on top.  (If it looses it's shape, don't  worry, you can reshape).
Step 5:  Fold wire in half, fold side at top of flower.  Now add the wire or pipe cleaner to your flower twisting as tight as you can at bottom of faux flower.
Step 6:  Glue the berries or  jewelry to center of flower (glue gun or craft glue (Sobo) will work fine.

For a video tutorial with additional tips, try our extremely popular video:
 Enjoy!

The Ribbon Lady




Carol Brings Joy to Eaton Village
When Carol ordered 300 yards of weatherproof velvet, I had to know what was going to happen to all that velvet. She wanted to beautify her neighborhood for Christmas, and beautify she did. Twenty four gigantic bows later you can see the results.


Kudos to you Carol,the bows are spectacular!!!

Do you have pictures of your creations using Over the Moon Ribbons? We love to see them.  Send to ribbonlady70@gmail.com.

Alice
The Ribbon Lady

Remember Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is almost my favorite holiday. It truly is a time for family, food, and of course decorating.

I  keep the decorating part somewhat simple.  I know what I will be decorating for  within a week. That being said, please enjoy the richness of pumpkins, fruits, hams,  turkeys,  turduckins, chestnuts, stuffing, and apple and pumpkin pies. Don't be too quick to get out the tinsel and mistletoe.

I always, always have ribbon on my napkins in some way, even if it is a simple bow.

This year I  will carve out my "mini pumpkins"and fill them with fresh flowers in autumnal colors. If I can find some nice brown oak leaves I will give them a wash of copper or bronze to complete my Thanksgiving table.

Of course my table won't be complete without the best china I own, the silver, the celery dish, and salt dishes we have used in my family since I was a kid.

All of the above can happen the day before, so while I am cooking, and watching the parade, boiling the giblets etc. I can walk by the dinning room table and know this truly is a special day not to be forgotten.

Just remember, on Thanksgiving, you can eat anything you want to-----"Why do you think they call it Thanksgiving?" A quote from a great lady, Irma Bombeck.

You must have some childhood memories, I would love to hear them.

Enjoy!

The Ribbon Lady

Victorian Days in Belvidere New Jersy
Despite earthquakes, hurricanes and severe flooding, Victorian Days went on.

Some ribbon offerings from Over the Moon at Victorian Days

The weekend after labor day the Ribbon Lady and the Ribbon Man look forward to the lovely Victorian Days Event in Belvidere, NJ. We fill our vintage suitcases with ribbon, the van with autumn wreaths, garlands and arrangements and away we go.

Couple in vintage clothing for  Victorian Days in Belvidere, NJ

This year involved quite a bit or maneuvering to get to our space because the Peaquest Creek caused major problems for the residences of this quaint historical town in New Jersey.


The antique cars took up their spots with the owners proudly polishing and shining every speck of dust off of them. All the antique dealers and crafters were in the same spots they have occupied for many years around the beautiful square that is the center of Belevidere.
The master of ceromonies and the town crier proudly announced that the clocks were turned back to the year 1900. The costumed residence and visitors started to appear strolling about, the Star Spangled Banner was played, and Victorian Days 2011 opened.


There was much entertainment, with singing and dancing, the old calliope from Holland played, banjo bands, house tours, Victorian fashion shows, gentleman's auction, afternoon tea, an old time baseball game, and delicious homemade offerings from the churches that surround the square.


Next year will be the 25th anniversary of Belvidere Days.  I suspect it will be bigger and better than ever. Mary Ann and her devoted staff always seem to pull this huge undertaking together.


Oh yea, oh yea congratulations to Belvidere to be able to present the 24th annual Victorian Days in grand style despite,earthquakes, hurricanes, and severe flooding!

The ribbon Lady at Victorian Days

For more about Victorian Days, visit www.daysvictorian@aol.com

Ribbons "Down the Shore"
The Ribbon Lady and family had the pleasure of two weeks "down the shore" in Ocean Grove NJ.  I am always looking for fellow ribbon lovers, and the quaint little Victorian town of Ocean Grove delivered.

Ocean Grove is one mile square with a huge Methodist Auditorium and "tent city"smack dab in the middle where traditionally, the Methodists lived to be close to the church. You can still hear the large choirs as you walk by.  The town and auditorium date back to the 1800's, it's only been in the past 20 years that the town has allowed people to drive on Sunday.  Go to http://www.oceangrovenj/,  for a more extensive description of the town. One visit there and you will fall in love.  You just feel like any minute John Phillip Sousa,and 76 trombones will  come marching down the street all at the same time, while playing Stars and Stripes Forever!


Lovely Victorian wreaths, red white and blue buntings,and charming "painted ladies" abound.  Of course there were lovely ribbons on the wreaths, one home had celebrated a graduation with school colored ribbons all along their white picked fence, but my personal favorite was the basket of impatience, with the double face satin ribbons streaming from the planter.

So my friends as summer starts to fade, I will remember fondly our special family time "down the shore" in Ocean Grove.

What is your favorite summer time memory?


It's July 5th, that means yesterday was the 4th of July.


These holidays always bring a large surge of patriotism to my sole.I am one of those that cry at parades, and the Hallmark card counter.

I missed the parade yesterday, but didn't miss the family picnic---I love watermelon on the 4th,I know it has a lot of carbs but I enjoyed it.

The patriotic spirit took me back to Memorial day weekend, when I visited with my friend Donna in Auburn NY. One of the local Schools sponsored a fund raiser. Residents were offered an opportunity to purchase a flag, in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one. Each flag was tagged with names of the donators as well as the honoree. All were carefully placed in alphabetical order so the donors could claim their flags after the weekend.

To see 4500 Flags around this lovely pond, with a beautiful gazebo as it,s centerpiece was quite a site,and touched me deeply.

Only one thing could have made it better-----attach the tags with Over the Moon Ribbons.

May the Star Spangled Banner wave

Bring out the Artist Within
This past weekend we had the pleasure of a real get-away, with no agenda!

We escaped to a little town in New Jersey called Frenchtown. A B&B seemed just the thing, so off to the Widow McCree house, a charming 1800's home with many modern but well done updates.

Hunterdon County (NJ) and Buck's County (PA) are separated by the Delaware River, they are truly a weekend getaway delight.

Two of our BFFs met us there, so we were off to a weekend of fine dining, fun, shopping, and viewing of artists galleries. Which brings me to the meat of my story.

In one of the chichi galleries, there was a framed ribbon weaving in the tumbling block style. Although well done, I was dismayed the artist didn't use prettier ribbon. To top it all off, it was was mounted on a fabric covered box but the fabric was badly wrinkled.

I was curious to know how much one could charge for a piece I knew I could create better. It was a mere $400.00.

And so my fellow ribbon lovers; Google "ribbon weaving-tumbling block pattern", and you too can become an artist.

My personal favorite is Elaine Schmidt's book The Complete Guide to Ribbon Craft available on Amazon.

Send pictures, and keep on playing with ribbon.

Alice aka The Ribbon Lady

Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet with The Blue Ribbons On It!
Danielle Perry and Mandy Foster of Timely Tresses are located in Oxford, North Carolina. They make historic and authentic millinery from the regency to the civil war period. Each style is carefully researched and designed to faithfully represent historic fashion. When you love what you do, it shows. That’s why Timely Tresses was chosen to design bonnets for the Jane Austin Festival for the Royal Opera Company in London.


Over the Moon in Honduras


Winter on the Ribbon Lady's Mountain
Hello everyone one, and Happy New Year.

It is a beautiful, snowy day her in the mountains of Pennsylvania.  I felt compelled to snap a few pictures to share with you. They show you the beauty of our winter.


I am one of those few that actually enjoys winter. I love the shorter days, the shadows in the snow by 4 pm, the frozen ponds, good food by a crackling fire, the snowy days when everything is canceled along with the conversations at Rosie's (the local spot for breakfast)"Did you get out ok?  Do you plan on going over the mountain? Did they Plow Fox Gap yet? Are there  really people out on the Appellation Trail?"
Ask me in March if I still feel the same. Last year we had 100 inches, it did get a bit waring by March.


I took a picture of the bird frenzy at one of the feeders,  our little evergreen at night, and the kids enjoying the frozen Tarn. (Scottish for Pond.)

I have a lot more, but I didn't think you would want to look at 100 pictures of what I deem beautiful.

Here at Over the Moon we are thinking spring. Here is a picture of  a very small sampling of what is coming to the website. We will be featuring lots of checks and dots, as well as some jacquards and woven ribbons from France.

If you haven't visited our Swiss Double Faced Satin Ribbon do so--it is truly luxurious and comes in luscious colors.

Look forward to more blogs from me in 2011 (one of my resolutions), keep your creative juices flowing.

Alice
a.k.a The Ribbon Lady

Red Plaid Christmas Ribbon Combination



Tutorial-Decorate your Christmas Tree Beautifully with Ribbon


About Grosgrain Ribbon


Dressing up the Pumpkins


As you all know I am in love with fall and I have been dressing pumpkins for years.

You can choose to spray paint your pumpkin a color, or leave it au natural.
I am a big fan of coppery colors, and since the two places where I'm likely to put this pumpkin, the fireplace mantle or the dining room table, are dark, copper works well (in fact, any metallic color works well to bring light to an otherwise dark area).

Next I looked around my studio for ribbons and stuff to add to the little critters. What you see is the end result.

I used sheer ribbons, red gold from our Luxor Collection, and double faced satins. You can pin or glue your creations onto your pumpkin neck. Tying works well too, but if they are moved much the tying sometimes slips and moves around.

Spray painting doesn't seem to affect the life of a pumpkin, in fact it may lengthen it; it seems to seal it as long as there are no blemishes.

Another helpful tip is to be sure to add ribbons on both sides it it is a true centerpiece. If it is only viewed from one side this is not necessary.

You can choose large or small pumpkins, all size pumpkins, you can even choose an artificial pumpkin.

I have used them as an inexpensive centerpiece for charity events, as decorations on my table, as place card holders etc.


Add some fall leaves or some fall garland to give them a little extra punch.

Jodie and Bill are having their wedding here on the mountain this week, I will be showing you pictures of their dressed ladies next week, a real variation on a theme.

IT'S FALL !!!!!
At last, my favorite season. As August arrives and we have a few more heat waves, I am reminded and comforted by knowing fall is almost here.

Now we are in wonderful September with its cool nights and Indian Summer days and I am renewed!


I retired my summer wreath last week and replaced it with a new creation. I used a birch wreath base and studded it with autumm leaves of olive/greens, golds and orange/reds. I added some pale yellow gold pears, followed by my favorite copper accents. All of these items are artificial, but beautiful.

Great possibilities when you combine ribbon!

Of course now I am getting to the good stuff-ribbons. My wreath is under a small overhang, mostly protected from the weather. I used Over the Moon Ribbons 2 inch velvet in reseda combined with 1-1/2 inch width Luxor metalic in red/gold, which is a very coppery metallic, mesh, wired ribbon. I really love the combination, but you can have fun coming up with your own winning combos.

The Luxor line of ribbon is great for outdoors.   If you have some protection from the elements, our double faced satins, grosgrain's, velvets, or any ribbons from our fall collection would be wonderful too. Most of our fall collection is outdoor worthy.

Just a little FYI, I will make a bow of your color choice, and send it safely to you. The price will depend upon what ribbon you choose, they range between $8.00 and $18.00, plus shipping.

I will have a few Halloween and Thanksgiving ideas for you, so stay tuned fellow crafters!!

Until next time

Alice
Over the Moon Ribbons

Beautiful Decorative Candles for Unity Candles or Special Occasions

I was thinking about something beautiful that could be done with candles, this is what I came up with.  I have crisscrossed 1/4" sheer ribbon onto a straight sided taper, and added some accents from the local craft store.

Caution: Be sure to test all materials to be sure they will not catch fire.  When I burned my candle the paper flowers melted, the pearls dropped as the candle burned. The ribbon melted, but did not catch fire. 

There were no products I used that were a fire hazard, including Morex sheer organdy ribbons sold by Over the Moon Ribbons.


Materials needed :

• 1/4" sheer organdy and/or double faced satin ribbon
• sharp scissors
• straight sided candles ( I used Carolina Candles) I suggest using a good quality candle, you will have longer burn time
• glue gun
• embellishments of your choice

After some trial and error, it became apparent, you don't use your glue gun to glue the ribbon to the candle, but merely to melt the wax on the candle so the ribbon will adhere to the melted wax. This method works quite well.

Start with a length of ribbon approximately 14 inches long.




Cut the top at a 45 degree angle and adhere to the candle using the glue gun to melt the wax,by touching the hot glue gun to the ribbon on the candle.

Once dry,( about 1 minute) spiral the ribbon down the candle, keep the distance between the ribbon equal. at the bottom adhere again using the same hot wax method.



Cut another length  the same as the first one .  Cut at a 45 degree angle. Start at the top exactly where you began ribbon number one,but now you will be spiraling in the opposite direction, making sure to keep all the crossing points in a straight line with the candle. Attach at bottom, hot wax method.



Now the fun begins. At each crossing pint attach ,a pearl, rhinestone, little flower, bow,etc.  I found these could be glued to the ribbon using glue gun or craft glue. Just go to your local craft store, and let your imagination run wild.

Same idea this time with floral embellishments.

This design would work well for unity candles, as their purpose is not to burn for a long period of time.

Gifting with ribbons
Hi fellow ribbon lovers.

I have often given ribbon "birthday cakes",  to my fellow crafters, floral designers, scrap bookers, and romantic ribbon lovers.

You can use any combination of Over the Moon Ribbons to make an exquisite "cake of ribbons".
a color theme may be in order, or perhaps an approaching holiday, and therein lies the fun; using different combinations of ribbon

Of course you don't have to use the birthday candle if you would like to give for another reason, such as newly expectant mother to decorate the nursery, or a cheerleader with different ribbons of her school colors.
I used a narrow plastic bag to wrap the ribbons, such as clear bags that newspapers come in. One could use cellophane as well, and of course shrink wrap would be fabulous.

If you would like to order a ribbon combination from Over the Moon, in your notes include, "please include plastic bag"

Soon to come to Over the Moon "goodie bags" You will love them, they will include at least 5 rolls of  ribbons for $8.00. Perfect for the "Ribbon Cake."

There is a chance you may not want to wait for me to get my act together, in that case contact me ribbonlady

Until next time,


The Ribbon Lady

Seat Belt Purse
I love my Harveys Seatbelt Bag!!! I bought it from Material Girl.  The bag is great and so is the company. They offer excellent customer service important to us and one of our strengths at Over the Moon Ribbons, I love them.


The bag comes in several styles and many colors.  I purchased mine in an olive green (love that green-- my favorite).  Then I went crazy one day adding Over the Moon's cheetah ribbon to it. The cheetah ribbon is from our new safari collection.


 It was so easy and lots of fun. I can change it whenever I want to.
The method used was to cut 3 lengths of ribbon a bit longer than the circumference of the bag.


Weave the ribbon in and out of the weaving already present. When the ribbons joined, I stapled them and hid them under the non cheetah spot. It took me about eight minutes to complete, and any 1-1/2" ribbon can be used.

Hope I have inspired you.

The Ribbon Lady

Wedding Invitations by Sydney Singer



My Visit to Mackenzie Childs
Be still my heart!!!

My friend Donna needed some help moving to her summer home, so I volunteered. She lives in Auburn NY.

Being from the hills of Pennsylvania I only knew we would be going north, I will follow, NO map NO map quest, NO GPS. After 3 hours of absolutely gorgeous driving, we arrived in Auburn. (What a charming town, looks like a Norman Rockwell painting.)

My friend Donna asked while we were having lunch Would you like to visit MACKENZiE CHiLDS?  It sounded like a pleasant idea so my answer was yes! (I'll leave you guessing what or who this is so you'll visit the link).

OMG!! I had no idea what a treasure trove existed in Aurora NY.

I was so charmed, and as a ribbon lady, I saw so many great uses of ribbon, and wonderful combinations of patterns that work so well together.


If you aren't familiar with MACKENZie- CHiLDS please visit at www.mackenzie-childs.com, or better yet take a trip to Aurora NY, you will be enchanted.

Help us win a makeover
Hi all,

Short and Sweet.



We sell our ribbons through an all-in-one e-commerce solution called Big Commerce.  Thy are running a contest.  You can help us win simply by taking 60 seconds to watch our humorous video.

The video

Thank you so much for watching.

Drone Ribbons for Bagpipes


Great favor idea compliments of Ann and Bill


Julie's Wedding


A Beautifuly Wrapped Package

Hi everyone. I find May and June to be big gift giving months. I love to wrap packages. There was a time when I thought I would like to operate a package wrapping service, but then I thought about the time involved and wondered if, at the end of the day,  I would still enjoy wrapping packages.

This week I wanted to show you a lot of packages, but alas alack, I ran out of time, so I picked my favorite, the bridal shower package.

It is wrapped with our double faced satin ribbon, two of our sheer ribbons, two widths of ivory double faced satin, and a " pin wheel" backdrop of Luxor silver metallic ribbon.

I liked the idea of something old incorporated with the ribbon. I used a vintage sterling silver serving pieces. Two small tea cups would be a great addition, a cake or pie server, a vintage juicer, a beautiful handkerchief the bride could use on her wedding day.

The finished product has something old, something new, something blue. I missed the borrowed, so if you have ideas on the borrowed aspect, e-mail me.

When wrapping a package you want the recipient to say "It's too pretty to open!"  I think a beautifully wrapped package adds excitement to the gift. It's so much more fun , and it says I care about you, rather than giving a gift in a paper bag and saying excuse the wrapping. ( That happened to me, I won't name names.)

In order to make a bow, refer to my Christmas video on You Tube on how to make a bow for a wreath. same process, different ribbons and sizes.

Now I need to see your pictures, and hear your creative ideas.  Feel free to send your pics here

Alice

The Ribbon Lady