Who Knew!

Ever have something that you've used for ages, and then suddenly someone shows you an entirely different way of using it? Yeah, that was me in a card class I took recently at A Time For Memories in Grafton, MA. One of the cards we made used a simple, ordinary, everyday piece of stitched ribbon that we made a flower out of - and it was so obviously easy & fun! Why did I never think of this before?! So in the interest of sharing the wealth, here is how to do it:

The key to this ribbon flower is to start with grosgrain ribbon that has stitching along both edges. I was able to find some in a variety of colors and widths at my local craft supply store. For this flower, I used an 8" piece of 7/8" wide ribbon:

First, take up BOTH ends of one side of the stitching (I made the mistake of only pulling one end of the stitching my first time, and proceeded to pull the thread all the way through and out of the ribbon...you do NOT want to do that!). Note: You will leave the stitching on the other side of the ribbon alone.:

This is essentially it! Keep holding on to the threads from BOTH ends of the ribbon and pull both sides toward the middle, bunching it up like a ruffle:

Once you've got the threads pulled tight, tie them together to close off your flower:

Cut the strings, and voila!

Add a button, large brad or jewel and enjoy using these extra-easy, fun embellishments on cards, scrapbook pages, crafts & home decor! Here is the card we did in class:

And here is a card I did using a black 5/8" ribbon:

I just love how quickly I can create one of these flowers - and they are so stinkin' cute! Try one on your next project!