I remember reading a magazine article about the dos and don’ts of decorating according to interviewed experts. One of the designers said an absolute don’t was bows. Even when I read it, I had an immediate reaction. Oh, I totally disagree. I mean, I think we can agree on huge bow tiebacks on curtains in 1980s mauve, but bows can be lovely, feminine, and a great little finishing detail. I’m thinking specifically about simple bows on the back of a slipcover, tie details on the top of a pillow, and a ribbon tie holding a book closed.
A few vintage art portfolios I’ve purchased have had ribbon ties and I felt inspired by them. There’s something in the act of untying a ribbon that makes it feel like you’re in for a treat just opening the book. It’s a little gift, even if it’s not a surprise.
So, I’m no adding bows and pretty ribbon just about anywhere I can get away with! A bundle of old postcards? Tie it up and put a bow on it.
A book I bound for oil painting sketches? Let’s put a blue and white check ribbon tie on it. (You can read more about bookbinding HERE.)
It’s a little customization, a finishing touch, that makes a notebook, sketchbook, really any book special, and just a little more personal. It’s also practical in that it will help the book remain closed if you’re traveling with it.
So, let’s talk a bit about ribbons for those who are on the tie/bow bandwagon with me.
I pick up a lot of ribbon at craft stores. Hobby Lobby in particular has some beautiful ribbons and I’ll pick up a bunch when they are on sale.
polymer clay ornament tutorial
Woven jacquard ribbons are my favorite, though, and I get those from a few places. I was able to purchase a bunch of bundles from a local store – Ingebretsens. They don’t sell the ribbon I bought online, but they do have an Easter tree ribbon bundle that has some cute woven ribbons HERE. A great online resource I tripped across recently, though, is Rose Mille. They carry a ton of Jacquard ribbon from Europe and even some vintage patterns. Their prices are reasonable as well, although some of the wider widths can get pricey.
also sells some beautiful handwoven ribbons/tape. has a pretty variety of jacquard ribbons for $3.00/2 yards.
How to customize a sketchbook with a ribbon marker.
20 Responses
I agree. Just tied a bow on a vintage bell. Can’t have too many bows.
Your ribbons and bows are beautiful. They are another little happiness. I have a ribbon stash and use bows sparingly, but when I do- I love it. I hate when someone makes hard and fast rules about what can be done or what is “IN” and what is “OUT”. A home should reflect the ones that LIVE THERE- not what is the latest rage. My home reflects me. I love going into a home and knowing immediately what a person likes, what they are interested in and what makes them happy. When I see a home that is perfect and new and impersonal it makes me sad. Decor has always spoken to me- since I was 2-3 years old. Instead of playing like the other girls and boys I always sorted, decorated, tidied up… That is what I have always been known and remembered for. A few bows and ribbons are just the right amount of pretty sometimes… Thanks for such a simple, but lovely post. ORDINARY MAGIC
Excellent commentary, Donna!
Put a ribbon on it says it all. I do not agree with the no bow philosophy either.
I agree completely! I absolutely love bows and ribbons!
I’m team ribbon too! Though my stash is pretty low these days.
I collect all kinds if ribbons.In fact I have an entire Amoir filled with ribbon. I make book marks and top with pretty bows slip into my handcrafted cards each time I send a greeting card. Adds a little extra something. And of course every package or gift basket I give have lots of ribbons. I use a lot if curling ribbons in different colors to the fabric fine bows I make. They all look so nice and festive. My bowdabra gets a lot of use during the holidays because I never learned how to make the pompom bows. And speaking of pompoms I keep a stash I’ve made to add to my bows. My friend’s birthday is in Feb so I delivered her gifts all wrapped in pretty paper with bows on top. She told me they were too pretty to open immediately so she admired them for days ! Always love when people appreciate my gifts. And Marian you have give me lots of leads on purchasing ribbon.Tks !
Yes, bring on the ribbons and bows!! I use them all over the house in different ways. My big collection of ribbons makes me happy every time I look at them!
Ha! Anytime I hear a designer or decorator say “an absolute no” to ANYTHING, I rebel and want to use whatever that “anything” was just to spite them! I’m rebellious like that. 😉 I understand that there are certain principles of design that, when adhered to, make a room look pulled together, but rules were made to be broken, and personal preference, especially when sentiment or family heirlooms are involved, always trumps rules.
Perfectly put, Deborah! I’m rebellious like that, too!
Forty years ago there was a jacquard ribbon mill near us in New Hampshire. They had tubs of “seconds” and regular ribbons off the bolt. Many of the looms were over a hundred years old from France. Sadly it burned to the ground and was never rebuilt. I still have some of the trims.
Mary, I also live in NH. I’m curious, what town was the mill in? Thanks!
Mary, what a story! I grew up in NH and remember trips to a delightful and quirky fabric store in Manchester. It was magic!
Yes, I’m a bow person, it just makes anything more dressed up. Thanks for sharing those places to shop. I get a lot of mine from estate sells.
Ribbons and bows make a nice addition to most things. I like keeping a small stash.
YES! A quality, beautiful ribbon is often a lovely addition!!!
Oh, do I love ribbon! Like many of my “supplies” I get joy from just looking at them and arranging them. I cannot wait to look at the sites you posted – thank you!
Oh I am a ribbon hoarder for sure! I use it in lots of various ways but my stash will probably outlive me lol!
Love pretty packages & the ribbons and bows & wrapping paper to use. Looking forward to wrapping packages for my new Great-Grandson who is about to make his appearance!! Thanks for the name to order ribbons from!!
Oh, my how you have hit a nerve! Ultimate rules by decorators is a pet peeve of mine also, but then who listens to them? Not me. I’m of the belief that a swath of lace or ribbon can be used everywhere except maybe my husband’s garage workshop. I go big for bows. I always admired Dorothy’s Ruffled Original Curtains, the big six inch ruffles edging very full panels tied back with huge bows. They were hot in the 1980’s, but I couldn’t afford them so I made my own from bedsheets, and they still hang in the master bedroom (another thing that is a no-no: master). Dorothy said she was inspired to design the tie-backs from tying the sash on her daughter’s dress. God bless her!
As for ribbons; the stash is overflowing! Lately I made rustic ribbons by soaking a worn out bedsheet in coffee overnight and tearing the fabric into strips and then rolling those onto an empty paper towel tube. They turned out so well I tore up my husband’s worn out Levi’s into strips as well. You would love that shade of blue, Miss Mustard Seed.