Deck the Halls: Ribbon Star

I have lots of half-used spools of ribbon lying around in boxes and bags. And it seems that with every new project, a new spool of ribbon is purchased. (Amazing how that happens, right?)

Well I'm putting those spools of ribbon to good use this year with my ribbon stars. The great thing about ribbon stars is they can be used just about any way you want: ornaments, gift add-ons, napkin rings, picture frames. If you can think of a use, you can do it!



Step 1: Start with a spool of ribbon. You'll want at least a yard just for good measure. It's best to pick a ribbon that either has no pattern or the same pattern on both sides (see: my pink-and-white polka dotted mistake).

Step 2: Place the ribbon on your hand and pull the ribbon behind and under your fingers. (Be sure to leave about three inches of material on the shorter side.) The ribbon should now be making an X on your fingers.

Step 3: Pull the ribbon through the back of the X and out.

Step 4: Gently tug and pull until the ribbon has formed a point. Then repeat the process until the star has been completed and the points have come back around.

Step 5: Cut away the extra material. Tuck the ends in and use a dab of low-temp hot glue to secure.

Step 6: Dream a use for your new ribbon star!

Don't worry if you can't get it the first time. I had many do-overs. But when you get it, it's a great, easy way to add a little bit of personality to whatever you're making this season.

Bucket o' Soda

In my post yesterday, I chose a cream and black damask pattern as my decorative paper for the invitations. I tried to run the damask pattern, as well as the colors of cream, purple, and black, throughout the party.

I wanted a bucket in which to corral drinks to keep people from opening the fridge numerous times. (Plus, my fridge is in a back corner of my kitchen, and the flow of traffic would cease if multiple people needed to sneak back there for a beverage.) And because it was super chilly the night of the party, I put the bucket outside where the cold air helped keep the drinks cool.

So, this was my solution:



I found the bucket at a costume supply store for $1.99. The buckets only came in Halloween colors (black, purple, and orange), but seeing as two of my colors were black and purple, I was in luck. Next, I went to a craft store and dug in the fabric and ribbon section until I found a one-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon with damask patten. It was 50-percent off that day, so I got one three-yard spool for $1.50. Finally, all I needed was some double-sided tape to help the ribbon stay in place.

I tied the ribbon around the bucket very haphazardly, just enough to keep it on while I worked. Then I began on one side, worked my way around taping the ribbon to the bucket. You'll have to do minor tucks and folds since the side of the bucket is sloped. When I got to the bow, I tied a square knot, taped the bow loops up just a bit, and I was ready to ice down my drinks.

For less than $5, it was a simple project with great results. Even better - it's completely reusable. And if the damask pattern doesn't match my next party, all I have to do is take it off and tape on another ribbon.

Here's a close-up of the bow.



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