Crafts ideas: How to reuse personalised ribbon

Thought our personalised ribbon was a one-trick pony? Think again! Too pretty and sentimental to throw away with the wrapping paper, we’ve got plenty of ways it can be used again and again. If you’re feeling crafty, keep on reading to discover our top easy and intermediate ribbon crafts, from turning ribbon into bows to using ribbon for wreath making. 

Easy ribbon crafts using personalised ribbon

Elevate a vase or candle

Got a vase or a candle that needs a little glow up? Transform it into a shelfie star by adorning it with your personalised ribbon. Proof that a little strategic placement can go a long way, all you need to do is tie (and or/glue) it around your vase or candle to transform it into a stylish home accessory with added flare!

Top tip: Use our ribbon on an upcycled perfume bottle to create a homeware accessory with a story

Reuse when wrapping someone else’s gift

If the ribbon you have been gifted sports a classic ‘happy birthday’ or ‘with love’ message, you might want to rehome it in your wrapping supply stash. Then, the next time you’re invited to a birthday party, you can pass the celebratory words on to someone else and reuse the ribbon.

Turn ribbon to bows

Bow making with ribbon is big in crafting, but that doesn’t mean it’s complicated. Follow these steps to create a small and simple bow perfect for to attach to presents, cards, or even fashion into a bow hair slider (by adding a clip).

Step 1: Trim your ribbon to 50cm 

Step 2: On a flat surface, bring both tail ends to the middle of the ribbon until they overlap and mimic the bow shape you want to create

Step 3: Taking a loop in each hand, fold the left over the right and through the centre until it’s tied 

Step 4: Tug at the ends until you’re happy with the shape and snip any excess ribbon until it’s even

Step 5: To keep the shape lasting for longer, you might want to add a dot of glue to the centre point at the back and heat seal the ends to stop it from fraying.

Sure, it might be a bit fiddly at first – a little patience can go a long way when it comes to bow making with ribbon.  

Make a DIY festive bauble  

If making your own Christmas decorations is a tradition your family never forgoes, then how does jazzing up a Christmas bauble sound?

Step 1: Take a clear DIY Christmas bauble (these are available in most craft shops or online)

Step 2: Carefully prise both halves and set one to the side.

Step 3: Add a small handful (depending on the size of your DIY bauble) of eye-catching glitter and sequins in one half of the bauble.

You now have two choices regarding what to do with your ribbon. You can either swirl the ribbon into a pretty pattern inside your bauble and reattach the second half carefully to create a pretty bauble full of creative charm and colour! 

Or you can close the bauble up and tie the ribbon around the outside or use it as a loop to hang from the tree. Either way, your reused ribbon will enjoy a second lease of life and pride of place on your Christmas tree! 

Elevate plain gift bags

You know those brown paper gift bags you can pick up in any good crafts store? Give them an easy-peasy makeover by punching a couple of holes in the top and threading through your personalised ribbon to create eye-catching handles. Your gift bags will turn from drab to fab in no time!

Make ribbon art

3D art is making a comeback, and we’re here for it! Whether you want to use your ribbon on a canvas or pop it into your kid’s crafting box so they can have fun making cards for the grandparents, our personalised ribbon is sure to come in handy.

Intermediate ribbon crafts using personalised ribbon

Got an excellent base-level crafting kit (we’re looking at you glue gun!) Then you can try your hand at these creative ideas to make your reusable ribbon take on a whole new life.

Ribbon bookmark

Want a 5-minute craft project? Transform your personalised ribbon into a bookmark with a handful of beads/charms and your trusty needle and thread (or glue gun). 

Step 1: First, you might need to trim your ribbon to a couple of inches longer than the tallest book on your shelf

Step 2: On one end, tie a knot and on the other thread through a few small beads – they can be glass, wooden, colour-pop, or your favourite style

Step 3: Once you’re happy with the design, secure the unfastened end with another knot, spot of glue, ribbon clasp or a few stitches.

Et voila! 

Make a keyring or handbag accessory

Whether your personalised ribbon features your initials or a heartfelt message, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face when you’re out and about. So, transform it into an everyday accessory like a keyring, luggage tie or handbag decoration with a smidge of creativity.

To create an accessory that you can attach to your keys or your bag, all you need is an old lanyard, your piece of reusable ribbon and to follow these steps:

Step 1: Cut the hook from the lanyard and keep it to one side. 

Step 2: Next, take your ribbon – and a couple of extras in your favourite colours – trim to your desired size and thread through the lanyard hook until they double back on themselves, creating a loop. 

Step 3: Tie or sew them in place at the top and trim the ends until they’re even. And now you’ve got yourself a new stylish accessory!

Ribbon for wreath making and decorating

Using our personalised ribbon for wreath making will add an extra special touch to your eye-catching display. If you’ve watched the YouTube videos, then you’ll know that a ribbon wreath or garland is best created using a wide ribbon (and laced with wire) and a wreath wire rack, as it helps form and keeps the shape.

Our personalised ribbons are perfect for weaving into the final product or as a finishing touch (like a bow) – perfect for elevating your centrepiece or door display.

Oh, and if you want to add more wow factor to your wreath, why not add some sparkle with the help of battery-operated fairy lights?

Ribbon flower making

Want to make ribbon roses? We’ve found a technique that doesn’t require a seamstress’ keen eye or even a sewing machine, for that matter.  Follow these easy ribbon flower making steps:

Step 1: First, trim your ribbon to about 50cm (this is the sweet spot) and heat seal the ends to stop them from fraying

Step 2: Take a 4cm needle and keep your fingers at the base of it (this is to stop the ribbon from falling off the end)

Step 3: Starting at one end of the ribbon, pierce it at the far edge, then point the needle diagonally and thread it through the opposite edge. Repeat alternating edges in this zigzag way until you reach the end of the ribbon. 

Step 4: Thread the tail end through the eye of the needle, then pull slowly pull it through the centre of the ribbon, twisting as you reach the end of the needle. As you go, you’ll see the rose shape forming, so take your time with those pretty petals

Step 5: Trim the end, and there you have it – a beautiful rose ribbon!  

About Elena Chow
Copywriter

Elena is a creative copywriter who’s been around the beauty block for more than a decade, writing for brands and glossy magazines. A self-proclaimed fragrance addict (her ‘open’ collection is at 14 bottles, but who’s counting?), it’s no wonder she loves penning pieces on our newest releases and trending notes. Her signature scent? Elle by Yves Saint Laurent.