Ribbon sculpture has experienced a rise in popularity as everyone from kids to grandparents have discovered that this versatile craft offers boundless opportunities to explore their creativity. Armed with little more than some ribbon and glue, you can create adorable animals, insects, flowers and even cartoon characters. While many of the best sculptures look insanely difficult to complete, the truth is that just about anyone can turn out a professional-looking sculpture after only a few minutes of practice. If you are ready to let your creative side shine, here is everything you need to know about how to get started shaping ribbon into anything your heart desires.
Gather Your Supplies
One of the best things about ribbon sculpture is that it requires surprisingly few supplies. Ribbon in your preferred colors and sizes are a must, and having a variety of ribbon options can really spur your creativity. In addition to ribbon, you will need the following items:
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun (younger kids can use fabric glue)
- Alligator clip (for bows or to help hold ribbon together)
- Lighter or seam sealer (to seal the cut edges of ribbon)
- Tweezers
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Optional: embellishments such as googly eyes, buttons and charms
Find Your Inspiration
Just about anything can serve as a source of inspiration for your ribbon sculpture. Seasonal sculptures, such as ghosts, snowmen and hearts, are popular throughout the year and can serve as a starting point for creating your design. Kids may enjoy making simple sculptures of their favorite characters such as Minnie Mouse or a princess crown. Ladybugs, caterpillars and butterflies all make excellent beginner sculptures that can be used to make bows, refrigerator magnets and lapel pins. If you struggle with inspiration, look online or at books for simple shapes that can be easily recreated with grosgrain ribbon.
Get Started
Once you know which design you will create, you will be ready to set up your space and sculpt. Begin by carefully measuring your ribbon, and cut it to your design’s specifications. Then, arrange your cut ribbons in the shape of your design to make sure they all fit. Alligator clips and pins can be used as a temporary way to hold your piece while you make any final adjustments before gluing. When you are satisfied with the appearance of your sculpture, get out the hot glue and make it permanent. Again, you can use the alligator clips to provide stability until the glue is completely set.
Display Your Sculpture
A ribbon sculpture is meant to be displayed. Show off your crafting skills by finding the perfect way to use your sculpture to bring beauty into the world. Little girls love hair bows that include cheerful ribbon sculptures, and you can keep on sculpting to make an entire set. Add a loop of ribbon at the top of your sculpture, and you have an instant gift tag that will certainly be unique. Holidays are also a perfect time to use your ribbon sculpture as an ornament. Larger ribbon sculptures can be framed and used in a newborn’s nursery, or you can set several together as part of your mantel display.
With only a little bit of ingenuity and a whole lot of colorful ribbon, everyone can create beautiful ribbon sculptures that look far more complicated than they are to complete. Once you have honed your skills, invite your friends and family to come over for a craft-a-long where everyone can take part in some creative bonding that is sure to lead to an array of lovely sculptures.
Bio:
This guest post contribution is courtesy of The Ribbon Retreat, an online store offering arts and crafts material for various types of projects. Some of these products include offray ribbon, grosgrain ribbon and fold over elastic.
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