Quick Christmas Tree Ribbon Decorating Trick

 

 

 

 

My first career (for about 12 years) was working for several department stores as a visual designer, merchandiser and buyer.  I worked for Saks Fifth Avenue and Stage Stores and I learned so many shortcuts and fantastic Christmas fluffing and decorating tricks {usually dangling from a 20-foot ladder}.  I still use so many of the tricks that I learned back in the olden days and the trick that I use more than anything is so awesome for working ribbon into trees, garlands and wreaths.

I splurged a little this year on really gorgeous velvet and silk ribbons, which really remind me of my merchandising days.  Really, it was one of those things that it’s been years since I have run across ribbon like the kind we were lucky enough to work with at Saks.  I found this gorgeous candy apple green velvet and red silks that I just had to have:

 

 

Because I was so inspired by this ribbon, I really did a lot of layering in my tree and wreaths (more than I would normally do):

 

 

 

To work any size ribbon into a tree or wreath (artificial) like I have done, you can either work with the whole roll of ribbon or cut long strips (strips are easier). You really need wired ribbon as well.   Also, if you want to do more than one layer (I did two) it works better to do one layer at a time.

You begin by cutting a “V” at the start of your ribbon and find a branch that is deep into   the tree and make this your starting point.  You pinch the branch or fold over the branch  to pinch and hold your ribbon in place and allow an extra couple inches for the end to come out; like the way the green ribbon is started below:

 

You can push and hide the branch holding your ribbon if you want or fold it under. Or if you want your “V” end to show like I do, don’t begin deep in the tree.

The next thing to do is to begin to drape your ribbon any way you want.  I usually do a very slight angle downward to the right if I start at the top of the tree.  Every so often, you’ll want to bring your ribbon in towards in hidden inside of the tree and tuck your ribbon in to another branch and pinch and hold like this:

 

 

You can do long sweeps with your ribbon or alternate short and long.  Be sure and not pull the ribbon tight but pull more like your making little hills and do have twists as you work around:

 

 

 

The faster your go, the better it looks because if you focus too hard on getting it even or perfect, it can look too perfect. Also slightly crumble (bend, etc.,)  your ribbon along the way.  Again, you can work with strips of ribbon here and there or do your whole tree.  Once you do your first row, you will see that you can twist and turn and curl up and down and do anything that you like.

 

 

I hope this little ribbon trick can help you!  It’s so fun to really get creative with it.

Cheers!

Cyndy