Tutorials and Product Advice - Ribbon Impressions

Personalized Ribbons Reinvented

Personalized ribbons are no longer just for wrapping presents!

From rosettes to badges, custom ribbons are a great tool to use at any time. While events, conventions and other parties are the most common usage of personalized ribbons, they are so versatile that you can use them almost anywhere.

Schools, sports teams and even wedding planners use custom and personalized ribbons on almost a daily basis. So, how can you reinvent something that is used so commonly?

First things first, let’s define why you need all those personalized ribbons.

So, why do you need a personalized or custom ribbon? With so many available ribbon types, reasons to personalize them are abundant. Giving homemade gifts, recognizing someone for a high achievement, and providing decorations for a party are all perfect reasons to customize ribbons. Add dates, names and quotes to ribbons. Or add a logo or other graphic to send a particular message to the recipient.

No matter your need, we’re sure to have the ribbon to match!

So, what ribbon types are available for those needs?

Ribbon rolls are the most common type of ribbon due to how versatile they can be. From wrapping presents to making decorations and even to doing craft projects, ribbon rolls are easy to form to almost any shape.

Rosette ribbons are not just for awards. Try a color scheme to match your next party and use them as decorations. They also make great wreaths. Whether it’s your achievement ribbons or ribbons purchased specifically for a project, rosette ribbons are better than you think.

Classic and badge ribbons are ideal for just as many things. While commonly used with name badges, that doesn’t mean that is all they are good for. Try using them in ice breaker games at your next party. Or use them as classroom awards or other teaching tools

And lastly, here are a couple of ideas to use those ribbons in your daily routine.

Many professionals use ribbons daily. Event planners, sports teams and teachers all use these tools every day. Use them for almost any project in your office or school. They will keep children of all ages entertained. Personalized ribbons are ideal for gift giving. But, no matter your reason to incorporate them into your daily routine, remember that customized is the best way to go!

Creative Ribbons: Getting Kids Involved

From kindergarten to high school, kids everywhere are claiming they are bored this summer!

Here are a few ideas to keep them busy and out of trouble.

letting the kids have fun with ribbons will help imagination grow

Are there any book clubs in your area? Reading helps intellect and imagination grow. And reading can be fun when choosing the right books. Help get your kids excited about reading by using creative ribbon bookmarks.

This project doesn’t have to be anything too complicated. But make sure to tailor it to your child’s age. A simple version of these ribbon books marks is something as basic as finding a paper clip and wrapping or tying some colorful ribbon to the end. Scrap ribbon rolls are perfect for this activity. See more bookmark options here!

Add some whimsical ribbons to your next kid’s event. They’re colorful and fun for everyone!

Do you have a summer birthday in the family? Or even just a get-together for the kids in the neighborhood? Try dancing ribbon rings or ribbon wands as a fun way to use up some of those brightly colored scrap ribbons you might have on hand. Making this craft is easy. Either paint Popsicle sticks or get some that are already colored. And then either glue or tape the ribbons to the end. These are sure to be a hit with the younger children at any party!

Award Ribbons

Custom ribbons for kids and education uses.

Choose from our wide selection of rosette and classic ribbons for any reward type that you might need. It doesn’t even have to be for an event. You can give a kid a ribbon as a way of saying thank you. Give one as a self-esteem booster to a child feeling lonely or out of sorts. And, keep one for yourself if you want!

When giving award ribbons to kids for a job well done, there are many different ribbon styles from which to choose. Design Rosette Ribbons and Custom Top Ribbons to include every student with their accomplishment. Try using accolades such as, “Outstanding,” “Star Speller” and “Happy Camper.” Any of these ribbons are sure to let a child know that someone is noticing their hard work and is proud of them.

Using Ribbons: Dictionary & Glossary

A glossary is helpful when making your next ribbon choice!

With so many different custom ribbon types to choose from, selecting the perfect ribbon for your event or project can be difficult. This simple ribbon glossary is helpful when picking the perfect ribbon for your next ribbon project or event.

Most of these terms refer to our custom ribbon rolls. However, some of them are for printing processes and other ribbon types.

Polyester:

This is a fabric made from a polymer which is usually formed by polymerizing a polyhydric alcohol with a polybasic acid. These fabrics are colorfast and will not shrink. They are the most durable.

Grosgrain (pronounced gro-grain):

This is a heavy ribbon which has a ribbed, or corded texture and appearance across the width of the ribbon, typically made of silk or rayon.

Chiffon:

This is a sheer fabric of silk, nylon, or rayon in plain weave.

Acetate:

Also called acetate rayon. This is a synthetic filament, yarn, or fabric composed of a derivative of the acetic ester of cellulose. It differs from viscose rayon in having greater strength when wet and greater sensitivity to high temperatures.

Satin:

A ribbon or fabric which has a smooth, shiny appearance, and often has a glossy face and a soft, slippery texture. The term “satin” is a type of weave which results in the shiny appearance on one side and “flat” appearance on the other.

Metallic:

Referring to a yarn or fiber made partly or entirely of metal or a reflective film or ink and having a metallic appearance. This is also in printing and makes lettering and logos slightly reflective to light.

Hot Stamp:

A dry printing method of lithography in which predried ink or foils are transferred to the ribbon surface. This is done at high temperatures and is efficient for quick runs and simple designs.

Hopefully, these terms will help you to understand what are the differences in our ribbon. And, as always, we’re here to help. And we are only a click or a phone call away!

Custom Ribbons: Full Color vs. Imprinting

The printing process for custom ribbons is one of its most important features. While all of our custom ribbons have multiple uses, sometimes you have to know just the right ribbon to choose. And, with different printing options, at times you just need a helping hand to make that decision.

The first ribbon is imprinted with a standard die.

The second ribbon is imprinted with a metal die.

The last ribbon is printed in full color.

Imprinted Custom Ribbons

When a ribbon is imprinted, it means that a stamp is pressed onto a thin foil against the ribbon. Heat is applied and stamps this colored foil onto the surface of the ribbon. Because of this stamping process, imprinted ribbons will not hold fine detail. Keep your graphics and text a bit larger so that details don’t get lost in the printing.

A plus to imprinting is that you can have metallic printed onto your custom ribbons. This means that they will sparkle and shine. The metallic foils will help others to see what is imprinted on the ribbons. Imprinted ribbons are perfect for any fair, sporting event or other achievement days.

Full Color Custom Ribbons

These custom ribbons allow for a multi-colored background instead of a solid color like imprinted ribbons. However, no metallic printing is available. But don’t let that discourage you. Print these full color ribbons with almost any design you want! And because of the printing, the ribbons capture detail finer than what imprinting will hold, so you can do whatever you need to with your text and graphics.

From prints that include a bleed to bright and eye-catching designs, these custom ribbons are sure to get your message out there! These ribbons are a great way to promote a special day, promotion, sale or any other event.

So, if your next custom ribbons project is something simple and plain to go with a name badge, imprinted ribbons are for you. These are also ideal for quickly identifying someone’s role during an event.

However, if you need something that will stand out in a crowd, make sure to choose a full color ribbon instead. With all the color and printing options of full color, your ribbons are sure to be the hit of your conference!

Finishing Touches: Wedding Kissing Balls

Kissing balls, also known as pomanders, are perfect for an alternative bouquet for bridesmaids.

Traditionally, kissing balls came from England during the Middle Ages. They are a symbol of goodwill. They were hung over doors to welcome visitors and celebrate Christmas. However, these decorations eventually became a symbol of romance and eventually became a favorite wedding tradition.

Use these hanging floral arrangements to dress up the aisle at your wedding. Or, use them as an alternative bouquet for flower girls and bridesmaids. Some brides even opt for using pomanders as a bridal bouquet. They are also beautiful when arranged from a doorway or arch.

And, pomanders are easy to make with silk flowers, fresh flowers, or even from tissue paper.

HOW TO MAKE A KISSING BALL

First things first, make sure to have all your materials gathered! You will need:

Foam Ball
Flowers (you can use real or artificial)
Personalized Ribbon
Wooden Skewer or knitting needle
Hot Glue

Now, the assembly!

Gently push the skewer through the top of the foam ball. This action will cause it to go in one side of the ball and out the other. Once this is done, thread the personalized ribbon through the ball using the skewer or a knitting needle.

Next, gather all the flowers without stems together. You will need roughly 38 flowers to cover a 4 inch ball. Put a dab of hot glue on the base of the flower and gently push it into the foam ball. Repeat this step until you cover the ball in flowers.

Play with colors and layout with different flower types. We also added some extra ribbon among the flowers for a personalized touch. You can also add additional details like beads or crystals in between the flowers. Or add another decorative piece at the center of each flower. By using artificial flowers, these balls will last a very long time.

Kissing balls made with real flowers are just as easy to make. Make sure to use a floral foam ball instead of Styrofoam. Cut each flower with about a one-inch stem to insert into the ball. Be gentle so as not to damage the flowers. And, keep in mind when using fresh flowers that the pomander will not keep as long and should be used within a couple of days of making them.