Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Trimmings- The Way of the Ribbon

Looking for something new and unique to use in your beading projects? Why not check out the local ribbon and trimmings store? On my recent trip to London, I stumbled upon a cute little Trimmings shop called V.V. Rouleaux, where I was drowning in a sea of color and inspiration. Rows upon rows of ribbon, cording, lace, leather, suede, embroidered ribbon, and felt. Downstairs I found fabrics, and trimmings for curtains with poms poms, and cotton cording, plaid ribbons, silk, organza.

Mixed media jewelry is popular right now, and there is no better way to add a bit of softness to your designs than with ribbon. You can use cord end caps, like these....

These silver Crimp ends can be found at Lilys Offering

Or use wire to attached the ribbons to jumprings like this....


The possibilities are endless!

17 comments:

TesoriTrovati said...

Swoon! I love ribbon. In fact, my professional organizer was so stunned by my ribbons that she may have swooned a bit at the daunting task of reigning me in! I only wrap presents in real ribbon...anything less is just an insult! My signature ribbon is chocolate satin. I love what you have done with the ribbon, and you have inspired me to revisit my stash and make good use of it! Enjoy the day! Erin

Lorelei Eurto said...

Awesome!
I think I was completely smitten with the store itself. It was such a pretty shop filled with pretty things. I couldn't help myself. There was a moment when I had so many rolls of ribbons in my arms that I kept dropping them on the floor every 15 seconds. Looking at this last photo, I am kicking myself that I didn't end up buying that beautiful sage green suede cord! DANG IT!

ClickNCamera said...

Very impressive...what a fun bracelet, too! Mixed media is such a fun and eye catching way to draw attention to your design. I'm adding "ribbon" to my "must try list"!

FunkyMonkey Girls said...

I wanted to play with ribbon but couldn't figure out, dur, how to attach it to the beads! Thanks for the idea!

Funky Monkey Girl,

Jolene

Eileen said...

wow...absolutely overwhelmed with ribbon...i have none...i will have to get me some ribbon soon...i love how you use them in your work...

Anonymous said...

what gorgeous ribbons! must try too!

Marie Cramp said...

That rack reminds me of how much ribbon I have. I probably have as many spools, just smaller ones. lol. I am a huge scrapbooker and card maker, so I use it a lot for that. I think I will have to raid the ribbon drawer for my next design. :)

Marie

Metallo Bianco Jewelry said...

Mmm..I love ribbon! Spools and spools of it...and all of those colors. I really like the bracelet, the ribbon is a great touch!

Unknown said...

OOooo, looks like my kind of shop. Lovely bracelet too!

Dale said...

Using fabric in mixed media necklaces is awesome. I have been reading Nina Bagley's blog 'ornamental' often, and she is really good at using fabric to make pendants. It's such a lucious material... i love it.

rosebud101 said...

Wow! What an amazing store!

Jeannie said...

We must be channeling each other. I just made a necklace with a black tassel I found in a ribbon store.
Love the bracelet. It's so me with all the colors.

Jen Judd said...

Silver crimp ends are one of my FAVE findings! I love how easy they are to add leather to a project. :)

Jen

Susan Marling said...

The braclet is wonderful.I have never worked with ribbon-am just starting out and love your things and several others that you have mentioned. How does one start such a wonderful bead stash - do you buy strings as well as individual beads. I am trying to start and be smart about what I invest in - clasps - how do you know what and how many to get? I would love some feedback. Thanks.

Michelle Mach said...

What a great ribbon photo! I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd love to move that whole rack into my studio!

glennis said...

I've been introducing my silk shibori ribbon to beaders recently and have found that by putting it into the hands of beaders some exceptional creativity has emerged. I hope some of your readers here will take a look at what I'm doing and try some out in their designs!
I'm growing a network of finer bead shops who carry my ribbon with beading and jewelry in mind and will take a look at the London shop for sure!

Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor said...

I love this idea Lorelei! My mom recently gave me all of my hers and my Grandmas old ribbons and trims. Many are too short to sew with but they would be perfect for a use like this!