Using ribbon on greeting cards is one of the most popular ways accessorize your cards and scrapbook pages. Adding ribbon embellishments to a homemade card design will give it a professional and stylish finish.
Ribbon is manufactured from many different types of fabric from satin and silks, to lace and nylon. Some types of ribbon have patterned designs and some have decorative items such as sequins or pearls added to them whilst other types have intricate and stunning edges. I find using ribbon on greeting cards always compliments the other embellishments on the card.
Different Types of Ribbon For Your Greeting Cards
Grosgrain ribbon is often used for card making projects. Grosgrain ribbon is one of the more heavy ribbons and is normally made from silk. It can be purchased in a huge variety of colors. Grosgrain ribbon has a ribbed look to it and is bold and usually consists of one solid color.
Satin ribbon is made of a smooth silky material either silk or rayon. It has a glossy look and is sometimes dull on the back. Satin ribbon is great for your card making projects and scrap booking because of its shine. It is also commonly used for gift wrapping. This type of ribbon comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit any project you are creating.
Velvet ribbon is probably one of the harder ribbons to work with when card making. This ribbon is luxurious and adds a touch of elegance to any card. Velvet ribbon is soft and is a densely piled fabric with a plain back. Velvet ribbon is also available in many different colors and sizes.
Organza ribbon is becoming increasingly popular with card makers. It can be purchased in every color you can imagine and every size possible. It is lightweight and has a sheer crisp look. Organza ribbon is especially popular for wedding cards.
Organza Ribbon can be both plain and fancy. It is extremely versatile and looks stunning when made into a big bow for the front of a greeting card.
Gingham ribbon is one of my personal favorites. It is a medium weight, plain weave ribbon which has a check or plaid pattern. The checks in gingham ribbon are equal in width so they resemble little squares. Gingham ribbon has been around for years and is always a popular choice.
When using ribbon on greeting cards it is important to use the correct adhesives. Some ribbons are transparent and there is nothing worse than seeing glue or a huge sticky dot where the ribbon has been placed.
If you are adding a bow try and incorporate something that will compliment the bow and at the same time fasten the bow to your creation. I find brads work perfectly for this.
Using ribbon on greeting cards is a really neat way of finishing off a card, especially when you feel there is something missing or your card needs that little something extra.