by Claire_Wolfe

Ribbons are the perfect embellishment to any project and are widely available. They can come in many different lengths and thicknesses and can be made from different types of material. They can be bought fairly cheaply from your local haberdashery store or alternatively you could try and collect ribbon which is the cheaper option. Most clothes have lengths of ribbon sewn into them that is used to keep them looking nice on the hanger. When you get the item home, more often that not, these ribbon lengths are no longer needed so carefully cut them out and use them in your crafting projects.

One of the more popular uses for ribbons is to use them in card making and scrap booking. They can be added as borders, can be tied into bows or knots or even strung up with things hanging off them like a washing line. One such idea would be to hang out some garment on a ribbon washing line for Christmas, such as a Santa suit or some stockings. You could even add some mini pegs for added effect.

Ribbons can also make very pretty decorations. Why don’t you make a chain of ribbons, over-sewing the ends to keep each loop in place. If you vary the color and thickness of the ribbon it can add some more excitement to the chain and they can be used as decorations for parties instead of expensive bunting. Unlike the paper chains, these ribbon chains will keep so they can be used again.

by Denise Calaman

One of the most beautiful things about fall is the beautiful display of brightly colored leaves that Mother Nature provides for us.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could enjoy the vivid hues of fall; the golds, oranges and reds, year round?  By preserving leaves that we gather in the autumn we can.  Preserving leaves is an easy, inexpensive way to enjoy autumn beauty any time of the year. 

The supplies that you will need to preserve leaves are no further than your favorite craft store or neighborhood drug store.  The supplies are easy to find and inexpensive to buy no matter how you want to try and preserve this year’s brightest leaves.  Here are a few popular ways to preserve fall leaves:

 Pressed Leaves/Wax Paper

You may remember pressing flowers or leaves as a child.  This is still the most popular, easiest way of preserving leaves.  As with any attempt to preserve leaves you should find leaves that are flat, clean, and free of debris. When making pressed leaves the drier the leaf, the better.