Make Ribbon Organizers

After a long and snowy winter, I have made quite a mess of my craft supplies. This week I set a goal to de-clutter and organize my materials before sunny spring weather arrives.  Although most of my craft supplies can be put into labelled storage boxes and jars,  I cringed when I came across this pile of ribbons. Yes, I know ribbons come with their own spools and packaging but when I am in the throes of crafting, I am likely to set the extra ribbon aside rather than take the time to re-roll or wrap them.  So I decided to recreate the wheel and make my own ribbon organizers.  I plan to make some more to organize my embroidery thread as well.

Materials needed to make Ribbon Organizers:

• Thin cardboard (I used recycled cereal and cracker boxes)
• Sharpie markers
• Scissors
• Tape

Directions to make Ribbon Organizers:

1. Cut the cardboard into rectangle shapes, about 4″ x 2 1/2″.
2. Use the Sharpie markers to decorate the cardboard with designs, pictures, or patterns.
3. Trim around the top of the ribbon organizer if you like (this will give it more detail but is not necessary).
4. Turn the cardboard over.  Place the end of the ribbon near the top of the cardboard  and secure it into place with a piece of tape.
5. Wrap the ribbon around and around the cardboard.
6. When you get to the end of the ribbon, tape the end in place.  (If your ribbon comes to an end at the front of your organizer you can unwind it by one row and fold the ribbon in place to the back of the organizer.  Secure it in place with a piece of  tape.)

If you go to any craft supply “swaps”, these ribbon organizers are a cheerful way to bring shares of ribbon, twine or embroidery thread for several people.  In addition, they look more personable for tucking into packages, gift baskets, or even used as a gift tag/topper.  You could even use them to store or organize hair elastics.  Whatever you use them for, I hope you enjoy making them as much I did.  

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