Sunday, July 21, 2013

Happiness is . . . Card and Pleated Ribbon Tutorial for Really Reasonable Ribbon

Gary and I are celebrating our 31st anniversary in a few days. Here is the card I created for him featuring a variety of natural, masculine ribbons from Really Reasonable Ribbon

"Happiness is . . . Being with you"

Really Reasonable Ribbon Products:

Tips and Techniques:

Pleated Ribbon ~ This May Arts Burlap Wired Ribbon is a dream to work with and pleat. I've included a tutorial to create pleated ribbon below. 

Layered and Wrapped Ribbons ~ I layered four of Bonnie's fabulous natural ribbons starting with the Natural Jute Ribbon topped by Wired Pleated Burlap Ribbon, then 5/8" Jute Ribbon, and finally wrapped with white Bamboo Cording.

Twine Flower ~ Who says you can't use flowers on a masculine project? This one is created with 20lb Natural Hemp Cord using my Twine Flower Tutorial found here. I topped it with a button from the Natural Button Grab Bag. There is such a nice variety of buttons in the grab bags! 

Leaves ~ I trimmed several small sections of May Arts White Leaves and tucked around my flower. 

Trinkets ~ The lovely Heart Skeleton Key which perfectly fits the anniversary theme is from the Craftpon.com Etsy Store. The heart lock is from my stash. 

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Pleated Burlap Wired Ribbon Tutorial


Supplies:
Ruler
Pencil

To determine the length of ribbon needed, each 1 inch pleat takes 2 inches of ribbon with an extra ½ inch on each end, so the 6 inch section of pleated ribbon on my card required 13 inches of wired burlap ribbon. You can work directly off your roll of ribbon, so there is no need to cut until your pleating is completed, but this guide will help you assure that you have enough ribbon for your project. 

Step 1. On the back of your ribbon, make a small pencil mark at 1.5 inches from the end, then ½ inch from that mark, then repeat across the length of your ribbon. Your pattern will be 1.5 inches, ½ inch, 1.5 inches, ½ inch, 1.5 inches, ½ inch etc . .


Step 2. Fold the end of the ribbon at the first 1.5 inch mark towards the back with wrong sides together.


Step 3.  At the next mark, ½ inch further into the ribbon fold in the opposite direction this time with right sides together to create your first pleat.

Here’s what it should look like from the top side:

Here’s a side view so you can see the direction of the folds:

Step 4. Fold again on the next mark 1.5 inches further into the ribbon with wrong sides together.

Here’s a view from the back side after this fold:

Step 5. Fold again on the next mark ½ inch further into the ribbon with right sides together.

Here’s a view from the top of the ribbon after the fold.

And a side view:

Step 6. Continue to repeat these folds until you get the length of pleated ribbon required for your project:

Note, I have shown the side view with the folds slightly open so you can see the direction of the folds. You will actually pinch the wired ribbon so it lays flat:


The wired ribbon holds the pleats well, but I tucked a piece of Scor-Tape in the fabric layers to hold the pleats in place before adhering to my card with more Score-Tape

Be sure to stop by the Really Reasonable Ribbon Store to check out Bonnie's amazing selection of ribbon. 

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Thanks for stopping by! I treasure your comments.

~ Blessings ~

23 comments:

  1. Oh wow, this is a stunning creation with beautiful earth tones and textures. Thanks for sharing your very handy tutorial.
    Hugs
    Desíre
    {Doing Life – my personal blog}

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  2. This is totally stunning and I have to take a closer look on your flower tut. The card is amazing with it's soft natural colours and lovely design.
    Love n hugs
    Marie

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  3. Stunning card Tracey, I love the muted colours. Your husband will treasure this I'm, sure. Your tutorial for the pleated ribbon is excellent! Thank you for sharing. ox

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  4. This is STUNNING!! I love love love the flower and the burlap!!

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  5. Oh wow this is amazing, Tracey! Thanks for sharing with us the technique. Your card is gorgeous, excellent photos too! :)

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  6. Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary, Tracey! I am sure your gorgeous card will be much cherished.

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  7. Happy anniversary to your and your hubby, Tracey!! I hope you have many more happy years together!! Your card is absolutely stunning!! I love all of the texture!! The twine flower is amazing - thanks for the tutorial!! Have a great day :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  8. Very pretty Tracey. Love the pleated ribbon.

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  9. Look at all that AMAZING texture, and I just adore your monochromatic palette! So soft, soothing, serene, and absolutely GORGEOUS!

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  10. Such a great guy card! Love the neutrals! Big congrats on that anniversary!

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  11. COngratulations! That's a fabulous amount of time together.....betcha LOTS has happened over the years, too....LOVE your card..totally rocks that you've used a flower like this...works so well....I really like using hessian atm & I love the look of it here, too:):)

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  12. Such a gorgeous card, I love the textures from the fibers you have used!!

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  13. Stunning card!! Love the natural colors, flower, and pleated ribbon! Congratulations on your anniversay! May you guys be blessed with many more!

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  14. Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. The card is beautiful and so masculine.

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  15. Gorgeous Tracey!! Love the pleated ribbon and shabbiness :) The flower is quite cool!

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  16. Gorgeous! Love the textures and the twine bloom! :)

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  17. fabulous flower and tutorial, love it :)

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  18. Beautiful card Tracey! Love the fancy flower and pleated trimming! Thanks for sharing the how to!

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  19. Beautiful card with such awesome textures! Love your twine flower!!

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  20. Wow, Tracey! This card is absolutely gorgeous! I am LOVING that flower so much! Everything here looks fabulous together! I just love your style and creativity! I hope you are having a wonderful summer!

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  21. Your card is beautiful Tracey. I love all the detail on your card and the flower is gorgeous. Congratulations on your 31st Anniversary. That is a big and wonderful milestone. Thank you for leaving a nice comment at my blog, I appreciate it.

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Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave a message! I treasure your comments.