1913 08 page 11
Floral
decorations or ornaments of ribbon are so much in vogue just now, so lovely and useful in many ways, that everybody
is anxious to learn just how they are made.
There is scarcely any art in the realm of fancy work more readily
acquired.
To
begin, the ribbon flowers are fashioned, as a rule, of soft, satin-taffeta
ribbon, ranging from the narrow “baby ribbon” up to an inch in width. If larger flowers are desired, then wider
ribbons are used, but the method remains the same. For the tiny pink rose-buds, commence at the
center, using either a shade of old-rose or deep-pink narrow ribbon: wind
loosely around a bodkin or small, rounded stick, wind again, then twist and so
on until there is enough for the center.
Now take a threaded needle and tack together through the center to keep
it in place; using the next shade of pink, wind and twist as before, and again
a third shade. Two shades of pink with the
old-rose are sufficient for the buds, or, if desired, but one shade need be
used. Remember, however, to tack in
place with the needle, as directed, to keep it firm.
Roses
are made in the same way, at starting; but as they open, very light shade of pink rather wider than
for the buds is used to shape the outer petals, which are twisted very loosely,
taking care to get the turnover effect required for the full-blown rose-petals.
Yellow
roses and buds are made like pink ones, starting with deep orange or yellowish
brown for the center, blending into golden-yellow and then into straw-color or
canary-yellow for the outer petals. For
red roses use three or four shades of “American beauty” ribbon; this color is
just now the rage, and many lovely effect can be produced with it, and used to
good advantage.
Each
flower is made separately and sewed on to a foundation. The best for this purpose I find (as it can
be bent into any desired shape) is very find wire covered neatly with
dark-green ribbon (or a lighter shade, if preferred). This is also used for flower-stems, where
they are intended to show. To make the
foundation for hearts, or other forms, take the required length of fine wire,
covered with the ribbon. Use the darkest
shade of green ribbon to give the effect of leaves; make one or two loops,
catch down with a needle and fasten to the wire, then throw the ribbon over the
wire and make more loops on the opposite side until the length of wire is
reached. Now select a lighter shade of
green ribbon in the narrow width, and continue in the same way, alternating the
shades with light on one side and dark on the other. Two or more shades may be used in this
manner.
When
the “foliage” is completed the buds, roses, pansies, violets or other flowers
are securely fastened in the desired places, after which some long loops of
green may be added to do away with any possible suggestion of stiffness.
Another
method of producing the green-leaf effect is to make rosettes of loops at
intervals along the green-covered wire; then sew a flower in the center of each
rosette. This is especially pretty for
wreaths, single sprays or bunches of ribbon flowers, and gives a realistic
appearance as the stems show in between.
Forget-me-nots,
violets and pansies are made by forming each petal and sewing together. The centers are dotted with gold-colored
embroidery-silk, shaded with orange, and the pansies have dots of green in the
center, and the veinings may be touched with purple water-color paint. Once having practised even to small extent
the fascinating art of making ribbon flowers a thousand and one suggestions
will occur by which the worker will be able to give her productions the touch
of individuality always so desirable.
As
for the decorative uses to which these flowers may be put, they are so many and
varied that it seems almost impossible to enumerate them. They are, of course, very lovely as ornaments
for the hair as well as for the corsage, and make a charming finish to the
embroidered turnover collars and fluffy lace frills that are so becoming and
popular. The linen belt- or girdle-bags
sued so much in summer would be most attractively embellished with a wreath or
spray of ribbon flowers, singly or forming a more elaborate design as
individual taste dictates. Belt-buckles,
heart-shaped, round or oval, are also much in favor, especially for
party-gowns. Again, these ribbon designs
form a beautiful decoration for fancy articles, such as glove-boxes,
veil-cases, handkerchief- and cravat-holders, opera-bags; and are extremely
dainty on a pincushion and for a dresser-scarf, with mats for the different
toilet-articles decorated in the same way – thus taking the place of or
combining with embroidery. Tiny ribbon
roses on silk candleshades of desired color are greatly admired. Again, as favors for the table, or for
dances, nothing could be more charming; for holding place-cards the effect
would be novel and pleasing. A
photograph-frame, perhaps using a favorite flower, forms a unique setting for
the face of a dear friend; and flowers formed in the shape of hearts would be
most appropriate for valentines, or to be given as prizes at a valentine- or “heart-party.”
As
suggested, there is really no limit to the possibilities of these lovely bits
of handicraft, and the work of making them is fascinating in the extreme.
(Miss Roberts will answer all inquiries
in regard to her work, materials, samples, etc., if a self-addressed, stamped
envelope is enclosed.)
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