Helen Gibb - Ribbonwork: The Complete Guide- Techniques for Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings

Ribbonwork
The Complete Guide

Techniques for Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings

Helen Gibb

2004 Helen Gibb
Published by

700 East State Iola, WI 54990-0001
715-445-2214 888-457-2873
www.krause.com

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All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a critical article or review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper, or electronically transmitted on radio or television.

Techniques, Designs, and Projects, copyright 2004 Helen Gibb.
All rights reserved.
Projects and designs may be reproduced for personal use only.
Any commercial use of these designs, in any form or manner, is strictly prohibited, unless permission from the author is granted.

A note about the cover photo: This ribbonwork brooch is made from new ribbons using vintage techniques. The flat rose was a classic rose used during the 1920s, as were the small blossoms, while the budsthey look like stamenswere used to complete the delicate composition.

Library of Congress Catalog Number: 2004103290

ISBN: 0-87349-750-3
eISBN: 978-0-8734-9750-3

Edited by Nicole Gould
Designed by Marilyn McGrane

Printed in Peru

Acknowledgments

I would like to simply say: To all of you who had a hand in this bookmy hats off to you with much thanks and gratitude for a job well done!

There are, however, several individuals who I would like to further publicly thank.

My first thanks go out to two very talented ladies who contributed to the artistry of the book: Sara Frances for her beautiful photographs and Karen Wallach for her lovely illustrations. After having just shot the perfect picture, Sara was often heard to say Now, how hard was that! Think about that quote when you have just finished making a ribbon flower or leaf!

A very special thanks to Kim Sode, Diane Coffman, Liz Morath, Mary Jo Manes, Cindy Anaya, Vicki Jones, Kathy Sigg, Kelly Kiel, Peggy Goetz, Joyce Hoffsetz, Linda Murdoch, Barbara Flowers, Jenni Hlawatsch, Sarah Douglas, and Anita Gibb for all the extra behind-the-scenes support and friendship you have provided me. It just wouldnt have happened without you all!

Heartfelt thanks to:

Carol Duvall, Lindsey Paddor, and the Weller Grossman production crew who have helped me bring ribbonwork to the attention of millions of television viewers.

Meron Reinger, Joyce Hoffsetz, and Janet White for the generous loan of their vintage ribbonwork pieces seen in several of the photos.

Diana Coit of Artemis, Inc and Brooke Exley of Hanah Silk for believing in and supporting my work. The hand-dyed ribbons and velvets seen in many of the photos and projects were a joy to work with.

Edith Minne at Renaissance Ribbons, who continues to bring us the wonderful French ribbons and trims to use in our ribbonwork.

Beth Hill, who continues to paint and supply me with exquisite half dolls.

And heaps of thanks are in order for my editor, Nicole Gould, who not only edited the text, but also calmed me down when I got a bit panicky. Thanks to my familyJim and Melindafor once again bearing the brunt of the creative juices (whether they were flowing or not).Your unconditional love and support are wonderful. I love you both.

Table
of
Contents

Chapter 5 Techniques: Twisting, Knotting, Shirring, Ruching,
Gathering, Creating Bows, and Pleating

Foreword

Who would have believed that such a variety of flowers could be made from ribbon? Or, that there are so many totally gorgeous ribbons out there to make them with? Or, that there are so many surprising places to use them? Im guessing that many of you ribbon flower makers who are already involved in this art form raised your hands in answer to all of those questions, but such was not the case with the staff members of The Carol Duvall Show ... or with many hundreds of our viewers ... or with me, myself ... before Helen Gibb appeared on the scene. What a change she has made in our awareness and appreciation and enjoyment of ribbon flowers. What began as a one-time appearance on our show has turned into a regular series of appearances every time we go back into the studio to tape. It seems that everybody enjoys watching Helen make those flowers magically appear. Everybody is fascinated with the stories she tells about the origins of their many applications and all of us seem to appreciate the touch of graciousness that Helen brings to every show and every project. How perfect, then, that she would write a book that encompasses all of these qualities and features so that any reader can conjure up the magic on her own, at any time she chooses.

While reading some of the pages of this newest book from Helen, I could not help but smile as I heard her voice in my ear telling me this story, or describing that ribbon, or explaining how to fold this and pull that. If you are one of those artists who some time ago learned the satisfaction that comes from making beautiful flowers and arrangements, I have no doubt you will find this book the perfect addition to your collection of books and papers and all manner of information about ribbon flowers. Here is the one place where everything is brought together in one tidy and attractive package with easy-to-follow, step-by-step drawings, beautiful photos of the finished projects, and easy-to-understand directions.

Those of you who have, only recently, thought about trying something that looks so intimidating will gain new respect for your own talents when you learn what you can accomplish under Helens patient guidance.