Buzz
Choose a cause and create elegant awareness ribbons with these easy steps.
Awareness ribbons provide a simple means to express support for various causes and are frequently worn on dedicated awareness days. Wearing an awareness ribbon can initiate conversations and offer opportunities to educate others about the cause it represents, while also demonstrating empathy and solidarity.
Steps
Selecting Your Cause and Ribbon Materials
Identify a cause close to your heart. The initial step is to identify and comprehend the cause you support and to determine the corresponding ribbon. Understanding the cause deeply is essential as you may be questioned about it.
- Ribbons are often worn in memory of loved ones, such as a family member who succumbed to cancer.
- They can also signify solidarity with specific communities, like the LGBTQ+ community or the Black Lives Matter movement.
- Ensure to research your sources diligently, as some organizations may not align with the communities they claim to support. Exercise caution when choosing which groups to endorse.
Design your ribbon. While single-color ribbons are straightforward, those with multiple colors or unique designs can be more complex. Although specific causes may have an 'official' design, you're not restricted to it.
- Personalize your ribbon by writing the name of a meaningful person on its tail or incorporating their favorite color.
- The 'Eye' of the ribbon is another area commonly customized with designs or symbols.
- If you aim to replicate a particular design precisely, visit the cause's website to obtain their exact specifications.
Select premade ribbon or fabric for smaller tasks. Opt for ribbon or fabric for smaller ribbons, particularly those meant to be worn. These materials are soft, wearable, and endure stress and weather conditions well.
Opt for paper or card stock for larger tasks. For larger ribbons intended for display on doors or windows, consider using paper or card stock. Since these ribbons won't be worn and won't move much, paper and card stock are more economical and easier to work with for larger projects.
- Paper or card stock also allows easy addition of additional colors - simply use a marker or paint.
Creating Your Cloth or Fabric Ribbon
Determine the size of your ribbon. Decide on the desired size of your ribbon. Most simple awareness ribbons worn by people are typically 1/4' thick. Depending on your method and material, this may require some trial and error.
- When using ribbon or fabric and folding it into shape, cut a strip between 2.5x and 3x the total length of the finished ribbon.
Trim your ribbon. Typically, scissors are used, but precise craft knives work too. Ensure accuracy by using a straightedge or ruler to guide your cuts.
- Strive for uniform angles at each end of the ribbon.
Crease your ribbon. Fold one half of the ribbon over the other to create the classic ribbon shape with an 'eye' in the middle, resembling a 'Figure 8' when finished.
- Secure the halves together with a small amount of craft glue or tape to maintain the shape.
- Alternatively, stitch the halves together with needle and thread, although this is more complex and requires practice.
Personalize your ribbon. Add fabric, tassels, sequins, or other decorations to customize your ribbon. You can also use markers or paint, especially for paper and card stock ribbons.
Creating Your Paper Ribbon
Determine the dimensions of your ribbon. Decide on the desired size for your ribbon. While simple awareness ribbons are typically 1/4' thick, those intended for doors or windows should be larger. Sizing may require some trial and error depending on your method and material.
- For paper or card stock ribbons, trace the ribbon shape onto your material to determine size, which can be cut out later.
Trim your ribbon. Scissors are the usual choice, but precise craft knives work as well. Ensure accuracy by using a straightedge or ruler to guide your cuts.
- Take extra care around corners when cutting the pre-traced ribbon shape from your material.
- When finished, it should resemble a 'Figure 8' with one end open.
Personalize your ribbon. Customize your ribbon or follow intricate designs by incorporating various fabrics, tassels, sequins, or other embellishments. Markers or paint, particularly on paper and card stock ribbons, offer additional options.
- Add a name to the ribbon's tail, trim it with a favorite color, or embellish the 'eye' of the ribbon with symbols or designs.
Mounting and Presenting Your Ribbon
Secure ribbon or fabric ribbons with a pin on clothing. Safety pins, clothespins, and floral pins are suitable options. Insert the pin through the center of the ribbon and the garment, similar to pinning a boutonniere.
- Exercise caution to avoid accidental pricks.
Adhere paper or card stock ribbons with glue or tape. Double-sided tape is convenient, but you can also create makeshift double-sided tape by folding single-layered tape into loops.
- Avoid using glue on non-disposable surfaces for pin mounting.
Showcase your ribbon. Now that your ribbon is complete, proudly display it. Bring attention to the cause you support and be prepared to share its significance with others!
Helpful Tips
Warnings
- Exercise caution when using scissors.
Materials Needed
- Paper
- Marker(s)
- Scissors
- Ribbon
- Pins
