Ribbon Jar

I decided to tackle a large box of ribbon that I had been meaning to integrate into my ribbon storage system for months.  I like to have universal & expandable storage systems for all of my favorite supplies.  It is easier for me to keep track of what I have and use it.  For my ribbon I re-spool everything onto wooden clothespins.  It has worked SO well for me.  It was one of the best storage solutions I ever implemented!  The box of miscellaneous ribbon that I had was a big tangled mess (and I didn't think to take a before photo!).  I finished getting it all spooled this morning!

After I gave you a tour of my studio a few months back, I received several questions on how exactly I spool the ribbon onto clothespins.  So I thought since I was up to my eyeballs in the task, I could photograph the process step by step.  You need the ribbon, a wooden clothespin (I buy mine by the bag at the Dollar Tree) and a glass head pin (sewing section of any craft store or Wal-Mart).

First, I insert the end of the ribbon in the slit of the clothespin.  You only need the end to extend about half an inch or so.

Then fold the end over onto the base of the clothespin and hold it in place with your thumb.  You will want to fold it so the good side of your ribbon is face up.

Next you want to pull the other end of the ribbon (the opposite end from the one you folded over in the last step) down over the short end.  This will help keep it from pulling back through the slit without using any tape to hold it in place.

Start spooling the ribbon at an angle down the length of the clothespin.  Try to keep even spacing because this will ensure that your spool will be evenly dispersed once it is completed.

Then spool back up the clothespin in an opposing angle.  Keep everything fairly tight as you are working to help make sure that the ribbon doesn't come off the clothespin when in storage.

You will continue spooling until you have completed your entire length of ribbon.  I have found that with most types of ribbon on th market, I can comfortably get 5 yards per clothespin.  The clothespins take up a lot less room than a spool as well.

To keep the end of the ribbon in place, fasten it with your glass head pin.  Viola, a completed clothespin spool.  Easy, isn't it?

Once I had all of my ribbon untangled and spooled onto clothespins, I organized them into jars.  I have one jar for each color.  It really enables me to find what I want when I need it.  If I need to browse I just pick up the jar and shake it a little to look at all the contents. 

It looks like a ribbon rainbow when I have all the jars lined up on my shelf!

Comments

[Andi Sexton (rrlscrapgal)]

Great tutorial! Gosh, I love this photo of your studio! So fresh, clean and inspiring!

[Shannon]

Thanks for sharing! I am assuming you cut up rolls of ribbon that are longer than 5 yards (i.e. Stampin Up ribbon)??? Also, how do you store your ribbon scraps? At what length do you just toss them out?

[Ketha]

When you shared this earlier, I loved it so much, I've started doing it myself. I use "cracker" jars (from Target). It's a nice organizational task to do when you need to "sit down" and be with hubby while he's watching TV... I also like the look when it's completed...looks like "candy" in jars....Thanks for sharing.

[Lynn Mercurio]

I love the way that ribbon looks on clothes pins, and I have about a 1/3 of mine stored this way...after seeing your post, I'm buying more clothes pins TODAY!

[Chris]

Very nice organization. I love the photo of your studio. It is so clean and fresh looking. Thanks for sharing.

[Evelyn]

LOVE the ribbon spools. What a great way to store ribbon and very attractive to display as well. Thanks for sharing.

[Starla (star)]

I just went and looked at your studio pics again....I just love the clean, crisp look of your space (heavy sigh here! hehee).....someday!
Thanks for the ribbon tutorial....need to rethink my little ribbon storage!

[Liz Gil]

WOW you´re blog amazings, thanks for all the great tips!!!!!

Blessings

Best regards from Mexico City

Liz Gil

[Kim]

Thank you for the directions. After seeing your studio a few months back I immediately implemented the same ribbon storage system but probably didn't get mine wound as nicely so I'll have to try again. Love the way it looks. TFS, Kim

[Ericka]

Thanks for sharing this great idea with us. I (heart) your craft room! I'd love to tackle my ribbon storage situation like you did, but where can I find those clothespins? Do you have a source you can share> Thanks again!

[planetjune]

What a wonderful idea! The finished jars look beautiful too.

[Kacey]

After seeing your stamp room, I started tackling my ribbon the same way. It is getting there slowly - still a ton to go! My dollar store always has the clothespins, but I haven't found the jars yet to store it all in; I am still on a mad hunt though! :-)

[Marie]

Nicole,
I seen this in your article in PC Mag, and I took all my ribbon and fiber scraps and did the same thing. I found the wooden clothespins at the dollar store, and who doesn't love to pay a dollar for something that works so well.
I store them in a Big Clear Cookie Jar (wal-mart) and they look like a candy store with all the great colors. Thanks for the great idea!
~Marie

[Granna on the Go]

Thank you so much for the terrific idea for ribbon storage. They look terrific and wow, to be able to see the rainbow of colors. Your studio is so organized. Thank you again for sharing and again, one of your great tutorials!

[Sara Paschal]

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful idea, now I need to get busy with my ribbon mess.

[Lisa Carter]

I had to cut my su spools to make them fit on a clothespin, What length are most of your ribbons.

[Sherlie]

Oh my gosh, this is fantastic, I love it,, Now I know what I can do with all the biscotti jars that my mom has. What a great idea! I grew up using this kind of clothespin and we used to make dolls with them. Now another great use. Thank you for sharing your idea.

[Cara]

I too implemented this after seeing your craft room. We're all a bunch of sheep I tell ya. My Aunt and my husband saw it and were like...???? My Mom saw it and oohed and aahed. Just the reaction I'd been waiting for.

[Dawn Easton]

Wonderful idea! Looks great there on your shelf too!

[Melanie Muenchinger]

WOW! who knew there 30 plus different shades of orange ribbon?? LUCKY!! ;)

[Aussie Kylie]

What a fantastic idea Nichole.

Thanks for sharing.

K.

[Beth]

love this idea Nicole may have to do this one
have plenty of those clothespins and stick pins.
Thanks

[vivian]

Where did you find the glass slanted jars? Love that idea. I love ribbon and would like to have mine out where I can see it.

[Robb_eeie]

What a great use for the old-style of clothe's pins; I'm certainly going to use this idea next time I spot them at the store.
But what really **WOWWWWWW'ed** me was your post, giving a pictorial view of your new studio. Ohhh geesh Nichole, what a wonderful room; it's beyond exquisite.
I have an idea for you~~~ why don't you create a Bed & Breakfast, using your studio as the bedroom .... I'll be your first customer ;)

[Kristine]

This is a fantastic idea. I remember reading about this in a previous post and I'm thrilled you posted a tutorial. I'm going to start doing this from now on.

Thanks for sharing!