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It seems such a shame for something as pretty as ribbon to be shut up in a closet, wouldn’t you agree? I have this fantasy of storing all my wrapping in plain sight, as a sort of functional art, and this super simple project has me one step closer.
look at this pretty ribbon, all it asks is to be set out and appreciated
I’d call this a tutorial, but really, it seems too simple to be a tutorial. It’s just a trip to a couple of stores I’m guessing you already visit. A few minutes later, you’ll be set with a place to store every spool of ribbon or twine in your closet. Should we get going then?
Start with a trip to the thrift store.
Have you ever noticed many candlesticks have a hole that goes all the way through? Do a little searching and I’m sure you’ll find several. On my last trip I picked up five. They are ripe for the picking, my friends. If you don’t like your color options, pick up a spray can of Krylon at the hardware store and do a quick paint job when you get home.
Often you’ll need to unscrew something. It wouldn’t hurt to have a Philips and flathead with you when you go.
The next stop is the craft store. Pick out a wooden dowel that makes a snug fit. Mine was pretty snug. The wood was soft enough that I just screwed it right into the base. If your dowel is a little thin, you have options. Pick up a wooden disk while you’re at the craft store. Drill a hole so you can use the wooden disk as your base, then plant the dowel in the hole (again, make sure it’s a snug fit) and slide the candlestick right over. You also have the choice of picking up one of these from the hardware store, they’re called allthreads and work great for this project if you prefer them to a dowel.
That’s it. Once you find a dowel or rod that fits, there’s nothing left to do but stack the candlestick back together, and display in your studio, office, or right on your mantle.
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Very cute idea! I admire how your ribbons “stay” where they’re wound. I’ve tried pins but my ribbons just never do what I wish. :-) I’ll try a candlestick and see it that keeps them in line.
terrific idea!
if i actually owned some ribbon, i’d totally do this. guess i better get on that. you’re making me more crafty even as i write.
Way too cute!
Except mine would not be as cute unraveled by my little helper K-girl. Instead, mine are usually wrapped on a 4×6 chipboard piece and filed by color in a photo box. What a lovely sight when it is uncovered!
How do you keep the ribbon from unwinding? Mine always seem to do that when stored with the orientation this way. Very pretty project though.
Hi Emily,
I’m like Suzanna, I just use a piece of masking tape on my ribbon. I haven’t tried pins like Carly. But if masking tape seems like too much of a hassle, I’ve seen inspiration elsewhere, like these
http://www.themotherhuddle.com/?p=2093
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/tips-techniques/gift-ribbon-storage-solutions-10000001018240/
My mom would love those!
And I can’t get your button to work. :(
hi M’Recia,
Thanks for stopping by. I am so sorry about the button not working. I keep tinkering with the code and thinking I have it fixed, but I guess it’s not right yet. I’ve finally given in, I hired someone who actually knows what they’re doing. So hopefully the codes will be working by next week. In the meantime, I’m happy to email the code to you.
Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know! I really appreciate it.
Love this! What a great idea!
This is so clever. and beautiful!
To keep the ribbon from unwinding just place a small piece of tape over the edge of the end of your ribbon…similar to the one that was placed on it when it was purchased. It works for me!
LOVE this idea! Thanks for sharing :)
Clever and beautiful. This would go perfectly with the tarnished teapot I keep my twine in. Greeeeat :-)
i like thisssss,….. good idea…. ^_^
For someone like me with only ten spools of ribbon this is perfect, love it.
Love love love your twine. Thanks so much for the link!
This is such a clever idea. I now have to figure out how to get the spools so I don’t have my ribbon yardage in ugly bundles all over the place. Thank you.
I will look for a new thing tomorrow when I go thrift shopping, hollow candlestick holders! Thanks for the tutorial, it’s great!
This is SO pretty! I love it! Thanks so much for the how-to, I’ll be linking.
VERY cute idea! Cheers, Julie
I love this! I can’t wait to try it out – what a great addition for my basement! Thanks for sharing!
This would be a great idea for those big ‘serger’ sized spools of thread that don’t fit on my sewing machine! They’re way cheaper and this project would be ideal for keeping the tension even while sewing AND keep them from skittering across the table and on the the floor! THANKS!
SUCH a great idea, just in time for Spring Cleaning! I’ve added this to my “Get Organized” roundup for today, and you can grab an “I’ve been featured badge” if you’d like!
Thanks so much for the terrific idea! :)
i have tons of ribbon! thanks!
What an awesome idea! This is also exactly what I need for that big cone of crochet cotton yarn. Thank you for sharing!
Allthreads are great for this project as you can use a bolt to seperate the ribbon spools…which prevents them ALL from spinning, when you only want to twirl one!
Hey, FYI, your content as been stolen and republished here:
http://tomanygoodthings.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
~another victim
Ohmigosh!! (Great minds think alike!!! LOL.) Awesome display. Love the silver candlestick ribbon holders!! Thanks so much for sharing. So glad to know we’re neighbors.
This is a great idea!
we featured your post in our blog:
http://mfta.wordpress.com/2011/01/28/diy-organizers/
I’m definitely borrowing this idea for storing all my costume jewllery rings! Im off to the second hand store right now!
Natalie!
I never thought of using this for jewlery. What a great idea. I love it! Thanks for the note.
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