Back to School with Gwen Studios

 Hi Everyone!

It's Back to School time!  I can never get used to an August start for school, but I know many of you are already back.

There are so many ways to use ribbon for Back to School.  You could make a bookmark, a tassel for your backpack, a new ribbon for your hair or decorate a pencil holder.  That's just a few ideas.  With Gwen Studios ribbons, you'll be able to find colors of every hue!

I decided to show some school spirit and make a decorative ribbon medallion.  It can be used to decorate a bulletin board or hang on your backpack.  Put a pin back on it and wear it or attach a ribbon and wear it around your neck.  Attach a magnet and it will go on your refrigerator to highlight schoolwork or photos.

First, paint a circle.  I chose a wooden one, but you could use cardboard or heavy cardstock and cut your own by hand or with a die cutter or punch. This one is a bit over 3" in diameter.

Next, cut lengths of two different colors of ribbon. I used 4" lengths of a blue satin and a yellow grosgrain.  Lay them together, fold them and staple the ends.  You could also use double-sided tape. For my medallion, I cut 12 of each.  It will depend on the size of the circle and the width of ribbon you use.  

 

Starting at the compass points, glue the ribbon petals on the back of the disc.  I used hot glue.

Cut two more lengths of ribbon to hang below the circle and glue to the back.  Color a letter with pen or paint and stick to the center of the circle. Cover the back with felt and adhere a pin, loop or magnet.

 Here's a quick tip.  If you fold the ribbon in half and cut the end at a diagonal, you get even points!

 Make it your own:  add another row of ribbons, add more hanging ribbons, write a message in the center instead of a letter or......

You can now find Gwen Studios at Walmart and Michaels!  As a member of the design team for Gwen Studios, I receive samples of ribbon to create these designs.  Check out the Gwen Studios blog for more ideas with ribbon and trims.

Stop by the Designer Crafts Connection blog for more great ribbon ideas!