Ribbon Rack

As I delved more into using ribbon in my scrapbooking, I created beautiful layouts and a serious dilemma.  I became a ribbon addict. 

I had nowhere to put all of that ribbon.  When I tried to peruse through dozens of designs, I couldn't find what I wanted because things just weren't organized.  I had plastic bags full of various sizes and colors and I simply lost track of what I had.  So, as we all do, I went out and bought more.  Finally, I had a vision.  If I just knew what I had in my craft nook, I would use that, instead of buying new ribbon everytime I started a project.  I wanted a ribbon rack.  That way I could even color coordinate!!  Dreamy.  I put my father to work pronto!!

Dad did a great job creating my vision.  If you decide to give it a go.  Here are some things to keep in mind.  Give yourself enough room between dowels to store spools of all sizes (see my project for storing really small ribbons spools by clicking here). Simply drill large holes on each side of your frame to slip either end of your dowel through so you can take it out to add more ribbon.  Once your ribbon is on, you don't need to remove the dowels...just pull down the length of ribbon you need and cut.  Remember to color coordinate.  I also used one row for holiday ribbon.  Organizing everything was the best part.  Be sure to leave enough space on the top frame to attach hanging hardware.  Once you hang this baby up, you won't be able to stop looking at it.  Your masterpiece will become part of your art in your craft office.

Finally, there are different ways to put your mark on the ribbon rack.  My father added some fancy trim to the lighter oak model.  I asked him to keep the darker one simple so I could modge-podge the sides and create a fun gift.  As you can see in the picture above I added the wooden letters "Create" to the top with modge-podged flowers all over it.  Then, I added initials on the side...same decoration.  I covered much of the frame with pretty paper and added some glitter glue and a few flowers.  Let's just say my crafty friend was in love with her gift immediately.  By the way...the whole idea that I would not buy so much ribbon if I was organized enough to know what I had around the house...that didn't work.  Once I got this ribbon rack.  I just wanted to fill it up with more ribbon.