Creative Ways to Use Summer Ribbons as Decors

Summer isn't just a season; it's a feeling. As Henry James once said, “Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me, those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” 

Henry James was an American-born British author, renowned for his novels, short stories, and essays that explored the complexities of human experience. Known for works such as The Portrait of a Lady and The Turn of the Screw, he is regarded as one of the key figures of 19th-century literary realism. 

With its vibrant colors and warm vibes, summer is the perfect time to celebrate, decorate, and create. Even though it's for a backyard gathering or a festive wreath, ribbons bring a splash of color and style to every summer occasion.

In the U.S., August and September are filled with events like Women's Equality Day,  Labor Day, and the return of school—making it a season of gatherings and outdoor celebrations. Adding ribbons to your summer crafts not only brightens the décor but also provides a personal touch, making your celebrations memorable. From wreaths to table settings, ribbons are a simple yet effective way to enhance your summer projects, ensuring they reflect the joy and warmth of the season.

Where Did The Ribbon Come From? 

The word "ribbon" has changed over time. It comes from the Middle English words “ribban” and “riban,” and also has roots in Old French, where it was called "ruban." Ribbons and bows have been around for thousands of years, with ancient cultures like the Greeks, Egyptians, Sumerians, and Aztecs using them as hair accessories. The Metropolitan Museum of Art even has gold Sumerian hair ribbons from around 2600-2500 BCE.

Creative Summer Ribbon Ideas

Summer is the perfect time to get creative with vibrant, colorful ribbons. From wreaths to table settings, ribbons add charm and personality to any craft. Here are some ribbon craft and wreath ideas to inspire your summer projects:

Bright and Cheerful Wreaths

Start with a base of grapevine or foam wreath. Choose an assortment of ribbons in vibrant hues such as sunshine yellow, coral pink, aqua blue, and grass green. Loop and twist the ribbons around the wreath form, alternating colors and textures for visual interest. Add embellishments like faux flowers, seashells, or wooden cutouts to evoke the feeling of a sunny summer day.

Nautical-Inspired Crafts

Channel seaside vibes by incorporating navy blue and white striped ribbons reminiscent of sailor uniforms. Use these ribbons to embellish mason jar candle holders, throw pillows, or even create sailor knot decorations. Pair with rope accents and miniature anchors for a charming maritime theme.

Floral Delights

Adorn flower pots or vases with pastel ribbons featuring floral prints. Wrap the holiday ribbons around the containers and secure them with glue or double-sided tape. Mix and match different floral patterns for an eclectic, garden-inspired look.

Festive Banner Bunting

Create a festive banner bunting using a variety of ribbon lengths. Cut the ribbons into equal-sized strips and attach them to a length of twine or jute rope using hot glue. Hang the bunting across a mantel, doorway, or patio for a playful touch at summer gatherings.

Picnic Perfect Table Settings

Enhance your outdoor dining experience with charming table settings adorned with ribbon accents. Tie ribbon bows around napkins or utensils for an elegant touch. Create personalized place cards by attaching small tags to ribbons and tying them around napkin bundles.

Sun Hats and Hair Accessories

Jazz up plain sun hats with colorful cheap ribbons wrapped around the brim. Craft adorable hair bows or headbands using ribbon scraps and elastic bands. These accessories are perfect for adding a pop of color to summer outfits and keeping cool in the sun.

Easy Steps to Design with Summer Ribbons

• Step. 1 Choose Your Colors

Pick bright, summery colors like yellow, pink, blue, and green, or go for silver ribbon, gold ribbon, rose gold ribbon, white satin ribbon, black satin ribbon, red satin ribbon, and printed ribbon to match the season with decorative ribbons.

• Step 2. Select Your Ribbon Types

Choose from satin, grosgrain, or sheer ribbons depending on the desired texture and appearance for your project. Satin ribbons offer a smooth, lustrous finish perfect for formal occasions or elegant crafts. Grosgrain ribbons, with their textured surface, add a classic, sturdy feel ideal for bows and gift wrapping. Sheer ribbons, with their delicate and translucent quality, are great for adding a touch of elegance and lightness to any design. 

• Step 3. Cut to Length

Measure and cut the ribbon to the required length for your project, whether it's for wreaths, crafts, or accessories. Accurate cutting ensures the ribbon fits perfectly and maintains a clean appearance. Properly sized ribbons enhance the overall design and functionality, whether you're crafting a bow or adding accents to a wreath.

• Step 4. Attach and Arrange 

Securely loop, twist, or tie the ribbons to your design, incorporating different colors and patterns for a playful and dynamic effect. Creative arrangement allows you to customize your project, adding visual interest and depth. This step is important for creating a cohesive and eye-catching design.

• Step 5.  Add Finishing 

Incorporate embellishments such as faux flowers, seashells, or buttons to give your project a unique summer flair. These details add personality and style, making your creation stand out. The finishing touches are essential for personalizing your project and adding a polished, professional look.

Transform Your Summer Crafts with BBCrafts!

Our extensive collection of ribbons will help you create stunning projects that capture the spirit of the season. From cheerful colors to classic patterns, BBCrafts has everything you need to make your summer celebrations memorable.

Here are the stunning types of ribbon we offer:

• Satin Ribbon: Perfect for gift wrapping, floral arrangements, and formal decorations, satin ribbon catches the light beautifully and creates a polished, sophisticated look.

• Wired Ribbon: Wired ribbon allows for easy shaping and molding, making it ideal for crafting dynamic wreaths, elaborate gift packaging, and festive arrangements that stand out.

• Grosgrain Ribbon: Experience the classic charm of grosgrain ribbon, known for its textured, ribbed finish that adds depth and character to any design. 

• Organza Ribbon: Enhance your creations with the delicate beauty of the organza ribbon. This sheer, lightweight fabric offers a subtle, ethereal quality that enhances any project with a touch of grace. 

• Sheer Ribbon: Embrace the soft, translucent allure of sheer ribbon, which adds a light and airy touch to your crafts and décor. Perfect for layering and creating gentle accents, the sheer ribbon is ideal for wedding decorations.

Shop Now at BBCrafts and add a splash of color to your crafts and décor.

Final Thoughts

This season, think about how ribbons can transform your holiday celebrations. Even if it’s a cheerful wreath, a festive table setting, or a nautical-themed décor, ribbons add a personal touch that enhances the atmosphere of any event. As you prepare for Labor Day, Women’s Equality Day, or the back-to-school season, consider how custom ribbon designs can bring your summer gatherings to life.

Reflect on how these simple yet elegant details can enhance your celebrations and create lasting memories. How might these ribbon ideas help you make your next summer event truly unforgettable? Start exploring your creative options today and find out the impact ribbons can have on your special occasions.

Key Takeaways

Celebrate Summer with Ribbons

Summer is the ideal season for vibrant, colorful ribbon projects. Ribbons add charm and personality to crafts and wreaths, making your summer celebrations memorable. They can brighten up everything from wreaths to table settings and personal accessories.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The term "ribbon" has evolved from Middle English and Old French origins, reflecting its long history. Used by ancient cultures like the Greeks and Egyptians, ribbons have adorned people for thousands of years, adding a touch of elegance and tradition to modern designs.

Practical Craft Ideas

Summer ribbons can be used in various creative ways, such as making cheerful wreaths, nautical-themed decorations, and floral accents. Whether you’re designing festive bunting or enhancing picnic table settings, ribbons provide a simple yet effective way to bring a burst of color and style to your projects.