Ricochet and Away!: 100 feet of satin ribbon...

Maybe you've noticed that I have a "Ricochet" tag that I add to the bags I sew? It's a black satin ribbon with white text printed on it. In the blue wristlet up there, I decoupaged the tag to the interior. In the other pic (an Amy Butler "blossom bag") I used fabric glue.

In these messenger bags, I've trimmed the interior pockets in "Ricochet ribbon". Gluing and stitching are the only methods I use to adhere the ribbon to my bags. I tried using iron-on methods i.e. fusible webbing and Stitch-Witch, but the heat of the iron ruins the printed text. Bummer.

The ribbon come from a spool of ribbon I ordered online. I was searching for customized tags and found that most varieties were way out of my cheapskate's budget. Then, I ran across the Ribbon Warehouse. It is not a fancy-schmancy site, and I've only made this one transaction with them, but I am pleased with my purchase. I will return to shop there again. What I decided to buy was 100 feet of 5/8 in.black satin ribbon with the word "Ricochet" printed (in the font I wanted) every 4 inches. It was $20 plus a few bucks shipping. I assume the ribbon is normally printed with the names of the bride and groom or "class of 2012" and used to tie up party favors.

Recently I invented a new way to utilize this ribbon by making removable tags for the purses I sell and gift. I think they turned out pretty cute so I thought I'd share the process with you.
Step one is to decoupage (you know how love "modge" podge!) my ribbon on both sides. After it was all dry, I cut it into little tags.
The decoupage makes the satin ribbon stiff and preserves the inked text. The ribbon still looks silky and shiny and you wouldn't know it was stiff until you touched it.

Next, I punched some holes and dug through my button stash. I prefer 2-hole buttons only because I'm lazy. I found some string I liked. It just the right size so I didn't need to put it on a needle to thread it through the little holes.

You can see how simple this idea is. I threaded some string through the button and the ribbon, tied a knot in the back, and I was done. I like the look of it hanging from a purse handle. I think it adds a touch of professionalism to the bags I sell. I usually make a thank you card for the purchaser that includes care instructions and a business card as well.
I think people appreciate details like this. I know I do.

I think I'll try to make price tags this way as well. It will be a nice touch for whenever I get my tush in gear and get into a craft show.

I'm sure most of you won't have printed ribbon on hand, but I know you are crafty and creative enough to come up with your own alternative. If you're a stamper/scrapbooker/cardmaker you have a multitude of resources to apply words and images to other surfaces. I know there are ways to use your home printer to print on fabric as well. Also, don't get hung up on textiles. You can use paper, cardboard, leather, balsa wood, cork, etc..... Can you see using this method for gift tags and bookmarks as well? I'm going to try to decoupage fabric and cut out flower shapes using my die cutter. Lots of possibilities here. I'd love to hear your ideas, so please let me know if you can think more ways to use decoupaged fabric for embellishments.

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