DIY Network

Ribbon Box Narrow ribbon embellishes a simple round box to create an easy and useful gift. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-218

Allison Whitlock and Kristin Nicholas use the conventional rules of embroidery on a new material as they work with ribbon to embellish a hand-painted papier-mâché box. This is a kid-friendly project that's also great for an embroidery beginner of any age.

Ribbon Box

Materials:

round papier-mâché box (7" diameter)
fuchsia acrylic paint
1 yd. each chartreuse and turquoise grosgrain ribbon (1/4")
tapestry needle (with blunt point and large eye)
acrylic paint
awl and hammer
glue gun and glue
ruler

1. Use acrylic paint to paint the box the desired color (figure A).

2. Remove the lid from the box and lay it upside down on the work surface. Use a ruler to find the midpoint of the diameter. Mark that as the center.

3. With the lid still upside down, use an awl (or a screwdriver with a pointed tip) to hammer the hole at the midpoint (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

4. Thread the tapestry needle with chartreuse ribbon and thread the ribbon through the center hole of the lid 4 times, ultimately making a cross at the center of the box. Use glue to affix the ribbon to the inside of the lid (figure C) (figure D) (figure E).

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

RESOURCES :

Colorful Stitchery: 65 Projects for Embroidering Your Home
By Kristin Nicholas
Storey Publishing, 2005
Website: www.storey.com

GUESTS :

Kristin Nicholas
E-mail: kn@kristsinnicholas.com
Website: www.kristinnicholas.com