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Ribbon, the True Story Unraveled

The ribbon that we use so freely today was once called ribbands, which were strips of silk, and worn as borders on the garments of 11th century noblemen.

By the 17th century ribbon became fashionable with people in polite society. Although ribbon was made in the homes of peasants using looms they rented from the manufacturers, it was used to embellish expensive costumes and decorate the homes of the rich.

Fortunately, ribbon is now available for the rest of us and is widely associated with many special moments. People compete to win the blue ribbon, new companies have ribbon-cutting ceremonies to signal their official openings, and streams of ribbon adorn bridal dresses and bouquets.

We welcome the enlisted home with yellow ribbon, express sympathy and mourning with black ribbon and show our support of breast cancer awareness by wearing pink ribbon.

Napoleon Bonaparte pointed out the importance of ribbon when he said " A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon."

In the gift basket business, ribbon is essential. There are a number of types of ribbon on the market that can add dimension and value to your designs:

• Satin acetate is one of the most popular because it's the most affordable. You can get it wholesale for as low as 6 cents a yard on a 100 yard spool. Don't expect to find this size roll in a retail craft store.
• French wired is beautiful, but more expensive. It oftens runs around 24 cents a yd on a 10 yd spool.
• Curling ribbon has ridges that enable you to cause it to curl by firmly pulling your scissors across the ridges.
• Raffia, a type of straw, comes from the magnificent raffia palms of Madagascar. The natural raffia fiber is exposed when the leaves of the palm fronds are opened. Raffia is offered in natural and dyed in many colors.
• Punchinello is metallic with holes and is often used to add glitz and glamour.
• Sheer ribbon organza, sometimes with satin or wire edges, gives a soft, elegant touch.

Other types of ribbon include grosgrain (a soft-ribbed polyester,) tulle (pronounced "tool",) pull bows, twisted paper cord, iridescents, and metallics.

A gift or gift basket without wrap and bow are like a cake without icing. It may be good, but not as impressive and inviting. You’ll be ready to give your designs the crowning touch when you select the right ribbon to finish your designs.

To learn where to find wholesale companies who carry the ribbon and wrap you need, visit www.RibbonWrapandPack.com our free online directory of over 20 companies that carry not only ribbon and wrap, but also filler, balloons, packaging materials, storage and shelving units.

About the Author

Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus at Fullerton College, educational consultant, gift basket expert, writer and professional motivational speaker. From her websites, blogs and newsletters she motivates small business owners and gift retailers with sales-generating ideas, marketing tips, design ideas and business success strategies. She is mother of four and grandmother.