It’s a Wrap: 7 Creative Ways to Use Ribbon This Holiday Season, Courtesy of Angela Ligouri and Studio Carta

In my ongoing efforts to send less to the landfill, I’ve committed to choosing more eco-friendly gift-wrapping options. (Unless wrapping paper is labeled “recyclable,” it’s likely not.) Last year, I wrapped all our presents using brown paper grocery bags. I was generally happy with the results (the kids, less so), but I think I could have done better had I had Angela Ligouri and Studio Carta’s new book at my disposal: The Ribbon Studio, in bookstores now, is filled with simple DIY projects using ribbon, including clever ways to use ribbon to elevate your gift-wrapping. (We are longtime fans of Angela and Studio Carta, her ribbon store in Chestnut Hill, MA. Go here to learn more.)


Our advice if you’re looking to be more sustainable this holiday season: wrap gifts with upcycled newsprint or paper bags, or Kraft paper, which is recyclable and biodegradable, then add beauty and creativity via one of these seven ribbon-based wrapping methods from The Ribbon Studio.


Photography by Dane Tashima, from The Ribbon Studio, by Angela Ligouri and Studio Carta.


1. Ribbon Tassels


Above: Studio Carta ribbons are made from 100 percent cotton. To fabricate these tassels, cut 8 to 10 pieces of 1/4-inch ribbon; fold them in half; pinch together and wrap thread around several times near the top of the folds before tying with a double knot.


2. Tied Ribbons


Above: Got leftover too-short ribbon pieces? Simply use a square knot to tie them all together for a colorful and charming strand.


3. Ribbon Wreaths


Above: To create these gift toppers, cut out a 1-inch paper circle and glue on 2-inch lengths of ribbon to create a spiral shape.


4. Ribbon Tree


Above: How darling is this ribbon tree? Start by tying thin ribbon, thread, or twine down the middle of the package and once again at the bottom; these two strips act as anchors to keep the ribbon in place. Then weave ribbon in larger and larger “loops” as you make your way down.


5. Stacked Books


Above: A clever way to wrap several books. This layering method requires just tape and however many pieces of ribbon you desire.


6. Ribbon Ornament


Above: The book includes several DIY ribbon ornaments. This one is made from a 45-inch length of Studio Carta’s metallic ribbon, folded accordion-style into 14 loops, and sewn at the center to secure.


7. Layered Bows


Above: To replicate this topper, cut two pieces of ribbon, in two different colors, into three different lengths: 6 inches, 8 inches, and 10 inches. Press an adhesive dot in the center of each cut piece and loop one end to rest on top of half the adhesive dot, then repeat on the other side. Once all six bows are made, use adhesive dots to layer bows on top of one another, starting with the biggest on the bottom and criss-crossing the next bow, making sure to alternate colors.


See also:



* DIY: Accordion Book Keepsake with Angela Liguori

* DIY: A Trio of Gift Wrapping Master Classes from the Doyenne of Presentation

* Zero-Waste Wrapping: How To Wrap a Furoshiki Cloth, Step by Step | bit.ly/3XLoEJb


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