May Arts’ selection of ribbon is so diverse. They offer a selection from cute and fun, vintage, modern and everything in between! Today I’m showcasing the modern side of May Arts, with my version of bold, graphic barely sewn placemats.

I picked up two clearance packages of placemats at a sewing distribution center, all together, four placements came to only $1. Then, I purchased a package of Heat n’ Bond Tape and gathered at least 12 feet of May Arts 1.5” Grosgrain/White Ovals Ribbon in Black (331-10).

To start, I cut eight 18 inch lengths of the modern ribbon and adhered the Heat n’ Bond to the back of each, starting an inch from the top and ending an inch from the bottom of the ribbon. On a heat safe surface, I heated the tape with an iron until it was strongly adhered to the ribbon.

Net, I peeled off the tape and carefully pressed it firmly to the front side of the placemat. (I used a ruler to help measure the placement of each ribbon strip!) Then, I thoroughly affixed the ribbon to the placemats by heating with an iron. I was sure to place a towel on top of the ribbon so the screen-printed design didn’t end up on the bottom side of my iron!

To further imply the modern feel of the placemats, I looped each end of the ribbon onto itself, allowing for about a half-inch overhang off the edge of the placemat. I secured the loop with pins.

Finally, my mother helped me stitch the loops to the placemats at the very edge of the seams. I barely notice the stitching because I matched the thread to the ribbon color.

I was able to transform cheap placemats into modern show-stoppers with the help of cool, graphic ribbon from May Arts and just a few supplies. There are many trendy colors available in this design, you can check them out here!

Blog post by: Karen Baker

It's Paper Crafter's Library Week.  Check it out Here!

I took the Burlap ribbon and wove some of the new bakers twine along the top and the bottom of the ribbon.  I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love it.  It makes an all new ribbon to work and play with.

Here is a close up.

I added the 1/8” velvet ribbons to my stars to make them look like shooting stars, super easy and cute.

Supplies used: 

• May Arts ribbons 398-25-33, 389-18-09, 412-94
• All papers are from Momenta
• Adhesives are Therm O Web

Thank you so much for taking a look at my Layout today, leave me a link I would love to see what your working on.

Blog post by: Jenifer Cowles

It's Paper Crafter's Library Week.  Check it out Here! 

This week we are teaming up with the folks over at Paper Crafter's Library!  All week long, over on their site, a different member of both of our teams will be featuring May Arts Ribbon on their projects.  I, for one, can't wait to see what everyone creates!  Now if you are not familiar with Paper Crafter's Library yet, you are in for a real treat!  Here's a little bit about them:

The world of paper crafting is HUGE! Whether you are a beginner, or you’ve been creating for years, the sheer number of different products, tools, techniques and project ideas can be overwhelming. After spending 6 years helping thousands of paper crafters around the world become more successful in the creative space through her series of kits, digital tutorials and online classes, Andrea Walford began looking for a new approach to education. In 2011 she launched Paper Crafter’s Library – the first, and still to this day, only website that provides an all-in-one learning solution for paper crafters. With almost 800 videos currently in their library and 4-5 new videos added each week, Paper Crafter’s Library offers comprehensive training on products, tools, techniques, and project ideas. From beginner through to advanced, whether your interest is in stamping, card making, scrapbooking, creating 3D items or altered art – you’ll find all the resources you need to navigate the world of paper crafting in ONE place, organized and indexed so that it’s quick and easy to find.

Here is the line up for The Ribbonistas (but remember, you have to go to Paper Crafter's Library to see the full tutorial):

Giveaway Alert!

Ok so you didn't really think I'd announce a blog week and not have a giveaway, did you?    There are two chances to win some May Arts Ribbon! 

Good luck y'all & happy hopping!

xoxo!

-The Ribbon Lady

Check out what I’ve created using just scraps of ribbon that I had laying around.

Check out the video below for further instructions and there may some a short tutorial on using the new Imaginisce ribbon cutter as well! Enjoy!

Thanks so much for watching. Please follow me on YouTube for my other weekly videos and I love visitors over on my blog Any Occasion. There is always lots going on over there.

Blog post by: Latrice Murphy

Have you ever thought that it would be fun to be a Ribbonista?  Would you like to have May Arts Ribbon's entire online catalog available for you to use on your projects?  If so, this Design Team Call is for you! 

I’d like to officially welcome everyone to the May Arts Ribbon Blog Design Team Call!  I have been so excited to announce this one!

First, let me tell you about our teams.  We have two, the Prima Ribbonistas & the Cameo Ribbonistas.  The Prima Ribbonistas are our primary design team; they have regular posts here on the blog & get to play with lots of goodies generously sent by our Partners in Craft!    The Cameo Ribbonistas are our regular guest designers.  Both teams get plenty of ribbon to work with.  I am looking for a variety of designers to create either written or video tutorials for these teams.   There are no restrictions for this call – everyone is welcome to enter!

As a Ribbonista, you will:

• Receive a regular supply of May Arts Ribbon to work with. 
• Prima Ribbonistas will also receive product from our Partners in Craft. 
• Have your name, bio, headshot and link to your personal blog on our site.
• Be compensated for all work posted for the M/A Blog.
• Be compensated for any published work where May Arts is credited, courtesy of our new Publication Appreciation Program.
• Receive exposure through the M/A blog & our other social media sites.
• Receive a discount off our wholesale prices for all your purchases.

In return, you will be expected to:

• Use May Arts Ribbon in your projects and link whenever possible.
• Actively promote May Arts Ribbon.  This includes social media participation. 
• Prima Ribbonistas are to have regular posts, as well as participate in cross promotions whenever possible. 
• Using product from our Partners in Craft is appreciated. 

This call is going to be a bit different from last time, so be sure to read through all the details.  There will be two rounds.  Details for both are listed below:

Round 1:

Post a minimum of 3 projects on your own blog, one of which should be in tutorial form.   Please choose projects that best exemplifies your style & talent.  You are expected to use ribbon in all your projects.   While it is appreciated if M/A ribbon is used, it is not required for the first round. 

Email me the following no later than June 11^th 2012 at Bethney@mayarts.com:

• Subject line: May Arts Ribbon DT Call
• Contact information: name, address, email address & all blog/website addresses
• Which position you are applying for: written or video.  Also note, if offered, whether you would be interested in working as a Cameo Ribbonista.
• Your resume.  If you don’t have one, please list the past & present Design Teams you have been a member of.  (Being on another Design Team is not a prerequisite.) 
• A brief description of yourself, including your design strengths and why you want to be a Ribbonista.
• A link to your submission post.  (If you do not have a blog, you will be permitted to email me your projects instead)

All finalists will be announced on the blog on June 15th, 2012.

Round 2:

For the final round May Arts will provide the finalists with their choice of ribbon to work with to create a final project.

• All finalists are required to create a minimum of either one tutorial or one video, whichever applicable.  Again, please choose a project that best exemplifies your style & talent. 
• Email me at Bethney@mayarts.com with your ribbon request.  There are no yardage restrictions, but please note all requests must first be approved before we ship. 
• When you have completed your project, email me the following.  For Video Submissions:  Post your video tutorial on your own blog.  Then forward me the YouTube link to your video, plus photos of the completed project.  Please also include a brief written introduction to the video.  For Written Submissions:  Post the tutorial on your own blog.  Then forward me the link to your post, along with photos of the completed project.  Please also include a brief written introduction to the tutorial.  All photos should be sent as an attachment and in jpeg form.
• Deadline: July 13th, 2012.  All submissions will be posted the week of July 16^th 2012.

Our new Design Teams will be announced July 23, 2012.

Good luck to all!

xoxo!

-The Ribbon Lady

First a big thank you to everyone who sent in emails to Erin & I!  We were just thrilled with incredible response we had to our craft challenge!   This really was a difficult decision to make!

Below you will see half of the chosen participants.  To find out the other half of the lucky 25, hop on over to DCWV:

*Please note the names are listed in no particular order*

• Monika A Davis
• Jasmine Ford
• Emily Lanham
• Jen McDermott
• Sherry Butcher
• Karen Hanson
• Lynn Ochs
• LemonJitters
• Jan Garber
• Christal Bonner
• Michelle Mathey
• Julie Nagl

Congratulations, ladies!   You all will receive an email today with further details regarding the challenge! 

xoxo!

-The Ribbon Lady

Hi Everyone!  Today I have a video for you demonstrating how to create a super easy and fun badge for all of those wonderful women in your life! AND it can be incorporated into a card, too!  Since it isn't Mother's Day quite yet…my son demo'ed it for you.

Blog post by: Ellen Sosnoski

Supply List 

• Scrap cardstock or printer paper (enough to equal 4-6 sheets of 8 1/2 x 11” paper)
• Paint sticks or tongue depressors (this depends on the size of paper you want to make)
• One square of metal screening (mine is 13 inches) (NOTE:  the cut edges can be sharp so don’t let your kids do this part)
• Glue or staples
• Duct tape
• Water
• Packet of flower or herb seeds
• 13 x 9” pan plus a cookie sheet or another pan to catch drips
• Several old towels
• May Arts Natural Burlap Cord SP10, Woven Burlap 408

• Optional – dried flower petals (I save the roses my hubby gives me

Make the screen:

Lay 4 sticks so that they overlap one another to make a square.  Staple or glue together.

Lay the screening over the sticks.

Lay 4 more sticks over the screening; staple through all layers.  Cover with duct tape.  (I got so excited I forgot to take a picture before I used mine.  Love that hot pink duct tape!

Make the paper

Tear paper scraps into 1-2” pieces and place into the blender.  Pour in enough warm water to cover the paper.  Blend until the paper mixture looks like oatmeal.  (You may need to add more water as you blend.)

Cut the May Arts burlap cord and Woven Burlap into small pieces.  Place in the blender and blend for a few seconds.

Now, fill the 13 x 9” pan about half full of warm water.  Pour in enough pulp to make a thin “soup”.   (I experimented making some thicker and some thinner.  I liked both!)  Sprinkle in your packet of seeds (I used lavender seeds because they’re black) and crushed flower petals, if using, and stir them in.

Sorry, I got so excited I forgot to photograph this next part.

Lay your screen over the empty pan.  Ladle enough pulp into the screen to cover it.  Once the screen is covered, press the water out with the back end of a spoon, then, carefully tip the frame upside down over a doubled up towel.  With another towel, press on the screen to remove any excess water, then gently lift the frame.   Don’t worry if any edges stick; just gently coax them off with a table knife.

Repeat with the remaining pulp. 

When dry enough to move from the towel;  Lift and transfer the seed paper to cookie sheets and let dry overnight.

I got 5 – 12 inch seed papers from a single batch.  Some will have more petals than others.  That was ok with me because I liked the variety.

Here’s what the paper looks like when it’s dry.

You can see the bits of green and brown burlap, black seeds and colorful petals.   The paper will flatten out after it sits.

Ok, now that you have all that gorgeous paper, what are you going to do with it?  I have a few ideas but I bet you can think of many more.

I cut some into little heart shapes with a metal die and then,

packaged them up to use as wedding confetti.  I tied my glassine bag up with May Arts Baker’s Twine.  The quality of this twine is amazing!

Next, I tore the paper into rectangles to use as tags on packages.  Yes, you can stamp on it!

 A bit of May Arts Burlap String, a natural Kraft glassine bag and a tiny clothes pin are all it takes to whip up a quick gift for a friend.

And, finally, I cut and stamped some larger hearts as embellishments for cards.  I used my favorite May Arts Textured Lines (PR08) ribbon on this one….The paper is Celebration from the Graphic 45 Le’ Romantique Collection. 

Using the same card layout, I added May Arts Cotton Stripes to a fun floral from Simple Stories 100 Days of Summer Collection along with a pretty border die cut and a tiny paper rose.

Thanks for joining us on the May Arts Blog.  We hoped we’ve inspired you to use those scraps of paper and ribbon in a new way!  You can find a printable tutorial for the May Arts Handmade Seed Paper HERE.

Blog post by: Charlene Driggs

Check out our Disney Birthday Giveaway for a chance to win!

Masking is all the rage right now especially with mists. This video is all about how to use your inks and a sponge to do some masking with your ribbon. And the cool thing is you can reuse the ribbon, too!  By using inks and a sponge you can control how much product is going on to your mask. So in case you are using a color that won't match your next project, you won't waste any of your ribbon. A great way to cut costs and make product go further.

Blog post by: Ellen Sosnoski

Check out our Disney Birthday Giveaway for a chance to win!

Hey everyone! It's Mandie from MandiesScrappin and I've got a layout that I created with my fabulous May Arts Ric Rac and Echo Park Paper. I started with a sketch for my layout that called for strips of patterned paper. Well, I love the texture and movement that the 1/2" Ric Rac (ARR01) adds, so I decided that with all of the rest of my bright colors the white would be the perfect accent. I love the way it frames my faux photo strip on the right side of the page! The patterned paper I used is from the Echo Park Paper "Little Girl" line, and so are the letter stickers, journaling card and the cute dress form sticker.

I jazzed that up by folding a large purple flower in half for the skirt. Then I cut a white one in half to accent the skirt and top. Then I added some rhinestones to finish it off. I also used my i-Rock tool to bling up my large photo mat. I am so happy with how my layout turned out! Adding ribbon always seems to give my layouts that little something extra.

Blog post by: Mandie Wade

Check out our Disney Birthday Giveaway for a chance to win!