Ribbonwork The Complete Guide: Technique Guide for Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings [Spiral-bound]

Helen Gibb (Author), Carol Duvall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 23, 2004

Leading ribbonwork designer, Helen Gibb's love of antique handwork transpires in another sumptuous book of ribbon delights. This eye appealing treasure, blooming with more beautiful bouquets--to make or savor--expands on classic techniques for manipulating and stitching ribbon. Blending directions for fashioning ribbonwork pieces of today with those of centuries past, Ribbonwork includes illustrated instructions for starting and ending stitches; single, double, triple, and figure 8 loop bows; flower and flower center knots; fan shape pleats; center, edge, and zigzag gatherings; blossoms, rosette/filler, pansy, and violet flowers; dipped, rolled, and pinched petals; stamens, stemming, and wrapping; prairie, boat, and curved leaves; and more.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 256 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (July 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873497503
• ISBN-13: 978-0873497503
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,117 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Ribbonwork, August 6, 2005

By 

jeanneb (New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ribbonwork The Complete Guide: Technique Guide for Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings (Spiral-bound)

As a collector of books on needlework, ribbon embroidery and ribbonwork(including several by Helen Gibb), I first look at the projects in photographs. If they appeal to me for inspiration and offer a level of sophistication coupled with great color, quality of media used and good composition, I buy and value the book.

Helen's book is a good example of the above. Several of her projects are roses in vases and indeed they are stunning. The combinations of color leap out at me. I am especially a pushover for pink and green combinations and the folded cabochon rose technique, but the one that was most eyecatching was her "Victorian era color scheme" on page 197. Beautiful indeed!

As there are many incredible techniques utilizing ribbons, I must also note that this book is not for the ribbon "embroiderer" per se as Helen's flowers are not formed by embroidery but almost 3 dimensionally raised and "planted" on the surface. As a ribbon afficionado though, I like to combine different techniques in my projects.

This book also has good pictorial instruction and directions along with needed supplies so I would altogether recommend this book highly.

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love ribbon....., August 7, 2004

By 

Elisha Granger "Lulabelle's Mom" (NYC, NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ribbonwork The Complete Guide: Technique Guide for Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings (Spiral-bound)

Although this is not the penultimate ribbon book, it's a great primer for the novice and experienced. The book lies flat and this is great when you are creating a piece. There are some new ideas and color combinations which I liked. This is a buy book.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully illustrated, completely understandable, tutorial., January 3, 2007

By 

N. Keck - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ribbonwork The Complete Guide: Technique Guide for Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings (Spiral-bound)

I am completely in love with this book! I have learned to make the most beautiful resemblance of natures perfect jewell, the flower, from a simple silk ribbon. Some of these perfect little creations look so lifelike it just makes you smile! The author not only provides complete step by step instructions for each bud, leaf, or flower, but pictures of each, as well as some simple and elegant projects to get you started. If you think you may enjoy this craft of old, this is the book for you.
The author does encourage us to choose high quality ribbons for your projects, and this I find to be the best advice in my experience so far. Silk ribbons are suggested for many of the flowers. Silks are pricey so shop around for the best price and ask for samples when available. The only negative about this book is the lack of resource suggestions other than the authors own webstore. There are many trim and ribbon stores on the internet that can be located with your favorite search engine. Check the yellow pages to see if you have a trim and fabric store in your own neighborhood as well. Enjoy!