Secrets of Fashioning Ribbon Flowers [Paperback]

Helen Gibb (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1998

Flowers are the ultimate use for today's magnificent ribbon and they're amazingly easy. After learning the techniques for making 15 different flowers, the project section shows how to incorporate the stunning blossoms into jewelry, home decor, wearables, handbags, and many other innovative and practical items.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (February 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873415620
• ISBN-13: 978-0873415620
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #267,906 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful and nearly forgotten art brought into the 1990s, March 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Secrets of Fashioning Ribbon Flowers (Paperback)

Helen has taken the artistry of making flowers from silk ribbon to a new level with her lovely flowers that can be displayed in a more traditional manner on garments and hats or in a more contemporary style as bouquets of wonderful stemmed flowers. Her love for antique elegance is evident in the beautiful photographs included in her book. The illustrations and instructions for making each flower or leaf are some of the best I have seen. If you love making beautiful things you will love this art and will definitely want this book in your library.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helen's ribbon flowers are outstanding as are the photos., July 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Secrets of Fashioning Ribbon Flowers (Paperback)

Reviewed by Nancy Wyatt, editor of Better Homes and Gardens "Cross Stitch & Needlework" magazine.

If you like to make ribbon flowers or just like to look at beautiful things, you'll enjoy Helen's book, The Secrets of Fashioning Ribbon Flowers: Heirlooms For the Next Generation. The flowers look so real you expect to catch a floral scent from the bouquet featured on the cover! Helen has created the instructions and step-by-step illustrations for more than 22 flowers and leaves, not to mention at least seven different ribbon roses. The examples of Helen's flower making are outstanding and the photography of her designs is simply beautiful. There are 20 projects in which Helen has used her ribbon flowers for elegant accessories that reader will enjoy for decorating, wearing, or giving as gifts. Throughout the book you will find helpful tips called "Fashioning Secrets" that will make your flower crafting experience more plesurable. Helen, who lives in the United States now, still uses some of her native Australian dialect (which she clarifies for readers in a glossary in the back of the book).

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A history, a guide, and lovely flowers, too!, May 26, 2005

By 

Amy Liz (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secrets of Fashioning Ribbon Flowers (Paperback)

Wow, what can I say? I love this book. There's a great introduction to crafting ribbon flowers which includes a history as well. The instructions are so easy to follow it's a wonder that this hobby/craft is on the brink of vanishing for good! Not only that, but it's such a beautiful craft, too. I've used the book's techniques to embellish pillows, curtains, dresses, purses... you name it! Here's the great thing: I'm usually not even good at crafts! All it takes is to buy a cute little unadorned girls' dress from, say, Target, make a few ribbon flowers to attach to the dress and you have an instant artful creation. The things I have made (or embellished) have been such a hit with my family and friends. Also, Helen Gibb is an amazing person. I've seen her a few times on HGTV (which inspired me to get this book). I went to her website and sent an e-mail saying I enjoyed her segments on HGTV and she wrote me back a letter of thanks! It wasn't a canned response, either. Great lady, great book, great craft, so go get it!