Feeling Ruffled!

Rhonda is still working out the specifics on the NEW things coming soon... so make sure to keep checking back in the days to come... in the meantime enjoy these scrapbooking/stamping techniques from Jeanette Lynton!!!

Feeling Ruffled!

Ruffles are all the rage, so today, I thought I’d share some great technique ideas along with a fabulous spring color combination featuring Indian Corn Blue, Buttercup, Sweet Leaf, and Cocoa.

I’ve included cards with pleats, ruffles, and the “roman shade” look, some made with ribbon and others with paper. Getting ruffled is easier than you might think—here are a couple of hints to get that perfect ruffle.

• Measure the length of the area you want to cover with a ruffle—then plan to use double or even triple the ribbon/paper to cover the area. For example, if your card is 4 inches long, you may cut 8-12 inches of ribbon to pull to create a 4-inch ruffle, or 8-12 inches of paper to use in pleating and folding down to 4 inches. If you like more thickness and greater ruffling, use more. For a slighter ruffle, use less.

• To pleat paper, score it using the track of your paper trimmer and a stylus. This will also help you use the ruler on the trimmer too, so each pleat is exactly the right length you want it to be. Then just fold the paper back and forth to create a pleat.

• To ruffle paper without tearing it, spritz it first with water. This will make it more pliable to help you create smooth freehand folds. As the paper dries, the ruffles will “set.”

• Create a “roman shade” (like you’ll see on my “Best Wishes” card) by working with strips of paper layered and sewn down. Leave an edge you can distress or curl up to add dimension to the “shade.” Sewing machines are ruffles’ best friend: you can zig-zag them into place for an organic look or straight stitch them down in neat rows to suit your style.

• When ruffling ribbon, remember that a wider ribbon with good texture works best—grosgrains are great! You can add a loose stitch at the top border of your ribbon and then pull to gather, or, if you prefer a simpler approach (and who doesn’t?), start with ribbon that’s already been stitched. You can easily pull the stitching to gather it to your desired density, then tie a knot in the gather and adhere.

And remember, ruffles are very forgiving: you can make them fancy or no-fuss, straight or squiggly, and they’ll add flair anywhere. Have fun experimenting with this great color combination and post links to your own ruffled creations for everyone to enjoy!