Bows and Flower Ribbons: The Cream City Ribbon Way

There are many various uses for ribbons where you can make different designs and styles. You can use ribbons to make decorations, such as bows and flowers. Use them to adorn gifts, scrapbooks, clothes, accessories, and anything else you can think.

To make the most use of ribbons, learn the basic skill of making a flower bow out of ribbon. Your Cream City Ribbon is a non-woven ribbon made from 100% natural cotton and responsibly grown and dyed in the US, and is easy to play around with. Youcan tie it, curl it, shred it, fold it, and quill it, allowing you create multiple bows out of it.

Instead of just making a simple shoelace bow, you can make a flower ribbon. First, learn the basics of making your Cream City Ribbon bow. With your Cream City Ribbon, you don’t have to use wires, or rulers to make your bow. All you need is your Cream City Ribbon.

Instructions:

Step 1. Get your Cream City Ribbon of choice. Any color, design, or print would do, as long as you feel that it goes well with your gift box, scrapbook design, or project. Really, it’s all up to your own creativity!

Step 2. Cut your Cream City Ribbon according to the size of bow you want. The bigger the bow, the longer the length of the ribbon you need. Three to five yards is advisable especially since you’re still practicing perfecting your bow.

Step 3. Get one end of your Cream City Ribbon (about 8 to 10 inches), and make a loop, making sure that there is a little bit more hanging from the loose end. At the center (where the loop ends), twist the ribbon once, and make another loop.

Step 4. It is important to twist the ribbon, not pinch it, so that you have a nice, tight center. This prevents the ribbon from splitting and insures that the printed side will always face the top. Repeat step 3 until you run out of ribbon. You can make smaller loops as you go.

Step 5. Secure with a twistie or a narrower strip of Cream City Ribbon. Fan out your loops to make one bow. (You can “floof” and arrange your loops, so they stand up and hold their shape, a little like a wired ribbon).
Note: To make multiple bows, simply repeat the process using another variation of your Cream City Ribbon.

Voila! You now have multiple bows. Making a fabulous bow such as this cannot be achieved with just ordinary ribbons. With Cream City Ribbon, you can achieve extraordinary designs.

Explore your possibilities with the ribbons that are naturally beautiful.

Cream City Ribbon – Naturally American.

Naturally Fabulous.

Naturally Green.

Ribbons: The Universal Banner

How It Began

Ribbons have been used in a number of different ways, such as ties, hair bows, decorations, fashion accessories, or craft materials. However, ribbons have also been used for various campaigns and symbolisms worldwide.

The widespread use of symbolic campaign ribbons can be traced back into the early 1990s. The New York Times declared 1992 as “The Year of the Ribbon”, when people started wearing bright red ribbons pinned on their chests to support the fight against AIDS.

“Tie a yellow ribbon 'round the old oak tree
It's been three long years
Do you still want me?”

Many people are probably familiar with the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” by Tony Orlando. This song was popularized in the 1970s, and some have cited that this was the origin of the Ribbon tradition. However, the display of ribbons dates further back to a folk tale, as told in a book by Pennsylvania jurist Curtis Bok in 1959.

The story was about two men on a railroad train. One of them was a convict, who was released from a five year prison sentence. This convict wrote to the people of his town and asked them to give him a sign of whether or not they wanted him back when he came home. He instructed them to place a white ribbon around the big apple tree by the railroad track if they wanted him, but do nothing if they did not want him back. The convict told them that if he did not see a white ribbon, he would not get off the train and move on to another place to start a new life.

As they neared his hometown, the man asked his companion to look for the white ribbon, as he was too nervous to look himself. After a little while, the convict felt his companion’s hand on his arm, and heard him exclaim, "There it is!" The man cried, "It’s all right! The whole tree is white with ribbons."

During the 1960s, this story appeared in religious publications and was retold by word of mouth. Various versions of the story emerged, and in 1972, Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown copyrighted the lyrics to the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree”. They claimed that the lyrics were derived from a story they heard while serving in the military. The following year, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”, sang by Tony Orlando, sold 3 million copies.

Tie a yellow ribbon 'round the old oak tree

It's been three long years

Do you still want me?

If I don't see a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree

I'll stay on the bus

Forget about us

Put the blame on me

If I don't see a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree

In 1975, Gail Magruder tied yellow ribbons around her porch for her husband, Jeb Stuart Magruder. Jeb Stuart was released from jail, and his homecoming was broadcasted live on the evening news. At that moment, the Yellow Ribbon became a symbol of forgiveness.

Iranian revolutionaries seized the US embassy in Tehran and took Ambassador Bruce Laingen and his staff hostage in November 1979. His wife, Penne Laingen, tied a yellow ribbon around a tree in her front yard, and said in an interview for The Washington Post (Barbara Parker, 1979, “Penne Laingen’s Wait”) six weeks after the incident, "So I'm standing and waiting and praying . . . and one of these days Bruce is going to untie that yellow ribbon. It's going to be out there until he does." This same yellow ribbon was then used as a sign of the families’ determination to be reunited again.

The hostage families formed an organization that allied with other humanitarian associations, in order to bring strong moral support to the families of the hostages. They distributed 10,000 yellow ribbons to various unions, schools, TV stations, companies, and politicians.

Thus began the use of ribbons as symbols for campaigns and support organizations.

Ribbons for Awareness Campaigns

Awareness ribbons are short pieces of colored ribbons, folded once to make a loop or single bow. They are used in various countries like the US, Canada, Australia, UK, and many other parts of the world. These ribbons were designed to show a statement of support for various causes or issues.

In 1990, AIDS activists decided to use the ribbons as a way to support people who were fighting the disease. AIDS is represented by the Red Ribbon (because red is the color of passion), and people wear red ribbons to show support for AIDS patients. In the 1991 Tony Awards, Jeremy Irons wore the eye-catching red ribbon on his chest. The red AIDS ribbon became an overnight sensation, and people immediately followed suit.

Meanwhile, in 1996, the Pink Ribbon was launched for breast cancer awareness to support breast cancer patients and survivors, and to raise funds for breast cancer research. A Green Ribbon Campaign was launched by Canada in the same year as a symbol of hope for missing children. White ribbons are symbols for peace, innocence, and life, while dark blue ribbons are worn for child abuse campaigns. A jigsaw puzzle ribbon is used to display autism awareness.

Following the 9-11 attack in 2001, Americans fashioned a commemorative ribbon, known as the “9-11 ribbon” or “loyalty ribbon” to show solidarity and patriotism. The 9-11 Ribbon persisted well into the next year, as people continued to heal and move on with life. These loyalty ribbons are worn each year during commemoration of the 9-11 attacks.

Ribbons of different colors, indeed, have become the universal banner for various causes, health issues, and social concerns. Some become popular worldwide, while others are just locally known. Regardless of whether they are local or worldwide, these causes are just as important as the others.

Cream City Ribbon: Ribbons for a Cause

Cream City Ribbon is a Milwaukee based ribbon manufacturing company that produces natural and biodegradable ribbons. Cream City Ribbon is made from 100% cotton, responsibly grown and dyed in the US. American-made and environment friendly, Cream City Ribbon comes in 29 colors and has a wide variety of patterns and prints. Organic cotton Cream City Ribbon is also available by special order.

Cream City Ribbon supports the Milwaukee Urban Ecology Center, fighting for environmental causes using their natural ribbons that are non-woven.

Give your campaign a more meaningful cause with all-American ribbons.

Use natural ribbons.

Support patriotism with US made ribbons.

Protect the environment with biodegradable ribbons.

Buy Cream City Ribbon.

Cream City Ribbon is also great for crafts, scrapbooking, home decorations, and commercial purposes. For orders, inquiries, and more information, visit www.CreamCityRibbon.com.

Cream City Ribbon®: The Natural American Ribbon

Where do you buy your ribbons? The bookstore? The mall? Did it ever occur to you where your ribbons came from, or how they were made? Did you ever stop and think whether the simple decorative ribbons you use affect the environment?

In this time when our country is suffering from recession, when most jobs are outsourced and more products are being imported instead of exported, it is important to remember that solidarity among Americans is vital to our survival.

In this time when the environment has already suffered so much, and nature is little by little getting back at us because of our wasteful and apathetic lifestyle, it is important to remember that it is now time for us to be careful, and think of the environment.

Imagine your imported plastic ribbons, probably made by underpaid factory workers, travelling thousands of miles, just to end up in your landfill, floating in a local lake, or worse, eaten by a bird.

Cream City Ribbon caters to commercial and industrial companies. To date, it is being used for industrial and manufacturing purposes. Now, Cream City Ribbon extends its product line to decorative ribbons for crafting, scrapbooking, and various creative home solutions.

Cream City Ribbon proudly offers you our all-American ribbon, natural in every way. For all your gift wrapping, crafts, home decorations, and scrapbooking needs, Cream City Ribbon has everything you need. With 29 colors and 33 designs to choose from, Cream City Ribbon is your ultimate decoration solution.

Made from natural cotton responsibly grown and dyed in the US, our natural ribbons are 100% safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable. You can discard your ribbons after use; recycle it in your garden; tie up your plants; or it can go to straight to the compost bin. With our biodegradable ribbons, you don’t have to worry about hurting the environment. Cream City Ribbon is absolutely “green” in every gorgeous color.

Cream City Ribbon is the only American company that manufactures natural and biodegradable ribbons in the country. Acid and lignin free, our ribbons are safe for children and pets, so you don’t have to worry about keeping it away from them. Now, you can enjoy your projects with your kids, without having to worry about chemical components and its effects on your child.

Various Project Suggestions for Cream City Ribbons:

· Place settings

· Ornaments

· Home décor

· Greeting cards

· Scrapbooks

· Paper bags

· Gift wrapping design

· Garlands

What You Can Do with Cream City Ribbons:

· Curl it

· Shred it

· Tie it

· Fold it

· Strip it

· Print on it

· Cut it

· Weave it

· Quill it

25% of energy purchased by our manufacturing facility is derived from renewable alternative energy sources. Our goal at Cream City Ribbon is to give you ribbons that are “green” in every color.

For any occasion, presentation is crucial. With Cream City ribbons, you can do what you can’t with ordinary plastic ribbons. Go green. Explore your possibilities.

Help Cream City Ribbon preserve nature.

Buy natural.

Buy American.

Buy Cream City ribbons!

Cream City Ribbon: The Green Ribbon

The phrase, “green ribbon” has had many meanings since it was worn as a symbol of solidarity during the English Civil War. In the 20^th century, the green ribbon was associated with support for agricultural families, freedom, peace and other awareness campaigns. In the 21^st century, “green” has become the mantra, and sometimes the lifestyle for millions of people who believe in healthy living and preserving our environment for future generations. And, for the first time “green ribbon” refers to an actual ribbon – a natural, biodegradable, and eco-friendly ribbon made from cotton.

A Ribbon from History

During the 1920s, the manufacture of cotton ribbons was brought to the U.S. from Germany, and several companies were established to make it. Today, only one remains. After passing through several owners and names, Cream City Ribbon was purchased in 1988 by Lorette Russenberger, who saw the beauty of the technology and the importance of continuing the tradition of manufacturing a natural ribbon rather than plastic.

To bring this historic technology into the modern age, the equipment is now located in a climate-controlled factory near the revitalized center of Milwaukee, WI. “I originally thought that we would eventually replace the old equipment with something more modern, says Russenberger, but we have learned over time that those guys back in the 1920s knew what they were doing. We haven’t found anything that does the job better, and the machines were built to last forever.”

Cream City Ribbon was, and still is, made from continuous lengths of cotton yarn, laid parallel to one another, and bound together with a non-toxic, water-soluble adhesive. For many years, the ribbon was used primarily for industrial packaging, but Cream City Ribbon now produces decorative ribbon, custom ribbons and personalized ribbons, and colorful and printed ribbon for craft work and gift wrapping purposes using colored yarns dyed with water based agents, and soy-based inks. Its materials and manufacturing process make Cream City Ribbon biodegradable in the environment, and naturally acid and lignin free.

The non-woven nature of Cream City Ribbon allows for its flexibility in design and use. It can be shredded, curled, woven, folded, cut, or tied. Fans of Cream City Ribbon are especially taken with its rich colors, which can only be obtained with yarn-dyed cotton fibers. For eco friendliness, malleability, colors and designs, Cream City Ribbon has become a popular “natural choice” for industrial, commercial, and personal users.

Cream City Ribbon: Campaign and Product Spooled into One

In the 1950s, it was discovered that a film of polypropylene could be extruded in large volumes at an extremely low cost, and a new ribbon technology was born. Today, plastic ribbons remain the most common type of ribbon in the market.

Over the past several years, a lot of products, companies, and organizations have begun advocating environmental awareness, and “green” campaigns have been going about many cities throughout the world.[i] However, Cream City Ribbon remains the first and only company in America that manufactures biodegradable, eco-friendly “green” ribbons.

One of the goals of Cream City Ribbon is to increase awareness among individuals and businesses about the growing effects of plastic materials and harmful chemicals to the environment. What sets Cream City Ribbon apart from other ribbons is its lack of petroleum and polypropylene compounds. It may seem like a little thing, but Russsenberger believes that any contribution to the health of the environment is a good thing. “The presence of plastics is causing a lot of mayhem for the environment and wildlife,”[ii]she says.

Apart from their green product, Cream City Ribbon also works with the Milwaukee Urban Ecology Center to increase urban exposure to the natural environment. Russenberger supports their programs, which help to expose urban children to the natural world, and teaches them how plants, animals and the environment are interconnected. A special gift package of 20 spools with 5 yards each of Cream City Ribbon was packaged as an Urban Ecology fund raising product; a percentage of sales from each package is donated to the organization.

After 23 years in business, Cream City Ribbon remains true to the heart and soul of its business – beautiful, high quality ribbon, produced by US workers with US materials, a connection to our history, and commitment to the environment. Cream City Ribbon is truly “green in every color.”

With Cream City Ribbon, you can explore your possibilities. For all your craft needs, we have it for you. From printed ribbon and personalized ribbon, to gift wrapping ribbon and wholesale ribbon, let Cream City Ribbon be your natural choice.

Go “Green” today.

Use natural and biodegradable ribbons.

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[i] Post, M. (2008). Cream City Ribbon Gives Back to Earth, Community. OnMilwaukee.com. Retrieved from http://www.onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/creamcityribbon.html

[ii] Post, M. (2008). Cream City Ribbon Gives Back to Earth, Community. OnMilwaukee.com. Retrieved from http://www.onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/creamcityribbon.html