How To Make The Ribbons Of Hope

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When I first became involved with the Ribbons of Hope campaign, I had no idea how much it would become a part of my life, as well as others, working with us to help change the lives of children and their parents around the world. Looking back now, there's not one moment that I would change, each step has been in perfect harmony leading up to where we are today .....

..... A beautiful CD, produced and arranged by Walter "Clyde" Orange of the Commodores with Craig's songs, along with many other talented angels in the industry ....

..... Newspaper and magazine articles being written about the missing and abducted children, children of divorce and abuse, children that need our help to right the wrongs of the world .....

And now other everyday people like myself, wanting to know how to make the ribbons so they can wear them, share them, and help make a difference. To make sure that I can answer the requests in a timely manner, this seemed the best venue for the answer to "How can I make those ribbons for the children?"

There are many varieties of ribbon out there across the country. For uniformity, Wal-Mart has everyone else beat, and no, they are not giving me anything in return for mentioning them. I could wish, but trust me when I say that I have always paid for the supplies. The doves I added to signify freedom. The freedom of a child returning home. The freedom a child feels when rescued from an abusive situation. The freedom the parent feels having their loved one home with them. Pink and blue for girls and boys, and the yellow because, in whatever way, that child is missing from their family. You can add anything you wish in the center if the doves are too expensive. In the past I have used small silk flowers, teddy bears, and bow circles. Use your imagination beyond the standard base of the bow. The main thing is that you wear it proudly, share them with family and friends, and tell them to visit "Ribbons Of Hope".

You will need to buy a glue gun if you do not already have one. Any store that has a craft department carries them, and most of the time you can pick one up for about five to ten dollars. I prefer a high temp glue gun myself, though as with any glue gun, you must be very careful! In the past I've used a low temp, but did not get the same lasting results as I have with the higher temperature glue and gun. Mine is an "Adhesive Tech Ultimate Glue Gun - 20 watts", and I got it on sale at Wal-Mart for about $5. (May 2001)

Then it's time to pick out your ribbon, usually found on spools in the sewing or craft departments. Be careful not to get anything very flimsy, as it will not hold up to the glue, or long term wearing. The ribbon I use is by Offray, and the regular comes 6 yards to a spool and 3/16" width. (Sample views below)

After the first year of handing out straight pins (carefully LOL) for people to attach their ribbons, I decided to try using the "pin backs" found in the craft departments, and really love this convenience and look. The color is up to you, but I suggest getting the ones that have the locking ring mechanism. One of the main benefits of these are the holes on the adhesive side of them, which the hot glue will press through, making beads that help to lock it in place. (View of pins below)

Lastly the doves, which I fell in love with, are sometimes difficult to find. So far the only place that I have been able to purchase them is .... you guessed it, Wally World! LOL Also, you won't find them in the craft department, but in the bridal section. That is also where I have found the small roses and flowers which I have used in the past. Remember, it is your creativity as to how you finish the bows off.

Supplies and Such

To the left are two of the types of ribbon I am currently using. The one on the left side of the picture is all one piece of ribbon, which saves a few steps, but is more expensive. You get a lot less of it per spool, and with the size ribbons I make it yields only about 14 bows.

The others are a variety of the smoother, stronger ribbon I usually prefer to use, but could not find at the time of this website creation.

There are some stronger, more vibrant colors of the pink, yellow and blue -- but I truly prefer to use the pastels. To keep in line with the bows being made by others around the world, I suggest that you stick with the colors shown here as well.

If you have a Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or any other such craft store near you, they will also carry this same brand of ribbon. It seems to be a standard around the country from what I have seen in my travels.

This is a view of the back of both bows. Once I apply the beads of hot glue to the back of the finished ribbon, I immediately press the pin back onto the glue, and press it down as solidly as I can. My method is to open the pin mechanism, press the assembly down using pressure on both sides of the pin back, and then as it begins to set -- I use the handle of a nail file, or once my blisters have healed, sometimes my fingers. LOL Whatever works best for you. A special secret note. Before I began making these ribbons, I had never used a glue gun, so keep in mind I discover some new way of doing things with each session of bow making! Since these pin backs have holes, essentially you do not need to go through all that, but I am anal retentive, so I do. <G>

Have something to use under the glue gun and ribbon making area! No matter what gun I have ever used, they always drip. I use old magazines, cardboard, or just anything disposable that might be around. Pick out some of your favorite music, pour some coffee, lock up the cats (LOL) and have fun!

This is what the package label looks like on the doves that I buy. They come 12 to a package, and have the glitter already on them. I suggest rubbing the excess glitter off the bottom before attaching to the ribbon. That way you have a cleaner surface for adhering to the ribbon.

For this type of bow, made with the separate ribbons -- you will need to make the standard loop as shown for all three colors, and glue each one. A small bead of glue under the piece of ribbon that loops over the top will suffice. Hold that until it sets, just a few seconds usually. I make all three loops the same size, which is up to you. Once you loop it, you can decide the length by visually looking at it, and then cut your pieces ahead of time.

Once all three color loops are done, then it is time to assemble them!

I prefer to stick with the order in Craig's song:

PINK -- YELLOW -- BLUE

Again, it is best to use just a small bead of glue to attach one on top of the other. Once those cool, it is time to attach whatever deocration you are going to use in the center. I advise strongly NOT attaching the pin back until this is done as it will make it easier for you to attach the dove/flowers, etc.

Work slowly, and if you goof up or make a mistake, don't worry. The main thing is to be relaxed and happy about what you are doing. Sometimes once the glue sets, depending on the ribbon, you can peel the glue off and do it over again. Then again, you can always e-mail me if you have a problem too! (Suzywoo2@aol.com)

As you can now see, using the "all-in-one" ribbon with the pink, yellow and blue is a time saver. Unfortunately the colors are in the wrong order and as I mentioned, you do get much less per spool on this type. Likewise, with this being a tad bit thinner, there is more of a chance that you might burn your fingers, so please be careful!

For this type of ribbon, you simply make the loop over, then glue. The rest is the same for attaching the top decoration and then the pin back.

I am currently working to find a legal way for those of you that would prefer me to make you some ribbons (in exchange for a donation made out to one of the children's groups I work with) to be able to. Due to the fact that we reserve our right and freedom to lobby the government on changing issues, we do not want to make the Ribbons campaign non-profit.

If a way is found, I will surely let you know on this website. In the meantime, send me any questions that you might have on making the ribbons, or how you can help the children to Suzywoo2@aol.com.

About the music CD mentioned in my opening comments, Craig Deanto is working on a CD that is being produced by Grammy Award winning Walter "Clyde" Orange of The Commodores in conjunction with Goldroom Productions & Co., Inc. The CD will feature performances by recording artists Craig Deanto, Kim Thomas, Mikael Manley, Frank Cornelius, Andre Williams, guest vocals by Walter Orange, and other wonderful artists.

For CD release update, please email Suzywoo2@aol.com

Recently I was e-mailed regarding whether or not I had metal versions of the Ribbons Of Hope yet. I am sorry to say that I do not have the ability at this time for that design, but if things change, I will let everyone know!

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"Ribbons Of Hope" written and performed by Mr. Craig Deanto.