Hello loves, Here's a MAJOR throwback!
This is one of my initial sketches of my first ribbon backdrop design.
I know it's not Tuesday, or Thursday, but I'm enjoying a bit of nostalgia.
Three years ago, I was asked to design a backdrop for a Tiffany-themed engagement party. I immediately thought of blue satin ribbons, string pearls, and pretty lace. I had no clue where to begin, but I put pen to paper and made a few quick sketches. I decided I couldn't go wrong with a ribbon backdrop. I was excited, since it would be my first of its kind!
I had so much fun purchasing the materials for ProjectTiffany. I must admit I veered away from the typical Tiffany decor and style. I replaced bows and boxes with silver string-beads and small white daisies. I used two shades of blue, but neither of them could quite pass for robin egg blue.
My initial plan, as shown in the sketch on the left, was to simply knot the ribbons, lace, pearls and silver string-beads to a 6-foot-length rope or thick twine. However, I didn't appreciate the wrinkles the knots created at the top. I also felt as though my ribbons were too plain and thought, "Why not try an overlay?"
I decided to embellish the plain satin ribbons with the lace, pearls, beads and daisies. I loved how the white lace popped against the dark blue ribbon. As for the daisies and pearls, they added some much-appreciated dimension. I discarded my 'rope idea' and instead, I cut a 6-foot strip of black muslin fabric, 4-inch width. I folded the strip in half along the length and decorated the top layer with white lace and silver beads. I then laid the ornate silk ribbons between the folded halves and sealed with hot glue. NO MORE WRINKLES FROM KNOTS! YAY! I learnt early-on that a glue gun would be my best friend!
I embellished the satin ribbons with lace, pearls, silver beads and white daises.
I laid the ornate silk ribbons between the folded halves of the muslin strip.
I was not a fan of the spaces between the ribbons. I know that the spaces are part of the beauty of this particular type of backdrop, but here me out... In an outdoor event, the parting of the ribbons in the wind would allow a beautiful flower garden in the distance, or a lush covered mountain, to peer through. However, in an indoor setting, you may catch a glimpse of the unseemly wall you were trying to hide. LOL.
I used hook and loop tape (a.k.a. Velcro) to solve my problem, and I secured the ribbon backdrop to a few yards of black muslin fabric. Now I had the option of easily replacing this black fabric with anything else, such as, white sheer or yellow chiffon panels, giving the entire backdrop a new look in minutes! My design was a hit at the engagement party! ProjectTiffany was a success!
Now just in case you you were wondering... Nope this ribbon backdrop isn't part of my rental inventory. Why you ask? Because my mama took it! A few months after the engagement party, my mom visited from Trinidad. She fell in love with my ribbon beauty and packed it in her suitcase. I haven't see it since then LOL.
My Tiffany-themed ribbon backdrop was a hit! Just ask the beautiful Ekata.