If there were an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s most creative gift wrap hack….
….this DIY personalized ribbon would be in the running.
Seriously.
You could almost make it and brownies at the same time.
When you see the step-by-step you will quickly realize (because you are brilliant, of course) that the simplicity and versatility and possibilities of it….
….are endless.
So if you’ve ever seen a project like this or this or even this and you’ve felt overwhelmed and then you left me a comment telling me that you just weren’t into making crafts, your crafting time has finally arrived.
I got you.
This is the project for you.
And the best part?
I even made a video to walk you through it.
DIY Personalized Ribbon
Supplies:
ribbon with a wide weave
sharpie marker
(total aside: only two supplies….see how easy it is so far)
STEP 1: PRINT OUT WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY
This is probably the hardest part of the craft. You can choose one long phrase or just repeat the smaller phrase over and over again. I used about 10 feet of ribbon for this project. And you want to estimate about six words per foot. If you are trying to think up what to print on the ribbon and you can’t think of anything, here are a few suggestions:
Merry Christmas from (insert your name here)
The persons’ name you are giving the gift to.
Merry Christmas in different languages
Your favorite quote or scripture
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR FONT
Then select your favorite font and print out from your computer. You want to select a font that matches your personality and your decor. For example, I like to use bold fonts that are easy to read because I’m using this ribbon to decorate the Christmas tree. If you were decorating a mantel, you might want to choose a hand-written font or a whimsical font. Looking for a fun font to choose from? Here’s a fun selection of hand-written fonts you can use.
STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR SHARPIE
That’s how easy this DIY personalized ribbon project is. One of the steps is choosing a marker.
I like to use Sharpies because they are permanent, easy to use, and come in a fun variety of colors. Pick the color you want your words to be. Sharpie markers also come in a variety of sizes with different tips. Don’t choose a fine-tipped marker because it doesn’t work well with the burlap. Instead, choose a medium-sized tip for this project. If you are working with a larger ribbon and want to make more of a statement, then a thicker marker is the right tool for the job.
STEP 4: TAPE THE WORDS TOGETHER
Cut the words out of the paper and line them up in the order you want on the ribbon.
Using scotch tape, tape the words together in a line.
I did this using different fonts.
STEP 5: PLACE THE WORDS UNDER YOUR BURLAP RIBBON AND TRACE
For this ribbon projects, you’ll want to make sure you choose a ribbon with a wide weave. Once you place your paper with the words printed off underneath the ribbon, the words should be easy to see. The material is see-through so it’s easy to see the letters underneath. Just center letters on the middle of the ribbon and trace. You might want to go over the letters a few times to make them bold enough to see.
Here’s what the ribbon looked like after I traced it.
You can see I went back over the letters a second time and add any extra marks to make it easier to see on the ribbon.
STEP 6: CUT THE RIBBON IN HALF AND ATTACH
I wrapped the package with a buffalo check ribbon.
Then I created a bow for the center of the package.
I cut my personalized ribbon in half and taped it under the bow.
That’s it.
Can you even believe it? 10 minutes and two craft supplies and four simple steps later you are DONE. And now you’re thinking, that was easy. That was fast. I know it only took me minutes and now? The ribbon is done. But what do I do with burlap ribbon?
And that my wonderful, incredible, Guinness World Record crafter is the best part. Because simply put….
….the possibilities are endless
You and your DIY personalized ribbon can decorate the town. It’s great for Christmas, but there are tons of other possibilities as well. You could make a ribbon for your Valentine’s decor or make this ribbon for the Fourth of July or make a birthday banner with it or create simple, easy wedding decor. All of these ribbon projects are just a sharpie away.
Here’s to making life (and your ribbon) a little more beautiful.
And here are a few more super simple gift wrap ideas from some of my favorite friends.
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Creative gift wrap ideas using simple baking soda clay and natural elements. Using only two pantry ingredients and foraged items from your yard, you can create gorgeous gifts that will look stunning under your tree.
My 100 Year Old Home | Creative Pet Gift Wrapping Ideas
Sport and I had some fun shopping for gifts this year. We picked out items for everyone in the family which are thoughtful and hilarious. We even made our own gift wrap paper and can’t wait to share our creative pet gift wrapping ideas.

Love this idea - pinned it for next year - not going out to stores this year - but look out next YEAR. Merry Christmas Karianne🎄🎁!!!
So clever, so creative, so wonderful...just like you!! Merry Christmas KariAnne!!! xoxo
Cute idea, and no label needed! In the past, I've found wonderful ribbon dregs in thrift stores, but haven't been this year... Merry Christmas and Happy 2021!
This does look simple and pretty! I gotta admit .... I hate wrapping gifts .... I think there is some sort of gene that gets passed on for people who like to do that sort of thing, and I missed out on it. My gifts are all wrapped, woo hoo, but my family will just have to settle for "it's the thought that counts" when they look at my packages, haha. I DO get creative when it comes to making up names of who is giving the gifts (instead of endlessly using "Santa")--does that give me bonus points????
[…] Thistlewood Farms | Last Minute Gift Wrap Idea Make your own personalized ribbon in minutes. A simple step-by-step tutorial on how to create beautiful ribbons and bows for your packages. The DIY Mommy | Simple & Beautiful Gift Wrapping Ideas From elegant fabric wrap to how to make the perfect bow, these beautiful gift wrapping ideas will help make your gifts look extra special this year. The best part? These ideas are inexpensive and easy to recreate! […]
Great ideas here!! And who doesn't love a sharpie:) I finally figured out that wired ribbon is best for making bows. Love burlap!
Love this idea! Will have to give it a go!
[…] Thistlewood Farms | Last Minute Gift Wrap Idea Make your own personalized ribbon in minutes. A simple step-by-step tutorial on how to create beautiful ribbons and bows for your packages. The DIY Mommy | Simple & Beautiful Gift Wrapping Ideas From elegant fabric wrap to how to make the perfect bow, these beautiful gift wrapping ideas will help make your gifts look extra special this year. The best part? These ideas are inexpensive and easy to recreate! […]
[…] Thistlewood Farms | Last Minute Gift Wrap Idea Make your own personalized ribbon in minutes. A simple step-by-step tutorial on how to create beautiful ribbons and bows for your packages. Now, let’s get into my gift wrapping ideas! […]
I'm excited to try this. My hand writing is not uniform so tracing I can do:0) I have cookie boxes to fancy up before giving so maybe this is a good idea for that?
CUTE idea! Thank you!! Video was so cute. Lookin' good, KA!
Thank you, great idea and so cute.
Such cute ideas and so personal as well. You are the BEST!!!! Also loved alll the red on your porch!!! It makes people smile! Merry Christmas
This thing with using glitter though! I'll be seeing it come 4th of July!!! Christmas cards had them on it and more coming in, so I'm doomed!!! Lol This seems to be the year of the GLITTER!!!
I too pinned for next year and cannot wait to use this one! For some strange reason, gift tags are a pet peeve for me. I wrap, ribbon and bow some beautiful gifts...and then there’s my cruddy handwriting to detract from it all. I am definitely using this idea!!! Thanks and Merry Christmas!
[…] Sport and I had some fun shopping for gifts this year. We picked out items for everyone in the family which are thoughtful and hilarious. We even made our own gift wrap paper and can't wait to share our creative pet gift wrapping ideas. Thistlewood Farms | Last Minute Gift Wrap Idea […]
KariAnne, You get me every time with your simple creative ideas. I always say “why didn’t I think of that?” Lol. Love this. Rachel.
Rachel took the words rigjt out of my mouth! I literally was about to say the exact same thing, "why didn't I think of that!" Beautiful!
This is so cool. I didn’t know they made this stuff in fabric form. This opens up a world of possibilities. Now we can make clothing and write on ourselves. Your mats are adorable. supercars