Looking for some easy burlap ribbon projects?  This project is one of the easiest.  You’ll just need sharpies, burlap ribbon and your favorite message.  Create this printed burlap ribbon in minutes.

If there were an entry in the  Guinness Book of World Records for world’s easiest burlap ribbon projects….

….this printed burlap ribbon would be in the running.

Seriously.

You could almost make it and brownies at the same time.

But the brilliance of it and 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, no worries friend.

Because these are the burlap ribbon projects for you. 

Where to find burlap ribbon?

For all your burlap ribbon projects, you can find ribbon just like this at most craft stores.  It comes in 2″ wide, 3″ wide and 4″ wide ribbon.  You can also make your own burlap ribbon by cutting strips of burlap and fraying the edges of the burlap to create a ribbon.  This is the ribbon I used for this project.

Can burlap be used outdoors?

Yes.  Burlap can be used to decorate outdoors.  Burlap is made of plant fibers and extremely durable.  Ribbon like this would work well on wreaths, doorframes or used as garland for Christmas decorating.

Should burlap be washed before using?

For larger projects, such as curtains or tablecloths, you can wash burlap in the washing machine using about half of the laundry detergent you would use for a normal load.  For smaller projects, like this ribbon, I don’t wash the burlap before I use it.

How do I get the wrinkles out of burlap?

To remove the wrinkles from burlap, make sure the burlap is dry and set the steam on high on your iron.  You can also slightly dampen the burlap before ironing to get rid of wrinkles.  Make sure that you iron the material in a constant circular motion to make sure the burlap does not burn.

How Make Printed Burlap Ribbon

Supplies:

burlap 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 burlap 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:

a Christmas carol

words to Twas the Night Before Christmas

Merry Christmas in different languages

words to the 12 Days of Christmas

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.

I used High Tower font for this project.

Step 3:  Choose your sharpie

That’s how easy this burlap 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 larger ribbon and want to make more of a statement, then a thicker marker is the right tool for the job.

Step 4:  Place the words under your burlap ribbon and trace

For these burlap ribbon projects, you’ll want to make sure you choose a ribbon (or burlap) with a wide weave.  Once you place your paper with the words printed off underneath the burlap, the words should be easy to see.  The burlap is see-through so it’s easy to see the letters underneath.  Just center letters on the middle of the burlap ribbon and trace.  You might want to go over the letters a few times to make them bold enough to see.

One quick tip:  I cut out all my words and taped them together.  This made is easier to trace the letters without moving the paper.  It also allowed me to center the letters on the burlap ribbon in the same place.

That’s it.

Can you even believe it?  You are amazing!  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.

How to decorate with burlap ribbon

And on….and on….and on.

You and your burlap 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 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 burlap ribbon projects are just a sharpie away.

Here’s to making life (and your ribbon) a little more beautiful.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Marisa Marisa

    Oh Karianne, I bow to you in gratitude and respect!! I went back on the "here", "here", and "here" and you've inspired me!! I love the burlap ribbons because they are so darn cute and easy. But you've given me some ideas for The Mr. He is in charge of the (ahem) manly tools and he can help with projects. I've been looking for some things for him to now that snow is covering the ground and there is nothing to do outside. You see he has been tailing (helping) me in the kitchen. Bless his heart. So please keep up with the tool inspired projects. :-)

  2. Image for Sylvia Marie Sylvia Marie

    I'm making this today, I'm printing Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  3. Image for Sandy Sandy

    KariAnne, thank you for another craft the grandkids will take delight producing at grandma's house. As always, You Rock!

  4. Image for Jan Jan

    Well you never cease to amaze me sweet thang. That is adorable. And you're right...I do think I could do that. Thanks for the idea. Merry Christmas.

  5. Image for Christine Christine

    Holy cow you make it so sound simple....you keep giving me all these wonderful inspirations and I won't finish wrapping presents...LOL I'm addicted now. But it is a great addiction :-)

  6. Image for Beverly Beverly

    So fun, and I believe it is within my skill range. hahaha Thanks for your visit and kind words. You made my day. I hope you will visit to see more. You know how I struggle with these kind of posts, but I am plugging on with more to continue into next week.

  7. Image for Lisa Lisa

    Okay that is seriously such a great and easy project, and I wouldn't have thought to see if burlap was see-through. This is right up my alley, thank you for sharing!!

  8. Image for Regina Regina

    All of your non-crafty, wannabe crafty friends are bowing to you right now. You know that, right? Bless you . . . and thank you for giving me an excuse to make a Hobby Lobby run . . . ;)

  9. Image for BrocanteuseRose BrocanteuseRose

    Mind Blown! Mind blown! Seriously. I was wondering how the writing would look so pretty being handwritten then poof magic!

  10. Image for Sarah Sarah

    Splendid idea! Even I could do this one, KariAnne! I've recently shared a post about the premiere issue of Cottage Christmas 2013. It's so exciting to see a friend featured in a national magazine. Hoffman media is a leader in the publishing world. What a well deserved honor to be featured! Congratulations!!!! Holiday hugs ~ Sarah

  11. Image for Gwen Gwen

    You mean I could have done this and made all those brownies for the kids Christmas gift making party at church? Now, that would have been Epic.

  12. Image for Trina @ afewmineradjustments.blogspot.com Trina @ afewmineradjustments.blogspot.com

    I was looking at the burlap aisle at Joann's Fabrics last month trying to think of what I could make with some. And I got a idea, but I never went through with it b/c it didn't seem "finished"....and now I think....this is what it could have to make it a complete project. Brilliant and so simple! Thanks for the inspiration!

  13. Image for Lori Lori

    Hey wait a minute you may have something there..."recycling" white pumpkins with burlap Christmas ribbon may just rock! :)

  14. Image for StephanieH StephanieH

    I have decorated my apartment as best I can because I had to have a shoulder prosthesis. If I win I will be able to make some decorations for Christmas next year or to make a wreath or decoration to use all the time.

  15. Image for Debbie Debbie

    Yup, probably the easiest I've ever seen! How simple and perfect for the Holidays is this? I've stencilled snowflakes on burlap ribbon before, but this is even easier, I'm sure. Debbie :)

  16. Image for Debbie Debbie

    I love the scripted burlap ribbon idea. So easy and really cute! I just love your blog. Thanks for sharing this.

  17. Image for Don Fowles Don Fowles

    I work for a company where we sell printed ribbon for craft projects, wedding adornments and so on - but I have never come across an idea as creative as this one! Whilst it's not something that we could offer, it is certainly something I have bookmarked for future reference!

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