Introduction: Recycled Ribbon Organizer
Ribbon poses a storage problem for those of us who use it. Many of us want it visible, but need to keep those loose ends out of the way and perhaps protect it from our feline friends.
In this instructable I will share with you how I make Ribbon Organizers out of wet wipe containers that would normally be thrown away.
This could be applied to many things, not just the items that I'll show.
(In the near future I'll be switching to non-disposable wipes, but in the meantime lets recycle this "trash")
In this instructable I will share with you how I make Ribbon Organizers out of wet wipe containers that would normally be thrown away.
This could be applied to many things, not just the items that I'll show.
(In the near future I'll be switching to non-disposable wipes, but in the meantime lets recycle this "trash")
Step 1: Supplies and Tools Needed
- Empty Wipe Container (I've used one that is from kitchen wipes and shown an example of one from a baby wipes box)
- Paper or Fabric that you like.
- Wooden Dowel or bamboo skewer.
- Exacto or craft Blade
- Metal Ruler
- Tape or glue. (It is your preference)
- Pencil or other marking tool.
- Paper or Fabric that you like.
- Wooden Dowel or bamboo skewer.
- Exacto or craft Blade
- Metal Ruler
- Tape or glue. (It is your preference)
- Pencil or other marking tool.
Step 2: Draw and Cut Out Window
- First we're going to use our ruler and cut out an appropriate sized window so that we can view our ribbon.
(You can modify this to be just slits to pull your ribbon through or however you feel would work best for you. I just want to be able to see it as I generally take the spool out that I want to use and run off with it.)
- Here I've traced out a 6.5" by 1" rectangle in pencil.
- Now use the exacto blade to cut it. Please be cautious when doing this, use a metal ruler and take your time. Don't try to cut through on your first cut, make some light cuts first. This makes it so much easier and less likely you are going to be pushing super hard, slip and slice your finger off. (That would cause a lot of blood and pain, speaking from experience)
(You can modify this to be just slits to pull your ribbon through or however you feel would work best for you. I just want to be able to see it as I generally take the spool out that I want to use and run off with it.)
- Here I've traced out a 6.5" by 1" rectangle in pencil.
- Now use the exacto blade to cut it. Please be cautious when doing this, use a metal ruler and take your time. Don't try to cut through on your first cut, make some light cuts first. This makes it so much easier and less likely you are going to be pushing super hard, slip and slice your finger off. (That would cause a lot of blood and pain, speaking from experience)
Step 3: Making It Spiffy.
At this point you could just stop, but you might want to make it a little prettier to go with your decor.
-Measure your container for size and trace it out on your paper.
-Cut your paper to size, wrap it around, and lightly tape it. (we'll be taking it off again in a minute)
-Use your pencil and mark the cutout on the inside as shown.
-Remove the tape and lay paper out flat.
-Draw cut lines, I've shown the cut lines in blue for you. It is basically two little triangles from the small sides and a line intersecting.
-Cut where I have marked in blue.
-Now wrap it back onto your container and tape or glue it into place, make sure to line up the window evenly.
-Fold the flaps in and tape it securely on the inside. (Or use glue if you prefer)
-Measure your container for size and trace it out on your paper.
-Cut your paper to size, wrap it around, and lightly tape it. (we'll be taking it off again in a minute)
-Use your pencil and mark the cutout on the inside as shown.
-Remove the tape and lay paper out flat.
-Draw cut lines, I've shown the cut lines in blue for you. It is basically two little triangles from the small sides and a line intersecting.
-Cut where I have marked in blue.
-Now wrap it back onto your container and tape or glue it into place, make sure to line up the window evenly.
-Fold the flaps in and tape it securely on the inside. (Or use glue if you prefer)
Step 4: Add Optional Dowel
I don't use a dowel in my ribbon organizers because I usually remove them to use them, but a lot of you will want to spool the ribbon as it is.
For the example I used a bamboo skewer and cut it to size. I've just pushed it to the side and snapped it right into what was once the part you pulled the wipes through. Alternatively you could poke it through the top or just leave it be so when you shut the top it fits snug.
For the example I used a bamboo skewer and cut it to size. I've just pushed it to the side and snapped it right into what was once the part you pulled the wipes through. Alternatively you could poke it through the top or just leave it be so when you shut the top it fits snug.
Step 5: Finished Product and Alternative Ideas.
Snap the lid back on and put it wherever you want it.
I am including pictures of the first two I made with a baby wipe container. You can easily use the same concept for these. What makes it even more fun is you have a rubber opening at the top that is great to keep the ends of the ribbon in place and/or pull the ribbon from.
Another thought is to put something clear on the "window" for protection.
Thank you for reading through and I hope it helps someone with their ribbon storage issues!
I am including pictures of the first two I made with a baby wipe container. You can easily use the same concept for these. What makes it even more fun is you have a rubber opening at the top that is great to keep the ends of the ribbon in place and/or pull the ribbon from.
Another thought is to put something clear on the "window" for protection.
Thank you for reading through and I hope it helps someone with their ribbon storage issues!