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(Image from idemakeriet)

Lace and trims items are another embellishment item we are finding more of on quilts or other sewing projects. So, this week we want you to take time to organize these bits that also, like beads, tend to get stuffed in corners, drawers and other random places.

If your heart swoons at the sight of ribbon, lace and other trims, chances are they might not have a dedicated location once you get these beauties home.  It may not be from a lack of trying, as most stores place those little rolls and lengths of deliciousness in a bag that can easly get lost amongst fabric, tools or other baubles.  Once tucked away, it is hard to remember what you purchased, much less, what it looks like and where it is.  

Finding what you want, can sometimes involve a lot of hunting.  Avoid the frustration of the hunt by keeping ribbons, laces and other trims in their own space.  We have found a variety of suggestions, but before you get excited with what we found, you need to do some digging and sort out your stash.

• Does this item continue to really speak to you?
• Donate items that don't make the cut; they might speak volumes to someone else.
• Remember, we are getting YOUR space set for a more enjoyable experience with less frustrations.
• Sort items by color, type, thickness, or patterns.  Decide what works the best for you and how you will use them.
• Once the sorting has been done, we do recommend hand washing lace (with a delicate laundry soap) and pressing as lace shrinks just like fabric. Do not wash velvet ribbons!

Now it's on to the fun ideas we found.  Once again, we offer ideas for two types of creative spaces.

Options for Clean and Clutter Free: 

If you prefer a clean and clutter free space, consider these options for storing your embellishment items.  Each offers close at hand, organized solution without being a visual distraction.

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1. Card stock postal tags work well to keep ribbons sorted (Heart and Handmake UK) in a lidded plastic storage box.

2. Denise Clason uses foam core boards to hold multiple numbers of ribbon that then fit nicely into 13" x 13" stackable Snapware container.  This way she can easily see what she has, and lid keeps things clean.

3. Use old wooden rulers or yardsticks to wrap your ribbons and lace, then hang the rulers with cafe curtain clips to a rod.

4.Hang items up using pant hangers or a hanging jewelry organizer.

5. Use a candy tin filled with ribbons wrapped around hand made cardboard holders.

6. Use plastic storage containers with holes to suspend wooden dowels to hold the rolls of ribbon together (SpunkyJunky). 

Options for Visual Inspiration and Admiration:

Do you prefer a visually inspiring space, or love having your colletions of beautiful laces and trims to admire? These ideas might just be the perfect solution.

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1. Ribbons on old spools out on display.

2. An apothecary jar filled with bits of lace (Flicker...Wondertradings).

3. Ribbon wrapped wooden clothes pins in a vintage sewing machine drawer.

4. Create a beautiful display of your collection by hang ribbons from curtain rod rings.....attached using cup hooks (Pinterest).

Or get out all those baskets and use them for holding and displaying your collection.

Visit with ribbon artist Helen Gibb. Her work is filled with ribbons, laces, trims and other embellishment
items that will make you swoon!  

Haven't worked with ribbons and lace but want to try your hand at it?  Check out Helen Gibb's Vintage Postcard class in Classrooms here.  It is an easy way to dip your toe into the world of laces and trims.

Click here for other organization articles.