Make A Ribbon Remnant Holder out of a Paper Mache House

Does anyone else struggle with how to organize ribbon remnants?  You know, the bits of ribbon that are too short to keep on the roll, but too long to toss.  I’ve tried jars, storage totes, and small bags.  It always wound up a jumbled mess, and I could never find what I was looking for.  I finally figured out a solution that worked for me.

(This post first appeared at Dollar Store Crafts, where you can find me every Tuesday!)

I used a cute paper mache house to create a scrap ribbon holder!  The little “preview” poking through each window helps me see at a glance what’s available.  I can easily pull out and cut the length I need anytime.  Plus, it looks adorable sitting on the counter in my craft room.  I love when storage items can be functional and fashionable!

Supplies used:

• Darice Paper Mache Box Set of 3 Houses
• Paint
• Glue
• (Optional) DecoArt Dimensional Effects, 4-Ounce

Step one:  Paint the roof of the house.  I applied a texture paste first,  but that’s optional.

Step two:  Paint a base coat over the house.  You may also want to paint the inside of the house (mine is hot pink!)

Step three:  Paint glue over the basecoat to create your own crackle finish.

Step three:  Let the glue dry slightly, then paint your top coat over it.  The paint will crackle as it dries.

Step four:  Paint the base green, like grass.

Now you can start to fill your house with ribbon bits!  Poke a small amount through each window.  I can find the color or texture I want at a glance, without digging through a bin or jar.

When you need a bit of ribbon remnant  for a project, simply pull the desired amount out of the window and cut. Easy to use and cute to look at!  This is so much better than a drawer full of ribbon, don’t you think?