Fairy Ribbon Rings

There is a joy in running free and dancing til you wear out your shoes! Running and dancing with Fairy Ribbon Rings makes the experience more delightful. Here are the very easy, non sewing directions for making your own Fairy Ribbon Rings. This is a great craft to do with your children, from picking out their own ribbons, to tying them on the rings. These are easy and a pure joy to work with lovely ribbons.

NOTE: These rings were made using 2 3/4″ wooden rings and 8mm ribbons. But that is just a starting point. Although I do not recommend getting rings smaller than 2 3/4″ because they would be too hard to hold, you certainly can go bigger, but they will require more ribbons. Also, ribbons can be any of the smaller width ribbons, but mix and match sizes and colors. Be expressive!

The finished length of the ribbons is 24″.

Materials:
Wooden rings (no smaller than 2 3/4″)
Ribbons – you will need 48″ for each ribbon you tie on. I used seven (7) 8mm ribbons on my Fairy Ribbon Ring. You can use smaller or larger ribbons depending on your preference. Do not use wide ribbons or they will not lie on the ring well.
Fine Grade Sandpaper or Steel Wool for unfinished wooden rings
Natural Wood Finish – (see my Olive Oil and Beeswax finish)
Coffee or Milk Paint – optional for coloring rings

1] Begin my preparing ring. If you purchased an unfinished ring, you will want to finish it. Use fine grade sandpaper or steel wool to buff the ring. Because my rings are for fall play, I wanted to deepen the color of the wood. I began by soaking them for 1 minute in dark coffee. Make sure you turn your ring over so front and back can absorb some stain.

2] Allow to dry completely. Then, finish the rings with an all natural wood finisher. I always use my Olive Oil and Beeswax finish. Work the finish in well with a soft cloth.

3] Cut 7 lengths of 8mm ribbon 48″ long. (The number of ribbons you will need will vary based on the width of the ribbon and size of your ring, but always cut them 48″)

4] Find the middle of 1 piece of ribbon and place the ribbon on the ring with the middle of the ribbon (24″ in) around the ring.

5] Simply tie the ribbon on using a square knot (right over left, left over right). Make sure you tie it tight so the ribbon is not slipping on the ring.

6] Continue tying on ribbons in the same manner, in any pattern you like, until you have added all your ribbons. NOTE: When adding ribbons, only cover part of the ring. On my 2 3/4″ wooden ring, I covered less than half the ring. You need to leave room for a child to hold the ring.

7] To help prevent fraying and to give a finished look to your Fairy Ribbon Ring, cut the ribbons on a 45 degree diagonal.

Easy, right? You are now ready to grab a ring or two and make merry! Have fun!