I found these super-inexpensive glass vases in the floral department at Target over the weekend.
They are about seven inches tall, a nice cylindrical shape, and quite a bargain at only 99 cents each! I thought they would make excellent budget-conscience centerpieces for a wedding or festive party. I, of course, decided to dress them up a a bit. I was thinking of something "preppy-chic" and colorful for Spring, so I chose these pretty striped grosgrain ribbons...
To decorate the vases, I started by measuring the circumference of the vases and added about an inch. Then, I just cut a bunch of ribbon strips to that size, being careful to cut the ends very neat and straight. Next, I just began wrapping the lengths of ribbon around the vase in a pleasing pattern, layering and overlapping them as I went. I used the stripes in the ribbon to help me keep everything straight.
To affix the ribbon strips, I used my glue gun - making sure to just apply a thin layer of the glue. I took special care to try to match up my seams. When I was satisfied with my design, I carefully added water and a few Tulips to the vases. I love Tulips, but I really think Gerber Daisies would have been even better (had I been able to find them!).
Now, since they are adorned with fabric ribbons, these vases will obviously not be washable, but they are so inexpensive to make, you won't be devastated if you can't use them again. Just recycle them or give them away to your guests to take home.
And the really cool thing about this project is that is is totally customizable to your party's color and theme. I chose to use bright preppy colors, but this technique would work equally as well with a pale, romantic palette. Next time, I would love to try this with layers of yummy lace and satin.
:-)
Happy Tuesday!
Jessica
What a neat idea! Love it!
Posted by: Heidi | January 26, 2010 at 06:54 PM
adorable!
hooray for target tuesday!
xo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | January 26, 2010 at 08:02 PM
I must remember this for a wedding..2 more daughters to go. What a amazing easy idea . Happy mid-week to you.
Posted by: Koralee | January 26, 2010 at 08:46 PM
This is such a great idea, and those vases are perfect for tulips since they flop over so much anyways. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Christine Edwards | January 27, 2010 at 10:11 AM
How pretty would those be on an Easter brunch table?
Posted by: Jessica | January 27, 2010 at 12:12 PM
Hi hi,
Lovely colors, lovely tulips, lovely idea!!
Have a wonderful wednesday,
Saskia
Posted by: Saskia Kok | January 27, 2010 at 01:59 PM
it's perfect!!!!!!!!
Posted by: a pink dreamer | January 27, 2010 at 03:15 PM
This is such a great idea,love to visit ur blog....
Posted by: ECO CHIC Personal Care | January 28, 2010 at 11:09 PM
I happened to stumble on your blog searching the word tuesday on Flickr.... and I felt like I entered the surreal place called Home. Never met anyone so talented in a cute and affordable manner... never thought I would ever come across anyone who liked floral patterns, pastels and the ill shade of pink (atleast that is what everyone else has convinced me my obsession is)
I just wanteed to say everything you do is great, every item you post is great.... I am now your biggest fan and will be following religiously... perhaps you can re-release my love for all things girly that I have been repressing to appease those around me.
Thanksxxxxx
Posted by: Angie | January 30, 2010 at 04:46 AM
you are so creative! i am reading post after post and getting so inspired! wow! glad I found you, via PHB....
Posted by: cashon & co | February 17, 2010 at 09:32 AM
What brand of ribbon did you use? It's so pretty!
Posted by: KC | December 31, 2013 at 08:48 PM