I took some old ribbon scraps and made a sleeve for a glass jar. This is a quick and easy project, a good way to use your embroidered ribbon scraps, and a free project if you’re using an old glass jar or tin can. You could also make smaller versions with votive holders or a larger version with a wide vase. Just be sure that the sides of the jar are straight (not tapered).
Simply cut pieces of ribbon approximately 1″ longer than the circumference of the jar and sew each ribbon right sides facing with barely any seam allowance until you have one large rectangular shaped piece. Press after each additional ribbon is sewn. Fold the piece over and sew right sides together with a 1/2″ seam allowance, forming a sleeve. Easy! I planted a primrose in this jar, but put some rocks in the bottom for drainage. I’m sure to kill it, but then I can use the jar for fresh flowers or as a pencil holder.
Brilliant – am going to repot all my herbs and cover with my ribbons!
Those ribbons are sooo beautiful! Especially all together like that. What a cute little project. But I think the plant is a primrose, not a violet!
Yes, you are right. It is a primrose! I’ve corrected that now.
What a clever idea! I love anything that involves recycling and this has so many possibilities.
I’m just captivated by the ribbon itself. where do you find it?
So pretty!! And a great use of all the tiny bits of ribbon I can’t part with! I blogged your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-cover-a-can-with-a-colorful-ribbon-sleeve/2010/01/11/
–Anne
where do you get such lovely ribbons?!
This is so fabulous !!!! The month of November I blogged all about repurposing a jar http://nestfullofeggs.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html & i wished i would have come up with your great idea !
Beautiful ribbons you have used.
this is adorable! i need to collect more of these beautiful ribbons, i love them so! 😉
This is really cute. Also, I’ve never heard of putting rocks in the bottom for drainage before. Perhaps that is why all of my plants always die. Ha! 🙂
I put rocks in the bottom because I used a jar without holes for drainage. It’s not a recommended practice, and I suspect that the lack of drainage will eventually cause mold. I don’t know — despite having worked as a floral designer for several years, I’m not very good with plants.
I love that you used ribbon for the sleeve! I actually have a similar post scheduled for tomorrow (I do a Two Tips Tuesday) and I already linked back to you because this is so pretty. What I did was use jelly roll fabric wrapped around little glass votives. Quite frankly, I was too lazy to even fold and sew the edges. I just adhered the fabric to the glass since it was the same size. I put tea lights inside and it works. 🙂
I am excited that yours can be re-used or it can “change its clothes!” How fun!
thanks! what a great idea. especially for me, since i have several small pieces of ribbon that i just can’t seem to part with.
Super cute.
What a cute idea!
i have begun hoarding jars like a crazy person for some strange reason that i cannot explain. i knew i would find a project for them, and i think this is it. thank you for sharing this. 🙂
Beautiful!! I love it when everyday objects get a fabulous make-over. Great ribbons, too!!
Thanks for this lovely idea!
Oh, my goodness I love this so much!!
great idea!!
Your ribbons are beautiful! I would worry about them getting mildewy around the top, with the damp soil though. Maybe we will use this on some of our glass jars that we use for pencils.
I LOVE this!!!! your ribbons are absolutely gorgeous! where o where are they from? 🙂
What a great idea – so easy and a great way to use up the bits! Thank you for sharing. Just have a daughter who got engaged….would make a lovely bridal shower favor.