How to Make a Big Ribbon Bowl

Salvage leftover ribbon pieces for this project.

Ribbon used for making dainty bows may seem like an inappropriate material for bowl-making, but with a bit of adhesive you can make a solid ribbon bowl. You can create an over-sized ribbon bowl in practically any shape, depending on the object you use to mold the ribbon. Use ribbon for bowl-making to create a work of art customized that fits your decor without spending a fortune.

Things You'll Need

• 14-inch diameter ball
• Plastic wrap
• Masking tape
• 1-inch wide ribbon, grosgrain or satin (135 20-inch strips)
• Scissors
• 32 oz. white glue
• Shallow dish
• 2-inch wide sponge brush

Instructions

1. Cover a 14-inch diameter plastic ball with plastic wrap. Wrap masking tape around the middle of the ball to divide the ball into two halves. Place the tape firmly over the plastic wrap as a guide for the bowl.

2. Cut 1-inch-wide ribbon -- use grosgrain or satin -- into 135 pieces that are 20 inches long.

3. Fill a shallow dish with white glue; you will need approximately 32 ounces.

4. Dip each strip of ribbon into the white glue. Coat each side of the ribbon. Squeeze away the excess glue using your fingers.

5. Position the ball so the tape line is horizontal at the middle of the ball, creating a top and bottom half; you will use the top half to make the bowl. Place at least four 8-inch-long strips of masking tape to stick the base of the ball to the surface you are working on, keeping the ball from rolling away.

6. Place the strips of ribbon on the top of the ball with one end starting at the center point of the top and the other end perpendicular to the horizontal masking tape ring. The ribbon should not overlap the masking tape; if it touches the tape in areas do not press the ribbon on the tape.

7. Overlap the strips of the ribbons. Cover the top half of the ball with a single layer of ribbons. Allow the layer to dry overnight.

8. Add two additional layers of ribbons over the top layer. Allow the layers to dry until the outside of the bowl is hard to the touch.

9. Cut through the plastic wrap on the half of the ball that is not covered in ribbons. Peel the plastic wrap along with the ribbon bowl carefully away from the ball. Remove the plastic wrap from the inside of the bowl.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use the bowl to hold hot or wet items, as the bowl will collapse.

References

• CraftStylish; How to Make Papier Mache Bowls with Your Holiday Leftovers; Kayte Terry; January 1, 2009
• FamilyFun: Spaghetti Yarn Bowl