Ribbon Twirl Stick Craft
Ribbon twirl sticks — also called ribbon wands — provide a colorful addition to a party or special event. Whether it’s a wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, birthday or holiday party, guests are mesmerized by the sight of beautiful ribbons unfurling to greet the person of honor. Creating customized ribbon twirl sticks for your event is an easy do-it-yourself project, and the ribbons can be color-coordinated to match the theme of the celebration or the colors of the season.
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Gymnastics and Dance
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In recent years, ribbon twirl sticks have become prevalent in rhythmic gymnastics, where gymnasts combine traditional floor exercise elements with ballet movements. Dancers also use ribbon twirl sticks in folk dance and ballet programs. Some student gymnasts and dancers prefer making their own homemade ribbon twirl sticks by gluing the end of a 2 to 3 foot length of ribbon to a 12-inch-long wooden dowel. To protect young hands, you can sandpaper the handle end and wrap it with colorful tape.
Centerpiece
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Ribbon twirl sticks are particularly effective when used at a children’s special event, such as a birthday party or a bar or bat mitzvah. For a fun party craft activity, children can make their own souvenir ribbon stick to wave when the birthday cake is brought in. Ribbon sticks also make an imaginative party centerpiece; insert the ribbon sticks into the top and sides a polystyrene crafting block. When the party starts and the child of honor is brought in, the other children can each choose a ribbon stick to take out and wave.
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Holiday Decor
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Children will enjoy creating their own ribbon twirl sticks for upcoming holidays, using small wooden or plastic sticks — make sure they have blunt ends — narrow ribbon and crafting glue. For a fun Christmas project, get a large polystyrene cone from the craft store, then watch the kids insert their red and green ribbon sticks to create a ribbon Christmas "tree." For a homespun Fourth of July decoration, place a bundle of red, white and blue ribbon sticks in old fashioned glass milk bottles, then tie a big bow around the neck.
Weddings
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Ribbon twirling sticks aren't just for kids. These colorful wands are showing up increasingly at weddings and provide an imaginative do-it-yourself crafting project for bridesmaids parties. You can make a wedding-themed ribbon stick using narrow, pastel-colored bridal ribbon, or you can choose colors that match the bridesmaids dresses. For a customized touch, use personalized ribbon printed with the names of the couple. To add an element of surprise, tie on bunches of tiny bells, so that the bride and groom can exit the wedding venue accompanied by the sound of miniature bells.
Wreaths
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Ribbon sticks can be used to make a brightly colored wreath — just insert the sticks into a a polystyrene wreath form. For elegant occasions, use floral wreaths and insert the ribbon sticks between the flowers for a festive touch. Ribbon sticks also make an imaginative dinner table decoration; use gold and silver ribbon, and place several vases full of ribbon stick bouquets along the center of the table.
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References
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