Hello...my name is The Crafty Elf and I'm a Ribbonaholic!
This all came about because I was cleaning out cupboards, closets, drawers and yes, my craft area. Something I try (not always successful though) to do every year after Christmas, purge some of the unnecessary things accumulating that are not really needed. I started to get a little worried when I felt I was stacking a considerable amount of plastic bins full of ribbons. Now in my defense, I had my own business where I used copious amounts of ribbon so that at least explains the many bolts of curly ribbon. I needed something to tie the ribbon with .......oh yes I did!
I wondered why I am so drawn to ribbon? Why do I love it so much? Why do I buy it? Why can't I tell myself "Self, use up what you have first before you buy any more." I'm usually a pretty practical person. So what's happened?
Well, it was time to take some action. Here's what I did.
I looked up the 12 ways to beat an addiction and this is what I found. The following are supposed to be the "Zappers" as they call them.
1. Get Some Buddies
I have a weekly craft get together and WE USE RIBBON
2. Read Away the Craving
I read all the craft blogs and THEY USE RIBBON TOO
3. Be Accountable to Someone
Everyone I'm accountable to uses ribbon, except my husband....there is hope!
4. Predict Your Weak Spots
Sales, dollar stores .....and RIBBON
5. Distract Yourself
I can shop for paper and stamps but I'm already thinking that's my next issue
6. Sweat
I do.....especially when I'm on the treadmill. This doesnt' help me with RIBBON
7. Start a Project
It's eventually going to need RIBBON, I know it!
8. Keep a Record
Are you kidding me? I don't have time to record my ribbon, you all saw how much I have!
9. Be the Expert
I am and I believe that is what got me here in the first place....sigh!
10. Grab Your Security Item
My dog.....awwwww, she is so darn cute especially with that RIBBON in her hair!!!!
11. Get on Your Knees
I will....I will pray that I use up all the ribbon I have before I buy any more. You heard it here first!
12. Do Nothing
Ya, I'm thinking this is the way to go!
So, looking around at my stash of papers and stamps, I'm thinking this entire craft thing is an addiction and I'm loving every minute of it!
Please note that in no way am I trying to lessen the seriousness of addiction as it should be taken very seriously. The purpose of my post was for fun and humour only and I'm sorry if this post has offended anyone in anyway as this was not my intention.
Today is Wednesday which means it's WOYWW.
This is the day of the week we share with creative friends from around the world. We support each other with comments, we laugh, we learn and most important we all have one common ground - "The Stamping Ground". Julia leads the way each and every week and if you would like to join in the fun, it's as easy as a click right here! Just add your name to the list and you'll instantly become apart of a fabulous creative family.
Wherever you are in your day, I hope you are enjoying it!
Wishing you many wonderful creations!
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| Look, still lots of room in this container! |
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| Some of those sticky bows there in the corner in case no one (ME) is around when a bow is needed. They are soooooo old! |
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| Paper ribbon |
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| Ooops, a bolt of heart stickers in this one. I also think there must have been a sale on that pretty green ribbon there in the upper right corner, hmmmm. |
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| Spools of curly ribbon and such. |
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| A little bit of every type of ribbon here, two rows deep. |
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| Christmas ribbon - two rows deep |
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| Pretty colours don't you think? |
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| Some fluffy stuff there too! |
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| Brown and cream was the colour scheme of my niece's wedding so I used these two bolts of ribbon to wrap her wedding gifts. Found them stuck in a drawer when I was cleaning out and reorganizing. |
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| While Christmas shopping I saw this awesome package of ribbon that I but bought them anyways. |
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| This was among the ribbons! Love this tool. Add a bolt of ribbon and away you go! Makes using ribbon so much easier especially when you're using a lot at one time. |
This all came about because I was cleaning out cupboards, closets, drawers and yes, my craft area. Something I try (not always successful though) to do every year after Christmas, purge some of the unnecessary things accumulating that are not really needed. I started to get a little worried when I felt I was stacking a considerable amount of plastic bins full of ribbons. Now in my defense, I had my own business where I used copious amounts of ribbon so that at least explains the many bolts of curly ribbon. I needed something to tie the ribbon with .......oh yes I did!
I wondered why I am so drawn to ribbon? Why do I love it so much? Why do I buy it? Why can't I tell myself "Self, use up what you have first before you buy any more." I'm usually a pretty practical person. So what's happened?
Well, it was time to take some action. Here's what I did.
I looked up the 12 ways to beat an addiction and this is what I found. The following are supposed to be the "Zappers" as they call them.
1. Get Some Buddies
I have a weekly craft get together and WE USE RIBBON
2. Read Away the Craving
I read all the craft blogs and THEY USE RIBBON TOO
3. Be Accountable to Someone
Everyone I'm accountable to uses ribbon, except my husband....there is hope!
4. Predict Your Weak Spots
Sales, dollar stores .....and RIBBON
5. Distract Yourself
I can shop for paper and stamps but I'm already thinking that's my next issue
6. Sweat
I do.....especially when I'm on the treadmill. This doesnt' help me with RIBBON
7. Start a Project
It's eventually going to need RIBBON, I know it!
8. Keep a Record
Are you kidding me? I don't have time to record my ribbon, you all saw how much I have!
9. Be the Expert
I am and I believe that is what got me here in the first place....sigh!
10. Grab Your Security Item
My dog.....awwwww, she is so darn cute especially with that RIBBON in her hair!!!!
11. Get on Your Knees
I will....I will pray that I use up all the ribbon I have before I buy any more. You heard it here first!
12. Do Nothing
Ya, I'm thinking this is the way to go!
So, looking around at my stash of papers and stamps, I'm thinking this entire craft thing is an addiction and I'm loving every minute of it!
Please note that in no way am I trying to lessen the seriousness of addiction as it should be taken very seriously. The purpose of my post was for fun and humour only and I'm sorry if this post has offended anyone in anyway as this was not my intention.
Today is Wednesday which means it's WOYWW.
This is the day of the week we share with creative friends from around the world. We support each other with comments, we laugh, we learn and most important we all have one common ground - "The Stamping Ground". Julia leads the way each and every week and if you would like to join in the fun, it's as easy as a click right here! Just add your name to the list and you'll instantly become apart of a fabulous creative family.
Wherever you are in your day, I hope you are enjoying it!
Wishing you many wonderful creations!
ha, ha, ha, LOL! i so enjoyed your post and love how you have all your ribbons so neatly stored. thanks for sharing your addiction! have you considered ribbonaholic anonymous?
ReplyDeletehugs,
peggy aplSEEDS
We are all guilty of the wonderful pleaseure of being addicted your not alone .So welcome to the ACS...(Addicted to Craft Supplies)
ReplyDeleteHave fab wednesday
hugs judex 8
I don't think any of those steps would help me stop buying crafting supplies! I have to go return something to Michaels tomorrow, and I'm going to leave all my credit cards/money at home so I can't be tempted buy more glitter, paper, adhesive, stickers, pens, brads, stamps, ink....you get the idea :)
ReplyDeleteThat is one big addiction but what an impressive collection. I prefer option 12 too, just enjoy it. There is always a place for ribbon in peoples lives and to be truthful, I can never find any when I need it. At least you will never suffer from that.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Von #19
Not offended just in awe of your ribbon collection!!!!
ReplyDeleteGot caught up in your manifesto and stayed way too long. I have a lot of that ribbon, too. I have mine sorted. The paper ribbon lives in my basement studio and the fabric ribbon lives in my craft room. Don't ask me why. But then, you are a ribbon collector, so I suspect you understand (grin). Happy WOYWW (#3).
ReplyDeleteThat is indeed a LOT of ribbon!
ReplyDeleteI love ribbon too but I really love those black spools the curling ribbon is on... you can keep the ribbon but send me the spools!! You do realise that I will now be scouring all the sales lines for curling ribbon for which I have no practical use??? Hmmmm
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought I loved ribbons!! You might have beaten me on that one!!
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW
Hugs
Cathy xx
Cor blimey, that is soooo much ribbon!!! I am jealous - can I come and visit and play with it all??
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW!
Hugs
Leanne xx
Hi there; great creative space this week with lots to see! Thanks for sharing! I was just curious, I thought I saw a little bit of ribbon peeking out from your photos? I almost missed it among all the other "bits" Have yourself a lovely day, I enjoyed reading your post today.
ReplyDeleteNeil # 31
Wow, that is a lot of ribbon! lol You are so lucky :) I have only started my collection.
ReplyDeleteCelestial Things
Your ribbon addiction is worse than mine - but very organised!!
ReplyDeleteWow nr. 1 today! Very good! Your ribbon collection is fantastic! I must say I am a collector too but not even close to what you have! Fun post!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Cardarian
Lolol, love it!!! You DO have a lot of ribbon, good for you for addressing the situation :) I loved your top tips for coping with ribbon-mania. Good Luck!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs, LLJ #26 xx
I love your answers, I can see you arguing with yourself as you wrote them down. Never had the ribbon thing going on but I certainly have my own equivalents. I say life needs some pleasures and if it is not harming anyone then meh!
ReplyDeleteOMG! I am as addicted as you are to the ribbon. I also promised myself I wasn't buying anymore ribbon or paper in 2012 until I use some up...already broke that promise. Maybe you should start a 12 step program cause I would bet you could round up a bunch of followers! Thanks for sharing and have a great week! Vickie #50
ReplyDeletewow so much ribbon I'm jealous :) x
ReplyDelete**giggle**
ReplyDeleteThat is one serious lot of ribbon - I dread to think how much I have but at the moment it is scattered amongst the rest of the stash so doesn't look too bad.
Love the 12 point action plan...but...not sure it is going to help a great deal LOL
Toni xx
Thought after the first couple of photos 'that's not bad'. Scrolled down a bit and then thought 'almost as much as me'. A bit further down 'Wow, you beat me'. Further still, and further, and yet more - now I definitely cannot compete. You win, you are the ribbon queen
ReplyDeleteAnn B
#38
ha ha, love your post and really love your ribbons, they are great. At least you seem to have them pretty much sorted.
ReplyDeleteWow, you weren't joking,there is so much fab ribbon, I love looking at it, barely use it though..happy woyww, have fun with your ribbons!! Hugs trace x
ReplyDeleteI think the ribbon addiction is contiguous you are not alone I am most certain a follower of the ribbon club x x I love the 12 steps to overcome our addiction, will try them out
ReplyDelete(lol) Love number 12, sounds like me, love your post today x x x Hugs May x x x
omg this is so funny, i love all your ribbons, i am a horder of buttons !! i know, and i cant bear to use even one lol, great space xx
ReplyDeletewowzers that is alot of ribbon, i too have loads but mine is chucked into a spotty storage box lol, thanks for sharing on woyww,
ReplyDeletehugs sandra (81)
Your post has made me smile. I too love ribbon, but not quite to the point you have achieved! There is just something about all that luscious color that makes my heart pound! Happy WOYWW!
ReplyDeleteLol, sooo funny, I,m afraid I may have tghe same addiction xx
ReplyDeleteRibbons! Love them :)
ReplyDeleteOooh yes lots of wonderful ribbon there! I think we're all guilty of the crafty goodies addiction here so there's no helping any of us :o) Thanks for sharing x April #80
ReplyDeleteLol, what a ribbon adventure, you should have shown us a pic of your dog in ribbons, must admit, I like ribbons too.
ReplyDeleteOMG, I thought I had a problem with ribbon but thanks to you I now realise I don't!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first trip to your page but I feel it won't be the last as I'd love to see what you do with your ribbons. I have made ribbon trees in the past which are truly beautiful. There you go, another reason why you NEED ribbon.
Happy Wednesday
Well Crafty Elf, I too have a ribbon addiction lol! Maybe I should take some pics of mine too. Thanks for giving us a laugh and showing your beautiful ribbon stash :).
ReplyDeleteHelen xx
Oh dear, I'm an addict too - but I've taken the pledge to Use It Up ... see the button on my sidebar ... you might like to consider joining in the fun. So far, so good - I've only had to stop myself buying a couple of times and we are into the second week of the year :)) Got to say you do have a serious amount of ribbon ... I'm not jealous, honest I'm not, no, really, I'm NOT :) Elizabeth x #96
ReplyDeleteYou're in good company, we all seem to share in your addiction! --Meechelle #114
ReplyDeleteMy dear Crafty Elf friend,
ReplyDeleteheee heee heee. You've made me feel so much better about myself. Yes, I'm a craftaholic. Yes, I buy things I don't really need (at that moment) but I know it will be the perfect item in the future. I love your stash of ribbons. Hobby Lobby usually has them half off (all the time) in the sewing section. Oh, but I don't want to be an enabler! ;-)
Hugs,
Kay
WOYWW #45
Well thats a lot of ribbon, and at least your addiction isnt fattening-unless you eat chocolate when you use ribbon!
ReplyDeleteMaria x
Ooo look at all the lovely ribbon! LOL! Brilliant. Happy WOYWW from #57 Kim
ReplyDeleteI thought I had too much ribbon...:)
ReplyDeleteOffended by your confession???? No
ReplyDeleteJealous of your ribbon collection???? YES, that is one mighty fine collection of ribbon!!!!
Lin #123
Great post! and love your ribbons.
ReplyDeleteLol, super funny post!! I'm a ribbon junkie too so know exactly where you're coming from!!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Brenda 101
I do think most of us have a soft spot for ribbon! I hadn't realised it until one particular day, but I do have alot of spotty ribbon - nearly every colour. I noticed you have a fair amount too!!
ReplyDeleteShaz e-mailed me with some of her suppliers on ebay - and I have ordered. MMmmmmmnnnn!! And that is only two of the list - there were about 12-14 on the list!!
Enjoy it!!
Just soooooooo tidy - alas...I have a raging Ribbon Octopus! Thanks for the peek in to your crafty space...Sarah at 6
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous! I never have ribbon or the right color of ribbon for my project.
ReplyDeletebuttons , ribbon papers, promarkers its OK you are not on your own, we can all support each other. X Sharne ( fresh as a daisy)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post! Your Ribbon collection is lovely! For me it's papers, especially papers with textures. Wouldn't it be fun if we crafters each sent each other a little stash in our favorite addiction. I know I have ribbons I don't use! I'll have to organize a big annual event!
ReplyDeleteI love your post ! I have a lil bit of a ribbon thing going on to. I have decided though to embrace it I'm not going to fight it anymore , ( some will think this is burying my head in the sand , which of course isn't true) . Stand proud and enjoy your ribbon !
ReplyDeleteI thought I had a lot of ribbon...but then I saw yours!
ReplyDeleteSerious giggling on floor!!! I am also addicted to ribbon, I am in the middle of trying to sort mine, I too said I shall buy no more until I use up what I have got, but I found myself standing on the market last Saturday and without realising I was walking away with a bag of ribbon, to make it worse on Monday I found myself yet again at a garden centre and the next minute I'm driving away with a bag of ribbon!!!! Guess I need to work through those 12 steps!!! Lol your ribbon has got me drooling all over my computer. Kezzy x
ReplyDeleteFantastic ribbon collection you have! And your post about the 12 ways to beat an addiction is so funny! Thanks for the giggle!
ReplyDeletexoxo Karen #152
Sorry girl! but there is no other way to be . . . . trust me I know. But you have a shed load of ribbon there... so get on and use it. ha ha. You made me laugh so, it's no bad way to be.
ReplyDeletehappy
Yup! I'm sticker addict. I have a whole bin of them...and I don't ever use stickers! I just like them. Oh...and never underestimate stash-envy! Sometimes when I see someone else's stash of crafting supplies, i'll feel the need to go bolster my stash :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I'm seeing how many I can get round this way.then when I have finished I'll come back again, that is if I can STOP reading all the posts first Happy WOYWW
ReplyDeleteLOu P
ROFLMAO
ReplyDeleteI think they forgot to say: Start a support group. I will join, in a heartbeat! I am so very glad to see that I am not the only person alive with this problem.
Happy WOYWW
Love the 12 steps - and my word what a lot of ribbon! Happy WOYWW...
ReplyDeleteOkay, you win the Ribbon Wars. I have friends that say they have too much ribbon but oh no, they don't hold a candle to you. That said, I am a member of FSA--Flat Surfaces Anonymous. We admit to having a problem with flat surfaces as we have to fill them with STUFF.
ReplyDeleteOh, and here's your ribbon proclaiming you the Queen of Ribbon.
I don't care about my ribbon addiction - its better than many other sorts! I bet you still never have the right piece though huh? Enjoy your sorting.
ReplyDeleteI love ribbons too and have lots but my storage isn't as neat as yours - I've tried several ways of storing and still haven't come up with one that means they keep tidy - thanks for the peep at your workspace(Hazel, WOYWW 67) x
ReplyDeleteSorry to be so late, I started at the other end of the list! Brilliant post Elf..just brilliant. SWEAT: what you'd do without ribbon! I dont use much but have far far more than I need. I like it, it's pretty. Over here we tend to not get it on rolls, so I have huge random lengths rolled into jars and hanging off a hook..very pretty...very unused. You aren't alone. But you may win the prize for having the most!!
ReplyDeleteLoved your post, the 12 steps sound pretty good to me.
ReplyDeletehugs
Enfys x
Thanks for sharing your addiction. Unfortunately, I am not as addicted as you! tee Hee.... It's always good to have ribbon, You never know when you will use it, or hang it for creative awareness! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI have a serious addiction to ribbon too! Wish the 12-step program worked for crafting supply addictions... I just can't seem to stop buying them!
ReplyDeleteWow!! That is a whole lot of ribbon!!! And I thought I had too much.... but you beat me hands down!
ReplyDeleteClaire WOYWW#100
Great post and a fab collection of ribbons! I must admit to having the same problem, there is just something about ribbons LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteA bit late I know but I hope you had a fab WOYWW and also have a lovely weekend, Karen #164
LOL! I'm glad you're loving every minute of it!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Fabulously addicted friend, how did I miss this little beauty:0) Wonderful post so much fun, hugs Gay xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Yes, you definitely are addicted but I love them all and can fully understand. I adore ribbon too and paper and inks and ohhhhh!!!!! I think we are all a bit addicted to craft!
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #99
*grin* Got a kick out of your post! Ribbon is easy to collect because it's relatively inexpensive and small. I bought quite a bit of patterned ribbon when I first started crafting, only to realize that plain ribbon is so much more versatile! So, I'm trying to use up all those little spools of American Crafts ribbons. :)
ReplyDelete