It began four years ago, when my eldest child was in her Primary Three. To supplement her 'skimpy' Science textbook, we have to visit the library regularly. During our first few visits, I would religiously helped her locate and check out a few Science books. Later, when she had figured out how to do that by herself, I was freed to 'tour' around the library! So, it was during one of those 'tours' that I chanced upon some ribbon embroidery books at the Arts and Crafts section. I NEVER thought that I would do such a thing as this - ribbon embroidery!
After I so courageously checked out those embroidery books, I soon encountered my first problem - where to find embroidery ribbons? Thankfully, I found a store that carried such products. However, that was when I encountered my second problem - the ribbons were so expensive!! By the way, nobody sells embroidery ribbon in Singapore now :-(
Initially, ribbon embroidery was just for fun. Then, I saw how amazed my friends were when I showed them some of my handiworks (and they kinda like it.) So, I gave my projects as gifts to my very dear friends. Later on, I found some new ribbon books in the library (see how many good books you can actually find in the library.) This time, I found books that teach how to make ribbon flowers, and you can imagine how I went gaga over these books. Again, with the same boldness in venturing into ribbon embroidery, I started working on ribbon flower projects.
Though I have not been into this art for long, I am passionate about ribbon crafts because it is such a beautiful art. Initially, I did not think of selling my work. However, well-meaning friends encouraged me to do so. Then, I thought of the example of the Proverbs 31 woman who had a business to bring in income for the family; that gave me a reason to try to bring in some extra money for my children's (of which I have five, presently) education fund.
Now, to conclude, there are several things about ribbon crafts that I have learnt. First, you cannot cheat on the quality of the ribbon for it will show a vast difference in your final product. Second, you need to practice, practice, and practice! Take it on the positive side, you can cultivate the virtue of patience when you do that ;-) Third, you need creativity! No doubt, books can instruct you how to do the basics, you need to learn how to 'create' a flower composition that will look beautiful together. Finally, there are some flowers that just cannot be crafted with ribbons, that reminds me how creative, intricate, and skillful my God is Who spoke all the beautiful flowers that we see into existence!
