Create Magical Ribbon Wand Bell Wedding Favors

Ribbon wands are a fun, creative, and safe alternative to throwing rice at a wedding send-off. They are also a great option if you're looking for a unique send-off idea that doesn't involve sparklers or a special clean-up crew. In this paragraph, we will discuss how to make ribbon wands with bells for your wedding, including the materials you will need and step-by-step instructions on putting them together.

Choosing the right materials

Dowels:

The base of your ribbon wand is the dowel, which is typically made of wood. Standard sizes include 12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick, or 48 inches long and 1/4 inch thick, which can be cut into four 12-inch sections. You can find these at your local hardware store or purchase pre-cut dowels from craft stores. Sanding the dowel is recommended to ensure smooth sides and ends, free from splinters.

Eye Hooks:

Eye hooks, also known as screw eyes, are screwed into the end of the dowel to create a hook for attaching the ribbon. Choose eye hooks that fit the diameter of your dowel; for example, if you have a 12mm dowel, use a 12mm or smaller eye hook. Thinner eye hooks are generally easier to work with and less likely to split the wood. You can find eye hooks at hardware stores or in hanging hardware kits from places like Target.

Jump Rings:

Jump rings, or similar connectors, are used to attach bells or other decorations to the end of the dowel. Ensure you have enough jump rings to connect all your desired elements together.

Ribbon:

The ribbon is the star of the show, adding colour and movement to your wands. When selecting ribbon, ensure it comfortably fits through the eye hook. You'll need approximately 12 inches of ribbon for each wand, depending on the desired length and number of layers. Cut the ribbon into equal lengths, experimenting with different sizes to achieve your desired look. Consider mixing and matching colours, lengths, and textures to create visual interest.

Bells:

Jingle or wedding bells add a festive touch to your ribbon wands. You can typically find these at craft stores or in the wedding section of stores like Walmart.

Optional Extras:

You can further customise your ribbon wands with items like lace, tulle, or glitter. These additions can be wrapped around the dowel or incorporated into the ribbon for a unique look.

Remember to consider the colour scheme and theme of your wedding when choosing materials, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to create your perfect ribbon wands!

Preparing the ribbon

The length of the ribbon you will need depends on how long you want it to be and how many strands of ribbon you want on each wand. For a layered look, you will need around 12 inches of ribbon for each wand. You can also double the length of the dowel and add a little extra to account for the knot and drape.

Once you have cut your ribbons to size, gather them together as neatly as you can and start to thread them through the screw eye. You may need to fold the ribbon to fit it through. Make sure the ribbon is central, then tie a simple knot, leaving an equal amount of ribbon at each end. Be sure to pull the knot tight. You could also use a glue gun to secure the ribbon with a dab of glue.

Next, thread a jingle bell onto one of the ribbon strands and secure it with another simple knot. The bells usually have a handy tab to thread through. You can always add more jingle bells if you wish.

Attaching the bells

Once the eye hook is in place, you can attach the bells. For this, you will need jump rings, which are small metal rings that can be easily opened and closed. Take a jump ring and thread it through the loop or tab on the bell, then thread it through the eye hook on the dowel. Close the jump ring to secure the bell in place.

You can attach one or two bells per wand, depending on your preference. Repeat this process for each wand, and your wedding ribbon wands will be ready for your guests to wave as you make your grand exit!

Tying the knot

Ribbon wands are a fun and safe alternative to throwing rice at a wedding send-off. They can be used as a wedding confetti alternative, for your entrance to the reception, or for flower girls or page boys to carry. They are also a great party accessory and look lovely on display.

To make ribbon wands, you will need the following supplies:

• Wood dowels (12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick)
• Medium-sized jingle bells
• Ribbon (12 inches of each colour for each wand)
• Screw eye hooks (13/16 inch hole)
• Jump rings (12mm size)
• Thumbtack
• Pliers
• Vinegar/steel wool/tea stain mixture (optional)

• Prepare the ribbon by cutting it into equal lengths. Cut the ribbon to double the length of the dowel, adding a little extra to account for the knot and ensure a lovely drape.
• Sand the dowel to ensure the sides and ends are smooth and free from splinters.
• Use a thumbtack to make a dent/pilot hole in the centre of the dowel with the screw eye.
• Begin to screw in the screw eye into the top of the dowel. You can use pliers to hold the screw eye in place and push firmly.
• Ensure the screw eye is screwed down so that only the hook is showing and not the thread.
• Gather your ribbon together neatly.
• Thread the ribbon through the screw eye. You may need to fold the ribbon slightly to fit it through.
• Tie a simple knot in the centre of the ribbon, leaving an equal amount of ribbon at each end. Pull the knot tightly. You can use a glue gun to secure the ribbon with a dab of glue.
• Thread a jingle bell onto one of the ribbon strands and secure it with a simple knot.
• Your ribbon wand is now complete! You can add more jingle bells if you wish.

Finishing touches

Now that you've assembled your ribbon wand, it's time to give it those final flourishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your wand and make it truly unique:

Ribbons

• Experiment with different ribbon colours, lengths and textures. Try mixing and matching various ribbons to create a unique and whimsical effect.
• For a fuller look, ensure you have enough ribbon with equal lengths on either side of the knot.
• You can also add a dab of glue from a glue gun to secure the ribbon more firmly.

Bells

• Feel free to add more jingle bells to your wand for an even more festive touch.
• If you're having trouble finding wedding bells, try checking the wedding section of stores like Walmart, or opt for quot;jingle" bells, which are usually easier to find and less expensive.

Wand Handle

• Decorate the wand handle to make it even more special. You can paint it, wrap it in ribbon, or add other embellishments.
• If you want to stain your dowel, you can create a homemade mixture of vinegar, steel wool and tea. Soaking the dowel in this mixture will give it a richer, more rustic colour. You can also add coffee grounds to help darken the shade.

Display

• Ribbon wands look lovely on display. Create a cute sign to go with your wands, such as "Ring the Bell and Wish them Well" or "Wave Your Wands".
• You can also use them as table centrepieces or have your wedding guests ring the bells for a kiss.

With these finishing touches, your ribbon wands will be even more magical and memorable. Happy crafting!

Frequently asked questions