It’s officially Kentucky Derby week! If you are planning to host a Kentucky Derby party this weekend, I am sharing an easy tutorial for a paper prize ribbon backdrop. This simple and inexpensive craft makes a perfect decorative accent for a Kentucky Derby or horse party.
I love incorporating DIY projects into my party designs, which help to keep the decoration costs down, while also personalizing the party and giving it a “wow-factor”. I decided to use the paper prize ribbons as the dessert table backdrop for my Kentucky Derby Playdate Party, but you could also string the ribbons together to make a garland too.
See below for the materials and directions on how to create the paper prize ribbons.
Materials:
- Assorted colors of 12”x12” cardstock craft paper (I chose lilac, coral and blush)
- Hot glue
- Paper cutter (or scissors)
- Paper scorer (optional, but helpful for clean lines!)
Instructions:
- Cut out desired number of 3” circle shapes from the cardstock to use as the center of each prize ribbon. Set aside to use later.
- Cut the sheets of cardstock into 3”x12” strips. You will use two strips per prize ribbon, thus each sheet of cardstock will make the base of two prize ribbons.
- Score each strip at ½ inch intervals.
- Fold strips accordion style along score marks.
- Hot glue two strips together, paying close attention to ensure one end folds up and one end folds down. Place the glue on the “up” side and place the “down” side on top of it.
- Take the long strip you just glued together and attach the ends to create a secure and evenly spaced circle.
- Push the outside of your circle inwards and down to form the flat prize ribbon shape. While holding the center down, apply a large amount of hot glue and secure immediately with a 3” circle cut out.
- Apply weight (with an item such as a mason jar or book) and allow to dry approximately 5-10 minutes.
- Add on tails to each prize ribbon. I cut the ribbon shapes out of cardstock, but you could also use real ribbon too.
I hope you enjoyed this simple paper prize ribbon tutorial adapted from my friend (and cousin!) Jaclyn Peck of Peckled!
Photography: Brittany Gidley Photography.
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