Receiving a package with curled ribbon can make people feel special, no matter what the occasion. A ribbon curler is a device designed to help people curl ribbon to place on gifts, floral arrangements, or balloon bouquets. The object looks something like a hair curling iron except that it is much smaller. It is designed to be used with satin ribbon, which can be purchased at a craft or party store.
A ribbon curler is typically made of plastic. It somewhat resembles a hair curler, and has both an upper and lower section. These two sections are connected by a small hinge near the back of the device. This hinge opens so that the ribbon can be placed inside it when it is being curled.
Most models are very small, and they can easily be packed in a tote bag. A typical ribbon curler is between six and eight inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm) long and two or three inches (5.08 to 7.62 cm) wide. Most varieties are extremely lightweight.
Some models can be used to both curl and shred ribbon. Shredding is normally done to give flower arrangements and balloon bouquets a touch of flair. These curlers normally have teeth, which are widely spaced apart, on one side of the device. That way, ribbon can be placed on one side of the unit when curling ribbon or along the opposite end when shredding it.
In order to use a ribbon curler, a crafter must first place a piece of ribbon inside the device, leaving a small piece dangling from the end of the curler. After this, the ribbon can be pulled through the curler until it is completely removed. The result is a piece of ribbon that has a spiral twist to it.
When wrapping a present, it can be a good idea to attach the ribbon to the package before curling it. Long strands should be left dangling from the object in order to provide enough excess ribbon to place in the curler. When curling ribbon for other purposes, such as balloon bouquets, it is best to tie the ribbon onto a weight before curling it.
Most types of ribbon curlers are designed to be used with satin ribbon. Thin strands of ribbon are normally easier to curl than wider pieces are. These devices are not recommended for cloth, so people who would like to curl fabric ribbons should use another method of doing so.