UNTIE THE RIBBONS...

"Each day comes bearing it's own gifts.  Untie the ribbons"

~ Ruth Ann Schabacker ~

 

You know those special friends you make throughout the ribbons of your life?  The ones that tie into so many aspects of what and who you are - that stay tied to you, no matter what?  I have amassed a few along the way, I'm proud to say.  True friends - dear friends - ones that are just "there" for you - that you know will always be "there" for you...whether mourning the passing of beloved pets, or rejoicing over happy times and a friendship that has endured.  Ones that will lift the phone just to say, "Hey", before you do!  Ones you can just be YOU with, and they love you for it anyway.  My friend, Carole, is one of those friends.

All of my friends have talent - not a one of them doesn't...whether it's creative talent, or just the talent of throwing me a smile and a hug, and making a day better.  Yesterday I was invited to spend the morning with one of my longest running friends, who has both talents.  CAROLE SIDLOW (those of you who drop by here occasionally may have heard me mention her before, in the guise of "The Ribbon Lady").  Some of you know her personally, already - the rest of you SHOULD!  And for those of you in the Reno/Tahoe and Sacramento areas, Carole has an upcoming show at the GRASS VALLEY OLD WEST ANTIQUES SHOW, May 10th and 11th (did I mention her husband is an antiques dealer?!).  Here's your chance...

Probably one of the most colorfully creative and dearest souls I know, Carole owns The Ribbon Store, online and locally, here in Vegas.  A MEGA mecca for ribbons and laces, vintage and new...if she doesn't have it, she can get it for you, but chances are it's already there - she has quite the eye!  I went yesterday, looking for some ribbons for a gift I'm working on, and found MORE than the perfect item...I always do.  Her imagination and talent are boundless, and her heart is huge - what a happy place to hang out for a few hours.

Not only does she deal in ribbons and vintage textiles, she USES them, too...in the most wonderful ways.  All items here came from Carole's hands (the riot of colors and "stuff" on her workbench yesterday was devilishly fun) - from the mouthwatering little velvet petit fours on the cupcake stand, to the larger, more outrageously delicious pincushions tucked into the shop, between the gorgeous ribbons.

Carole sells in her eBay store (no bidding, except on the antiques and handmades - supplies are all "Buy It Now"), as well as direct, if you drop her an email (info can be found on her "kick-ass" business card in the first photo). She also has a "Ribbon of the Month Club" that she can give you details on - you won't believe the packaging!  No attention to detail is ever missed with Carole - EVER!  And, she ships just about anywhere in the world.

An all original antique beauty among Carole's own, equally mouthwatering creations.  Find yourself in need of pleated ribbon (similar to the vintage silk this pincushion doll is wearing)?  She can custom do that for you, too - yep, she's like the Supergirl of ribbons!

I always come away with a brighter outlook on life, and a HUGE creative itch, when I walk out of her shop - I think ribbons must fix everything.  Drop her a line, if you're in the need - you won't be sorry.  If you're in the GRASS VALLEY, CA area over Mother's Day, a trip to see her will DEFINITELY be worth your while.  I understand she will also be among the vendors at Art Unravelled on August 3rd, in Phoenix.  Tell her a friend sent you...

 

RIBBONSTORE @ eBay