Vintage Keys and Red Ribbons

I had so much fun creating these images. I love old keys and I love ribbons.

Here is what I did.

1. Collect a bunch of old vintage keys. Flea markets or car boot sales are great places to find similar keys.  If you are going to use them for decoration it might be nice if they are not too rusty or full of paint. Scrape any paint off and remove rust with wire wool. Try not to remove any of the old patina - so go gently. You don't want them to look new.

2. Select some ribbons. Matching, contrasting - they can all be different - but it is quite nice if they have something in common. I selected ribbons that all had some red colour. Two of the ribbons also have some grey dots and stripes matching the grey metal colour of the keys.
Cut a length of ribbon and thread it through the handle (the bow) of the key and simply make a knot at the top.
There are many different ways of tying the ribbon to the keys but I liked the simplicity of  leaving the ribbon lying flat and, a very simple knot and the ends of the ribbons cut at an angle. You could also cut the ends in a v-shape.

3. Keep the keys in a bowl for pure pleasure or put them back in a door or chest of drawers. They could be hung on a wall or framed they would make an attractive picture.

All the ribbons that I have used in this little project is from the lovely Jane Means and her ribbon company.

When styling the image I added some favourite vintage buttons. Again I matched the grey and the red & white with the colours in the ribbons.

Have a wonderful day!
See you soon!

Xoxo Ingrid