We love getting gifts, partially for the excitement of what's inside the box but also for the wrapping paper and ribbons. Although we're not wrapping paper savers or re-users, we are a sucker for a pretty bit of ribbon, which is why our heart jumped when we saw this project over at HomeWorkshop.com...
Rather than purchase fabric for that upholstering project you have in mind, why not use up those scraps of ribbon and create something economical, sustainable, unique and, most of all, beautiful? While the original project uses bought ribbon, around our house we have plenty of the stuff to cover a dozen chairs. Use low VOC materials to strip, stain or paint your old chair or flea market find. For the full directions, click here.
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I cannot see this working with the type of ribbon one gets on a present. The ribbons should be fabric, not paper.
The directions for making this chair specifically say you should use fabric ribbon--using paper ribbons never crossed my mind. I frequently use satin ribbon to wrap gifts. I think it's a nice touch--much better than the ribbons you're thinking of.
However, I don't see the strips being long enough to cover any substantial area. Even the directions say they had to go buy ribbon to cover the seat.
i think this is a good idea but unrealistic... this is unless you receive gigantic gifts where ribbons extend from side to side... but concept is good esp if you have a knack for sewing