I will never be one of those people who throw away ribbons. Being able to show horses has been a life long dream for me. I’ve worked really hard to win and also pay for all of these ribbons. You can bet that I want them out where I can enjoy them instead of locked in a box or thrown away!

Even that being said, my ribbon area was looking a bit hodge podge lately. I had stuffed Elvis’ entire show collection in two large glass jars, but that didn’t leave any room for Simon’s new ribbons. Last year I put them on an empty curtain rod as they came home, but that looked too hodge podge for me. Plus, the ribbons get dusty and gross just hanging up there.

My original plan was to send most of Elvis’ old ribbons off to be into a ribbon quilt, but that didn’t seem like the best choice of funds at the moment. Tired of no solution, I headed off to Michael’s in search of a shadow box.

The idea was to make a collage out of the rosettes so I could display them easily, but still be able to salvage the ribbons in case I wanted to get my quilt made in the future.

First, I made sure that the streamers of every ribbon were carefully rolled up and tucked behind the metal clip.

Next I went through and selected my favorite 1st, 2nd and 3rd ribbons from my collection. I tried to pick the ones that were from a more prestigious show or sentimental favorites. In the end, I made sure that I had at least one from every show and I started placing them on the black felt shadowbox back.

Before I secured any ribbons, I got the general placement and closeness how I wanted it.

Then I got out the trusty hot glue gun, and carefully put hot glue just on the metal part of the back of the ribbon. I don’t think hot glue will hurt the actual ribbon, but for me it was better safe than sorry.

I glued the ribbons down from back to front, and went row by row. I don’t think the small amount of hot glue would survive a child tugging on these, but for being protected by glass and not moving around much… the glue job is totally fine.

Once I got all the ribbons down, it was as easy as getting my husband to help me hang it on the wall.

I think it looks pretty good! I do wish I had them closer together in some areas or had ribbon streamers to cover up the black areas showing through, but for an hour project I think this looks really nice. Plus, I can take them out anytime if I decide to do something different with them.

As for special champion ribbons, I ironed out the streamers and placed them in what I’m not calling my “trophy case.” Let’s face it – I have more interest in champion ribbons than I do fine china, so these have a welcome home in the top shelf of my China cabinet alongside my grandfather’s carvings.

Now there’s some more room in the jars for my (hopefully) 2015 collection, and I can fully appreciate the other ribbons!

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