Belted Napkin Rings

I have a funny way of deciding if I want to do a particular craft or not. Im reading down the list of things Ill need to buy or to do to see if its worth the price and the effort. But some craft projects slay me. They have a huge list of supplies, like 6 different colors of paint, and costly materials youll need besides, and it just isnt worth all that expense. A tiny gnome - no matter how adorable - just isnt worth $30 in supplies and days of painting, drying, and painting some more. Ive lost interest - and money - by then. Id rather do a project which is really fast, turns out something spectacular, and cost very little to make. Whether youre preparing for a wedding reception, a huge outdoor party, or just a quaint gathering with friends, youll have fun creating unusual napkin rings which look like belts. And, the project wont take up a lot of your valuable time nor set you back a bundle of money.

Select grosgrain ribbon or twill tape - or both - to make the little napkin belts. Although you can make the belts any size you want a nice size for them - as well as for the width of the ribbon - is 1 ?" to 2 ?". Cut the ribbon pieces to 9" lengths. Youll need one 9" piece for each napkin. At one end of the ribbon, cut a notch or cut the ribbon at an angle, to create the design you want for the end of the belt.

Purchase two "D" rings to finish. Youll find small ones at a craft store or a place that sells fabric. The rings have the exact shape of a "D" and are generally available in colors of gold, silver, blue, pink and others. The straight side of the ring should be the same size as the width of the chosen ribbon. Stack two "D" rings together and lay them on a table. Take the end of the belt and pass it through the top ring and out through the bottom ring. Pick up the rings and hold them in place while you fold the end of the ribbon under. Glue it in place to secure the rings. Lay a rolled napkin on one belt and thread the end of the belt through both rings. Bring it over the first ring and thread it back through the second ring. Tighten slightly. Make a white belt with gold or silver rings for a wedding or anniversary. Or, use black rings with brown ribbon to make western belts for a childs party. Add gold or silver rings to pink ribbon to create adorable napkin belts for a little girls princess party. It takes just a couple of minutes and a few cents to make each belt but the overall look of the belted napkins looks like a million bucks.