3D Satin-Ribbon Leaves: Tutorial

Uses for the Leaves

Due to the large number of small details, these leaves can serve as standalone embellishments or complement a simpler flower design. They are typically used for brooches and headbands.

Materials and Tools

Materials and tools for the project:

1 cm satin ribbons in four colors (I used yellow and orange shades for an autumn leaf; you can also use green, preferably contrasting shades);
a 4 cm scrap of neutral-colored satin ribbon;
sharp scissors;
glue or a hot glue gun;
large, handy tweezers;
sewing pins;
a ruler;
a tea light candle.

Tutorial

Cut the narrow ribbons into 5 cm strips (11 pieces of each of the 4 colors).

Also prepare a wide neutral ribbon measuring 4x8 cm.

Stack together one narrow ribbon of each of the four colors.

Trim and Heat-Seal the Edge

Pin together with a sewing pin. Trim the end at an angle. Heat-seal the edge over the candle.

Repeat with All Ribbons

Do the same with all the ribbons, BUT note: 6 pieces are cut in one direction, and the other 5 in the opposite direction (this is important!).

Fold the top strip inward

Fold the top strip inward and secure it with a pin.

Place the second strip over the first

Place the second strip on top of the first.

Continue the same way with the remaining strips

Continue doing the exact same thing with the other strips:

Heat-seal with the candle

Even out the edges of the ribbons. Trim if necessary. Heat-seal with the candle. Lay out the finished pieces in the shape of the future leaf.

Begin assembling the leaf

Take one piece at a time and start assembling the leaf. Glue them together as shown in the photo. First assemble one half of the leaf (left or right).

Assemble the Opposite Side

Next, assemble the opposite side in the exact same way.

Make a triangle

Next, take the wide neutral satin ribbon and make a triangle by folding the top corners to the center, like this:

Trim the bottom corner and secure with flame

Now fold the triangle along the seam line where the ribbons meet, as shown in the photo. Trim the bottom corner and seal with the flame.

Attaching the stem to the leaf

Glue the stem vein to the center of the leaf.