Meet the Ribbon Ladies

If you've visited an antique mall, you're probably familiar with the charming framed "ribbon ladies" that were a popular hobby/craft during the 1920's.  Just about every antique mall will have a couple of them if you look hard enough.

Here is a typical Southern belle ribbon art lady with some real hair, priced at $35 because it's a common pattern.  My friend Tina Gross at the Antiques Market of Williamston (Michigan) has a nice selection of them for sale right now.  Other dealers, including me, have one or two as well.

 

 

These were little kits that came with pre-printed faces and body parts.  The crafty part was completed by the purchaser, who would sew the ruffles, ribbon, and lace, which was glued into place, (along with real hair sometimes), and framed.

 

 

If you pay attention to "ribbon lady art", you'll notice certain patterns are very common, and some are unusual.  This one isn't super rare, but I haven't seen it a lot, either.  I like the ringlet curls and the layered ruffles on the dress.  This example was found on eBay:

 

 

This ribbon lady has a pretty pink dress, real hair, and a nice frame, but no facial features showing.  It's priced at $28:

 

 

I've seen this version with the flower petal dress quite a few times over the years.  It's priced at $35:

 

 

Collectors covet the smoking flapper girls, figures with a pet, and those with real hair.

 

 

The nice examples above and below came from Tina's booth at the Antiques Market of Williamston.  These are very desirable examples, and probably won't be around very long.  The flapper girl below is rather risque, with her see-through clothing.  The price is $158:

 

 

Some ribbon art ladies will have faded over time, but this one hasn't:

 

 

 

 A very pretty example, but more common, would be priced in the $35 to $45 range:

 

 

I think these would make a fun collection for a little girl's room (the non-smoking examples) or a lady's boudoir, don't you?

Mitzi

Comments

[sue]

I have never seen these and the last one is my favorite. Wouldn't it be fun to create a modern version?

[Mitzi]

I haven't run across these before either - too cute! Thanks for sharing I will be keeping my eyes open for them now :)

[Annette]

These are such fun examples. I love the "deco" lady. I have always been drawn to these but haven't had one personally.

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Mitzi,

There were also kits made with baby faces. You could cut locks from your babys first haircut and include them as a memento. I know youll come across one of those too if you havent already.

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Sue,

We are totally on the same wavelength.....Im thinking of putting together a kit to sell on Etsy!

Mitzi

[Danielle @ Blessed Serendipity]

I have always loved ribbon doll ladies. I have one very similar to the smoking lady in see through pj's. I found that one at a thrift store. Love your examples especially that last one and the one with the parasol.

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Danielle,

Wow, that was a good score at your local thrift shop!

Thanks for stopping by this weekend. I need to visit your blog too. Ive been trying to get a million things done.....

Mitzi

[Antiques GaloreGal]

I love these, however, do not come across them very often. I wonder if they are more common in certain areas?

[Art Garroway]

Does your friend Tina Gross have a website?