Various how-to craft books can be helpful to floral designers. Here is one on ribbon that belongs in every floral designer’s library.

“Ribbon-The Art of Adornment” is by Nicholas Kniel and Timothy Wright. This has over two hundred lush color photos by Parker Clayton Smith as well as historical photos and prints. This definitive guide was published by Gibbs Smith. Kniel owns a boutique that specializes in ribbons and embellishments.

Ribbon has long been an after thought, a last minute addition to floral designs. Happily, the authors give this material the attention it deserves. Once you start dipping into this book for ideas, you’ll see ribbon in an entirely new light.

The authors provide a complete background on this versatile craft material, and explain it’s many cultural uses throughout history as well as its symbolism and what it has come to represent.

This title explores the practical and aesthetic use of ribbons in various settings and situations. For example, one chapter explores its use for weddings. There are ideas you can use throughout the year for special occasions as well as seasonal celebrations. Extensive attention is devoted to Christmas, Halloween, and Easter. In one seasonal display, Easter baskets are paired with fresh flowers and ribbons. There are also exquisite Christmas wreaths with ribbons.

Floral designers will be delighted with the inspirational examples of floral designs in this book. One chapter shows how to use flowers and other floral materials with ribbons in combination with gift wraps.

This has all the practical basics on working with ribbon. There is also a glossary featuring the many different kinds of ribbons. The authors present various ways to cut, trim, and finish the ends of ribbon.

Throughout this book are all sorts of practical information you can use in floral design. For example, one chapter explains about what colors of ribbon to use for various social causes, such as the various pinks for breast cancer awareness.

This title features numerous examples and ideas for floral design. There are hats, handbags, and clothing decorated with ribbons and floral materials. This explains the uses and origins of ribbon flowers.

A special section is devoted to floral designs with ribbons for weddings. These arrangements include bouquets for the bride as well as boutonnieres.

This has numerous examples of floral arrangements with ribbons for the home and for table settings. For example, there is a lovely topiary of lemons. There are also beautifully folded napkins decorated with sprigs of herbs. Other examples include beautiful arrangements in vases decorated with ribbons.

The authors cover all about the various kinds of bows. They tell how to choose the right kind of ribbon and how to care for it and store it.

The appendix has a list of sources.