Authors: Nicholas Kniel & Timothy Wright
Published by: Gibbs-Smith Publishing
What inspired you to create this book?
{Nicholas}: My clients have always asked for ideas and ways in which they could use ribbons and trims from Nicholas Kniel. It turns out that there has never been a truly inspiring coffee table book written about ribbon, and I thought-now is the time!
Do you have a favorite kind of ribbon?
{Nicholas}: Vintage! The colors, patterns, widths, and pure luxe of them—they don’t make them like they used too.
{Timothy}: I love Japanese ribbons. They make some of the finest in my opinion, with supple, rich colors, and beautiful patterns.
What are the most popular must-know terms for ribbon?
{Nicholas} : The two most important terms concern quality. There are fine ribbons and craft ribbons. Fine ribbons are mid-ranged to expensively priced, and are made of higher quality fibers such as silk and rayon, used for keepsakes or heirloom –quality projects. Craft ribbons are made of less expensive fibers like polyester and nylon, and are for budget projects.
What are 3 ways to use ribbon to embellish a tablescape?
{Nicholas}: Ribbons are perfect for napkin rings, on place cards, and as an embellishment on menus. The wider ribbons make great runners.
{Timothy}: I love to see ribbons tied around candelabras for a lush setting, or woven into floral centerpieces.
What are some popular places for readers to purchase beautiful, unique, or vintage-style ribbons?
{Nicholas}: It’s getting harder to fins vintage ribbons, but fine heirloom-quality ribbons are still found in fine fabric and millinery shops, or stores that specialize in ribbon. For vintage ribbons, look on Ebay and at local flea markets.
{Timothy}: Another source might be antique stores that specialize in textiles, and I have found some great vintage ribbons at tag sales where someone who has sewn is clearing out old items.
What did you learn about yourself while writing this book?
{Nicholas}: That I could run my store, as well as visualize, plan, and produce things for the book all at once. And have a great time in the process.
Timothy: I learned that in creating a book like this the whole process is one of brainstorming along the way. Even with an outline and set ideas for images, we were flexible with what we produced. Trying new ideas in the mix gives you a lot more in the end to work with.
About the Authors
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
{Nicholas}: A flight attendant. I wanted to travel the world, but I found out in the 5th or 6th grade I was too tall, so then I wanted to be a fashion designer.
{Timothy}: I have always wanted to be a writer and an artist, from early on I was writing and drawing on everything!
When did you first realize you had a passion for ribbon and adornments?
{Nicholas}: Subconsciously: all my life, I have always loved old movies with beautifully dressed women and 18th century clothing with all the trim and ribbon details. Consciously: when I was getting my degree in fashion design.
{Timothy}: I have always found any type of embellishment wonderful, kind of like the crowning touch to anything. That’s why I love finely packaged things, like gorgeously wrapped and tied presents, luxury goods presented in fantastic boxes, even a parcel tied up with butcher’s twine! As a child I remember helping my grandmother make Christmas ornanments . She always had the most wonderful ribbons and crystals and trims.
Who inspires you the most?
{Nicholas}: Many people, my friends, family, artists, designers, celebs, musicians, and so on.
{Timothy}: I am inspired by a wide range of creative people such as Piero Fornasetti, Christian Lacroix, Alan Ginsberg, Duane Michals, Jim Thompson, Jonathan Adler, Annie Lennox, and the many finely talented people I have had the pleasure to work with and befriend.
What is the greatest aspect of your career?
{Nicholas}: I love what I do. I can earn a living at something I love to do. And I get to meet and work with great people from all around the world to help find and create something for them.
{Timothy}: That I get to be creative, express myself, and create things. I love interacting with other creative people and seeing things through their eyes too.
List a fun random fact about you that not everyone knows.
{Nicholas}: I was born in Las Vegas and yes, it’s true. Also that I am 6’4” and when people meet me they’re like, “wow, you’re tall!”
{Timothy}: I love origami. I am a bit shorter than Nick at 6’3”!
{Kim's Book Review}
When I first saw the cover of this book, I thought it was beautiful, but a little weary because I have two left thumbs when it comes to tying bows. Then I quickly realized that it said "Ribbons" not "Bows" and engagingly opened the cover. Actually, I quickly became infatuated with the absolutely gorgeous photos and the amazing work that was put into each creation. I think I may have a slight crush on page 88 - 95. The way the tables are set enamor my senses. Truly, this book was a pleasure to review and I can guarantee that I will reference it often. It has made me realize how much I actually use ribbon in my life ... wrapping invitations, making gifts more eye appealing, and wrapping the napkins, votive candles, and centerpieces on my tablescapes. Thanks Nicholas and Tim. You did a fabulous job!! Every planner or designer should pick up this book for their library collection!! Hurry!
