Helen Gibb, a ribbonwork designer and a certified professional demonstrator in the craft industry. She was born and raised in Australia and now lives in the United States.

Helen has been designing for over 30 years and has been passionate about ribbonwork for the last 20 years. With a wonderful collection of hats dating from the late 1890’s up to the early 1940’s Helen is very knowledgeable on antique millinery. She says, “once I discovered these beautiful creations, I had to find out more about millinery so I searched for books from the early 1900’s and educated myself on millinery styles. And it was in these same books that I found that milliners trimmed those hats by making flowers using ribbon. The books didn’t have much information on how to make the flowers so I just figured it out.”

Flowers and all things related to them are prevalent in all Helen’s ribbonwork designs as shown in the photos here. The important aspect to ribbonwork is designing ribbon flower clusters to create beautiful heirloom pieces.

In addition to teaching a variety of classes, both nationally and internationally Helen has authored four ribbonwork books. She has also been published in magazines such as Crafts, Better Homes and Gardens, and Arts and Crafts. Regular appearances on the popular television programs, Sew Perfect, and The Carol Duvall Show has also given Helen the opportunity to teach the fundamentals relating to the fabulous vintage ribbonwork done in the 1920’s.

Helen’s practical knowledge of ribbonwork is unsurpassed and for all who love vintage styling the addition of these exquisitely detailed 'cottage garden' flowers will be adored on felt or straw cloches, or on picture hats.

Ribbonwork pansies, poppies, bell flowers, tiny blossoms, berries and different rose types from rosettes to full blown open roses and buds can be elegantly clustered to embellish hats and bridal headpieces.