Ribbons, We've Got 'em ... Vintage, Decorative, Fancy & More

Vintages offers a broad line of decorative paper, ribbon and art elements for crafters, artists and wrapping that special gift. Papers, ribbons and such is the realm of Susan, who at an early age found that she was enthralled with beautiful paper and ribbon. She still is, and that love of decorative ribbons and paper can be found in the wonderful selection of papers and ribbons in our shop.At Vintages we have what is probably the largest inventory of ribbons in the South Bay. Our ribbon selection includes new and vintage ribbons. The new ribbons include hand-dyed silks, satins, velvets, chiffon, ombres, grosgrain, wired and unwired solids, sheers and patterns in a multitude of colors. These come from numerous vendors some as far away as France.We have ribbons with messages and greetings (happy birthday, thank you, congratulations and more), a variety of Paris inspired designs (fleur d’lys, ooh la la, merci) and gorgeous florals. Many of these designs are perfect for craftwork.There are also ribbons in a rainbow of colors and a wide range of textures.

Susan not only seeks fine ribbons and paper from contemporary sources, but also searches and finds wonderful examples from eras past. The selection includes bright mid-century grosgrain, trim and velvet from the early 1900s, along with Victorian ribbons and trim. The vintage selection varies and is of course limited to stock on hand that changes frequently. At this time we have a variety of velvet, embroidered, metallics, seam bindings, grosgrain, satin, lace and more.

Vintage Bride & Groom Wedding Cake Toppers

Vintage bride & groom wedding cake toppers have been, and still are, a fascinating and whimsical collecting field. These little figurines show so many emotions -- some seem so happy, others a bit skeptical, and we have seen a few that look down right scared! Customers love to look at the extensive selection we have in our shop. There's quite a bit of history displayed in the fashions and accessories incorporated into these little works of art. Whether these are bought as gifts for weddings, engagements and anniversaries, to start or add to a collection or just for old times sake, there is a bit of happiness that accompanies every one of them.

Wedding cakes have been around for centuries but cake toppers did not take hold until the 19th century. Bride and groom toppers started appearing in the latter part of the 1800s, with commercial products first advertised in the late 1890s. Early examples were made of molded or sculpted cake icing. Through the years we have seen toppers made from virtually every conceivable material. As cake decorations, bride & groom toppers reached their peak popularity in the 1950s. Our selection stretches across the years from the 1920s to the 1970s.

This little wedding party is a wonderful cake topper set from the 1920s or 1930s. They are made from pipe cleaners all decked out in ribbon and lace. The faces and the flowers are made of celluloid. While this may have been sold as a complete set, I believe these were available as kits that were assembled and personalized by the baker or someone in the wedding party.

Here is another wedding party of little blonde bisque dolls dressed in crepe paper outfits. This style was popular in the 1930s, with or without the crepe decorations.
Another pre-WWII set was this celluloid bride and groom with the minister. This one includes its original box. She's decked out in lace and crepe, as are the groom and the minister. These are small and fragile, as the very thin celluloid was easy to crush or dent and was flammable as well!This trio of more traditional cake toppers are all made of porcelain. The left couple is from the late Art Deco era (c1930). The one on the right is a bit later, probably c1940. The center bride and groom are from the late 1950s or so. Note that the lacy veil they bride in the center is wearing is real. Many mid-century examples have not only real veils and silk flowers, but some have dresses made of fabric, probably from the same fabric that the real bride's wedding dress is made from.Here are a couple of collections that have examples from the 1930s to 1960s. The materials vary from porcelain, to pottery, to plaster and even chalk. Note the lower photo where the flowered arches are included.I love this young couple. They look a bit surprised! This is probably from the 1960s or 1970s. They are made of bisque (unglazed ceramic) and actually stand a bit taller than most of the brides and grooms that we have. Cute!Whether you are looking for bride a & groom cake toppers for gifts, for your collection or to decorate your wedding cake, we always have a great selection.