The critical period between the seventeenth century and the nineteenth century when steam power rose to prominence also heralded the dawn of the industrial revolution. This revolution has been the catalyst for major technological changes around the world which resulted in improved living standards for many and booming economies.

This catalytic event was literally powered by steam, which became a new source of energy to fuel new industries and propel the economy forward. Inventions like the steam engine, locomotives and other factory equipment were the nexus between the old agrarian world and the new exciting industrial one.

With the advent of steam power, production began to improve and increase exponentially. Items were now being mass produced and distributed, which led to greater profits. Bolstered by the possibilities presented by steam power there was an out pour of new inventions and improvements upon old inventions, which significantly influence the outcome of the revolution.

Today, the excitement of the industrial revolution is all but forgotten. Surrounded by creature comforts like our cars, smart phones, personal computers and other gadgets, we don’t often think about that critical moment in history when a simple thing like steam would change the world forever. It is not common place to think about these things. The awe and excitement has long ago faded and all that we are left with is a vague recollection of something we once learned in history classes. But the evidence of the industrial revolution and the power of steam are still around us and refuse to be relegated to the pages of old, tattered history books.

• Use it to tie a wedding invitation shut, and have the text say the names of the bride and groom, and the wedding date.
• Use it to adorn a baby announcement, and have the ribbon say “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a Girl!”
• Use it to tie a baby shower invitation closed, and have the text say the baby’s name and birthday.
• Make gift baskets for the holidays or for birthdays, and put your name and the occasion on the ribbon, such as “Merry Christmas! Love, Joan.”
• If you own a business, use it to make your press kits or product samples look enticing by adding a bow printed with your company contact information.
• Use it to make labels for clothing you take to the gym, camp or other public places. For example, you could get ribbon that reads “This belongs to Tom” and sew the ribbon to shirt tags and pillow cases.
• Bake cookies, brownies or other treats, and tie off the bag with a bow that says “These treats were made by the Smith family.” You can then use the treats at bake sales or as gifts.

If you think creatively, there are many other uses you could find for custom printed ribbon. This small detail can add a personal touch to just about anything, and can help you stand out among friends, family members and even coworkers.