Use ribbon to craft a creepy-crawly snake.

Tools and Materials
Spool of ribbon 1 1/2 inches wide or larger
Masking tape of a smaller width than ribbon
18-gauge floral wire
Fine-tip brown or black permanent marker
Thin red ribbon
Scissors
Stapler
Adhesive gems

Ribbon Snake How-To
1. Unspool a length of ribbon about as long as the coil you would like the snake to have; for a 1 1/2-inch wide ribbon, about 3 to 4 feet works best.

2. Lay a matching length of masking tape sticky-side up on a flat surface next to the ribbon. Run floral wire down the center of the tape, pressing down to make it stick.

3. Flip masking tape over and smooth onto length of ribbon, leaving about 1 to 2 inches from the end of the ribbon unwired for the snake's head.

4. Use a fine-tip marker to make horizontal lines on the masking tape, about one inch apart, simulating the snake's ribbed belly.

5. Fold over 1/4 inch at the end of the ribbon and tape down with masking tape.

6. To make forked tongue: Slice 2 to 3 inches of 1/4-inch red ribbon down the middle along half the length, and cut ends into points.

7. To make the nose, fold in corners at end of ribbon, but don't make a point in center. Slide the red tongue ribbon into nose (underneath folded corners). Staple the corners and tongue in place with the hooks of the staples facing out (clasping on the right side of the ribbon) to make nostrils.

8. To define the head, pinch ribbon together a few inches from nose, and staple to secure.

9. Attach adhesive gems for eyes.

10. Wind ribbon back onto spool to create the coil and pull upwards, bending the wire into place, to display on spool.

Resources
Adhesive gems available from Martha Stewart Crafts. Ribbon available from Masterstroke Canada. All other tools and materials are available at most crafts stores.