When our new Damask-Style Personalized Favor Ribbon was in its design stages, I took some time to look into the history of this gorgeous wedding decor pattern and learned that it goes back beyond vintage, all the way back to the Middle Ages. Some historians place its roots in China. Others point to Damascus as the origin. Regardless of where it was created, damask patterns have an enduring, worldwide allure.
Damask Inspiration! Clockwise from top: black and white damask paper favor cones, personalized with Woven Edge Luxury Satin Favor Ribbon, Damask-themed red velvet cupcake tower by @clevercupcakes (cc-by), Damask bordered wedding invitations by 2bsquared designs (cc-by), Damask Style Personalized Favor Ribbon on a hot pink lattice favor box.
It’s easy to understand the appeal of damask. To call it “eye-catching” is an understatement. It has almost mesmerizing qualities! In close-up detail it’s a delicate filagree of flowers and vines, but as the pattern expands it grows complex and bold, especially in the neo-traditional black and white that lends itself so naturally to elegant wedding decor.
Originally, “damask” was a textile term for woven fabric with a reversible pattern. Over the years, the intricate, swooping patterns used in weaving damask have made the leap from the strictly textile to decor of all kinds. Damask patterns can be found everywhere now, from the finest upholstery to tattoos. It’s an especially popular pattern for paper, and looks absolutely amazing on wedding invitations and decorations. You can easily use damask-patterned paper to create or enhance wedding decorations with a bit of creativity.
A piece of damask-patterned paper and a Wedding Bells Favor Ribbon transform a hot pink takeout box into an intriguing personalized wedding favor.
Damask rose petal cones personalized with Woven Edge Luxury Satin Favor Ribbon. These cones and the Damask favor wrap above were cut with a Silhouette SD machine
In addition to damask’s obvious charms, the beauty of the popular black and white color combination is that it can be mixed in with any color scheme and fit in at any celebration, from a black-tie event to an informal reception. The pattern is flexible, too. Use a little dash of damask for a subtle effect, or use a heavy hand and get funky! With a damask pattern, the decorative possibilities are limitless.
Find more favor inspiration in Joan’s Archive!
