Process of making a helical ribbon

The present invention is directed to a helical ribbon, and method and apparatus for making same. The helical ribbon is formed from a resilient ribbon having first and second surfaces and a length substantially longer than its width. A plurality of spaced-apart crimps extending across the width of the ribbon are formed in the first surface of said ribbon whereby said plurality of crimps cause the ribbon to curl back onto itself. The resilient ribbon used to form the helical coil of the invention must be sufficiently rigid to take and hold a crimp rather than merely bending, yet be pliable enough that the process of forming the crimp does not cause the ribbon to break. The invention also includes decorative items made from one or more of such helical ribbon(s).