I used to do that trick when I was a kid. Make chains for Christmas tree decorations. Also included it in a magic show.

When I draw what I call "bending ribbons", I often have a problem of getting the correct ribbon width and curve shape just before and after the bend. I usually do a isometric or use a calligraphic pen in CorelDraw to approximate the look and then tweek the result. Sometimes I also get a long, thin strip of paper or real ribbon and use it as a model.

Question: do you have any shortcuts/tricks/drawing principles other than using your artistic eye?

I think I'll start a new thread and post an example of using bending ribbons for flow arrows in technical illustrations.