Vintage Scrapping

How to Make a Victory Braid

Victory Braid for Homecoming Mums and Garters

 

Sorry for the color selection here - just wanted to make it as easy as possible to see the different ribbon folds.

 

Supplies:

• 4 ribbons - 62" each for a 36" braid
• 4 ribbons - 31" each for an 18" braid

 

1. Place right ribbon down with the ribbon on the left going over it (making a "v")

 


 

2.  Place the 3rd ribbon below and parallel to the first ribbon crossing over the 2nd ribbon.

 

 

 

3.  Place the 4th ribbon on top next to the 3rd ribbon BUT have it go UNDER the 1st ribbon.

 

**  TIP - this is how I personally remember how to lay the ribbons.   First, remember that you are laying them one on top of each other.  2nd ribbon on 1st ribbon, 3rd ribbon on 2nd ribbon, 4th ribbon on 3rd ribbon.  Also remember that each parallel set will be OPPOSITE on the over and under as to the ribbon next to it.  See above, how the white and black ribbon are parallel, however the white ribbon is under the navy and over the red.  The black will be opposite - it is UNDER navy ribbon and OVER red ribbon.

 

4.  Now scootch them together to form a tight "v" and tape the tops down (if you can't tell already - I love masking tape!)

 

Couple of things real quick to help out.  First, remember that your parallel ribbons will always end up being parallel to each other.  Next, we work our way back and forth.  Start on the right, then fold on left, etc.   The folds to this to remember are over and down (parallel), over and down (parallel).

 

5.  Start with the far right ribbon which is ribbon #1 (red).  We are going to fold UNDER and to the left.  Always remember that you will go under the ribbons but over the last ribbon on EACH FOLD.  Fold ribbon #1 under ribbon 3 and 4 (navy and black) but over #2 (white).

 

 

 

 

6.  Now the down (parallel) part.  Fold ribbon #1 (red) under ribbon #2 (white) but OVER ribbon #4 (black) - remember the over the last ribbon rule.  This will have the ribbon end back parallel with ribbon #3 (navy)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Now that the right side is folded, do the left.  Take ribbon #2 (white) and fold under ribbon 1 and 4 (red and black) and over the last ribbon (navy).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  Back to the rule - across and then down (parallel).  Also remember rule that you go over the last ribbon.  So take the white ribbon #2 and fold under ribbon #3 (navy) and over ribbon #1 (red) to be parallel to the black ribbon #4  (see how I said you would always end up parallel to the same ribbon).

 

 

9.  Now start same pattern again.  We did right side, then the left, now back to right.  Take ribbon #3 (navy) and fold under - across (make sure to go over the last ribbon - black ribbon here).  Then fold it down (parallel) but over the last ribbon.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.   Left side now.  Take the black ribbon #4 - fold under and across.  Then fold down (parallel).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now you see we are back where we started.  Take ribbon # 1 (red and fold under and across then down (parallel). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now keep going!!

 

 

 NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE!!!  Printable Step by Step Color Picture Tutorials with over 30 photos in each one!  For Single Homecoming Mums, Double Homecoming Mums, Triple Homecoming Mums and Garters.  Go to Melz Make Your Own Mum Kits and scroll all the way to bottom of page and you will see instructions there!!

 

Thanks so much for looking!!!  Let me know if you have any questions!

Melissa

Made by www.MelzMumz.com

How to make a Homecoming Military Braid

Step by Step Instructions for a Military Braid!

 

The best thing about this braid is it looks like it would be so hard to make but it is really simple!

 
 

Supplies:

• 2 - #3 ribbons 4 yards each to make a 36" braid
• 2 - #3 ribbons 2 yards each to make an 18" braid
• Bell or other trinket to put at bottom of braid

 

Start with the bottom ribbon (navy) going up and the top ribbon (white) going right at a 90 degree angle.  Then flip the bottom ribbon (navy) over going towards the bottom now.   Leave a loop as wide as the ribbon.  Put a staple here where the ribbon overlaps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now take the ribbon on the right (white) and make a little loop.  Next take that loop you just make (white ribbon) and push it up through the navy loop you left at the top.

 

Push the white ribbon through enough to leave a loop on the end as wide as the ribbon. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now take the navy ribbon and make a little loop and push it up through the white loop.

 
      Push the navy ribbon through leaving a loop as wide as the ribbon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now make a loop with the white ribbon and push it up through the navy loop.

 

 

 Now another navy loop and push up through the white loop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now a white loop and feed into the navy loop.

 

Do this over and over until you reach the end.  Essentially all a military braid is, is these loops fed into each other.  They lock each other in place.

Try to keep the loops tight.  Once you push a loop up through another loop make sure the one that is "holding" the other loop is tight without crushing the ribbons.

 

 

 

 

 

Staple the end and decorate as you like!

 

 

 

NOW FOR FREE!  Free Printable Step by Step Picture Tutorials for Single, Double, and Triple Mums and Garters with over 30 color photos in each!  Click here and scroll to bottom of page and you will see the Free Printable Instructions!!

 

Thanks for looking!  Please feel free to leave comments letting us know if this tutorial helped!

Melissa 

Made by www.MelzMumz.com

How to Make a Homecoming Box Braid Tutorial

Step by Step Instructions on making a Box Braid!

 

Ready for something challenging?  Then this is something for you!  This is a box braid that I use on homecoming mums and garters.  This will show you step by step how to make one.  I will tell you this one was rather difficult to learn but well worth it once I had it down (it's my favorite braid!)

  

 

 

Supplies:

• 3 - #5 Ribbons 3 yards long each ribbon to make a 36" braid
• 3 - #5 Ribbons 1.5 yards each to make an 18" braid

 

Usually I use two of the same color and one ribbon of a different color.  To make it easier to see where I am folding the ribbon, I have used 3 colors here. 

 

  Start with 1 ribbon (blue) on bottom and put white one on top of that going down at a right angle.  The put 3rd ribbon (red) on top of the white one going out to the left.  Kind of make a "T".

Starting this braid is the hardest part to get down because you have to force the ribbon to go the direction you want it to.  After that it is a repetitive action.

 

 

 

First fold the right side - navy  (make sure it is the ribbon on the bottom) up at an angle slightly over the other two ribbons.    Holding that ribbon in place swing the red one on the left side over the navy one to the right.  Try not to crease these ribbons, the key to this braid is keeping the ribbons a little bit loose.

 

    
 
  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now this is where we are going to start getting into the repetitive stage.  So, you should have the bottom ribbon (navy) going up and the top ribbon (red) going to the right side.

 

Now take the white ribbon and fold up (over the red ribbon) where it sits parallel with the bottom ribbon (navy).  When I said before that the key is to keep the ribbon loose - this is where it matters most.  When the ribbons are parallel leave about a 1/8" gap in between them.

 

 

 So here we go!!  The rhythm to remember is over and up over and up.  You will alternate the ribbons in order (in this case it would always be navy, red, white, navy, red, white.

 

Over and up - take the bottom ribbon that is going up (navy ribbon) and fold across and to the left at a downward angle over the other two ribbons.  Now take the ribbon on the right (red ribbon) and go up over the navy ribbon - parallel to the white ribbon (but see the little gap I was talking about below).

 

 

 

 

 

 Over and Up!   Now the ribbon on the left (white ribbon) go over at downward angle over the other two ribbons.   Then Take bottom ribbon (navy) and go up parallel to the red ribbon.  Now you should start feeling the trend.  You always will take the parallel ribon that is on the bottom to go over the other ribbons, then you will take the ribbon that is on the bottom to go up parallel to the other ribbon - alternating.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over and Up.   Now you can see in the second picture how the braid is starting to take shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep going and staple it at the end - this is what it should look like

 

 

 

I hope this tutorial helps and remember not to get frustrated when you first start making these.  These take alot of practice.   I used to keep a short one next to my bed and while my husband watched TV at night I would practice unwinding it and rebraiding over and over.  This was the hardest braid for me to learn but maybe it will be super easy for you!!!

 

NOW FOR FREE!  Free Printable Step by Step Picture Tutorials for Single, Double, and Triple Mums and Garters with over 30 color photos in each!  Click here and scroll to bottom of page and you will see the Free Printable Instructions!!

 

Thanks for looking and if this tutorial helped you please leave us a comment - we love to hear from you!!

Melissa

Made by www.MelzMumz.com

How to make a Champion Braid A.K.A. Texas Braid Tutorial

 

Braid Time!

This is what is called a Champion Braid or some people call it a Texas Braid.  This one is fairly simple, just tedious.  The best thing I can tell you is to be patient.  These things take a little time to make and if you rush through it they turn out poorly.  Also PRACTICE!!  Most of my braids took me making them over and over and over before they started to look right :-)

 

Supplies:

to make an 18" braid you will need:

•  3 - 18" pieces of #3 ribbon (I used navy for this)
•  1 - 90" piece of #3 ribbon (I used white for this)

to make a 36" braid you will need:

• 3 - 36" pieces of #3 ribbon
• 1 - 5 yard piece of #3 ribbon

 

 

Lets get started.................

 

 

First take your three ribbons and put them all next to each other side by side.

 

 

 Now you want to make sure they are nice and close together without overlapping but no spaces in between.  I use a piece of tape at the top to hold it down and still.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now take the white piece and starting at one side, weave it through the 3 pieces.  Then tape the loose starting end down as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Now, on the right side we are going to take that white ribbon and fold under and down - FLAT up against that outside navy ribbon on the right side.   Make sure you crease the ribbon really well.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

So now we take the white ribbon (note that the navy ribbons will not be moving - it is the white ribbon that will weave back and forth).  Take the white ribbon and fold it over and to the left and weave over and under the navy ribbons opposite of how you wove them on the line above (in this case it was over the first and last navy ribbons and under the middle navy ribbon).

 

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

Do this on the left side now.  Fold white ribbon under and straight down flush against the outside navy ribbon.

 

 

 

Then fold over and to the right - weaving through navy ribbon each time you go across.

 

 

Repeat back and forth - white ribbon - fold under and down, then over and across other ribbons until you get to the bottom.  Once at the bottom staple across it and cut off any excess.  Go back and staple the top also so it won't unravel.  Then decorate with whatever you like!!  **Added Tip - I sometimes use a ribbon iron (or regular iron on lowest setting - just BE CAREFUL) to go over the points to make them nice and super creased.

 

     
 

 

 

So there you have it!  A Champion or Texas Braid! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOW FOR FREE!  Free Printable Step by Step Picture Tutorials for Single, Double, and Triple Mums and Garters with over 30 color photos in each!  Click here and scroll to bottom of page and you will see the Free Printable Instructions!!

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that it helps. If this tutorial helped you please leave us a comment!  All feedback / comments are welcomed and appreciated!!

 

Have a great day!! Thanks for looking!!

Melissa

Made by www.MelzMumz.com

HOW TO MAKE A HOMECOMING MUM TUTORIAL

Hello!  Today I am going to try my best to show how to make a homecoming mum.  Now these are somewhat basic directions but will show you step by step how to put it together.   Lots of pictures here!

 

First things first.  The supplies.  This is a basic list I have put together of most things I use on mums.  These are not ALL required and of course you can add more!  Here is a printable shopping list I made to help navigate through all the homecoming madness at the craft store: Download Shopping List  Of course I am selling customized make your own mum kit for those of you who would prefer skipping the craft store: Melz Mumz Homecoming Mum Kits

•  Lots of solid Ribbon in school colors - I would guess at least 10 yards of each color in every size (I use all sizes #3, #5, #9, and #16)
• Mum Flowers
• Mum Backs
• Printed Ribbon, Clear Ribbons, Honeycomb Ribbon, various Metallic Ribbons
• Trinkets!!
• Braids and Loops
• Extras!  Such as feather Boas, large letters, etcI usually like to start with the top of the mum.  So first get one of the backers.  In this case, I will be showing a single mum, so I use a 6" backer.

 

 

Once you decide how you want to attach your ribbon backing (I am now working on a tutorial that will show multiple types of backings in 2014), start to staple it to the backer.   For this mum, I used 6" pieces of #16 ribbon folded in half.  First I staple one at top and one at bottom directly across from one another.  then I staple it the sides.  Then I staple the ones in between and they overlap a little.   To give it added dimension I stagger these a little bit.

 

 

 

Next I used some Dynasty Metallic Ribbon, same size (6" pieces).  This I bend the ends together to form a point and staple them around.  I also took some silver glitter glue and put tiny dots around the top.

 

 

This part is not 100% necessary HOWEVER I do this on ALL of my mums.  If you have ever heard of somoeone saying their flower came apart - this is the way to keep that from happening.

 

 

Take 1 piece of pipe cleaner and tie a knot in the end of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then find the center of the inside of the flower and hold that spot.

 

 

 

 

Turn flower over and snip the back off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next go back and put the pipe cleaner in the flower from the inside and pull tight so the knot holds on the inside of flower.  Now put a dab of hot glue on that knotted end of pipe cleaner inside flower to help it hold.

 

 

 

 

Lastly, turn over and glue around the green nub on back where pipe cleaner is sticking out to keep flower from coming apart in the back.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, attach your mum (lots and lots of hot glue!) using the pipe cleaner sticking out of the back of the flower as your guide - push pipe cleaner through the hole in the middle of the mum backer and pull pipe cleaner out the back and glue down to back of the streamer backer.  Start to decorate the top.  This is where your imagination comes in!  

                                                                 

For this one I used a 5" jointed bear.  The bear's necklace I made with some silver beads and a large rhinestone.  I had some pretty burgandy silk flowers so I popped the flower off the stem and glued it to the upper left side.   The glassine flowers are clear, so I used my copic markers (that's right - my markers!) and colored the backside of them to make them appear burgandy.  Then I curled a chenille stem and glued it onto the bottom to round everything out.

 

Little bit closer picture here.

 

 

Now set this part aside.

 

 

Use your second backer.  The first thing I always do is cut my solid ribbon into 1 yard pieces.  For this I used 10 yards of burgandy #16 and 10 yards of white #16.   I like to attach them in groups of four (four groups of 4 or 5 ribbons).  

 

I take the first group and spread the ribbons out on top of each other with the same distance between them (about 1/4 " ).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now I staple this first set of ribbons to one side of the backer.  I have them angle out just a hair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Now attach another set to the left side. 

 

 

For this mum I had 4 sets, so the next two sets I attached to the right middle and left middle.

 

Try to make sure you have that middle covered.  You don't want any "holes" when you complete the mum.

 

 

 

Now I added 2 yards of honeycomb ribbon and 2 yards of silver mylar #9 ribbon.

 

 
 

Now gather all your braids, loops, trinkets, garland and anything else you want to add and lay it out.  This is where I decide where I want to hang everything to kind of "balance" the mum.

 

 

 

Start stapling and gluing!   I personally staple most items and then hot glue things that won't staple like the garland. 

 

 

Once you have this done, then we want to make sure we add a neck ribbon or hang ribbon to pin it on with.  I usually attach both.  Most girls now like to wear them around there necks but I like to give both options just in case they would rather pin it onto their jacket.

 

 

 

Now COVER this backer with hot glue.  And I do mean COVER.  I use a high temp glue gun for this purpose because of course the glue will not continously come out and has to melt, but with the high temp it stays hot for longer.  Now we attach the top.  Try your best to position it directly over the backer that you just applied hot glue to and press it down.    Hold it there with lots of pressure until the glue starts to dry.

 

 

 

Now you have a mum!!

 

 

 

 I know it is kind of hard to see here - but there is a burgandy maribou boa on the right side :-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE!!!  Printable Step by Step Color Picture Tutorials with over 30 photos in each one!  For Single Homecoming Mums, Double Homecoming Mums, Triple Homecoming Mums and Garters.  Go to Melz Make Your Own Mum Kits and scroll all the way to bottom of page and you will see instructions there!!

 

Hope you enjoyed this and that it helps explain the process a little.  Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or need help!

 

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day!

Melissa

  Made by www.MelzMumz.com