Vintage Scrapping

How to Make a Homecoming Spirit Braid Tutorial

SPIRIT BRAID

I love this one!!   So easy and looks amazing.  Perfect to glue trinkets onto!

Since this is a quick braid - let's see if we can make the tutorial as easy and quick!!  On your mark, get set and GO!!!

 

Supplies:

There are two ways to make this braid and both look great.  You can use two of the same size ribbon or one size bigger than the other.  If you do the one size bigger than the other, then the bigger ribbon would need to be the base and the smaller ribbon the one you weave with.  I will give dimentions for both.

• 36" Braid same size ribbon - 2 Yards continuous of #5 (7/8") Ribbon in 2 colors.  Or 2 Yards continuous of #3 (5/8") Ribbon in 2 colors.
  
• 36" Braid different size ribbon - 2 Yards continuous of #5 (7/8") Ribbon in one color and 2.5 Yards of continuous #3 (5/8") Ribbon in another color.
• 18" Braid same size ribbon - 1 Yard continuous of #5 (7/8") Ribbon in 2 colors.  Or 1 Yard continuous of #3 (5/8") Ribbon in 2 colors.
• 18" Braid different size ribbon - 1 Yard continuous of #5 (7/8") Ribbon in one color and 1.25 Yards of continuous #3 (5/8") Ribbon in another color.

 

Step 1:

Take your base ribbon and fold exactly in half and crease.

 

Step 2:

Now you will open the ribbon and fold one side down at the half way mark crease you just created.  Make sure the side of the ribbon you fold down is flush against that crease. 

 

 

 

Then fold the other side down.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a back view after both sides have been folded down.

 

Step 3: 

Flip back over and place the weaving ribbon going diagonally down to the right at the point of the base ribbon fold and staple.

Step 4:

Now tape the end down to help hold braid in place.  With this braid, you want to crease your edges very tightly to help hold it in place nicely.

 

 

 

Now start your weave by taking the weaving ribbon and folding UNDER the first base ribbon but OVER the second base ribbon.

 

Now crease it tightly and it should look like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5:

Now start weaving from the left side by taking the weaving ribbon and folding UNDER the first base ribbon but OVER the second ribbon. 

 

 

 

Crease the ribbon once in place and it should look like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 6:

Keep weaving ribbon back and forth until you get to end.  Once you get to end put a staple into both sides at the end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now you have a spirit 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 you will see the Free Printable Instructions!!

 

Thank you for looking!  I hope this tutorial has helped you and if it did - be sure to leave me a comment!  I love to know if you enjoyed this!

Melissa

How to Make a Homecoming Diamondback Braid Tutorial

The diamondback braid.  AKA the bubble gum chain. 

No doubt you have seen these braids and believe it or not they are extrememly easy to make.  They are time consuming however more so than the other braids.  I love using these to put trinkets and charms on.  Since they are flat they lay nicely in the mum anywhere! 

 

So let's get started!!

 

SUPPLIES:

• For a 36" braid you will need a total of 54 pieces of #5 (7/8" wide) ribbon cut exactly 7.25" each.  So if you want it to be 2 colors you would need 27 pieces of each color, etc.
• For an 18" braid you will need a total of 27 pieces of #5 (7/8" wide) ribbon cut exactly 7.25" each.

 

Step 1:

Cut all of your ribbon.  You must be precise.  I have found the 7.25" works just right for me.  If you cut it too short, the ribbon won't fit inside the other when braiding and if you cut too big you will have a gap.  If it is a little over the 7.25" you will be ok, it isn't very noticable, but try to get as close to it as you can.

 

Step 2:

Fold each piece of ribbon EXACTLY in half and crease it and re open the ribbon.

 

Step 3:

You are now going to fold the end of each ribbon to the crease in the middle that you just made.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4:

Fold back in half.  

 

Side View

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue to do this to all your pieces of ribbon and you will have a bunch of what I call "chompers" - well that's what they look like to me anyway! :-)

 

Step 5:

Pick up one chomper in left hand and one in right.  Have the open end of the compers facing out.  This is where you are going to start "braiding" them. 

 

 

You feed them into each other.  The open end of the right chomper will go in two "loops" of the left chomper.

 

 

 

 

Pull all the way through and make sure the one that was in your right hand that you fed into the left - the right one needs to be moved to the end tightly.  Now staple right in the middle of where the two connect.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 6:

Start weaving!  Take the next chomper and feed it from the left into the top going towards right.  Same way as you did the first piece, the open end of the chomper feeds into the open "loops" of the other.  Pull all the way through tight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once done pull the next piece though from the right side up to left.  Keep going!!

 

 

 

 

 

After you weave all the pieces, staple the last piece to keep in place and you have a Diamondback 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!!

 

Thank you for looking!  I hope this tutorial has helped you and if it did - be sure to leave me a comment!  I love to know if you enjoyed this!

Melissa

How to Make a Finger Mum & How to Make a Wrist Mum!

Finally!!!

I have created a step by step finger mum picture tutorial and a step by step wrist mum tutorial!  They are available for sale on the right side bar and will be emailed directly to you!!  These are printable versions and are very detailed with tons of pictures!! 

 

Also available FOR FREE is a printable version of the directions I have for my mum kits which are loaded with over 30 pictures each!  You can find these on my webpage MelzMumz.com Make Your Own Mum Kit.  Scroll to the very bottom of that page and you will see the free printable directions for a single mum, double mum, triple mum, and garter!!

 

PLEASE DON'T FORGET to click on the Mums Tutorials tab at the top for TONS of free step by step picture tutorials and everything you would want to know about Homecoming Mums!!

Deluxe Make your Own Custom Mum Kit!

SAVE TIME AND SAVE MONEY!!

 

We have made an easier way of buying your homecoming mum supplies:

 DO - IT - YOURSELF MUM KITS. 

These kits are a much easier and economical way to get everything you need to make a Homecoming Mum or Garter!

 

• No fighting your way through the homecoming isles at the local craft store trying to grab pieces you need (if you have experienced this - you KNOW WHAT I MEAN!)
• No multiple trips to the craft store to pick up items you forgot
• No multiple craft stores to visit trying to find all the supplies you need! (Because they ALWAYS run out of something that is a necessity!)
• MUCH CHEAPER than buying these individual supplies at the craft store (I compared prices with two difference local stores and these kits easily save you anywhere from $20 to $35!)
• No guessing - this has EVERYTHING you need to make an AWESOME Homecoming Mum or Garter! Most kits only offer the bare bones basics - these kits have more ribbon, trinkets and extras that most don't offer!!  You won't be making a rinky dink little mum - these are more substantial (just look at photos below!) than any off the shelf ones at the local stores!
•  More Variety!   Most trinkets come 2 to a pack at the store forcing you to buy more than you need.  This way you get a better mix of items!  Only buying what you NEED!
• Customizable - need more ribbon to make a braid?  No problem - add it on!  Or need a band theme?  Add it on!!  These are called Boosters to personalize your mum or garter!
• Mailed straight to your front door!
• All solid acetate ribbon is in continuous yardage per color so YOU decide the lenth you want the streamers - no wasting ribbon!
• STEP BY STEP PICTURE TUTORIALS INCLUDED!!!!! 

There are 4 kits:

1. Single Homecoming Mum Kit 
   
2. Double Homecoming Mum Kit 
   
3. Triple Homecoming Mum Kit 
   
4. Single Homecoming Garter Kit

BUY ONLINE AT: www.MelzMumz.com

NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE - PRINTABLE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SINGLE, DOUBLE, TRIPLE HOMECOMING MUMS AND GARTERS!!  Go to Melz Make Your Own Mum Kit, and you will find printable instructions there for free!!

 

Here are the details of each Kit with pictures of the kit and pictures of a mum made ONLY WITH THE ITEMS INCLUDED IN KIT followed by details of Extras Boosters you can add on.  I wanted to show just how much stuff you get in these and just how detailed of a mum you can make with what is in the box!  

Single Homecoming Mum Kit

 

MelzMumz.com Single Homecoming Mum Kit

Single Homecoming Mum made with MelzMumz.com Single Homecoming Mum Kit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Single Homecoming Mum Kit $Includes:

• One - 6.5" Flower (or you can upgrade to the 7.25" 21 Layer flower)
  
• Four - 6" Round Backers (you will use 3 for making the mum and 1 extra for just in case!)
• Piece of Pipe Cleaner to Attach Flower
• 1.5 yards Satin Ribbon to tie around neck
• One - 36" Military Braid
• One - 3/8" Pull Bow (for end of braid)
• 2 Jinglebells
• One - 1" Cowbell (for end of braid)
• 3 Large Trinkets
• 3 Medium Trinkets
• 4 Small Trinkets
• 1 Class Star
• 20 yards #16 Satin Acetate (2" wide ribbon) in school colors (for mum top, streamers and homecoming loop)
• 12 yards #9 Satin Acetate (1.25" wide ribbon) in school colors (for mum top, streamers and homecoming loop)
• 4  yards #5 Satin Acetate (7/8" wide) in school colors (for mum top)
• 2  yards #3 Satin Acetate (3/8" wide) in school colors  (for mum top)
• 2 yards #5 Metallic Mylar
• 2 yards #9 Metallic Mylar
• 1 strand Garland
• 1 strand Beads
• One 36" Honeycomb Streamer
• One 36" Superlane Streamer
• One 36" Ice Crunch Streamer
• Three 36" #9 Printed Ribbons
• One 36" Class Ribbon (Freshman, Sophomore etc)
• 5 yards curling ribbon (to hang or tie trinkets on with)
• HOMECOMING 1.25" Block Letter Stickers
• Stickers for up to 2 Names
• PRINTED TUTORIAL - STEP BY STEP WITH PICTURES!

 

Double Homecoming Mum Kit

 

MelzMumz.com Double Homecoming Mum Kit

Double Homecoming Mum made with www.melzmumz.com Double Homecoming Mum Kit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Double Homecoming Mum Kit Includes:

• Two - 6 1/2" Flowers (or you can upgrade to the 7.25" 21 Layer Flower)
  
• Four - Oval Backers (you will use 3 for making the mum and 1 extra for just in case!)
• Two pieces of Pipe Cleaner to Attach Flower
• 1.5 yards Satin Ribbon to Tie around Neck
• One - 36" Military Braid
• One - 3/8" Pull Bow (for end of braid)
• Two Jinglebells
• One - 1" Cowbell (for end of braid)
• 3 Large Trinkets
• 3 Medium Trinkets
• 4 Small Trinkets
• 1 Class Star
• 20 yards #16 Satin Acetate (2" wide ribbon) in school colors (for mum top, streamers and homecoming loop)
• 12 yards #9 Satin Acetate (1.25" wide ribbon) in school colors (for mum top, streamers and homecoming loop)
• 4  yards #5 Satin Acetate (7/8" wide) in school colors (for mum top)
• 2  yards #3 Satin Acetate (3/8" wide) in school colors  (for mum top)
• 2 yards #5 Metallic Mylar
• 2 yards #9 Metallic Mylar
• 1 strand Garland
• 1 strand Beads
• One 36" Honeycomb Streamer
• One 36" Superlane Streamer
• One 36" Ice Crunch Streamer
• Three 36" #9 Printed Ribbons
• One 36" Class Ribbon (Freshman, Sophomore, etc)
• 5 yards curling ribbon (to hang or tie trinkets on with)
• HOMECOMING  1.25" Block Letter Stickers
• Stickers for up to two Names
• PRINTED TUTORIAL - STEP BY STEP WITH PICTURES!

 

Triple Homecoming Mum Kit

 

MelzMumz.com Triple Homecoming Mum Kit

Triple Homecoming Mum made with www.melzmumz.com Triple Homecoming Mum Kit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Triple Homecoming Mum Kit Includes:

• Three - 6 1/2" Flowers (Or you can upgrade to the 7.25" 21 Layer Flower)
  
• Four - Heart shaped Backers (you will use 3 for making the mum and 1 extra for just in case!)
• 3 Pieces of Pipe Cleaner to Attach Flower
• 1.5 yards Satin Ribbon to Tie around Neck
• One - 36" Military Braid
• One - 3/8" Pull Bow (for end of braid)
• Two Jinglebells
• One - 1" Cowbell (for end of braid)
• One - 1.25" Cowbell
• 4 Large Trinkets
• 4 Medium Trinkets
• 4 Small Trinkets
• 1 Class Star
• 22 yards #16 Satin Acetate (2" wide ribbon) in school colors (for mum top, streamers and homecoming loop)
• 14 yards #9 Satin Acetate (1.25" wide ribbon) in school colors (for mum top, streamers and homecoming loop)
• 6  yards #5 Satin Acetate (7/8" wide) in school colors (for mum top)
• 4  yards #3 Satin Acetate (3/8" wide) in school colors  (for mum top)
• 2 yards #5 Metallic Mylar
• 2 yards #9 Metallic Mylar
• 2 strands Garland
• 1 strand Beads
• Two 36" Honeycomb Streamers
• One 36" Superlane Streamer
• Two 36" Ice Crunch Streamer
• Four 36" #9 Printed Ribbons
• One 36" Class Ribbon (Freshman, Sophomore, etc)
• 5 yards curling ribbon (to hang or tie trinkets on with)
• HOMECOMING  1.25" Block Letter Stickers
• Stickers for up to two Names
• PRINTED TUTORIAL - STEP BY STEP WITH PICTURES!

Homecoming Garter Kit

 

MelzMumz.com Homecoming Garter Kit

Garter made with MelzMumz.com Homecoming Garter Kit

 

 

Single Homecoming Garter Kit Includes:

• One - 5.5" Flower
• 1 Piece Pipe Cleaner to attach flower
• One - Single White Satin Garter
• Four - 4" Round Backers (you will use 3 for making the mum and 1 extra for just in case!)
• One - 16" Military Braid
• One - 3/8" Pull Bow (for end of braid)
• One - 1" Cowbell (for end of braid)
• 4 Medium Trinkets
• 3 Small Trinkets
• 1 Class Star
• 4 yards #16 Satin Acetate (2" wide ribbon) in school colors (for streamers)
• 12 yards #9 Satin Acetate (1.25" wide ribbon) in school colors (for mum top & streamers)
• 8  yards #5 Satin Acetate (7/8" wide) in school colors (for mum top & streamers)
• 3  yards #3 Satin Acetate (3/8" wide) in school colors  (for mum top)
• One 16" strand Garland
• One 16" Half Honeycomb Streamer
• One 16" Superlane Streamer
• One 16" Ice Crunch Streamer
• Two 16" #5 Metallic Mylar Ribbon Streamers
• Three 16" #9 Printed Ribbon
• One 16" Class Ribbon (Freshman, Sophomore etc)
• 5 yards curling ribbon (to hang or tie trinkets on with)
• HOMECOMING   .5" Block Letter Stickers
• Stickers for up to two Names
• PRINTED TUTORIAL - STEP BY STEP WITH PICTURES!

 

 

There are also Boosters you can add such as:

Bears, Band, All sports, extra ribbon, lights, boas and so much more!!  One stop shop for Homecoming Supplies!!

 

 

 

 

How to make a Homecoming Curly Q Braid Tutorial

Well FINALLY here it is!     I have been meaning to do this for a while and it just kept being put on the back burner.

 

First, I have to say that this is the easiest of all the braids (in my opinion) HOWEVER this has been the hardest tutorial for me to make!   Reason being, it is almost impossible for the pictures to really show how to make it.   I am going to try my best and hope it makes sense!

 

 

So let's start!

 

You will need the following to make this braid:

• 36" Braid - need 3 Ribbons in the color of your choice.  Each ribbon cut 2 yards each.  Ribbon #3 size (5/8" wide)
  
• 18" Braid - need 3 Ribbons in the color of your choice.  Each ribbon cut 1 yard each.  Ribbon #3 size (5/8" wide)
  

 

 

Also please keep in mind that you may have to shorten braid.  The only drawback with these braids is they do stretch out more (alot more) once you put anything on the bottom so make sure you don't put a heavy bell or anything heavy on the bottom of braid because it will stretch out too much.   Even without anything on the bottom after a few days they will start to stretch out, so don't be discouraged when you finish the braid and it is a tight spiral, it takes a couple of days to settle and look like the Curly Q braid.

 

 

Take your 3 ribbons and staple them together

 

 

Now we are going to do a traditional braid.   Just like hair:  right to middle, left to middle, right to middle, left to middle, etc.

 

 

So take the right ribbon and go to middle - but keep the ribbon a little slack.  YOU DO NOT WANT TO CREASE THE RIBBON.  You are only slightly bending the ribbon to "slide" over the other ribbon.

 

Then left ribbon (white) to middle, then right ribbon (black) to middle.   I had it taped down to show you the braid a little stretched out below.  But you can see how the ribbons are just bending a little bit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep repeating this.....left to middle,        right to middle, etc etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a side view after I had only braided it a couple of times, see how it curls by itself.

 

 

 

And here is a side view as I kept braiding it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Put a staple in the end of it through all 3 layers of ribbon and you are done!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now remember what I said about the braid being a tight spiral when you first finish, well this is what it will look like at first:

 

 

And this is what it will look like after it hangs for a few days:

 

 

 

Now if you are in a hurry and can't wait a few days, just put something VERY lightweight on the bottom of it and it will stretch out right away. 

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!!

www.melzmumz.com

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!   Happy braiding!!!

Melissa

How to make a Homecoming Loop

 How to make a Homecoming or Name Loop for your Mum or Garter

  

Truly this can be any kind of loop!  Put names on it, homecoming on it, whatever you want!!

Supplies:

Two kinds of ribbon, one bigger than the other

for  a 36" loop with 12 loops about 4 yards of the wider ribbon and about 3 yards of the narrower ribbon.

for an 18" loop with 12 loops it would be half.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So to start, for this one I made it 12 loops long.  This is the 36" one.  First I cut my ribbon.  You will want 1 whole yard of the wider ribbon.  This one will  be your base. Then I cut 12 - 7" strips of the wider ribbon and 12 - 7" strips of the narrow ribbon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I put one piece of the narrower ribbon on top of the wider ribbon and fold them over end to end and line them up. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I go ahead and make all 12 of the loops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I take my 1 yard ribbon and start at the bottom.  It is easier to start at bottom and work your way up to make sure you cover the staples.

Put the bottom one where you want it (I leave about 1 1/2 inches at the end so I can attach a bow and a bell.

 

   I can tell you a trick here though - see the staples, make sure you staple on each side.  The two staples stabalizes the loop so it doesn't move around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep going and that's it! 

 

 

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!!

 

 

 

Thank you for looking!  I hope this tutorial has helped you and if it did - be sure to leave me a comment!  I love to know if you enjoyed this!

 

Melissa

 

Made by www.MelzMumz.com

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