How to Make Ribbon Flowers for Hair Accessories

Flowers can be an elegant hair accessory.

Ribbon flowers add an elegant touch to nearly any hairstyle. Flowers of all colors, sizes and textures can be adorned to hair clips, barrettes, headbands or elastic ponytail holders. Handcrafted ribbon flowers are inexpensive to make and not too complicated for even the beginner crafter. Do-it-yourselfers can experiment with various ribbon widths, textures, colors and embellishments when creating their collection of hair accessories.

Things You'll Need

• 3/8 inch ribbon
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Clear nail polish
• Hot glue gun
• Hot glue sticks
• Alligator clip

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of 3/8 inch ribbon to cover the top of an alligator clip. Apply a layer of clear nail polish to each end of the ribbon to avoid fraying. Run a line of hot glue along the length of the alligator clip and attach the ribbon. Leave an additional 1 inch of ribbon to fold over and glue to the back of the alligator clip on the hinge end of the clip.

2. Measure and cut four 8 inch pieces of 3/8 inch ribbon. Create a loop with each of the four ribbons by overlapping the ends. Apply a dab of hot glue between the overlapped ends to keep each loop together. Form a figure eight with each ribbon by applying a dab of hot glue in the center of each loop.

3. Stack each of the four figure eight ribbons on top of one another to create an asterisk shape. Apply a dab of hot glue to the center of each layer to hold the ribbons together. Once all four figure eight ribbons are glued together, there should be a total of eight loops that form a flower.

4. Add a decorative embellishment of your choice to the center of the ribbon flower. Choose a decorative button, rhinestone, pendant, charm or other lightweight craft store find to create the center. Apply a thin layer of hot glue to the back of the flower center and glue to the center of the ribbons.

5. Flip the ribbon flower over so the back is showing. Run a bead of hot glue along the ribbon side of the alligator clip. Press the glue side of the alligator clip onto the back center of the ribbon flower. Allow a minimum of five minutes for the hot glue to dry and cool before wearing the ribbon flower clip in your hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Change the use of a ribbon flower by attaching it to a different type of barrette, a headband or an elastic ponytail holder.

• Use caution when working with hot glue. Wear gloves if needed to prevent burns.

References

• Creations By Kara: Hair Bow How To - Loopy Ribbon Flower Tutorial