How to Make a Flapper Headband From Ribbon

Create a flapper headband with ribbon, feathers and a decorative brooch.

Despite Prohibition, life in the 1920s was filled with lavish parties, speakeasies and smuggled alcohol. After the devastating losses of the World War I, Americans were ready to have a good time. One of the most iconic images of the 1920s is the flapper. Dressed in fringed frocks, jewels and fantastic headwear, flappers were women who frequented the party scene and, to the older crowd, were seen as slightly scandalous. Invoke the spirit of the Roaring 20s by creating a flapper headband to accessorize your outfits and Halloween costumes.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Ribbon
• Hook-and-loop strips
• Felt
• Feathers
• Hot glue
• Brooch

Instructions

1. Place the end of measuring tape on the middle of your forehead. Wrap tape around your head until it reaches the starting point. Make sure the tape is snug, but not tight enough to press into your skin. Have a friend note the measurement before removing the tape.

2. Add 1 inch to the head measurement to determine the ribbon length. Cut a piece of 1-inch-wide ribbon according to this measurement.

3. Lay the ribbon on a flat surface. Cut a 1-inch piece of hook-and-loop strip. Pull this strip apart. Place the soft side (loop) of the strip on one end of the ribbon. Turn the ribbon over and place the rough side (hook) of the strip on the opposite end of the ribbon. Place the ribbon around your head and connect the strip to test the fit of the headband. Adjust the placement of these strips, if necessary.

4. Place a sticker on the headband near your left or right temple to mark where you want to place the decorations. Remove the headband before proceeding.

5. Cut two 1-inch felt squares.

6. Place a feather on the felt square. Glue the ends of the feather to the felt square with hot glue. Add one or two additional feathers to the square, if desired.

7. Glue the second felt square to the first, sandwiching the feathers between the two pieces.

8. Glue the felt piece to the left or right temple on the inside of the headband. The feathers should point up and curve toward the back of your head.

9. Trim the felt so it can't be seen from the front. Pin an small brooch to the outside of the headband near the feathers before wearing.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also decorate the headband with rhinestones, fancy beads or silk flowers, but you may need to attach them with hot glue. Vary the color, size and shape of the feathers for a more interesting headband.

• If you use a brooch that's too heavy, it may cause the ribbon to droop.

References

• Harry Ransom Center The University of Texas at Austin: Rise of Women