How to Line Homecoming Mum Bases

A homecoming mum is a sign that someone cares for the wearer. They are often lavish in both size and decoration. Worn on in the middle of the chest, they often have streamers flowing from them that can touch the ankles as well as creative adornments to the mum and mum base itself. In short, the creation of homecoming mums is serious business. The following details how to create an attractive ribbon nest for your homecoming mum.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Paper Clip
• Stapler
• Cardbord or Backing Shield Base

Instructions

1. Decide on which backing shield you want to place your nest. This backing shield will have the decorations and mums applied to it after the next is created.

2. Choose your material for your nest that is at least an inch wide. For this article, ribbon is used but you can use a variety of materials such as tulle. If you plan to use school colors, select at least two ribbon colors that represent school colors. Make sure if choosing two ribbon colors that the primary ribbon is 1 inch wide and backing ribbon is 1 ½ inch wide. Keep in mind that usually the color that stands out the most is the primary ribbon.

3. Cut a 6 inch strip of both size ribbons. Place both strips with their shiny side facing upwards onto the work surface.

4. Place the smaller sized strip on top of the large one. You can do this so that the smaller strip is in the middle of the larger strip, which allows the larger ribbon piece to be seen on either size of the smaller one.

5. Pick up the ribbon strips together. Be careful to keep the pattern you want. If it helps, you can use a paper clip on one end or near the middle of the ribbon strips to keep them together.

6. Bend the ribbon strips backwards so that both shiny sides are closest to you and a curl forms that is facing away from. Make sure that when you bend the ribbons that both ends in your fingers are facing the same way, which means both shiny sides are facing upwards. The ribbon almost makes a simple peach or fish pattern. Keep in mind that you are not folding the ribbon.

7. Place the ribbon onto the backing shield. Turn the ribbon so the dull side is facing upwards and staple the bottom two ribbon ends to the backing shield using a stapler. This creates ribbon points for your nest. These points should be facing outward.

8. Repeat these steps for the rest of the backing shield. Leave about a quarter of the backing shield empty towards the bottom of it if you plan to attach streamers.