Engagement Rings Advice : Wedding, Marriage, Anniversary

Headbands are a simple way to accessorize young bridesmaids or flower girls. Moiré, taffeta, shantung, satin and linen make nice coverings for a padded headband that will be embellished with silk ribbon embroidery. For other embellishments, such as ribbon roses, you can either cover the headband in fabric to match the dress or purchase a padded one. For the reception, kick back a little and exchange the more formal veil for a lighter, fun version, such as a decorated cap, which goes well with the dancing sneakers.

Follow steps 2 to 4 for fabric flowers, using 5in. circles and gold beads. Hand stitch the flowers to the cap, and stitch a short veil if desired.

Making a Headband with Silk Ribbon Embroidery

You Will Need

• Fabric
• Plastic headband form
• Polyurethane foam ¼ in. to 1/2in. thick
• Embroidery hoop
• 1/2 yd. ribbon or flat trim, slightly narrower than headband
• Chenille needles, sizes 18 and 20
• Beading needle
• 4mm. and 7mm. silk embroidery ribbon
• 38 bugle beads
• 18 glass pearl seed beads
• Craft glue

1. Spread thin layer of glue on outside of headband, secure strip of polyurethane foam. If using 1/2in, foam, trim foam 1/2in. shorter than ends. Clamp ends of foam with clothespins until glue dries.
2. Mark 3in. x 23in. rectangle on bias of fabric. Secure fabric in embroidery hoop.
3. Embroider two 1in. spider web roses in center of strip, using 18in. chenille needle and 7mm. silk embroidery ribbon. With beading needle and double thread, stitch three groups of three bugle beads around each rose, stitching through each bead twice.
4. Embroider remaining roses, using size 20 chenille needle and 4mm silk embroidery ribbon. To left and right of center roses, embroider 3/4in. spider web rose, stitch a group of three bugle beads and three groups of three seed beads around each rose. Embroider 1/2in. spider web rose next to each 3/4in. rose. Stitch seven bugle beads in a chevron pattern to finish off design.
5. Remove fabric from hoop; cut out rectangle. Center rectangle on headband; hold in place with straight pins. Trim fabric so edges extend one half the widths of the headband; round ends about 1/8in. beyond headband. Clip fabric at ends, and glue to inside of headband.
6. Glue one long edge of fabric to inside of headband; applying glue to headband; work in sections keeping fabric smooth. Repeat for opposite side, remove pins.
7. Glue ribbon or flat trim over raw edges on inside of headband; turn under ends. If veil will be used, attach.

Making a Headband with Concertina Roses

You Will Need

• Purchased padded headband
• 72in. of satin ribbon, 3/8in. or 1/2in.wide for six roses
• 15in. satin ribbon,3/8in. wide for leaves
• Hot glue gun

1. Cut ribbon into six 12in. lengths, for roses. Cut ribbon into six 2 1/2in. lengths, for leaves.
2. Fold rose ribbon under diagonally at center, forming right angle. Turn the end that is underneath back over the center. Repeat with other end. Continue folding alternate ends back over previous folds, forming square stack. Stop when ends are 1in. long.
3. Turn stack over. Hold only the two ends, and release the stack. Holding ends securely, but loosely enough so they can slide, pull one end gently. A rose sill form. Stop pulling when the excess ribbon is pulled out and the center of the rose sinks in,
4. Hand stitch through the back of the rose to hold all layers firmly in place. Trim off the ribbon ends.
5. Fold each leaf ribbon into two loops, hand stitch to back of roses.
6. Make five more roses. Ho glue roses to headband, spaced evenly. Attach veil if using.

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