Create Glittery Headbands that Dazzle

The casual tween chic of jeans and dazzle inspired my crafty side. It's all about sparkly tops and sequin skirts with a hint of shimmer from head to toe. Glittery headbands struck my fancy most of all. They were sweet and boldly feminine with single sequin-edged flowers or shiny bows on one side. If you and your tween girls are the least bit crafty, you'll have fun creating your own.

The easiest way to make a headband that dazzles is to begin with a few inexpensive, plain plastic headbands from a discount store. I didn't get around to buying any of those, but I found a few crafty substitutes at home. Next I searched through my craft supplies and used what I had. That's the key to economical crafting: using what you have. It took me a while to figure out how to make headbands from the materials on hand. Now that I've figured it out, you can follow my instructions and create a simple headband style in about 30 minutes or less.

Tools

• Large scissor
• Wire cutters

Materials

Plastic headbands

• Buy simple headbands from a discount store or make them like I did. I cut curved plastic strips from household cast offs: a round plastic food container, a small bleach bottle, a coffee container lid and a wire hanger.
• Wide wired ribbon with a hint of sparkle
• A spool of narrow ribbon
  
• Fabric - use a 1 X 36 inch piece instead of ribbon.
• Thick glue
• Wire hangers
  

Create a headband

• If you purchased ready made headbands, skip to the decorating step.
• Cut a 3/8 inch headband from a large plastic bottle or container.
• Your band should be at least 16 inches from one end to the other.
• After experimenting, I found the Maxwell House coffee lids made thicker, sturdier and more flexible headbands.
• For a headband alternative, use a 16 inch piece of sturdy wire hanger.

Wrap your headband with ribbon or fabric

• Make sure the ends are smooth.
• If you're using fabric, fold it in half lengthwise.
• Add a thin layer of glue to the end.
• Let the glue sit until it's tacky, but not yet dry.
• Secure one end of the ribbon/fabric, then wrap upward at an angle to cover the band.
• Add glue to the back of your headband to hold the ribbon/fabric in place as you go.
• If you made your band with thin plastic, add a piece of thin wire hanger to the top and cover as you wrap it with ribbon. (see photo)
  
• The wire will add strength and help your headband keep its shape.
  
• Glue fabric ends smoothly into place.
• If you create a headband with just a wire hanger, wrap it first, then curve into shape around large can.

Add finishing touches

Butterflies

• To create butterflies for your headbands, see How to Make Butterflies for Your Garden Themed Wedding.
  
• Glue or wire a single butterfly to the right side of your headband, approximately 5 inches from the bottom.

Flowers

• Fold a 12 inch long piece of wide ribbon in half.
• Once folded, roll the first inch of ribbon to form the center of your flower.
• Continue rolling.
  
• Every 1/2 inch, gently twist the ribbon a full rotation, then continue rolling into place, then twist, then roll, to form a simple ribbon flower.
• Glue the end of the ribbon to the bottom of your flower and add a small square of ribbon to help hold it together.
• Add a little glue inside some of the "petals" to keep them in place.
• Let dry and glue or wire to your headband.
  

Decorating options

• Make a simple bow with wide wired ribbon, then wire or glue it into place or,
• Add beaded trim or,
• Add cowrie shell trim - Cut three 10 inch pieces of thin ribbon. Tie them together at the center. Add a cowrie shell to each ribbon end. Tie and glue the piece onto your headband so the shells dangle.

Handcrafted headbands are a simple way to add a bit of dazzle to your tween's wardrobe. Once you and your girls start making your own headband creations, you'll want to experiment with new looks. You might even want to make a few for yourself.