The 'decorate an alice band' tute...,

Next week, we have a wedding to go to, and due to unforeseen circumstances earlier this year which led to a distinct lack of funds, I consciously made the decision that Lucy & Luke's outfits were going to be put together using all my thrifty skills.  Clothing wise, we have struck gold numerous times on Ebay with a white beaded dress, fur shrug and a beige linen suit, and the last thing to sort was something for Lucy's hair, which naturally, is handmade!  This is what I did for a simple wrapped headband decorated with a fabric flower...

You will need  ::  an alice band, ribbon, triangle of fabric measuring 5'' (13cm) across the bottom and 12'' (31cm) in length to the point, pins, needle, sewing thread, fabric glue and a small length of lace or marabou feather trim.

First, spread some glue on the alice band, and beginning at one end, wrap the ribbon round and round to cover the plastic.  Keep going until the whole band is covered with ribbon.  Leave to dry.

Next, fold the fabric triangle in half, lengthways, and beginning at the smallest, tapered end, roll the fabric up.

Continue rolling, and as the flower gets bigger, you may need to make some tucks in the fabric to turn corners.  Just make sure the folded edge creates the outside edge of the flower petals and the unfinished edge is held, centrally underneath so it is hidden.

Once all the fabric is used, tuck under the last unfinished edge and anchor the whole lot in place with a few stitches in some matching coloured thread.

So, there we now have a finished flower!

Decide where abouts onto the headband you want the flower to go, and glue in place.  Use pins to keep it secure until the glue has dried.

Between the band and the flower, also glue in place a small length of lace or marabou feather trim.  This will hide any untidiness and also add a little more glamour to the design (although, if while doing this, the glue gives way and the flower pops off like mine did, you can add a few stitches to secure everything to the ribbon if need be)

And there we go..., one headband befitting of any bridesmaid, flower girl or party guest.  Actually, I might make one for myself in different colours!