Adding Loops to Your Honeycomb Ribbon Backer for Homecoming Mums

Adding Loops to Your Honeycomb Ribbon

One of the most popular accessories for homecoming is a giant homecoming mum featuring streams of wide ribbons. While most people buy pre-made mums from their school's dance committee or local florists, many enjoy putting together their own homemade versions as a fun craft project. The base for many homecoming mums starts with a honeycomb ribbon backer, which serves as the foundation for attaching all the decorative ribbons.

What is Honeycomb Ribbon?

Honeycomb ribbon consists of a firm yet flexible netting or grid-like material that provides structure and support for building your homecoming mum. It's an open weave made up of hexagonal cells, resembling a bee's honeycomb. Florists and crafters like using honeycomb for corsages, wreaths, and homecoming mums because it's sturdy enough to pin multiple ribbons and embellishments into the weave securely.

Attaching Loops

While a plain honeycomb ribbon backer works fine for attaching ribbons, many people like to adorn their mums with decorative loops and streams flowing from the sides and bottom. This helps create a fuller, more voluminous look in keeping with the over-the-top nature of homecoming mums.

Adding loops to your honeycomb ribbon backer is an easy process. All you need is some coordinating ribbon in widths ranging from 2 inches to 12 inches. Many people use organza, satin, or sheer ribbons in school colors or prints that match the theme of their mum.

Cutting the Loops

Start by cutting lengths of ribbon, usually measuring between 12 to 18 inches long. The number of loops depends on the overall size of your mum. A small wrist mum might have just a few loops, while a large, colorful homecoming mum could have 15 or more loops in various widths.

Some people cut uniform lengths for consistency, while others purposely cut a variety of lengths to make loops of different sizes. Do whatever meets your aesthetic vision for the mum!

Attaching Ribbon Loops

Next comes the fun part - attaching the loops to the honeycomb ribbon! There are a few easy ways to do this:

• Thread wire, florist tape or string through the top of the loop and fasten it securely to the honeycomb cells
• Use hot glue on the tops of each loop, pressing it into the honeycomb backing
• Stitch the loops to the honeycomb by hand using a needle and coordinating thread

Position your loops evenly across the honeycomb, letting them hang down freely along the sides and bottom perimeter. Feel free to experiment with different looks - some people like symmetrical loops reflected evenly across both sides, while others prefer a more organic, free-flowing aesthetic.

Embellishing Your Loops

Plain ribbon loops look great on their own, but you can also embellish them to match the rest of your homecoming mum embellishments.

Add Flowers

Mini flowers make a pretty addition to basic ribbon loops. Glue an assortment of small blooms sporadically onto the loops. Choose flowers like carnations, roses, daisies, or gerbera daisies in coordinating colors.

Attach Feathers

For a playful, feathery touch, glue various feathers onto the ribbon loops. Ostrich feathers dyed in school colors look bold and striking.

Accent With Sparkle

What's a homecoming mum without a bit of sparkle? Glue or stitch sequins, glitter or small rhinestones across the ribbon loops. This adds eye-catching shine that dazzles under the dance lights.

The Finishing Touches

Once your ribbon loops are securely attached to the honeycomb backer, you can start adding the rest of your homecoming mum components like giant streams of ribbons, flowers, bells and trinkets. Layer and cluster your embellishments over top of the loops, using the honeycomb cells as anchor points. Fluff out the loops, ribbons and embellishments for a lush, full look.

As you can see, making loops is an easy DIY add-on that takes your honeycomb ribbon base to the next level. Have fun with this step of constructing your homemade homecoming mum!

FAQs

What width ribbon should I use for the loops?

Ribbon widths ranging from 2 inches to 12 inches work well. Choose whichever width coordinates best with the overall look of your mum.

How long should I cut the ribbon for the loops?

Cut ribbon lengths between 12 and 18 inches. You can make them all the same size or use a variety of lengths.

How do I attach the ribbon loops to the honeycomb?

You have a few options: thread wire/tape/string through the loop top and attach it to the honeycomb, hot glue the tops to the honeycomb, or hand-stitch the loops to the honeycomb.

What are some ways to embellish the ribbon loops?

You can glue flowers, feathers, sequins, glitter or other embellishments onto the loops to match the rest of your mum decorations.