Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Check out five of the easiest patriotic crafts

If you are looking for easy patriotic crafts, look no further.  These 5 simple crafts will make the holiday a bit more fun. There is something for everyone, wearables, kid's crafts, and family crafts.  So let's get started!

patriotic crafts



First, make a long stem duct tape patriotic rose. It's so easy and quick to make and looks great on a July 4th table or in a vase for any event.  You can make it easy! 



 

Long stem duct tape rose DIY



For the next easy craft, get the kids involved.  Crafting as a family is a fun and rewarding activity. These napkin butterflies are a quick and inexpensive craft and will look great in so many ways.  You can attach them to a bamboo stick, hair clip, and more.  The kids will have a blast making these fun butterflies!

 


 


 

And for something a bit more elegant, why not make these patriotic tassel earrings.  Jewelry making is not as hard as you might think.  These earrings will be sure to get a lot of compliments so let’s get going and don’t forget to make a few for gifts too!






 

Our next craft is a cute wearable mini patriotic hat.  Simply attach it with some hair clips and you can be decked out for the party!






 

Finally, If you are getting your house decorated for July 4th, then you really need something to greet your guests.  The next project is a patriotic wreath.  Simple and so much fun to put together!





 That's all for today, come back for more fun DIY projects, and remember to make it easy!

 


Wednesday, June 2, 2021

How to make the cutest short stirrup horse show hair bows in minutes


 

horse show bows



If you have priced horse show hair bows recently you will know that they can be very costly.  Did you know, however, that will just a small amount of ribbon you can create your own short stirrup hair bows in minutes for much less? Embellish the hair bows with a small charm or alternately a ribbon knot added to the center of the bow. 

 

short stirrup horse show hair bows


Materials:

 

Bowdabra bow maker

Bowdabra hair bow tool and ruler

Ribbon of choice 1 ½”, 7/8” wide

Charm or bead

Alligator clip, French clip, or hair tie

Bowdabra bow wire

Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

Lighter to seal the ends of the ribbon


Horse show hair bows in minutes


Instructions:

 

First, cut an 18” piece of bow wire, fold it in half and insert it into the Bowdabra. You will have a loop on one side and two wires on the other.





Next, cut a 15” piece of 7/8” wide ribbon. Fold the ends in half and cut at an angle to dovetail the ends. Use a lighter to lightly go over the ends to seal from fraying. (You may use clear nail polish if desired) Fold in half to find the center and insert into the Bowdabra guiding the tails downward.

Repeat the above step with another complementary color of ribbon for a second tail.  Dovetail the ends on this ribbon and insert it into the Bowdabra.


short stirrup horse show hair bows

short stirrup horse show hair bows



Make the main bow


Now, cut an 18 ½” piece of 1 ½” ribbon. (I prefer a wired ribbon for this bow since it can be arranged easier.) Seal the ends with the lighter. Fold in half to find the center and insert the right side down into the Bowdabra. Bring the right end over and insert the tail end into the Bowdabra.


short stirrup horse show hair bows

short stirrup horse show hair bows


 

Next, bring the other tail end over and under the first loop forming an X, and insert the end in the Bowdabra.



short stirrup horse show hair bows


Push the bottom center into the Bowdabra, then push the top down into the Bowdabra as well.  You have made the Boutique style bow.




short stirrup horse show hair bows



Scrunch everything down with the Bowdabra wand.


short stirrup horse show hair bows


To finish, insert the two loose wires through the loop, and while the bow is still in Bowdabra pull tight. Remove from the Bowdabra, turn it to the back, and tie a knot. Adjust the bow and tails.


short stirrup horse show hair bows

short stirrup horse show hair bows

 

Using the wires from the back, bring the bottom wire back around to the front and insert a bead or charm through.  Bring the wires back to the back of the bow and tie a knot making sure the charm is centered on the front of the bow. You can alternately glue a ribbon knot to the center.


short stirrup horse show hair bows



Using a hot glue gun attach an alligator clip or a French clip to the back.  If you would like to use a ponytail elastic, use the bow wire to tie it on.  Cut off any excess wires.


short stirrup horse show hair bows



Repeat all the steps for a second hair bow and you will be all set for the show circuit!