Homecoming Mums Tips

Making a Classic Mum

Hey guys. I love this site :)

+ I had some questions about making homecoming mums.. I was looking to make one for my friend in Texas, but I live in Canada so I'm new to the whole idea.

I understand that it should be school colors.. but does it have any other rules to it? (Does that question make sense...ahah)

Like.. do the braids have to go to a certain side? Does the ribbon have to be a certain length / width?

Thanks guys... :)

Jie

How sweet of you! I can't imagine how you will pack it to ship all the way to Texas, but you didn't ask me about that, did you? LOL.

Any there any rules you should know?

Sort of.

Homecoming Mums are a tradition and as such, there are some things that must be included.

But most traditions evolve over time with new materials and fashion trends. This is certainly true for Homecoming Mum corsages.

Over the years, Homecoming Mum corsages have gone from lapel-size corsages of natural chrysanthemums to amazing contraptions constructed around large artificial mums.

Part of the challenge and fun is to make each one unique.

The Ten Commandments of Homecoming Mum Corsages 2010 Edition

1. The design will be in school colors, except for seniors where white with silver or gold are acceptable.

2. The mum will be artificial and as large as the wearer and local custom will support.

3. The arrangement must be affixed to a backing shield large and sturdy enough for its support.

4. Woven ribbons (called love chains and military braids) and/or streamers will hang down from the corsage to at least the wearer's thighs, but can be as long as floor length. [Again, check local custom - or decide to break it.]

5. Letters/symbols will run down one or more of the streamers.

Wearer's or her boyfriend's name and "Homecoming 20xx" are popular, as is the name of the school's football team or messages like "Go Team!" and "#1".

6. Embellishments, such as meaningful charms or trinkets, small cardboard plaques (e.g. in the shape of the state or a football) or jingling bells should be strung on thin ribbons.

[Many have tried hot-gluing them to the wide streamers but this is not advised since the wearer may find them falling off at inopportune moments or leaving a Hansel and Gretel-type trail all the way home.]

7. The mum will be set on a circular frame of a ruffled ribbon or ribbon points attached around the perimeter of a second shield which is then affixed to the backing shield.*

8. A central adornment, usually a small plush animal will sit in the center of the mum itself.

Teddy bears are common as are animals representing the school mascot.

A photo (e.g. of the homecoming couple) cropped to a circle may also be used. Really anything that will fit ...

9. Short lengths of battery-powered blinking lights (think Christmas tree) or sound chips which play the school song or a couple's personal song (order online or find in greeting cards) are a clever addition and conversation piece.

10. If the corsage will be worn during the school day, check school rules regarding such things as bells (noise), blinking lights (distracting) and length (possible injury due to tripping).

For the Homecoming Game itself, anything goes!

* Think of the assembly like a sandwich: backing shield to go against wearer's chest; streamers/ribbons stapled or glued to backing shield; second shield with ribbon frame and central mum, etc. attached to it.

When each shield is fully assembled, they are stapled together to complete the corsage.

Another suggestion to get you started: do a Google search on "Homecoming Mum Corsage" and look at the Images page to get some ideas of what's in style today.

P.S. Thanks so much for the positive feedback on The Artful Crafter ;-)

We have a lot of articles on how to make mums and find supplies. Visit the Homecoming Mums Index for a full list, including weaving instructions for the most popular streamers.