Firecracker Bow and Headband

Fireworks are coming, and I couldn’t be more excited! The loud boom of them overhead and the bright gorgeous flashes of light, as they sprinkle patriotism with every explosion high in the night sky, is my absolute favorite part of the 4th of July celebrations. And, Kadie from 7Alive all Livin’ in a Double Wide is visiting today and showing us how to create a festive Firecracker Bow that itself is exploding with American pride and 100% cuteness! Enjoy!

Hello Ribbon Retreat readers! I’m so excited to be back with you again. I’m Kadie from 7Alive all Livin’ in a Double Wide, where I blog about crafting, crocheting, cooking, and my kids {not necessarily in that order}.

My all-time-favorite holiday is the 4th of July. It’s such an easy-going holiday full of family, fun, relaxing, and BBQ. :0) Of course it’s always fun to have something new to wear for holidays. This year I made these bows and headbands for my daughters and their cousin to wear on the 4th. Don’t worry I’m going to show you how to make one too.

Materials :

Assorted Grosgrain Patriotic Ribbon in 1 1/2inch width
Assorted Korker Ribbon
Headbands, Fold Over Elastic, or Crocheted Hat for wearing with bow
Hot Glue Gun
Scissors
Hair Clip

First cut six strips of your grosgrain ribbon 1 1/2 inches long. Fold over one end of the ribbon and cut a V shape in the end.

Do this to all six strips. Then glue three together side-by-side.

Then glue these together. This creates the bottom of the bow. Now cut 4 strips of one inch long strips, in the same ribbon or coordinating ribbon.

Then fold into a half loop, with the bottom corners touching. Glue the seam together. Make four of these.

Glue them onto your base of ribbon, making a kind of box.

Now you are going to add your korker ribbon. I cut my ribbon into about 1 1/2 inch strips, then added a drop of glue to the back of the middle. I started with blue and added them to the four corners, then red, and filled in the middle with white dots.

If you followed the directions above you will most likely end up with a bow that looks like this.

Which is fine and you, of course, could leave it this way. However I like the sides a little shorter. So I trimmed mine the same way I did before.

Add a clip to the back and you are done.

I like to add mine to a ribbon covered headband. It’s really simple to cover your own headband with ribbon. Start with a coordinating grosgrain ribbon, with hot glue , glue the end of the ribbon to the end of your headband. Then wrap the ribbon around the headband with the ribbon going diagonally, adding hot glue as needed. If you would like to be able to use different bows in your headband add a loop of ribbon to one side. This way you can change out your bow. I have a more detailed tutorial for a ribbon covered headband here. The Ribbon Retreat also has a wonderful YouTube Video tutorial that will quickly and easily teach you how to wrap your headband with ribbon. See that video HERE.

With fold over elastic, it’s even easier to make a headband. Measure around the head of the person you are making the head band for. Stretching the elastic just slightly. Then tie a knot in the bottom of the elastic. Done!

Now your young ladies are ready for a parade or BBQ! Happy 4th to you and your family! Thanks for having me here today, Ribbon Retreat!

This Firecracker Bow is so fun, festive and patriotic. I love all the coordinating ribbon and of course that curly korker ribbon…..DIVINE! These bows are fun to make and as you can see, super fast and easy! Grab your supplies by clicking on the buttons above and get started right away. All of the girls you know can be ready and set to fly those fireworks, visit the parades and swing those sparkles all around and of course, celebrating this great nation! Make sure to visit Kadie’s fun blog at 7Alive all Livin’ in a Double Wide for more great tutorials and projects.

Red, white and blue decor is some of my favorite, and I love to create fun crafts for this patriotic holiday. Here are a few more festive projects to get you ready for your 4th of July celebrations…

4th of July Tumbler Table Runner