Balloon Barrette Tutorial & Book Review

Before we get started with this post I wanted to invite you all to add a photo to our current "Shutter Love Tuesday" Link Party. The theme is "Balloons" Tomorrow we will be posting the TOP 10 Photos and 1 Viewer Choice. 
So get your photo entered soon! We need more entries. Thanks!

Now, Gather up some supplies for some fun new barrettes.  I found a wonderful book online. And as you already know, I am addicted to buying Craft books. Yes, I had to buy it!  

~Hair Bows for Kids~

A fun book that offers so many fun ways to make hair bows and barrettes out of things you wouldn't even think of. Some of the items she uses, is shoe laces, balloons, buttons, vinyl (yes I did write vinyl) and even food items. Too cute. You have to get this book. You can buy it HERE

Today I am going to share with you a tutorial about the balloon barrettes.

Aren't they cute! I can't wait to make various versions of these. I have so much in mind!

We'll start with the 

Large Balloon Barrette

What you will need....

• Large Balloons (about 10) in various colors
• Large Barrette

How to make them...

First, remove the back metal pieces from the barrette. Take one balloon (add just a bit of air) and tie it to the barrette. Continue tying the balloons on in alternate directions until you used all 10 balloons.

This is what the barrette should look like on the back. Keep the knots on the top side so it doesn't interfere with the barrettes metal back pieces. 

Place the two metal pieces back on the barrette. And that's it your done. It is that simple.

Look at how cute it looks in hair.

Small Balloon Barrette

What you will need...

• Small Balloons (30) in various colors
• Large Barrette
• 6 1/8" ribbons cut to 6" each (any color will do, they aren't going to show.

How to make them...

Again, remove the back pieces off the barrette and set aside.  Start by taking 1 ribbon and tying 6 small balloons (filled with a bit of air) to the center. Continue making 6 clusters of these.

Now you have the finished clusters. It's time to add them to the barrette.

Double knot each cluster onto the barrette. Trim excess ribbons. You can always use a little glue to the knots also to keep them from coming undone. I did. 

Add on your barrette pieces and done. Another fun and easy balloon barrette.

I love this one because it has so many balloons. It just looks so cute.

Fun Ideas for these....

• Make them for the Birthday Girl
• Give them as party favors at a birthday party
• Add curling ribbons or netting for a special look
• Make a variety of colors (rainbows or choose 2 or 3 colors
• Make them all in one color and splatter with paint. These are in the book too! They are adorable.
• Try adding 3 small balloon ribbon clusters to a clip for younger girls
• They would make fun gifts too!
• There is so much you can do with them. Have Fun!

While many reviews are created as a result of receiving a complimentary product, the following content was provided by Trendy Treehouse because it is a product that we believe in and purchase regularly. The item reviewed was  purchased on our own and was not compensated in any way for a review. Disclaimer/Terms of use.

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T~Shirt Sleeve Ties Tutorial

You and your child will love wearing these to any function!

Wear at playtime, game time or any time wear!

Step #1 ~ Gather up your materials

What you will need...

(2) - 4 1/2" x 2" of some adorable fabric

(2) - 4" x 1" Felt (color doesn't really matter for these, just not too dark)

(2) - 3/8" x 12" Ribbon

(2) 3/8" x 3 1/2" Ribbon for Trimming

Sorry the trim ribbon is not in this picture.

Note: You don't need to add the felt, but it helps and is nice.

Step #2 ~ Fabric Tubes

Start by taking your first piece of fabric and fold in half (wrong side out)

Place 1 felt piece on top of your folded fabric (again, you are placing this on the wrong side out)

Sew a running stitch along the edge making a tube. Trim excess fabric and turn inside out. (right side out)

Step # 3 ~ Adding Ribbons

Now take your 3/8" x 12" long ribbon and tuck into ends of your fabric tubes. (using a straight stitch, sew to secure into place)

Do this to both ends of each fabric tube.

Next, take your trim ribbon and either sew them or glue them to each end, covering up your thread from the straight stitch.

If you find using a sewing machine tricky, like I do at times, you can just hand stitch this whole project.

Step #4 ~ finished tie backs

And you are done! Ready to wear! Dress up any shirt with these cute tie backs.

Of course these can be made in many different fabric prints and colors. And as I mentioned earlier, you don't have to use the felt, but I like to because it gives it a soft, non flimsy feel. Without them the fabric just bunches right up and you don't get to fully enjoy the beautiful fabric you use because you just can't see it.

Another way to make these...

If you don't care for ribbons and bows, or if it is a distraction to your little one, you can make them without ribbon.  Just add length to the fabric and felt piece. For example: cut your fabric at 5 1/2" x 2" and your felt at 5" x 1". Then add some velcro to the finished fabric so you can just fold them over and secure them into place. This would be good for little ones who like to untie things. They are also good for sports teams. The ribbon doesn't get in the way as they play.

Uses: Tie Back T-Shirt Sleeves on hot days or just to dress up a shirt, use as pony tail covers (when using velcro style) and even wear them as cute bracelets. Make them larger for mommy's writs and have a matching set! ***For bracelets, if the velcro is uncomfortable, just use snaps.

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Easy Peasy Flower Tutorial

This is a very fast flower to make when you need a last minute flower for your daughters hair, a gift, pin or just whatever....it's very easy and very fast.

What you will need...

• 3 fabric selections (have fun with the colors)
• Fray Check to seal edges of your fabric
• Small plastic rubber bands (3)
• Brad for center of flower

Here's how to make them....

Cut your fabric in 3 different sized circles. Use fray check on edges to seal so your fabric will not fray. Or if you like fraying, just leave it as is. That is what I did with this one. I like a little fray.My largest Circle in 4" round and I just cut the others to the size of my liking. Make sense? Hope so. LOL! Now stack all of them together, largest to smallest. Turn over.

Get your "BRAD" and place in the center of the upside down fabric circles. Carefully turn back over keeping all the circles in line and brad in center of the back.

Carefully pull back your fabric around the brad and secure with 3 plastic rubber bands. You can find these in the hair section of just about any store. I have also found them in great container, good for storage, in the infant toddler sections.

Next, you want to gently pull back your fabric in the shape of a flower. The rubber bands will help in shaping your flower by ruffling the fabric a bit. Just be careful not to tug too hard because the rubber bands will pop right off. LOL And sometimes smack you in the face. Hee! Trust me I know!

Then all you need to finish this is a small round piece of felt (this helps hold your flower in place and gives it a nice finished look) for the back and your choice of clip, barrette or pin to finish it off. Depending on how you want to use it. You may even want to make a bunch to decorate a purse or wall hanging. Be creative.

There! Now you have a finished 

"EASY PEASY FLOWER"

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Cover Your Hair Review & Giveaway {CLOSED}

★ Cover Your Hair is a great site for finding a large variety of hair accessories, including: pony holders, studded clips, bridal hair accessories, hair bows, hair claws, hair ornaments, hair pins, turbans, tie backs, hats, caps, headbands and so much more. I was lucky enough to get a beautiful Headband with Tails. Their headbands are great because of their featured NO TIE tails. Ready to slip on and go with many great color/fabric selections too! Each can be adjusted for a perfect fit. I love everything about Cover Your Hair. There are so many items to choose from for your hair. Also a great place to send friends and give as a gifts. ★

Other great Products from Cover Your Hair...

Chaponnes.... Our chappone or pull on hats are made of a variety materials which gives plenty of choices for both winter and summer
 hats. The solid chaponnes, striped chaponnes, flower chaponne or one with a visor are all comfortable and affordable. Hair Clips Perfect for all ages, our variety of hairclips provide choices for everyone. Ribbon Clips, Studded Clips, Beaded bar clips, or our featured feather bar clip there is one for you.

Pony 
Holders..... Pony holders can be used to gather some hair into a half pony or gather all away into a full pony. There are beaded Pony Holders, Studded Pony Holders, Flower Pony Holders, and many more.

Snoods.... The snoods are crochet and are perfect for those covering their hair entirely. It is great for a bad hair day. The variety of colors are perfect for any wardrobe. Try the Gold Crochet Snood or the Denim Long Snood. There are snood
s with a band for an extra secure fit.

Things that I love...

• Beautifully made hair accessories
  
• Many styles and colors to choose from
  
• Sells their products in sets. WOW!
  
• Gorgeous Feather Clips
  
• Shawls too! For the night out or comfort at home
  
• Gift Certificates perfect for gift giving
  
• Check out their great CLEARANCE items
  
• Buy the BOOK! HIDE and SEEK: Jewish Women and Hair Covering
  

Cover Your Hair is generously giving a 

$25 box of SURPRISE Hair Accessories to 

1 very lucky winner.

Mandatory 1st Entry - Visit Cover Your Hair & Share with us which items you would love to have.

Must enter Mandatory entry or all others will be deleted. Thanks!

Additional Entries... Eligible after completing mandatory entry above. Please fill out a separate entry form for each entry that you have done. Thank you!

Only use entry form when entering giveaway.

• 5 entries - Follow Cover Your Hair via Google Friend Connect
• 3 entries - Follow Cover Your Hair over at Network Blogs
• 2 entries - Follow Cover Your Hair on Twitter
• 3 entries - Subscribe to their Blog Feed
• 3 entry - Add http://www.coveryourhair.com to your blog roll
• 10 entries - Buy any hair accessory from Cover Your Hair
• 1 entry- Subscribe to Trendy Treehouse
• 4 entries - Follow Trendy Treehouse via Google Friend Connect
• 3 entries for each - Follow Trendy Treehouse on Facebook & Twitter
• 2 entries - Follow Trendy Treehouse via Network Blogs
• 1 entry daily for each - Blog, Tweet & Post about this giveaway including @trendytreehouse & @coveryourhair
  

CLICK HERE TO RELOAD THE ENTRY FORM

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR ENTERING!

You will have until February 25 @ 9:00 p.m. Pacific Standard time to enter this giveaway. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here. If the winner has provided an email address I will contact you. If you don't provide your email, you will want to check back here and see if you are the winner. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to those living in the US. You must be 18 years or older to enter. Thanks for entering at Trendy Treehouse. Good Luck and Have Fun!!

The featured product {s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. By entering this giveaway you agree to Trendy Treehouse Disclaimer/Terms of use.

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