I made my first venture into "mum making" several years ago thanks to Chris. Chris gave a girl a mum every year and one year gave one 2! (1 in his school colors for his HC and 1 in her school colors for her HC) When we first began looking at mums I was shocked and amazed at what people were paying for these things! $40 for the small and mostly unadorned single mums - on up to $125 or more for the larger more elaborate triple + behemoths! I am pretty sure that one girl I saw one year has permanent spinal damage from carting the monster mum she was given around all day!
Well needless to say, there was no way "I" was going to fork over that kind of money for something I was sure I could make myself! So began my mum adventure...
I had absolutely no idea how to even begin...so I made a trip to Hobby Lobby land to do some recon. I learned that retailers take advantage of us poor mothers who out of the goodness of our hearts are trying to help our children send the other kids crying in shame at the awesomeness of the mum we made! (Oh, come on! Admit it...you know its true!) On the homecoming isle you will find bears, cow bells, ribbons and such that are priced at least double what you will find them for in other locations in the exact same store! Point..bear on HC isle $4.99 - bear same size back in the doll making isle $1.99! And here is another tip for any mom who is about to jump off into mum making! Think out of the box and it will save you money! Go to the HC isle only for specific HC items...the mum, the backing cards, (or make these yourself from a Dr.P box - did that!) the little charms, etc... But before you go there, wander the store with an open mind and open eyes. Check out the Christmas isle...the miniature ornaments and streamers/garland for trees are perfect for mums. As are the floral decorative picks. Trim off the backs of decorative buttons (if needed) and hot glue them on! Use pipe cleaners and glitter...don't forget the wedding isle or the scrapbook sections. The 3D stickers can be cool, not to mention the glitter chipboard letters. But be careful! I can't always say I didn't spend way more than I had intended too on a mum, but I can say that mine were wayyy cooler than the ones those other mom's made! (modest ain't I?) And the Kroger/Hobby Lobby floral departments ain't got nothin' on me! lol HA!
And on a side note, other than this year with Cameron (due to last minuteness...) I always made the boys help me make them, so it is also a great way to get some quality one on one time with your kiddo and I only have one hot glue gun scar to show for it! Thanks Chris! ;)
So here is a photo montage of the progression of my mum making...(well the ones I can find digital pics of anyways!)
Chris' Junior year...Chris has a helping spirit - so he volunteered ME to HELP by making an extra one this year for her cousin or someone.
Chris' Senior year...
This one lit up and played music on the push of a button - she wanted big over the top gaudy...so I aimed to please! (she was a cowgirl..note the boots and hat - they are scrapbook supplies and the bird and silver ball are Christmas tree ornaments!)
Cameron's Freshman year...
Cameron has always been an "over the top" kind of kid so he wanted his huge. (she was a cheerleader - note the pom pons made from sparkle pipe cleaners and also the glitter chip board scrapbooking letters which I ran through my sticker machine to add adhesive!) I attached 2 good sized loops of ribbons to the top back to use at tabs for pinning the mum to her shirt. I left the dangle ribbons a bit too long on this one and they had to be trimmed - least she trip and fall on her face at school.Cameron's Sophomore year...
Kayla is on the swim team but I couldn't find any accessories to make a splash on her mum! HA! ba-dum-dum! (Josh! That was me laughing at my own stupid joke!) The new thing this year was a large loop of ribbon so the girls could wear them around their necks instead of pinned their shirts.The dance is tomorrow night so stay tuned for pics of the cute couple all dressed up and looking adorable! (Ok...adorable might be a little preschoolish - how about incredible instead!)
(Josh just isn't a mum/homecoming kinda guy...so no mums for him.) (insert sad mommy face here)
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5 comments:
You are one heck of a Mum
bwahahaha! That was pretty good Liz! I bet you laughed at your own joke too huh? lol
Since we didn't have a Homecoming at Ada High I have been so interested in the little traditions that go along with Homecoming. We don't have this one here; I think I might be glad... lol! You have put ALOT of work into those and they are beautiful and so FUN! Here in Utah they have a tradition of asking AND answering in a unique and fun way for the date dances. It has been a challenge sometimes to come up with ideas for both but also fun. Also, it's not just about the dance, itself... the day before or the day of the dance they have an all day date and they go in big groups of couples. They will take their dates out to do something fun and sometimes it's up to Provo to go to an amusement type place or sometimes it's 4 wheelin in the mountains or a host of other activities and they will feed them lunch and dinner before they bring them home to get ready for the dance. It's crazy... lol but fun.
Anyway, thanks for sharing these! SO FUN!
Lisa you always do such a great job on the mums. Your boys have very lucky dates. (both because I have such wonderful grandsons and because their mom make fantastic mums) :)
Nana
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
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