Braided Barrettes

Nothing says "80"s or "cute" like braided barrettes. After you get a feel for making them, you'll have a set to match every outfit like... well, like in the 80s! Don't get frustrated if you feel like you're all thumbs when you first start. It may take a couple, but before long you'll be a pro, and turning them out in your sleep!

Materials:
1 yard 1/8" ribbon - color A (can be satin or grosgrain... but should be reversible)
1 yard 1/8" ribbon - color B
1 double bar barrette (2 - 2 1/2")
optional: buttons and beads for decorating

Directions:
1] Cut 1 piece each of colors A and B 36" long.

2] Lay color A over color B and slip through the bent, unopened end of the barrette. The ribbons should be centered. (NOTE: Treat the 2 different colored ribbons as if they were one. You should always be weaving 2 ribbons at a time. In all future directions when the word "ribbon" is used, it will refer to the 2 ribbons stacked on one another.) Always have the top of the barrette with the double bars showing facing up.

3] Beginning on the right side, weave the ribbon  over the first bar and under the second. Both ribbons will be on the left side. Be careful not to twist the ribbons.

4] Take the other ribbon and weave it over the first bar and under the second. You will now have ribbons on either side of the barrette. You will notice that the same color should be on top of both of these braids.

5] Continue in these manner alternately weaving the ribbons. You should see a stripe pattern emerge. Make sure to keep the ribbons pulled taut as you work and keep pushing the braids up to solidly fill in the barrette.

6] When the barrette is filled in enough, the braids cannot slide on the barrette. Finish braiding with all pieces of ribbon on one side.

7] You can leave the tails as is, tie knots in the ends, add buttons or beads, and leave all the same length or cut them to different lengths. If you prefer no ends, you can weave the ribbons through the backside, cutting them at different spots, and gluing the ends. Be creative!

8] If you want to make a pair, so you can wear them on either side of your head, make sure you stop your braiding on the opposite side. They should wind up being mirror images of one another.