We've hit the "dark ages" as we call them around here. While it's not terribly cold here in South Texas, it does get dark pretty early & we are forced to get creative with inside activities. Imaginary play is one of our favorite ways to pass the time & what better way than to play princesses! 🙂 We like props–especially DIY props–so here is one of my favorites! I took these pictures back on Halloween, but have recently made tutus in every color of the rainbow–pink, purple, orange…they are well loved & a breeze to do! They just take a little bit of time.           Here's how! 

SUPPLIES

• ribbon (2-3 yards, about a half inch to 3/4 wide)
• scissors
• tulle (if using spools like below, about 3 spools at 10 yds each OR on the bolt, about 5 yds)
• a bread knife
• cardboard (between 10-18 inches long)

*If you are more of a "watch it" not "read it" kind of gal, there is a video at the end. 😉

1) Begin by making a knot about a foot into the piece of ribbon. Measure the ribbon around the little girl's waist, tying another knot to mark the circumference of her waist, leaving another foot of ribbon at the end. Knot to knot should wrap around the child's waist perfectly, with a foot of ribbon on each end to tie a pretty bow. 

2) Next, take your spool of tulle & use the bread knife to cut it in half.

3) Wrap the tulle around the piece of cardboard until you run out. My cardboard piece was 10 inches long. You can make yours shorter or longer, but this will be the length of your tutu, waist to knee. 

4) Cut the tulle that you have wrapped, which will produce a bunch of pieces that are the same length. I like to cut mine at an angle, resulting in a pointy edged tutu, but you can cut it straight across if you'd prefer. 

5) Next you are going to tie the tulle pieces to the ribbon. Take one strip of tulle & fold it in half.

6) Feed the tails of the tulle through the loop, around the ribbon. & pull tight. Repeat.                 If you need a visual, watch the video–it's much easier to show than to photograph.

7) Continue to tie the tulle to the ribbon, sliding the pieces as tight together on the ribbon as you like. 

Other things you can do:

• mix colors during or after, by sliding the tulle on the ribbon & adding little pops of color in.
• add patterned/textured ribbon to the tutu in the same way that the tulle is attached.
• add a bigger bow to the back.
• make extra long for a real princess effect.
• experiment with the different kinds of tulle–"shiny" or "glitter" or "flat"
• make as gifts for little girls for special occasions. add a crown & a wand and your gift will be a huge hit! My nieces are getting fairy kits for Christmas. 🙂
• what else??

Here is our finished spider princess tutu. :) 

glitter tulle is not the easiest to work with & it does get sticky (as in, it does not really "float" or lie flat) but it sure is pretty!

 We had quite a battle to get if off on Halloween…so I do believe there will be more of these in our future, just for everyday play around the house! 🙂

Do you need to watch instead of read? Well here's a video tutorial showing you how to make a no-sew tutu. Enjoy! & if you are feeling like putting on a show (or delighting in the imagination of your kiddos)          I think these would pair SO nicely with the Home Sweet Play Home.

I would have LOVED this as a little girl! My own stage! & tutu! DREAMY!

 

Post by shawna of styleberryBLOG.com

Despite days full of washing diapers & messy fun, Shawna is determined to make mommyhood a stylish adventure. Married to the military & mother to one feisty girl, she is a passionate DIYer & loves sharing how to make the complicated simple. Shawna talks creativity, style, food, decorating, green-chic living & mommyhood at styleberryBLOG, a daily-ish dose of something fab..