Homecoming mums are one of the most exciting and creative traditions in high school culture. These oversized floral creations are filled with ribbons, braids, charms, bells, stuffed animals, and school spirit. Whether you are making your very first homecoming mum or creating a custom design for someone special, learning how to make a homecoming mum can be both fun and rewarding.
This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the process of creating a beautiful DIY Texas homecoming mum from start to finish.
Supplies You Will Need
Before you begin, gather all of your materials in one workspace. Most homecoming mum supplies can be found at craft stores or online.
Basic Homecoming Mum Supplies
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Artificial chrysanthemum flower (mum flower)
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Mum backer or cardboard/felt backing
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Ribbon in multiple colors and sizes
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Hot glue gun and glue sticks
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Scissors
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Stapler
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Pipe cleaners or chenille stems
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Floral wire
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Decorative trims and braids
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Bells, charms, and homecoming trinkets
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Mini stuffed animals
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Letter stickers or custom lettering
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LED lights (optional)
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Safety pins or neck ribbon
Choose ribbon colors that match your school colors for the most authentic Texas homecoming mum look.
Step 1: Prepare the Mum Backer
The foundation of your homecoming mum is the backer. This provides structure and support for all the decorations and ribbon layers.
Most craft stores sell ready-made mum backers, but you can also make your own using sturdy cardboard covered in felt. Cut the backing into a circle slightly larger than your flower.
Next, attach a loop made from pipe cleaners or ribbon to the back. This loop will eventually help attach the mum to clothing or a neck ribbon.
Make sure the backing feels secure and sturdy because Texas mums can become surprisingly heavy once all the ribbons and decorations are added.
Step 2: Attach the Flower
The flower is the centerpiece of the homecoming mum. Traditional mums use artificial chrysanthemum flowers, usually in white, but colored flowers are also popular.
Place hot glue on the center of the backer and firmly press the flower into place. Hold it for several seconds to ensure it bonds securely.
Some people add decorative rhinestones, glitter centers, or personalized letters directly onto the flower itself. If you want a more elaborate design, now is the perfect time to customize the center.
Double and triple mums use multiple flowers grouped together for a larger appearance. Beginners may want to start with a single mum design before moving on to larger projects.
Step 3: Create the Ribbon Base Loops
Ribbon loops create the large decorative ring surrounding the flower. This is one of the most recognizable features of Texas homecoming mums.
Cut multiple strips of ribbon approximately 12 to 16 inches long. Fold each strip into a loop shape and glue or staple the ends together.
Begin attaching the loops around the flower in a circular pattern. Alternate ribbon colors and textures to create visual depth and contrast.
Popular ribbon choices include:
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Satin ribbon
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Glitter ribbon
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Metallic ribbon
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Printed school spirit ribbon
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Star-pattern ribbon
Layering several rows of loops helps the mum look fuller and more dramatic.
Step 4: Add Additional Ribbon Layers
Once the first layer of ribbon loops is complete, continue adding additional layers underneath or around the first row.
Texas homecoming mums are famous for being large and over-the-top, so don’t be afraid to build volume and texture. Mix different ribbon widths and materials for a more dynamic look.
Many mum makers use:
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Curl ribbon
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Ruffled ribbon
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Mesh ribbon
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Braided ribbon
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Sequin ribbon
The more layered your ribbons are, the more professional and impressive the finished mum will appear.
Step 5: Make the Ribbon Tails
Ribbon tails are the long hanging strips that flow down from the mum. These are one of the most customizable parts of the design.
Cut long strips of ribbon in varying lengths. Some tails may reach all the way to the knees or even lower depending on the size of the mum.
Popular ribbon tail ideas include:
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School names
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Mascot names
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Graduation year
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Student names
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Sports symbols
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Cheer or band themes
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Personalized messages
Attach the tails behind the flower and layered ribbons using hot glue or staples. Arrange them evenly so they hang naturally.
Adding multiple layers and varying lengths creates a fuller and more dramatic appearance.
Step 6: Add Braids and Specialty Ribbon Designs
Braids are one of the signature decorative features found on many Texas homecoming mums. Ribbon braids add texture, detail, and a handcrafted appearance.
You can create simple three-strand braids using narrow ribbon or experiment with more advanced woven patterns.
Attach braided ribbons vertically among the tails. Many people combine braided ribbon with:
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Metallic trims
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Feather boas
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Beaded strands
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Fringe ribbon
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Decorative lace
This step helps make your mum look more detailed and unique.
Step 7: Decorate with Charms and Trinkets
Now it’s time to personalize your homecoming mum with decorations that reflect the student’s personality and interests.
Popular decorations include:
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Football charms
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Cowbells
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Mini pom-poms
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Teddy bears
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Megaphones
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Stars
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Horseshoes
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Letters and initials
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Faux diamonds or rhinestones
Use hot glue or floral wire to securely attach decorations throughout the ribbon tails and around the flower.
If the student participates in sports, band, cheer, FFA, or other organizations, add themed charms that represent those activities.
Step 8: Add Lights and Special Effects
Modern Texas homecoming mums often include LED lights for extra flair. Battery-operated fairy lights or mini LED strands can be woven throughout the ribbons for a glowing effect during football games and evening events.
Some mums also include:
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Sound effects
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Mini fans
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Sequins
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Glitter sprays
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Reflective materials
Be careful not to overload the design with too many heavy elements, especially if the mum will be worn all day.
The goal is to create something eye-catching while still remaining wearable.
Step 9: Reinforce and Secure Everything
Before finishing your mum, carefully inspect the entire design to ensure all ribbons and decorations are securely attached.
Texas mums can become heavy, especially larger double or triple mums, so reinforcement is important.
Use extra glue, staples, or floral wire anywhere needed. Trim uneven ribbon ends and clean up stray glue strings for a polished appearance.
Turn the mum over and make sure the attachment loop or neck ribbon is strong enough to support the final weight.
Step 10: Wear and Show Off Your Homecoming Mum
Once complete, your homecoming mum is ready to wear to football games, pep rallies, parades, and homecoming events.
Many students coordinate their mums with dresses, boots, school spirit outfits, or matching garters for dates and friends.
Texas homecoming mums are all about creativity, school pride, and tradition. No two mums are exactly alike, which makes every design special and personal.
Whether you create a simple single mum or a giant multi-layered masterpiece filled with lights and braids, the most important part is having fun and celebrating one of Texas’s most beloved traditions.
Making your own DIY homecoming mum allows you to express creativity while participating in a unique piece of Texas culture that continues growing in popularity every year.
