Take a bow - How to DIY a headband in the style of Christian Louboutin

I made a headband with a painterly floral style inspired by Christian Louboutin's Loubibow flower clutch.

I have loads of bags and thought I'd do something different with the Christian Louboutin's painterly take on florals.

For my headband you will need...

NB: If you're not making the headband, why not try making a satin bow for a matching satin-covered clutch. If you can't find a match, try covering your bag in fabric, using Craftmount first.

Difficulty

For the paint effects

Pretty easy

It's technique-led but generally straightforward and quick.

For the headband/ bow

Moderate

Satin can be difficult and painstaking to work with, as it's so slippery, so I'd call it moderately challenging.

Time

3-4 hours - you could probably complete the project in an evening.

 A bow in bloom

Cut four pieces of satin, measuring 40cm in length using the following pattern:

Take two pieces and pin them together with the right sides (the shiny ones) facing each other and the wrong sides (the matte ones) facing outwards. Sew all of the sides together - with the stitches 1cm from the edge - apart from the narrow ones at the tip.

Cut away some (not all) of the excess fabric around the stitching with one layer slightly wider than the other, forming a 'step' effect.

Turn the piece inside out and press it so that the stitching is along the edge and the fabric around it is flush. Turn the non-stitched edges inside by 1cm and press them flat.

Repeat the process with the remaining two pieces of satin.

Cut out the elastic section of the headband and feed the tips inside the non-stitched edges of the two pieces. Top stitch them as close to the edge as possible.

If you're making the bow for a bag, now would be the time to attach the pieces to the flap or front.

Now for the paint effects!

I used two techniques for this; the first one involves dipping your paintbrush in silk paint, dabbing it with a tissue so that it's dry but the paint is still intact and flicking it in a quick streak so that it tapers off.

The other technique involves allowing your brush to get a bit dirty by using numerous colours or not completely cleaning them away before adding more paint. This allows different coloured paint to build up along the bristles. Use the whole length of the bristles, place them flat on the fabric and roll the brush to help them blend.

Tie the two pieces together.