Rapunzel Request

Someone requested that I post a tutorial on the Rapunzel Hair. That same someone asked me to make one for her...thus making the tutorial possible. Tricky my friend. Very tricky. So, if anyone else wants to make some golden locks—set aside a couple of days to work on this, and here you go:

Materials: Everything you see in this picture. Plus a toothpick and fabric glue which I forgot. Those are the large rolls of yarn by the way.

Step 1: If you are making this alone do not exercise today. Instead, crawl back and forth to roll out about three groups of 52+ yarn strands. Thats about 156 exercises for your back and upper legs. Awesome! If you are making these with help, you can just toss the yarn back and forth so you aren't off the hook for exercising.

Length doesn't matter. Just make the groups as long as you want. Remember, it's about 1/3 shorter when it's braided.

Step 2: Roll out a strand of ribbon along top of each group. In case your little one is a fashion diva and notices those kinds of things; each ribbon can be different widths and color to add interest.

Step 3: With some extra yarn, cut short lengths and tie them around each group about a foot apart all along each group. Not too tight, not too loose.

Step 4. Gather all three groups together at the top and tie off tightly with a hair tie. Then start braiding as tightly as you can.

Tip—It helps to "pinch" the braid between crossed legs. This holds the braid firmly so you can make a tight braid.

Step 5: Take several breaks, sneak some cookie dough, and keep going.

• With your fingers comb through the immediate section you will be braiding to untangle the yarn.

• You will be moving each long section of hair back and forth to either side of you. Yes it seems messy, but your little ties will save things from getting out of hand.

• When you reach one of your ties you can clip it off or just slide it down.

• Be sure the ribbon stays on top of the strand you are braiding.

While you are working you can quietly meditate, you can think about your Women in American History teacher and how feminist she was...but that made the class more interesting, or about how many aprons you'll be hemming for mutual tomorrow, or even plot the next cookie dough sneak attack.

Okay fine, I will answer your question: Those are home-made knee pads. (Tape) While I was doing my "lateral crawling exercises" I realized I was going to wear holes in my jeans in no time.

Step 6: Tie off the end with a hair band. Clip the tips so you have one long (this one will drag on the floor) and one short.

Step 7: Hot glue all around and all over the ties. Seriously. This thing is for a kid. Glue the bleep out of it and make sure some of the glue touches the yarn too.

Step 8: Measure your kiddo's head and create a loop about that same size (measure the INSIDE of the loop) and put the "short" end in the back. Be sure the ribbon is facing outward. Tie it off with your last hair band. And again...glue it to death. You may also want to put glue in the cross section where the braids overlap for extra support.

Step 9: Tie a ribbon around it to hide the glue and make a bow. Insert your hair clips to further hide the end of the braid. (The clips can be removed before washing.) Tie a ribbon around the bottom of the braid as well.

Step 10: Using a little fabric glue on a toothpick, line the clipped edge of all the ribbon. This will seal the ribbon so it won't fray.

Step 11: Clip off several (okay about 60) flowers from your fake hydrangea. Use hot glue along the back of the plastic stamen and a few dots on the back of each petal. Then push the flower into the braid. Place the flowers randomly along the braid. No swearing when you burn yourself.

You're done. Step back, admire your work, tell yourself it's too small for you to try on...and get it wrapped up so you can give it away.

Care: Hand wash cool (or hand wash cycle on a front loader will probably work.) Air dry. No heat! Don't forget to take the flower clips out first.

Disclaimer: This would be fun to sell in my Etsy shop as some of you mentioned. However, with all the laws regarding children's items there's no way I'll attempt it—which is why I have no problems posting the tutorial instead! Enjoy!