Businesses score during homecoming season, too

Kris Ellis isn't exactly sure how the tradition of homecoming mums got started in Texas, but for several months each fall, her world revolves around creating them. The Cypress-area resident makes custom mums and their counterparts for guys - homecoming garters - for clients throughout greater Houston, along with occasional out-of-town customers. The popularity of these products not only can support a business, it can provide a significant boost to organizations' fund-raising efforts. Jersey Village High School Project Prom is one of several Cy-Fair groups to hold homecoming mum and garter sales. Today, the flowers can be quite large and usually sport a collection of ribbons, plush animals, bears, trinkets and bows that reflect the interests of the wearers. Mums can involve double or triple blooms with as many trinkets, ribbons and other add-ons as the customer wants. Ellis sells garters beginning at $51, bracelet mums – popular with teachers and alumni – beginning at $35 and finger mum rings starting at $6. Ellis also sells spirit sticks, also decorated, along with plush animals, paws and T-shirts.