Quick and Easy Crafts: Beautiful Orchid Hair Barrette

Do you have a special event coming up this summer but want to wear your hair up to beat the heat? Or is there a fancy dinner party and you want to have an elegant look? Are you tired of paying close to $10 for a beautiful hair barrette that you really don't even like? Why not make one yourself for a fraction of the cost, custom designed just for you.

You will need the following supplies to make this simple craft project:

Silk flowers
3 ¼ inch long metal hair barrette (click here for example)
1 yard green 1/8 inch wide silk ribbon. (You can use wider ribbon if you choose.)
Scissors
Wire cutters

The first step is to choose your flowers. I opted for orchids as they dangle so beautifully from the stem. I caution against selecting single stem flowers because they will not work well with this project. Multiple flowers on the same stem are ideal for this project. Take your wire cutters and trim your selection to roughly 3 ½ inches long. (See above photo #1 for finished barrette.)

The next step is to disassemble your metal barrette. To do this, pinch it open as if you were to wear it. The center part needs to be removed. This is the arched bar in with the forked ends. (See above photo #2. The little metal bar in the photo is the one to remove from the barrette.) To remove it, firmly pull one fork end out of its home and then slide the other side out. Put this piece aside for now.

Take your trimmed flower stem and line it up to the back of the barrette. You may need to bend the snipped end inward to prevent any sharp points. Do not worry; it will eventually be covered by the green ribbon. When you have it positioned to your liking, take the green ribbon and carefully begin to wrap it around the stem of the flower and the back of the barrette. Make sure to leave at least 5 inches of length for tying it off. Begin at one end and work your way to the other; slowly and carefully wrap the entire stem so it attaches to the back of the barrette. When you get to the other end, trim off any excess ribbon minus about 5 inches for tying. Take both ends and wrap them around the stem to meet in the middle and tie them with a double knot. Trim off the excess.

The last task is re-attaching the middle of your barrette. To do this, slip one forked end back in and then gently bend the bar to have the other end snap back into place.

Your quick and easy orchid barrette is complete. This is a great project because no hot glue is needed. It can be done anywhere without the need of an electrical outlet. It is also great for kids to do and not worry about getting burned. Instead they can focus on getting as creative as they like. Remember, this is your barrette; you can make it as wild or as tame as you like.

For more quick and easy craft projects, try these: Children's Ribbon Barrettes and Spring Chalkboard Art.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Michael's Craft Store
www.joann.com