Barrettes are an icon of childhood that present an opportunity for a fun and easy craft project. The materials necessary are easy to obtain, and construction takes only a few minutes. While most barrettes tend to follow the same patterns, there are endless possibilities for creating unique designs using a variety of materials. Creating barrettes with your kids provides a fun activity that allows them to personalize what they wear.
Instructions
Ribbon Bow Barrette
1. Obtain the materials necessary for making the barrette. Find plain French barrettes and decorative items (ribbon) at the local craft store. French barrettes have a metal tongue that snaps into a two prong holder. Alligator barrettes operate on a hinge like a binder clip. Hot glue guns or fabric glue are appropriate adhesives. While fabric glue is safer around children, hot glue guns are quicker as the glue dries much faster.
2. Cut a piece of ribbon approximately 24 inches long. To prevent fraying apply seam sealant to the edges of the ribbon.
3. Make a loop approximately eight inches down the ribbon. Hold the loop in the middle while using the remaining ribbon to create more overlapping loops. The loops should overlap each other at different angles, creating a flat bow.
4. Pinch together the middle of the bow-this should make the loops pop up. It may take a couple of tries before the loops look right. Wrap wire around the center to hold the bow in place.
5. Cut another ten inch piece of ribbon. Apply seam sealant if desired. Use the beginning of this piece to tie a knot around the center of the bow. Wrap the rest of the ribbon around the center, covering up the wire. Leave a small length of ribbon at the end.
6. Use the end of the wrapped ribbon to attach the bow to the top of the barrette. Adhesive will ensure that the bow stays in place.
Flower Barrettes
7. Obtain artificial flowers, adhesive, and either French or alligator barrettes.
8. Pull the flower off of the stem. The flower will have a green backing holding it together. Remove the green backing so that the layers separate. Most flowers are comprised of the backing, the flower, and a centerpiece.
9. Apply adhesive to the barrette. Arrange the flower in the middle of the clip and press down.
10. If the green backing of the flower is attached to the centerpiece, cut it off. Apply glue to the back of the center piece, and then press it down in the center of the flower.
Feather Barrettes
11. Obtain feathers, adhesive, felt, and either French or alligator barrettes.
12. Cut a piece of felt slightly larger than the barrette. Apply adhesive to the barrette and press the felt down on top.
13. Arrange feathers in desired pattern. Apply glue to the back of the feathers and then press them down onto the felt.
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