Fashionable hair accessories are a hit on the runways, in schools and around town. But store-bought barrettes are often costly and it can be hard to find the right one to match that special outfit. Children and young adults will love making homemade bows and barrettes. With colorful ribbons and a few simple supplies, girls can make hair accessories that fit their personality and style without the expensive price tag.
Supplies
Barrette bases can be bought at craft supply stores, or old barrettes can be re-covered with new bows and decorations. Bases that snap shut with a springing mechanism are easiest to work with, but other barrettes can also be used. Needle and thread, some felt in a neutral color, and a glue gun are also used when making barrettes.
Preparing the Barrette
Sew a felt scrap in a decorative or simple shape to the barrette with matching thread, or wrap with thin ribbon to provide a base. Sew or glue all ends to be sure that the felt or ribbon won't slip off the barrette. If the barrette base is wide, the felt can be secured with a strip of hot glue, but the resulting barrette will be more fragile than those that are sewn on.
Making Bows
Different kinds of bows can be created. Wired ribbons allow you to make creative bows that stand alone; a mass of thin ribbons make a large bow; and flat, grosgrain ribbons make flat bows. Choose fabric or ribbons with interesting textures or patterns for special looks. Try unusual choices, like zippers or camouflage fabric for a one-of-a-kind barrette. A simple ribbon bow is made by cutting a strip of ribbon to the desired size. Fold the ribbon so that the two ends meet in the center. Sew the ribbon together with a few small stitches, wrap a strip of matching or contrasting ribbon around the center of the bow, and attach to the barrette base with a few stitches or hot glue. Another easy bow is an S-bow, made by laying a ribbon in an S-shape on a flat surface, squeezing the middle together and tying with a ribbon or a few small stitches.
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