Last year I attended a ladies scarf-tying dinner thing (I actually have no idea what it was except there was an elaborate scarf-tying demonstration and a jewelry/accessories swap) and we were given a party favour of pearl hair clips.

I loved them.

However, I never wear them because it turns out they’re stiff and near-impossible to wear without asking someone to affix them for me.

It grieves me, so I set out to make my own DIY pearl hair barrettes that I could actually wear. And since I love them so much, I thought I’d share the steps with you as well.

Here is what you need

For me this was a “find stuff lying around the house and use it” kind of project but most of these items can be found at local discount stores so your costs should be low.

• Bobby pins
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Needle-nose pliers
• Hanging or florist wire (although I tried both and preferred the hanging wire as it was easier to handle)
• Superglue or glue gun
• Plastic pearl beads with a hole through the centre (for making jewelry)

Here is what you do

This is the finicky part. Since the pieces are so small it’s much easier to use the pliers to help you hold the beads still while you do all the gluing, wrapping, securing, etc. But that’s just my experience. Really it’s the end you’re worried about so how you get there is your call.

1. Cut wire approximately five inches (12.5 centimetres) in length
2. Fold wire in half, cover centre fold in glue, and secure in the bead
3. Allow glue to dry completely before continuing
4. Affix bead to bobby pin and wrap wire securely around both sides of barrette. If your wire is stiff this could be a frustrating process—again the pliers may come in helpful
5. Once pearl is positioned to your liking re-glue the wire-bead connections
6. Allow to dry completely

Voila! Easy right? In fact I’m planning on making a few dozen of these to use as stocking stuffers seeing as the holiday season is nearly upon us.

Although my version isn’t as perfect-looking as my party favour barrettes the big bonus is I’m actually going to wear them, which I think makes them 1,000 times better.

I’ve read of other ways to accomplish this cute pearl bobby pin but this method is what works best for me. Let me know if you find an easier way!