Any type of hair can benefit from beaded barrettes.You can learn how to make your own beaded barrettes with the right tools and materials.It's just a matter of stringing beads in the order you want after anchoring the first bead.You can either give it as a gift or try it on.If you enjoy making barrettes, you may be able to make more of them to sell.
Step 1: Cut 4 ft of wire.
You will need to use a wire to string the beads.The strongest option is this type of wire.Use a pair of wire cutters or sharp scissors to cut the wire.
Step 2: Attach a bead to the center of your wire.
If you choose a bead larger than the hole at the end of the barrette base, it will not slip through it.This is the anchor bead.Attach the bead to the wire with one of the ends.The bead should be in the center of the wire.You can anchor the other beads onto the barrette base with a plain or fancy bead.It is up to you and your design.
Step 3: There is a hole at the end of the barrette.
There should be 2 holes in the barrette.The wire should be inserted through one of the holes.Pull the ends until the bead is over the hole.You string the beads on regardless of which end of the barrette you use.If you string beads at the hinge of the barrette, it will be easier to secure the crimp beads.
Step 4: The left wire should be put through the right side of the bead.
If you cross the wires under the hole, they will go in the opposite direction of the bead they are on.Attach the end of each wire to the bead on the barrette.Pull the ends through the bead and secure it over the hole.You can string beads onto the barrette base if you anchor your first bead.
Step 5: Pick up a bead from each end of the wire.
You could fill a dish with the first type of beads you want to string onto the barrette.Put the wire through the beads and let them slide down to the barrette base.It is stiff, so you don't need to use a needle to string your beads like you would use when making a beaded necklace or bracelet.
Step 6: From opposite directions, insert both ends through a bead.
Next, put both ends of the wire through the same bead.The right and left side of the bead can be used to insert the right end.The bead should be moved against the others.The ends should cross each other inside of the bead and form a diamond shape with the first 4 beads attached to the barrette base.
Step 7: Wrap the wires under the barrette by pressing the beads against it.
Press the beads down to make them lay even flatter.The wire can stick up from the barrette base.The ends of the wire should be slid under the barrette base.
Step 8: The last bead should be passed through the end of each wire.
The wires should be brought back up along the side of the barrette base once they are crossed.Put the wire through the side of the bead that the wires come up on.The wires have to end at the end of the bead.
Step 9: Continue the process to add more beads.
If you want to add more beads, repeat the process after securing the fourth bead.To anchor the beads, insert the ends of the wire through 1 bead each.Continue until you reach the end of the barrette.
Step 10: The wire should be inserted through the end hole.
You can anchor the beads to the barrette base once you reach the end.Just as you did at the beginning, push the ends of the wire down through the hole on the barrette base.The last bead must be pressed against the hole.Depending on your design and preferences, you can use the same bead or a different bead.
Step 11: The ends should be inserted through the bead.
Wrap the ends of the wire under the barrette base in opposite directions and then bring them up along the opposite side.Pull the ends through the bead until the wire is taut.You can secure the ends with crimp beads if you are done adding beads.If not, repeat the process over the last row with a smaller bead.
Step 12: Attach the ends of the barrette with crimp beads.
Attach the ends of the wires to the crimp beads.To get the beads close to the barrette, tug the wires tight.Use chain-nose pliers to squeeze the beads around the wire.You might want to open the hair clip first to make it easier to get to the bottom of the barrette.
Step 13: Next to the crimp beads, cut the ends of the wires.
The wire cutter can be used to do this.The amount of wire sticking out should be minimized by cutting the wire as close to the bead as possible.Cut across the wire straight.It might be more difficult to cut the wire close to the barrette base with scissors than it is with a sharp pair of scissors.