Making crystal hair pins

[HollyOrm]

Hi everyone.
I bought some Swarovski round faceted beads (6mm) and some open-style hairpins to make bridal hair pins out of - simple ones with just one crystal at the end. I'm making them for myself as I found some for sale online for £3, and being quite competent at making beaded jewellery I thought I'd give it a go.
Has anyone tried to make anything similar? I've attempted one - with 24 gauge wire (silver) but the wire was visible in my dark hair and the ends were quite messy and sharp.
I've thought about just glueing the crystals on with superglue, but I think the paint from the hairpins might just chip off, taking the crystal with it!
Any advice appreciated!

[Lou]

Hi there,
I came across the exact same problem with the sharpe edges of the wire so I used a much small gauge (silver coloured) wire and ensured all ends were 'tucked in' and added a blob of clear glue (sorry can't remember exact gauge). The thinner wire also won't show up so much through the hair. I also ensure the grips/hairslides I use are a similar colour to the hair they are going to be worn in.

Hope this helps a little

Good luck!

Lou

[Seahorse]

You could wind your hair coloured ribbon over the wire to giving padding and camouflage.

[swirlyarts]

Mmmm - I would like to know the answer to this too. I'm hopefully going to be making plastic hair pins (hair pins with a small plastic design on) and was wondering the best way to go about it too.

[bande179]

Two ideas for the ends of the wire: you could try memory wire end caps, or maybe the half drilled beads that they sell for making ear posts.

James

[Daydream]

Can anyone let me know of a good site where I can buy some plain silver and gold hair pins, I want to make some bridal hair pins to add to my site, please?

Thanks!

[jcassidy]

Can anyone let me know of a good site where I can buy some plain silver and gold hair pins, I want to make some bridal hair pins to add to my site, please?

Thanks!

Did you ever hear from anyone on where you can buy plain silver "vintage" or upin hair pins? I am looking for some to make a few pieces for a friend. Anything online? I am struggling to find what I need!
Thanks!

[gigglinggoblin]

Boots have lots of different coloured hair pins, not sure about online but in our shop they had loads. Welcome to the forum

[Pink and Dizzy]

I've just bought some bronze and black ones from superdrug (and I think they had blonde ones too) but not had any luck finding silver or gold ones yet!

[PaulineWhitaker]

Pink and Dizzy

I know where you can get silver and gold plated ones but i am not allowed to post the link yet. If you get in touch with me i will mail the website.

[gbell]

use 24 gauge wire, wrap around the pin 3 times each side and make sure the ends are on the outside so nothing jabs in your head. Posh wire close together and give a gentle squeeze with the pliers

[princesstiara]

Hi, have you tried using an emery board(nail file) to smooth off the edges. This is what I do when making them. It can be difficult to tuck the edges away sometimes.

[Delta]

I use the thinnest gauge I can get away with, and try and make sure that I 'squash' down the end, and also try to get it onto the outside of the pin if I can.

I saw some gold coloured hair pins in Claire's the other day. I have some black and brown bobby pins that I got from the local chemist, and I bought some coloured ones from poundland (they are the normal hair pins/grips), I think they were red, white, pink, black and some other colour that totally escapes me at the moment!