How to Make a Hair Brooch

Give a plain hairdo a lift with a hair brooch.

Brooches aren't just for lapels. They can also be used to enhance one's hair. These hair decorations differ from barrettes in that they usually feature a central jewel or cameo with some sort of embellishment around the edges. This may be a simple filigree setting, lace or even feathers. Jewelry boutiques sell hair brooches, but you can make them at home for around half of the commercial price.

Things You'll Need

• Cabochons (gemstone, glass or resin)
• Clear glue
• Cabochon setting
• Hot glue
• Edge embellishment (feathers or lace)
• Felt fabric
• Scissors
• Small barrette clips

Instructions

1. Choose a cabochon for your hair brooch. These smooth, flat-backed jewelry pieces come in many sizes and shapes, from ovals to hexagons. Gemstone cabs are pretty, but expensive. Glass and resin cabs offer the same glam for less money.

2. Drip a little clear glue into your cabochon setting. Choose a setting that matches your cab dimensions exactly. The cab may have as much or as little decoration around the edges as you like.

3. Press the cab into the setting, holding it in place for 20 seconds. Let the glue dry fully for an hour.

4. Apply feathers or lace for additional edging. Arrange feathers by size along just one edge of the setting back. Arrange lace in a ruffled circle in the same place. Glue either embellishment down with hot glue. Let the glue dry 10 minutes.

5. Cut a piece of felt fabric the same size as your setting back. Glue it to the back of the setting with just a little hot glue. This keeps the lace or feather nibs from getting caught in your hair.

6. Glue a small barrette back to the back of the cab. Let the whole thing cure overnight.

References

• Perfect Locks: Make Your Own Wedding Hair Accessories