How to Make Pretty Hair Sticks

Whether you want your hair up because it's warm or just think it's pretty that way, hair sticks are a great accessory. They are very pretty in your hair and also they don't damage your hair (like repeatedly putting in hair bands might). Make your very own pretty hair sticks for gifts or just for fun with these steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• dowel
• a coping saw
• a pencil sharpener
• sandpaper
• acrylic paint
• clear nail polish
• eyelet screws
• beads
• jewelry wire

1. Prep the Dowel
   Cut your dowel into appropriate lengths (7 to 9 inches) using the coping saw. Next sand the dowels by hand to remove any roughness at the ends of the dowel or along the body. Now screw an eyelet screw to the flat end of each hair stick. Finally, sharpen the ends of the dowel so that they will slide smoothly through your hair.

2. Design
   Choose a pattern for the hanging beads. Keep the principles of design in mind (unity, balance, harmony, rhythm, variety, scale, emphasis and color). Next choose matching paints for the hair stick itself. Monotone coats are simple and elegant while patterns can add flair.

3. Bead
   For a single bead strand: Cut a wire an inch and a half longer than your pattern. Slide bottommost bead onto wire, bend the end of the wire up and around then twist it tightly about main wire. Slide on remainder of beads making sure to cover wire twist. Attach to eyelet loop. Snip extra wire.
   For double bead strands: Cut a wire more than twice as long as necessary. Slide bottommost bead onto wire, bend the end of the wire up and around then twist it tightly about main wire. Slide on remainder of beads making sure to cover wire twist. Slide long empty length through eyelet. Bead in reverse order (top bead first) until your pattern is complete. Slide bottommost bead onto wire, bend the end of the wire up and around then twist it tightly about main wire. Slip twist under other beads.

4. Painting and Drying
   Paint your hair sticks according to your predetermined design. Clip beaded wires into a skirt hanger, letting hair sticks hang down. Dry. When dry cover with clear nail polish and dry again.

5. Wearing your Hair Sticks
   Put your hair up onto a bun using the hair sticks as the support. Wear for everyday or even formal events.

[vintage]

on 9/2/2009 good tips, always wondered how it was done 5*