Remember that feeling as a kid, wanting something absolutely unique to wear? Something that screamed ‘you’? For many children, especially those starting to explore their own sense of style, accessories are the perfect playground. And what’s more special than an accessory they’ve made themselves? Diving into the world of DIY hair accessories – bows, headbands, clips – isn’t just a way to pass an afternoon; it’s a fantastic outlet for creativity, a boost for fine motor skills, and a super fun way for kids to literally wear their imagination.
Forget expensive store-bought baubles that everyone else has. The real magic happens with a pile of colourful ribbons, soft felt squares, leftover fabric scraps, and a sprinkle of enthusiasm. Getting started is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require a hefty investment. You probably have many of the basic supplies lurking in a craft box or sewing kit already.
Gathering Your Crafting Treasures
Before the making begins, let’s talk materials. The beauty of hair accessory crafting is its flexibility. There are no hard and fast rules, only opportunities!
Core Components:
- Bases: Plain metal snap clips, alligator clips, french barrettes, plastic or fabric-covered headbands. These are the foundations onto which the decorative elements will be attached.
- Adhesives: A good quality craft glue that dries clear is essential. For older children, and strictly with adult supervision, a low-temperature hot glue gun can be fantastic for a quick, strong bond, especially with bulkier items. Fabric glue is also a great option.
- Cutting Tools: Sharp scissors are a must – fabric scissors work best for textiles, but standard sharp craft scissors will also do. Ensure younger children use safety scissors or have adult help.
Decorative Delights:
- Ribbons: Oh, the possibilities! Grosgrain ribbon is sturdy and comes in endless colours and patterns, making it ideal for structured bows. Satin ribbon adds a touch of elegance, while velvet offers lovely texture. Don’t forget sheer organza or sparkly options! Width matters – wider ribbons make bigger bows.
- Felt: Craft felt sheets are inexpensive, easy to cut, don’t fray, and come in a rainbow of colours. Perfect for cutting out shapes like flowers, hearts, stars, animal ears, or simple circles for layering.
- Fabric Scraps: Got leftover quilting cotton, charming prints, or bits of tulle? Don’t throw them away! Fabric can be used to cover clips, tie simple knots onto headbands, or create rustic-chic bows and flowers.
- Embellishments (Optional): Buttons, beads (large ones for younger kids), plastic gems, pom-poms, yarn – these little extras can add personality and sparkle.
Let’s Make Some Bows!
Bows are the quintessential hair accessory, and surprisingly simple to master. Ribbons are the classic choice here.
The Simple Loop Bow (Great for Beginners)
This is often the first bow-making technique kids learn. Take a length of ribbon (start with about 6-8 inches of grosgrain). Form one end into a loop, bringing it towards the center. Form the other end into a loop, crossing it over the first loop’s end in the center. You should have two loops and two tails, looking like a classic awareness ribbon shape but flatter. Pinch the center tightly. Secure the center by wrapping it tightly with a thin piece of matching or contrasting ribbon, or even some sturdy thread or fine wire (adult help needed for wire). Glue the wrap firmly at the back. Trim the tails diagonally or in a V-shape (fishtail) to prevent fraying and add a finished look. Once the glue is dry, attach the bow to a clip or headband using your chosen adhesive.
The Folded Bow (A Bit More Structured)
Cut a longer piece of ribbon (perhaps 10-12 inches). Lay it flat. Bring one end towards the middle. Bring the other end towards the middle, overlapping the first end slightly. You should have a simple, flat loop shape. Fold the top edge down towards the center and the bottom edge up towards the center, creating the classic bow shape with two loops and the overlapped section hidden behind. Pinch the center very firmly. Secure the center as described above – wrapping with thread, wire, or a thin ribbon strip and gluing securely at the back. Trim tails. This method creates a neat, double-layered look.
Pro Tip: Layering bows (making a smaller one and gluing it on top of a larger one) adds dimension and visual interest. Experiment with different ribbon widths, colours, and textures.
Fabulous Felt Creations
Felt is incredibly forgiving and fun for kids. It’s easy to cut, holds its shape, and the edges don’t need finishing.
Cutting Shapes
Draw simple shapes directly onto the felt with a pencil or washable marker, or use cookie cutters or stencils as guides. Flowers are always popular: cut out several petal shapes and a central circle, then layer and glue them together. Hearts, stars, clouds, leaves, even simple animal silhouettes like cats or bunnies work wonderfully. Encourage kids to design their own unique shapes!
Layering and Embellishing
Layering different coloured felt shapes creates depth. A small yellow circle on a larger white daisy shape, for example. Or stack multiple sizes of the same shape in different colours. Once the basic felt shape is assembled, consider adding details. A button sewn or glued in the center of a flower, small beads stitched on as accents (adult supervision!), or even drawing details with fabric markers can enhance the design. Glue the finished felt creation securely onto a clip or headband.
Safety First! Craft time should always be fun and safe. Ensure an adult supervises when children are using sharp scissors or hot glue guns. Low-temperature glue guns are generally safer for projects involving kids. Keep tiny embellishments like small beads or sequins away from very young children due to choking hazards.
Fun with Fabric Scraps
Don’t underestimate the power of fabric remnants! Even small pieces can be transformed.
No-Sew Knotted Headbands
Take a plain plastic or metal headband. Cut or rip long, thin strips of fabric (about 1-2 inches wide and long enough to wrap). Tie the strips around the headband, knotting them securely. You can cover the entire headband or just add a few decorative knots. Mix and match different fabric patterns for a bohemian look. A dot of glue under each knot can help keep them in place.
Simple Fabric Flowers
Cut several circles of fabric in graduating sizes. Layer them from largest to smallest. Pinch the center together and secure with a few stitches or a strong blob of glue at the back. You can fray the edges slightly for a shabby-chic style. Attach a button or bead to the center if desired. Glue the finished flower onto a clip base.
Covering Clips
Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the top surface of a snap clip or barrette. Apply fabric glue to the top of the clip. Carefully press the fabric onto the glue, smoothing it out. Once dry, trim the excess fabric very carefully around the edges. You can then glue a small felt shape, bow, or button on top of the fabric-covered clip.
Expressing Personal Style
This is where the real joy comes in. Encourage kids to pick out their own colours and materials. Do they love bright neons? Soft pastels? Bold patterns? Sparkles? Let them lead the way. Maybe they want to make a bow that perfectly matches their favourite outfit, or create a quirky felt monster clip just because it makes them smile. This process isn’t just about making an accessory; it’s about self-expression.
Let them experiment with combinations that might seem unusual to an adult eye. A striped ribbon bow on a floral felt flower? Why not! This freedom helps build confidence and reinforces the idea that their choices and ideas are valuable. They learn to trust their own aesthetic instincts. Making their own accessories empowers them to define their look, moving beyond passively consuming trends to actively creating their personal style.
Crafting Together: More Than Just Fun
Making hair accessories can be a wonderful shared activity. Plan a crafting afternoon with siblings or friends. Set out a variety of supplies buffet-style and let everyone create their own unique pieces. It’s a great opportunity to practice sharing, admire each other’s work, and maybe even trade creations.
It’s also quality bonding time between parents and children. Sit down together, chat while you craft, and celebrate the finished products. The focus isn’t on perfection, but on the process: the experimenting, the learning, and the fun of making something tangible with your own hands. These shared moments often become cherished memories.
So, gather those ribbons, rescue those fabric scraps, and let the kids loose! Crafting hair accessories is a simple, rewarding activity that blends creativity with practicality. They get to design, make, and proudly wear their very own stylish creations, adding a personal touch to every outfit and a boost of confidence to their day. Happy crafting!
