Creating Wedding Bobby Pins: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding bobby pins are a great way to add a unique touch to your bridal hairstyle. You can make your own wedding bobby pins by gluing decorative charms to the flat part of the pins or by wrapping wire and beads around the pins. This is a simple DIY project that can be completed in a few easy steps and will add a custom edge to your hair accessory collection.

How to Make Wedding Bobby Pins

Choosing decorations

When choosing decorations for your DIY wedding bobby pins, there are many options to consider. You can opt for a simple and elegant look with just a few well-placed decorations, or go for a more extravagant and ornate style. Here are some factors to think about when selecting your decorations:

Colour

The colour of your decorations can be chosen to match the wedding colour scheme or the bride's dress. Popular options include silver, gold, and cream, but you can also add a pop of colour with beads or gemstones in the bridal party's colours.

Type of Decoration

You can choose from a variety of decorations such as beads, rhinestones, crystals, pearls, or a combination of these. For example, you could opt for a simple pearl bobby pin or a more intricate design featuring a combination of pearls and crystals. If you want to add some sparkle to the bridal hairstyle, consider using rhinestones or crystals.

Size and Placement

Consider the size of the decorations and how you want to place them on the bobby pins. Smaller decorations can be clustered together or spaced out along the length of the pin, while larger pieces can be used as a focal point. You can also choose to decorate just one side of the bobby pin or both sides for a more symmetrical look.

Personalisation

If you want to add a personal touch, you can include charms or other decorative elements that hold a special meaning for the bride. For example, you could use the bride's or bridesmaids' initials, or small charms that represent their interests or the wedding theme.

Matching Accessories

To complete the look, you can create matching hair accessories such as hairpins, combs, headpieces, or jewellery. This will help to tie the whole bridal style together and create a cohesive and stylish appearance for the wedding party.

Attaching decorations

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

First, you will need to gather your materials. For this project, you will need the following:

• Bobby pins with a flat bed for attaching charms.
• Charms of your choice (flowers, pearls, crystals, etc.).
• Glue (a strong adhesive suitable for jewellery is recommended).
• A scrap piece of paper for mixing the glue.
• A skewer or toothpick for mixing and applying the glue.

Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area

Before you begin, it is important to prepare your work area. Cover your work surface with newspaper or a mat to protect it from any glue stains. Gather all your materials and have a cup of water nearby in case you need to wash off any excess glue.

Step 3: Mixing the Glue

Squeeze out an equal amount of glue onto your scrap piece of paper. Use your skewer or toothpick to mix the glue together until it is well combined. You want to create a consistent mixture that will adhere properly to your bobby pins and charms.

Step 4: Attaching the Charms

Now, it's time to attach your chosen charms to the bobby pins. Using your skewer or toothpick, apply the glue to the flat part of one bobby pin and one charm. Carefully spread the glue to ensure complete coverage. Gently press the charm onto the glued area of the bobby pin and hold it in place for a few seconds. Repeat this process for the second bobby pin and charm.

Step 5: Drying and Finishing

Set your decorated bobby pins aside to dry. You can place them on the covered work surface or on a piece of wax paper. Follow the glue instructions for the recommended drying time. Once the glue is completely dry, your wedding bobby pins are ready to wear!

Additional Tips:

• You can experiment with different types of charms and decorations to create a variety of looks.
• If you're using glue with a strong odour, it's recommended to work in a well-ventilated area.
• Practice attaching the decorations before starting, especially if you're using intricate or delicate charms.
• If you want to add beads or create wire designs, follow similar steps to the beaded wire bobby pin tutorial, allowing for drying time as needed.

Using wire

To make wedding bobby pins using wire, you will need:

• Thin jewellery wire
• Beads of your choice
• Jewellery pliers
• Wire cutters

Firstly, cut a piece of jewellery wire that is about 3-4 inches long. Thread your chosen bead onto the wire, then press down the sides of the wire on either side of the bead to keep it in the centre.

Next, loop the wire through the top of the bobby pin and use your jewellery pliers to twist the wires together underneath the bead. This will create a twist-tie effect, holding the bead in place at the head of the bobby pin.

Take the remaining wire and wrap it in the same direction around the top of the bobby pin, underneath the bead. This adds extra stability and prevents the bead from moving around. Push the ends of the wire in towards the centre so they don't get caught in your hair.

You can also try this alternative method:

Take 130mm of 18g wire and mark 70mm in from each end. Carefully bend the wire at each mark so the ends are pointing in the same direction, leaving less than 10mm across the two prongs. This is where you will attach the embellishment.

Using your finger and thumb, bend three shallow kinks into the centre of one side of the pin. Repeat on the other prong.

Take 600mm of 24-gauge/0.5mm wire and thread a 4mm bead onto the centre. Pinch the wire together under the bead and twist until you have about 10mm of twisted wire and the bead is secure.

Thread a 6mm bead onto one end of the wire until it reaches the twist, then pinch and twist until you have another 10mm of twisted wire. Repeat this process with a 4mm bead, creating your first spike.

Now, create two more spikes by repeating the previous steps: thread a 4mm bead about 40mm along, then a 6mm bead, and finally a 4mm bead about 20mm along. You should now have three spikes of varying lengths.

Hold the wire decoration against the 10mm bend section of the bobby pin. Push one wire underneath and wrap it carefully, then take the other wire and wrap it in the opposite direction. Your embellishment should now be firmly attached.

Pinch the two wires together and twist from the base of the decoration. Don't over-twist, as the wire may break. Bend the end of the wire over to leave a 30-40mm strand, then pinch and manipulate the twisted wire into a spiral. Press this spiral over the decorated end of the bobby pin and secure it with a drop of hypo cement.

Gluing charms

To make wedding bobby pins, you will need to glue charms onto the bobby pins. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need to gather your materials: a pair of bobby pins with a flat bed for attaching charms, two charms to glue onto the bobby pins, a scrap piece of paper for mixing the glue on, and a skewer for mixing and applying the glue. You can purchase these materials online.

Next, follow these steps:

• Squeeze out some glue and mix it with the skewer.
• Apply the glue to the flat parts of one of the bobby pins and one of the charms.
• Glue the pieces together and set them aside to dry.
• Repeat steps 1 to 3 for the second bobby pin.

Once your bobby pins are dry, they are ready to wear!

You can experiment with different types of charms to create unique and personalised wedding bobby pins. For example, you could try using flower charms, or even mix and match different types of charms to create a quirky, eclectic look.

Drying the pins

Before you begin drying, gather all the necessary materials, including a pair of flat-bed bobby pins, charms, glue, a scrap piece of paper, and a skewer. The glue should be mixed in equal parts and can be applied to the flat surface of the bobby pin and the chosen charm. Ensure you have a clean and well-ventilated workspace to facilitate the drying process.

The drying process can be done in a few different ways, depending on the type of glue you are using. If you are using a standard adhesive, such as super glue or craft glue, simply apply a thin layer to both the bobby pin and the charm. Carefully press the two pieces together, applying slight pressure to ensure good adhesion. Hold the pieces together for a few seconds or use a clamp to keep them in place while the glue dries. Place the pinned pieces on a flat surface and leave them undisturbed for at least 24 hours to ensure the glue is completely dry.

For a more intricate design, you can use a hot glue gun. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the flat surface of the bobby pin and quickly attach the charm. Press and hold it in place for a few seconds until the hot glue sets. Hot glue dries much faster than standard adhesive, but it is important to be cautious when handling the hot glue gun to avoid burns.

If you're using a two-part epoxy, mix the resin and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a small amount to the bobby pin and charm, then press them together. Epoxy usually takes longer to dry, so be sure to refer to the instructions for the specific drying time.

Once the glue is completely dry, gently tug at the charm to ensure it is securely attached to the bobby pin. You can also test the hold by gently trying to twist or pull the charm off. If it feels secure, your wedding bobby pin is ready to be worn or gifted!

To speed up the drying process, you can use a hairdryer on its lowest setting, holding it at a safe distance from the pins and charms. You can also place the pins under a lamp or in a sunny spot, as heat and sunlight can accelerate the drying process. However, be cautious not to overheat the glue, which could cause it to melt or become brittle.

Making wedding bobby pins is a fun and creative project, and the drying process is a crucial step to ensure the final product is secure and long-lasting. By following these instructions, you'll have beautiful and unique hair accessories to enhance your bridal style or to gift to your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions