November 2008 A Hair Accessory using Coloured Craft Wire and 4mm Crystals

• Date: Wednesday 29th October 2008

Please read all the instructions before commencing.

If you are using a new technique always practice first.

This hair accessory can be worn on its’ own or several can be worn, depending on the hairstyle or occasion.

The hair accessories shown are ideal for parties, weddings and special occasions.  By selecting larger or smaller beads, pearls or crystals, the number used and the length of twist, the design can be adapted for any occasion.

REQUIREMENTS

1 x BC 531 C  10 x 4mm Swarovski Bicone AB Coated Crystals (Beads - Swarovski crystals)

1 x CC 200 W  Coloured Craft Wire Gold and Silver Plated 0.50mm 6 metres (Wire - Coloured Craft Wire)

1 x Hairpin

INSTRUCTIONS

CENTRE DESIGN

1.  Slide 10 crystals on to the silver wire.

2.  The first 1 1/2" (4cm) of wire will eventually be used to twist around the hairpin.  The starting point, A, will be   1 1/2" (4cm) from the start of the wire.

3.  Slide a crystal to 3" (7.5cm) from the starting point, A.  Bend the wire with your fingers so that the crystal sits comfortably in a 'U' shape of wire.  Squeeze the wires together.  Hold the two wires firmly between the forefinger and thumb of the left hand at A and with the right hand fingers and thumb hold the crystal and twist (reverse if you are left handed). Continue to twist until the wire is evenly twisted to position A.  If the wire appears bent it can be easily straightened with the fingers.

4.  Repeat stage 3 as many times as required.

5.  Cut the untwisted wire 1 1/2" (4cm) from A.  Remove any unused crystals.

6.  Tightly wind one 1 1/2" (4cm) end of wire around the bend of the hairpin about six times, using round nose pliers.  Repeat with the second wire.  Cut off any remaining wire.

7.  This is where the fun begins!  See Suggestions.

SUGGESTIONS

a.  Keep the twisted wire straight.

b.  Wind the twisted wire around an object (pencil, knitting needle, skewer), depending on the size of the coil required.

c.  Bend the twisted wire with your fingers into a 'C' or 'S' shape.

d.  Use 6mm crystals.

e.  Use 4mm or 6mm pearls.

f.  Use size 6 beads.

g.  Use a combination of crystals and pearls.  (Right hand design)

h.  Use two pearls (or a combination of pearls, crystals or beads) on one twisted wire, one on the end and one in the middle (right hand design).

i.  Use a hairgrip instead of a hairpin.

j.  Use a coloured wire with coloured beads (wire - coloured craft wire – CC 166 W and beads -  mixed) (left hand design).  Slide the beads at random on to the wire.  Use five beads instead of one crystal to give the appearance of a flower.

k.  Use a comb instead of a hairpin (jewellery - hair accessories).

l.  Use a tiara band instead of a hairpin (jewellery - hair accessories).

m.  Use different lengths of twisted wire.

n.  Add to a fascinator.

© Torbay Textiles 2008