Make a Flower Clip

There is something you should probably know about me right up front. And that is that I am really not all that creative. I don't usually make anything that isn't super easy--and that includes the stuff I sell in my shop. I love to craft for sure, but most of the things I make can be done in one sitting and by just about anyone. A lot of my "creative" inspiration actually comes from other things I see. For example, I just saw this cute home decor item in a magazine the other day and it was listed at $45. But I looked at it and realized I could make a similar item and personalize it to fit our family even better using stuff I already have on hand. I wouldn't have thought to do it on my own, but now I totally want to give it a try. If I do get a chance to create it, I will post pictures on here.

Anyway, occasionally, I want to post tutorials for how I make some of the stuff I do. I will always try to the best of my ability to credit my source for inspiration, although I really, honestly don't know where I get some of it. If I used a tutorial myself, then I will definitely give credit to the artist. But most of my inspiration comes from stuff I see. I started making flower clips after I saw my niece with a cute clip in her hair last summer. I decided I could probably do that. So I did. And maybe it's even easier than I think it is. I've never actually been taught how to do this but I'm going to share may way anyway!

For this project you will need:

1. A silk flower, any size (you can buy these at any craft store and even the dollar store)

2. A metal alligator style hair clip (Hobby Lobby has these in all different sizes and quantities)

3. A 4.5 inch length of ribbon--I like grosgrain which adheres well and is really economical.

4. A hot glue gun

5. Optional: a decorative brad

I begin by dismantling my flower completely. I pull it off the stem and remove the plastic backing and the center part. (However, if you'd like to leave the center part in you can do that by taking off the back and then using sharp scissors, trim the remaining stem as close to the flower as you can get it so that it will lay relatively flat against the clip. You will probably also have to glue some of the layers of flowers together in the center so that it will hold.)

I like to use a brad because it holds the layers of the flower together nicely and the ends fold flat for a good fit against the clip.

Next, cut your ribbon to about 4.5 inches in length if you haven't already done so.

You can seal your ribbon to keep from fraying if you'd like by taking one end of the ribbon in one hand and a lighter in your other. Flick the lighter and bring the end of the ribbon as close as you can to the flame without actually touching it. You can see the end sealing up and looking more plastic. After it cools you can do the other side. You will want to seal the ends if you are planning to sell your clips since it preserves the initial quality of the clip. However if you are just making the clip for yourself or are deathly afraid of starting a ribbon fire (which won't happen by the way), you can skip to the next step.

Line up your clip with your ribbon by inserting the ribbon between the clip and aligning evenly.

Then take your hot glue gun and add a strip to the top of the clip; fold over the ribbon to adhere to the clip. Then add glue first to the top of the "sqeezy" part and then to the bottom, sticking the ribbon to both parts. And finish up by gluing the remaining part of the ribbon to the bottom. The ribbon will NOT cover the bottom completely. I always leave that part uncovered because the clip will grip hair better if it's not fully lined.

Next, place a line of glue along the bottom of the flower (right along the brad if that's what you are using as your center). Then quickly stick the flower onto the top of the lined clip.

And that's it!

My girls always get so many compliments on all their flower clips. Whenever I make some to sell, I know I will have to make duplicates for my own kids! But these are so quick and easy to make. I actually made one in about 5 min. one morning on my daughter's picture day when we couldn't find a flower clip to match her outfit! We even did it as an activity at the same daughter's birthday party--the girls were all amazed at how easy it was.

One last note: If you do make these to sell on Etsy or another site, it is important that you use materials which are CPSIA compliant. I only just learned this (and it has caused me such a headache!) and that is why my stock of clips in my Etsy store are sparse right now. But I just found a great seller on Etsy that sells supplies that have already been tested so I don't have to foot the bill for it! I'll be adding a new selection of gorgeous clips very soon!