DIY Paper Hair Barrettes

I’ll be the first to say that it seems inappropriate to post anything right now, let alone sponsored content. My goal with this site has always been to show you how joy can be found in creating things and I truly hope that this post brings you joy and even inspires you to make something. But I also hope that it inspires you to reflect on current events and dig deeper.

I’ve decided to donate all my banner ad revenue for the month of June to The Loveland Foundation. The Loveland Foundation provides access to therapy and mental health services for Black women and girls. I encourage you to check it out and donate, if you are able. Thanks for your support and together let’s be ready to truly become anti-racist and change our world.

Did you know you can make hair accessories with paper? It’s true!

Today I’m sharing a little flair for your hair! I’ve partnered with Fiskars to create whimsical paper hair barrettes. While large statement hair clips have been trending for women and teens, this simple DIY project can be fun for both adults and kids* alike. All you need are a few basic tools and some colorful cardstock, all which can be found online or at your locals Michaels store.

If you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you know that I’m a big fan of Fiskars tools. My family has been using their products for decades (you can read more about that story here) and I even helped shape their line of DIY tools too. The three tools I use in this project are essentials in any creative workspace and can be used for a myriad of craft projects.

If you want to add a pop of color to your hair, check out the tutorial below and learn how to make your own statement hair barrettes—out of paper! I’ve also included a few free printable templates with all the shapes I used. Plus there are even printable backer cards so you can clip on your completed accessories and gift them to your friends.

*Since a few very sharp tools are used, adults please cut out the paper shapes for younger children.

Tools

Fiskars Easy Change Detail Knife
Fiskars Total Control Precision Scissors
Fiskars SureCut Scrapbook Paper Trimmer

Supplies

Rectangle Alligator Clips or ribbon covered hair clips for little ones
Double-Sided Tacky Tape
Scrap Glitter Cardstock Paper
Assortment of colorful cardstock, I used the roses, mint, and citrus packs
Extra-Fine Bullet Tip Paint White Marker, I also used a yellow extra fine marker
Pencil

Templates

Printable Barrette Shape Template
Printable Backer Cards for Gifting

Step 1

Download and print out the Printable Barrette Shape Template. Cut around the shapes you’d like to use. Using this old school image transfer method (that you probably did in elementary school art class), you’ll transfer the shape onto the colored cardstock. To do this, flip the paper over and use a pencil to color over the back side.

Next, place the template right side up on top of the cardstock and trace along the lines. Remove the paper and then you’ll see the image transferred onto the cardstock.

Step 2

Use the Detail Knife to cut out all your shapes on a cutting mat. Don’t worry about cutting along the pencil lines perfectly, you will place them on the barrettes with the pencil side down so you won’t see them.

If you’re using glittered cardstock, trace the shapes on the back, non-glittered side, of the cardstock.

It’s amazing how many shapes you can cut out with just a tiny bit of paper! This project is a great way to use up any colorful cardstock remnants you may have. It also makes good use of this Scrap Glitter Cardstock Paper, espiecally since the glitter doesn’t rub off.

Step 3

Once all the shapes are cut out the next step is attaching them to the barrettes. Place a strip of Double-Sided Tacky Tape directly onto the top of the metal clip or ribbon covered barrette. Then use the Fiskars Total Control Precision Scissors to trim the end.

These scissors work like magic on sticky things like double-sided tape. I cut so much tape with this exact pair of scissors and they never gummed up. Not even once.

Peel off the plastic backing on the tape then place the paper cut shapes on top. Easy peezy! If stacking multiple shapes (like the rainbow) I recommend assembling them first and then attaching the completed rainbow shape onto the hair clip.

You can use extra fine acrylic paint markers to add tiny details to the shapes too! I used white and yellow markers to draw cute faces on the cat shapes and circles on the flowers. You can also use them to create patterns like polka dots.

Step 4

Download the Printable Backer Cards and print them out on 8.5″ x 11″ colored cardstock. Use the Fiskars SureCut Scrapbook Paper Trimmer to cut the sheet into quarters or 4.25″ x 5.5″ individual cards.

Grab the Detail Knife one more time and cut along the vertical lines on the center of each card. This will create two slits so you can clip a few completed barrettes onto each card. Now they are ready to be gifted to your friends!

Stick one in your neighbors mailbox to brighten their day. Or mail a few to friends on the opposite coast. These cards would also make great Valentine’s Day cards so Pin this for next year! And you can always keep a few on hand for last minute gifts or to get a head start on holiday gifting. Either way, these playful hair barrettes are a simple way to make something with your hands and create something beautiful.