These tiny clips are so handy for holding hair in place. They’re lightweight, inexpensive and available everywhere. On the other hand, embellished hair accessories are pricey, so why not make your own! After trying to wrap a ponytail holder without crushing the attached flower, it came to me that it would be easier to just clip the flower to the band after the band was on. Turns out, these little clips have holes next to the hinge springs and you can attach a flower to them by simply sewing it in place. Then you can attach it to your hair, an elastic ponytail band or a headband. Mix and match, wear one, two, three or more. Turn a bad hair day around by rockin’ some pretty flowers.

These tiny clips are so handy for holding hair in place. They’re lightweight, inexpensive and available everywhere. On the other hand, embellished hair accessories are pricey, so why not make your own! After trying to wrap a ponytail holder without crushing the attached flower, it came to me that it would be easier to just clip the flower to the band after the band was on. Turns out, these little clips have holes next to the hinge springs and you can attach a flower to them by simply sewing it in place. Then you can attach it to your hair, an elastic ponytail band or a headband. Mix and match, wear one, two, three or more. Turn a bad hair day around by rockin’ some pretty flowers.

We have a tutorial online now for making these fun flowers. If you have not made them before, refer back to this tutorial for more detail on flower making:

Organza Flower Tutorial

Fabric and Other Supplies

I tried two different sized mini claw clips for this tutorial, and found the slightly larger size easier to work with (about ¾” in length).

• Mini claw hair clips
• Scraps of synthetic fabric: we used a sparkly taupe organza, and some scraps of poly lining in plum, gold and sage green
• One bead per clip; we used 8mm Swarovski Elements Crystal Pearls in Copper. Old jewelry is a good source for beads.
• Scissors
• 1¾” diameter circle pattern (see our l for various patterns or make your own)
• Sewing needle that fits through your bead (check before starting)
• Thread
• Candle
• Optional: narrow headband, elastic ponytail bands

Making Flowers

Cut 1¾”circles from your fabric. Use your imagination to get the look you want. We used three polyester lining fabric circles and two organza circles for each flower.

Following the Organza Flower Tutorial, lightly wilt the edges with a candle flame to approximate this look:

Stack the wilted circles. By having them just slightly askew, you achive a more natural, prettier look.

Pin, and then sew through the layers in the center using a stitch small enough stitch that it can be hidden by your bead. Finish this step with the thread coming up through the center of the flower.

Open the mini claw clip and use a pen cap (or similar) to hold the claw open wide enough that you have easy access to the hinge. If you are a skilled hand sewer, you can simply hold it open. This step also assures the clip will open and close once you are done.

Sew the clip to the flower just like you’re sewing on a button, keeping your stitch smaller than the size of the bead that will cover it. Watch that your thread doesn’t catch on the claws. After going through and back about 6 or 7 times, bring your needle up into the center of the flower.

Attach the bead in the center of the flower. I sewed through the bead hole and back down through the hinge several more times until it felt well attached. Slip the needle to the back of the flower between the clip and the back of the flower. Knot in the same way you would if sewing on a button.

Attaching Flowers

Now you can clip the flowers to your hair, to your elastic ponytail band, or to a headband and position them easily for the looks you like best. Group or wear singly – it’s up to your mood (and your hair’s mood).