This is what the resulting loop should look like after it is squeezed down. Now, you could easily stop here and use this as your homemade headpin. However, a lot of times you don’t want that much of the “nub” to stick out.
If that’s the case, then simply take your cutters and chop off a small amount of the end of the loop as in Figure 3b.
If you do, this make sure to squeeze down the loop again using the chain nose pliers. It’s more difficult to make the loop completely flat, it takes some practice. Now you’re done! Put a bead on and then just proceed as if using a storebought headpin.
This is a picture of what the finished homemade jewelry headpin will look like when it’s blocking a bead from slipping off. Some of the “nub” actually sticks out but it can look sort of nice, kind of like those headpins with a silver ball on the end. You may have to experiment with different sized loop ends and with the amount of squeezing down you do of the loop in order to accomodate whatever crystal, stone, or bead you are using. The larger stones may have drill holes that are too wide so that you can’t even use this technique unless you use extremely thick wire.
In addition, be especially careful with using this technique with crystals, particularly the Swarovskis. The nub end of the headpin can snag and sometimes crack the crystal, or at last cause tiny shards to come off.
Practice makes perfect… after awhile you’ll start to learn what kind of nub is required for making headpins for different beads and stones. Happy headpin making!
