Special Occasion Jewelry for Hair
Easy DIY Instructions to Make a Tiara for Prom or Wedding
Apr 17, 2008
Tiaras have become quite popular over the past year, standing in for more formal events as hair jewelry. If a special event is coming up in the near future such as prom or a wedding, follow these simple DIY instructions to make this fabulous tiara.
The copper rods are 12 inches in length. So, the great thing about this tiara is that depending on the size of neck, it can do double duty as a choker-type necklace. After the special event, bend it slightly to accommodate the smaller diameter of a neck and it can be worn terminator side front or back.
Supplies were deliberately selected for this project to keep costs as low as possible without sacrificing quality. For example, copper instead of precious metal was used for the bands, but to add that touch of luxury Swarovski crystals are used for the wrap and sterling silver for the beads and caps.
The complete supplies list has already been posted via a blog.
Tools List:
- A pair of wire cutters.
- Quick set glue.
- Suggested is steel wool to buff the copper rods.
This project is beginner level and should take half-an-hour to one hour to complete. Most of the completion time is spent stringing the beads.
Let’s Get Started:
- Shape three copper rods in a rough U shape, adjusting to fit by placing on the wearer’s head with tiara positioning. Buff the rods with steel wool first if desired to add shine to the rods and remove any black spots. See image 1 below.
- Using beading wire, string 10 Treasure beads then 1 Swarovski crystal. Repeat until all the Swarovski crystals have been strung on the wire. End with 10 Treasure beads. Leave a tail of about 6 inches of beading wire on either side.
- String 1 wide hole sterling silver bead on the three cooper rods and the beading wire at one end leaving about ½ to ¼ inch of cooper rod sticking out from the end. Wrap the beading wire around the copper tail about 3 – 4 times. Trim with the wire cutters. See image 2 below
- Wrap the beading wire around the copper rods until reaching the opposite side. The beading wire wraps can be evenly spaced around the tiara. The project tiara wrap has been graduated – with looser wraps in the back and tighter ones in front.
- Repeat instruction #3 at the opposite side.
- Use quick set glue to attach the sterling silver bead caps to either end. Do one bead cap at a time, holding it in place until it has set (probably about 1 or 2 minutes). Stand the tiara upright for 24 hours to allow the glue fully set. See image 3 below
Simple and beautiful. The variations on this design are endless. Aluminum wire can be used instead of copper. Gemstone beads instead of Treasure and Swarovski beads can be used.
For casual day wear as a hair band don't use any shiny beads – or just leave the tiara beadless.
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