Laminated Paper Barrettes and Hair Clips

I love working with paper. It's a flexible medium that can also be quite structural. I've tried out several ways of layering paper/cardstock for a while now. This method of layering two weights of cardstock with a top layer of ornamental paper works the way I want it to. I'm sharing this tried and true process with you.

• 110 lb. colored Cardstock (I bought mine at Michaels. I used the 110 lb. Kraft)
• 65 lb. Cardstock (colors that are compatible with the ornamental paper. I bought mine at Michaels)
• 1 sheet of Ornamental Paper (your local fine art supply store may have some beautiful options to pick from)

• Mod Podge. (Your choice. I used the satin finish for this project. Matt finish would work too.)
• Foam Brush
• Washable Roller/Brayer. (I used a Mod Podge brand.)

• Sharp x-acto knife with a fresh blade
• Safety Glasses
• e6000 Glue ( I get the pack with the smaller tubes)
• Metal Barrette base(s) (craft store or Walmart jewelry parts aisle)
• Metal Hair Clips (craft store or Walmart jewelry parts aisle)

• Silicone rubber mat (This is a Surebinder one. Be sure NOT to use it as a cutting surface- you will then have two mats!)
• Cutting Mat

Choose an ornamental paper that inspires you! I've been waiting to put this lovely blue rice paper to good use. If larger than the others, trim it down to 8 1/2" x 11". Choose other colored card stock that will serve as accents in your laminate.

"Dry fit" your layers. Start with the bottom layer with the 110 lb. cardstock, I used the Kraft. Having the heavier weight cardstock saves you having to laminate an extra layer. Next up I went with a dark navy 65 lb. cardstock. The next layer was a bright magenta 65 lb. cardstock. The top layer was the art paper from the art store. ( Note: I did not use all the cardstock in the photos- these are the options I picked from).

Use whatever papercutting tools you have to create some accent pieces. I liked the subtle gold and magenta flowers in the art paper and wanted to call them out. I used a star shaped hole punch and a round hole to punch to with some shiny gold-foil cardstock and some shiny pink-foil cardstock. You can also cut out some strips out of the cardstock/paper. You'll want more than you think. Set these aside but where you can easily get to them.

Starting with the bottom layer (the heavier weight Kraft cardstock) use the foam brush with some strokes to paint the entire page with Mod Podge. You can be fairly liberal with the Mod Podge. You actually want the cardstock to absorb the moisture. Carefully lay the next layer of cardstock (in this case, the solid blue) starting at the top edge and gently laying the cardstock down on top of the Mod Podged sheet. The technique is similar to laying down sheet vinyl on a sign. Use the roller to smooth out the page. Roll as flat as possible. If the edges don't exaclty match that is fine. You can trim that later.

Next, Mod Podge the top of the blue layer. Carefully lay on the pink cardstock. Use the roller to flatten out that layer. Use your foam brush to lay on another layer of Mod Podge. Carefully lay on the nice paper for your top layer. Roll smooth with your roller/brayer.

Use your collage skills for this step. Very carefully lay on another thin, smooth coat of Mod Podge with your brush. In a somewhat random pattern put on your saved cut out pieces of paper-strips, stars and circles in a pleasing all over pattern. It does not have to be exact. This page will soon be cut into smaller barrette and hair clip sized pieces.

Set aside and let your project dry. 20 minutes to an hour. Wait until the glue is smooth to the touch and not tacky. The next step will actually be easier to do if not too dry. This would be a good time to very carefully change your x-acto blade for a fresh one.

With your project dry (it may be too rigid and more difficult to cut, if you let it dry overnight- think plywood but with cardstock instead). You are going to measure and cut 1" long strips (for barrette) and 3/4" long strips for hair clips. I cut my strips across lengthwide.

This is where the fun begins. For the barrettes, cut your lengths into 3.75" to 4" long. Depending on the size of your barrette clip you may want to have a final size of 1" x 3.75" - 4". Your personal preference. Just leave enough edge room for the metal clip not to show. You can either plan your cuts out to see where the best parts of the strips are or just wing it and go with the randomness of the paper and decorations. After the strips are cut down I like to trim off each corner with a slight diagonal cut. It keeps the corner from being too sharp.

I've added several photos here to show you the gluing steps. You basically open up your e6000 glue. Spread the glue on the back of the metal barrette clip. Don't add too much or too little. Lay the back of the laminated cutout to the metal. The laminate cardstock will bend to the contour of the metal. Use extra smaller metal clips as clamps. I suggest clipping at each end and the middle to hold everything in place. Wipe off any excess glue with a toothpick. Let this completely dry, as in, overnight. Enjoy and wear your barrette or give as a gift!

One sheet of your paper laminate can make a LOT. An option would be to cut your strips into 3/4" instead of one inch for the barrettes. Depending on your clips, a good size is .75" x 2". Trim off the sharp corners if you want. Glue and clamp tight with the extra clips. Wait overnight for the glue to dry. Enjoy wearing one or many of these. They also make great gifts!

I hope you can try out this method of paper laminating. You'll find many other items to make. I've also used the scraps as the base for earrings. They make a nice set with the barrettes or hair clips.