How-To: Covered Button Bobby Pins

This is a quick and easy variation on the covered button hair elastic I showed you a few months ago. All you need for each one is a covered button, a bobby pin with a circular pad, and some E-6000 glue. I used size 24 buttons, which are 5/8" in diameter, and both the bobby pins and the glue are available in most craft stores.

Refer to the covered button hair elastic tutorial for photos and directions on how to cover a button. Before you assemble the pieces, be sure to remove the loop from the button back with a pair of pliers, and discard it where children and pets can't find it. Then simply attach the pad to the back of your covered button with a dab of E-6000 glue. Let the glue dry completely before using your new bobby pin.

Tutorial - Covered Button Hair Elastic

This has to be one of the easiest but most effective craft projects I've ever done. I make a variety of things with covered buttons, and the hair elastic is probably my favorite, although I can't wear these because my hair is short. There are probably dozens of different tutorials for them on the internet, but I thought I'd share with you how I make them.

(For the directions below, the corresponding photos go clockwise from top left in each set.)

1. First, gather your supplies. You will need a covered button shell and back, a pusher and holder assembly aid, a small piece of fabric, and a plain hair elastic (not pictured here). I like to use Maxant brand buttons. You can purchase a kit that includes the assembly aid, and refill packages without the assembly aid are available. I'm using size 24 buttons.

2. Using the template that corresponds to your button size (provided on the package), cut a circle of your fabric and center it over the assembly holder. Place the button shell on top of the fabric.

3. Push the button shell down into the assembly holder as far as it will go.

4. Fold the edges of the fabric down into the button shell.

5. Place the button back on top of the shell, with the loop pointing up.

6. Place the plastic pusher over the button back.

7. Press the pusher down all the way to attach the back to the shell.

8. Your button should look like the one at bottom right, above.

9. Press on the bottom of the holder until the button pops out. Now isn't that like magic? A covered button!

10. Thread your hair elastic into the button loop.

11. Loop one end of the elastic over the button loop and through the other end of the elastic.

12. Pull tight, and you're done! It's that easy!

These are so much fun to make, and they are great little stocking stuffers for Christmas. They look especially cute when you group 2 or 3 of them on a ponytail.