Headpin Tutorial Round-Up

As part of our August art headpin design challenge (click the link for more details), I thought it might help to do a round-up of some of the tutorials we have written over the years here at AJE that utilize art headpins. Any of these tutorials can be altered into something different...the earring tutorial doesn't have to be earrings. It could be a pendant. I know when I make headpins, I try to make the wire pretty long so the designer has more options.

Just a couple weeks ago Sue shared this earring tutorial using her cute flower headpins:

Last month Sue shared her flower disc bead earring tutorial which includes an option for using art headpins:

In this 2-for-1 things to do with headpins tutorial, Caroline shows how she made a ring and a link with a headpin.

In her tutorial Simple Headpin on Headpin Earrings, Niky shares an elegant way to use art headpins:

Sue shares tips on mixing and matching headpins with beads to make earring stacks.

Caroline shares a tutorial on how to use headpins to make some funky leather bangles.

I share a basic funky wire wrapping technique for headpins that takes longer to describe than to actually complete. I've used this technique for earrings and pendants and it always looks great.

Hopefully something here sparks your imagination! Have fun creating with headpins and don't forget to join in the challenge for the month of August.

August Design Challenge - Art Headpins!

New headpin design by Jen Cameron

We interrupt our regularly scheduled component of the month challenge schedule to try something new for the month of August....a headpin challenge. But not just any kind of run of the mill headpin. We're talking fancy schmancy art headpins. Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making art headpins? Or maybe you have several in your stash that you haven't used because you're saving them for a special occasion? Well, dust those puppies off because that special occasion is now.

Headpins by Sue Kennedy. Click photo to see the Etsy listing

What is an art headpin? 

Well...it's a headpin that is handcrafted by an artisan, has been manipulated in a manner that is more than just a ball end, and has the potential to be the centerpiece of a creation rather than just playing a supporting roll.

Headpins by Jen Cameron. Click link to see the listing on her website

What is the challenge?

To create your own art headpin component and/or to use one or more art headpins in a finished piece of jewelry or other creation. Headpins used can be purchased from any artisan.

Headpins by Sue Kennedy. Click the link to see the Etsy listing

Who can participate in this challenge? 

Component designers and jewelry designers, mixed media artists or anyone else who can dream up an art headpin design or a creation using an art headpin.

Headpins by Lesley Watt from several years ago. 

How do I sign up?

1. make sure you have a blog.
2. Email jennifer.glassaddictions @ gmail . com (remove spaces) by August 27th.

When is the reveal and blog hop?

August 30, 2016

This should be a really fun challenge, you should definitely join in!