Learn to make custom hair clips using Beacon glue with Project Runway's Amanda Perna. — Amanda Perna | Designer | Author

If you’re super busy like I am, bad hair days are unavoidable. I am always on the look out for just the right hair accessories to dress up a messy bun or a pony tail. What better way to get just what you’re looking for than to make exactly what you want?! (BTW, these make GREAT gifts, too!)

What you need:

Barrettes - Something with flat surface area is best! I had a metallic gold barrette and a tortoise shell that I wanted to dress up a little!

Gems, Shells, Bling of your choosing! If you’ve got a look or a color story in mind, go for that. If not, just let the craft aisle of your favorite store sing to you! I used shells on mine because I needed a little bit of summer to keep out the cold!

Beacon Power-Tac Glue - I love this glue for attaching gems or other embellishments to fabric or plastics, really just about anything! It dries clear in 24 hours and lasts forever!

What embellishments are calling your name?

Step 1:

Look at your gems or shells or whatever small treasures you want to use and pick out your favorites. What really speaks to you and is going to be just perfect for your new look?

Step 2:

Plan your layout.

Now is the time to switch those gems and shells around and see how you like them placed. I like to have my barrette right below where I’m laying things out to keep my size right. Switch them around, exchange this gem for that and have fun! But definitely get something you love before the glue comes out!

Here are my two layouts!

Step 3:

Time to get gluing!

Using the Beacon Power-Tec glue, I like to apply a tiny dab of glue to the back of my gems or shells one at a time and then place them on your barrette one at a time. As you place the next gems, do so carefully so you don’t knock off the ones you’ve already placed.