A few basic craft supplies can create a variety of beautiful hair ornaments inspired by colorful winged insects. From whimsical hairpins to a vintage-style headband, the techniques behind the style is simple.

Below are a few butterfly images included for project use. Resize them as needed or choose others if preferred (sources like Dover Publications feature a range of copyright-free clip art for crafts). Be creative, choosing substitutes like dragonflies, ladybugs, or colorful beetles if preferred.

Materials Needed:

• color printer
• white cardstock
• lightweight cardboard from cereal box (optional)
• butterfly images
• plain bobby pins
• mini hair clips
• one and a half yards narrow fabric ribbon (1/4 to 1/2 inch)
• plain plastic headband
• scissors
• exacto knife
• craft paint (colors vary)
• craft glue (clear drying)
• cool glue gun (optional)
• clear craft glitter
• needle and thread

Creating the Paper Images

Use digital imaging software to edit the image size and adjust its colors as needed. Use sturdy card stock for printing the images, since cardstock images are less likely to curl once cut from the surrounding paper. To keep the image stiff, back with lightweight cereal box cardboard or second sheet of card stock glued in place.

Paint the cardboard or paper's plain side with craft paint; glue the images to the cardboard's shiny surface, keeping the image as flat and smooth as possible. Once the glue is dry, carefully cut the images out again, using an exacto knife to keep the image's delicate details in place.