DIY Chanel Pearl Hairpins

This week’s DIY, requested by a reader, was inspired by the abundant and delightful use of pearls in Chanel‘s Spring 2012 Collection. Though I’m usually not the biggest fan of pearls, I actually fell in love with the way Karl affixed them along the back of necks and pushed oversized ones into loose updos. His modern interpretation of the underwater gem just goes to show that pearls can be worn any day, at any age! With a few easy steps, you’ll be able to whip up a handful of pearl hairpins as fast as you can say “Sally sold seashells by the seashore” 10 times. Backwards.

You’ll need:

Start by cutting off a 5 inch piece of wire. Fold the wire in half. With the flat nose pliers, flatten the fold. (Click images to enlarge)

Put a few drops of super glue onto the tip of the folded part and insert it into the pearl.

Allow it to dry completely. Spread the two wires apart. Lay the pearl on the bobby pin and start wrapping one side of the wire around the top of the pin.

Continue to wrap tightly 5-6 times.

Now, secure the pearl by wrapping the other side around the bottom half of the pin.

Snip the wires and reinforce it with a few drops of super glue.

Your pearl hairpins are finished!!

Tuck a few pins into an updo or use a couple to pin back a few flyaways!

(top image from here, rest of images by HonestlyWTF)

Leave a Comment

206 Comments

  1. Tasja wrote:

    I just love all your DIY and this one is no exception!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  2. Ahhhhh! I’ve already made these. Very simple. But looks awesome.

    http://www.annesanchorage.com/

    2.28.12
    Reply
  3. L. Figment wrote:

    Oh! Totally cute!! Love it.

    L.
    http://goodmorningangel.blogspot.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  4. Lovely!!!
    very nice! Thanks for sharing!!!
    xxx
    touchkajal.blogspot.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  5. Karla V. wrote:

    Fantastic!!

    I invite you to see DIY “New York Necklace”
    http://detrasdellabial.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-new-york-necklace.html

    XoXo!!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  6. laure wrote:

    This is so nice and simple!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just love that I am just in a mood perl right now : i have made a pull perl and i have a tee shirt perl coming soon:)
    http://ilovedoityourself.blogspot.com/

    2.28.12
    Reply
  7. HI,

    I love this DIY, i did this for junior prom a few years back and i got so many compliments!! Its fun and easy, and totaly makes the updo 🙂

    love K

    2.28.12
    Reply
  8. These are lovely…I think I need a set 🙂

    2.28.12
    Reply
  9. Maria wrote:
    2.28.12
    Reply
  10. Nancie wrote:

    Genius! I will make these!
    FASHION NOTEBOOK

    2.28.12
    Reply
  11. Nikki wrote:

    I’ve always thought of pearls as stuffy and waaaay too preppy for my tastes, but the Chanel show really had me singing a new tune. I love the randomness of the placement in the hair and whimsical feel of these gems in a messy updo. I can’t wait to try this DIY at home!

    http://www.cositabella.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  12. Gudrun wrote:

    Gorgeus! you genius!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  13. Melinda wrote:

    Looks lovely! I can’t wait to try this! It will probably look great with a single swarovski bead as well!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  14. Chila wrote:

    What I really love of Chanel SS show are the necks… Those pearl details are sooo beautiful

    2.28.12
    Reply
  15. Ally wrote:

    The pearls were certainly an interesting touch on Chanel’s runway but the pearl hair pins look so adorable with that bun!! Such an easy DIY to accessorize your hair 🙂

    http://www.confessionsoftheglitterati.com/

    2.28.12
    Reply
  16. So pretty. I have tons of pearls around the Angel Court studio. I’ll have to give this a try!

    xoxo,
    Courtney

    2.28.12
    Reply
  17. Sam wrote:

    So simple, but so smart!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  18. Sylvia wrote:

    OMG!! This is super cute 🙂 Look great on your hair, you seem to come from a fairytale! This is an excellent idea, thank you!!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  19. Ambyr wrote:

    Ooh these are fun and pretty. I’m not really a pearl kind of girl but I love how it pops of the brunette hair.

    **COME BY AND ENTER MY GIVEAWAY: http://www.thewrittenrunway.com/2012/02/brooklyn-industries-giveaway/

    xoxo
    http://www.thewrittenrunway.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  20. Sylvia wrote:

    OMG!! This is super cute 🙂 Look great on your hair, you seem to come from a fairytale! This is an excellent idea, thank you!!
    http://www.daretodiy.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  21. Candy wrote:

    You guys are killing it with the super easy & chic DIYs! I love this!

    Candy
    http://www.tayloranddemolish.com
    http://www.tayloranddemolish.tumblr.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  22. Yoo’re A Crack….Superrrrr idee…This night i copy your DIY, jajaja.

    XOXO from Munich

    Today you can check my neon pink ring and the MenShoes Outfit in:

    http://laviequo.blogspot.com/2012/02/maria.html

    You can translate in upright corner frame, if not work please put focus mousse inside and click F5.

    La Vie Quotidienne . .

    http://www.laviequo.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  23. PSbyDila wrote:

    That looks amazing!

    http://www.PSbyDila.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  24. Eva wrote:

    LOVE it! Normally I am too lazy to do DIY, but I am totally into this one! Nicely done…

    XO,
    Eva

    http://www.evabstyle.blogspot.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  25. Charlotte wrote:

    Love all of the ideals that you put out there, Thank You

    2.28.12
    Reply
  26. Susann wrote:

    Such an AMAZING idea! Thanks, I’m off to make some pins!

    xx, Susann
    Fashion in Pepperland

    2.28.12
    Reply
  27. Tainá wrote:

    Idéia incríevel, adoro todos os DIY, e esse não foi excessão.

    2.28.12
    Reply
  28. Pretty! I love how they appear to be floating in the hair. May need to give this a try!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  29. Lisa wrote:

    i’m not a big pearl person either, but they could be really pretty in hair or oversized jewels
    in dramatic fashion

    2.28.12
    Reply
  30. Wow, that’s amazing!
    I linked back to this post under “The details that matters” in this post:
    http://actofstyle.com/2012/02/28/spring-trousers/

    Have a great day!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  31. Kate wrote:

    Adorable!! A super chic way to onoporate pearls in to ny look…love!
    <3 Kate
    http://www.theforgetfulwife.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  32. super chic and cute! 🙂

    http://stainsofpaint.blogspot.com/

    2.28.12
    Reply
  33. Vanita wrote:

    Love those! You did a great job!

    Jewelry tutorials.
    http://www.houseofavandan.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  34. Sacha wrote:

    So sweet! Ive been obsessed with the mermaids at Chanel since the day of the show. Now if only we can figure out the faux pearl nose rings…

    2.28.12
    Reply
  35. Kate wrote:

    Definitely one of my favorite DIYS of yours – so lovely and easy too!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  36. Andrea wrote:

    What a cute DIY idea!! I definitely want to try this, thanks for sharing. 🙂
    xoxo
    Andrea
    Wonderful and Marvelous

    2.28.12
    Reply
  37. what you’ve done is so cute! also, one could use self-adhesive scrap-booking pearls to attach to skin down the spine.
    xx
    maya

    2.28.12
    Reply
  38. Rita wrote:

    Always loving your DIY’S!!

    Also check mine! http://www.primandpolishedby.blogspot.com/search/label/DIY

    xx
    Rita

    2.28.12
    Reply
  39. Linda Lind wrote:

    So cute… My favorite way to wear pearls is probably in my hair actually. Such a nice detail. 🙂

    /Linda

    2.28.12
    Reply
  40. Really love your ideas, this is so inspiring!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  41. Nettan wrote:

    they’re adorable x

    2.28.12
    Reply
  42. stel wrote:

    Fantastic!!!!! simple and cute!!!

    I love yours DIY!!!!!

    http://thestelstyle.com/

    2.28.12
    Reply
  43. Brilliant DIY ever!! xoxo
    http://www.hellohellofriday.com/

    2.28.12
    Reply
  44. So simple and looks amazing!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  45. Shary wrote:

    Fucking amazing!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  46. Rachel wrote:

    What a great idea for a quick project. I love wearing my hair up in high buns. This will make a fun addition to my regular look. Thanks

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

    2.28.12
    Reply
  47. kristina wrote:

    these are just so delicately precious!!
    xx

    2.28.12
    Reply
  48. Beautiful. Did you plan for the runway image and your shot background to match so seamlessly? LOVE!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  49. Monika wrote:

    Readers want more DIY’s!!
    Beautiful, elegant, innovative. x Keep going with the bright ideas!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  50. courtney wrote:

    awesome. i’m totally doing this!

    2.28.12
    Reply
  51. Grietje wrote:

    Really nice! Love all your projects!

    Check out my DIY at http://secondagenda.be

    2.29.12
    Reply
  52. Erin Kate wrote:

    I can’t see it! 🙁 For some reason the whole site is just loading as text for me, no pictures or layout.

    2.29.12
    Reply
  53. Bea wrote:

    so cute!!!!!!!!!
    in love with them!!!!
    Bea

    2.29.12
    Reply
  54. sophie wrote:

    absolutely divine – totally trying this for myself!! I’m always in love with everything on this blog!
    http://theglamourati.wordpress.com/

    2.29.12
    Reply
  55. Amy wrote:

    absolute genious, thanks for sharing, super idea! xx

    2.29.12
    Reply
  56. Julianne wrote:

    I agree, the pearl detail in the Chanel SS are quite beautiful. Karl is really awe inspiring. Thanks for the DIY!

    2.29.12
    Reply
  57. Vanessa wrote:

    I love this idea! I can’t wait to give it a try!!

    3.1.12
    Reply
  58. That is superawesome. Love this DIY!

    3.1.12
    Reply
  59. Miss S wrote:

    WOWOW!!!! loves these I must try making them… Love the look 🙂

    ShoeSales.com.au

    3.1.12
    Reply
  60. Aly wrote:

    Having a tough time at my local Hobby Lobby (aka craft store) finding half-drilled pearls. There was 2 rows of jewelry supplies and lots of pearls, but nothing half-drilled. Thoughts?

    3.1.12
    Reply
  61. Courteney wrote:

    That’s so lovely! I will definitely have to try. I’m a pearl sort of girl. 😉

    3.2.12
    Reply
  62. Plami wrote:

    Gorgoeus! What an amazing idea! I am definitely going to make some!

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://www.fashionthrill.com/

    3.2.12
    Reply
  63. Gigi wrote:

    Absolutely have to do these

    3.2.12
    Reply
  64. Fyn wrote:

    Gorgeous. Must try this!!
    I love all your DIYs!!

    DAY15 climbing rope bracelet GIVEAWAY !!

    3.2.12
    Reply
  65. This is so nice. Pearls are classic accessories that gives a glamorous effect. thanks for sharing this!

    Annabella MErlin

    3.5.12
    Reply
  66. gabriela wrote:

    I loved that site, but they loved d +

    3.10.12
    Reply
  67. delphine wrote:

    I’m gonna try this one out for sure !

    3.11.12
    Reply
  68. vanessa wrote:

    this is so cute! I would want to do this as well!

    Vanessa

    http://thepinkmateproject.blogspot.com/

    3.11.12
    Reply
  69. corina wrote:

    loved it, it was amazing i will encourage a friend to use pearls at her chanel counter event, coming very soon.

    3.25.12
    Reply
  70. Roberta wrote:

    Great idea! lovely!

    4.12.12
    Reply
  71. Eliza wrote:

    very cute and simple

    4.14.12
    Reply
  72. Summer wrote:

    Am I looking at this correctly — they are glued to the girl’s spine vertebraes?

    4.18.12
    Reply
  73. Asiek =} wrote:

    Super pomysł, świetnie to wygląda! =D
    Pozdrawiam cieplutko z Polski =}

    4.28.12
    Reply
  74. Grace wrote:

    Ah! omg those are gorgeous. Just found the site and love it.

    5.7.12
    Reply
  75. sophia wrote:

    But how did you stick the wire into the pearl? was it a pearl bead?

    5.28.12
    Reply
  76. Li ChunBo wrote:

    Great little adornment with a simple hair pin. Can easily use other beads of different colors to highlight any outfit, and not just be restricted to pearls.

    6.4.12
    Reply
  77. Trina wrote:

    Love hair jewelry, but the stuff I want is so expensive and the rest is so commonplace. These are, as Li ChunBo said, easily customized. Fantastic.

    6.10.12
    Reply
  78. Jade wrote:

    OR. you could just slide the bead onto the bobby pin, no wire involved.. BLEH

    7.1.12
    Reply
  79. What a simple and beautiful idea! I love it!

    7.4.12
    Reply
  80. fanvian wrote:

    I love this to the max!!

    7.19.12
    Reply
  81. Viola wrote:

    My sister keeps on telling me about DIY stuff in this site.
    Good thing I listened because my brain is rushing with new ideas for the new items in my closet and drawers.Thanks!

    11.1.12
    Reply
  82. SO beautiful

    11.15.12
    Reply
  83. eunok wrote:

    wow!! very very cute♥♥

    12.29.12
    Reply
  84. VIANETTE wrote:

    J’adore cette nouvelle façon de porter des perles. Merci pour le partage.
    A bientôt
    VIANETTE.

    2.24.13
    Reply
  85. I made these a while ago and I keep getting compliments on them everytime I wear them out!

    3.6.13
    Reply
  86. Kisty wrote:

    Awesome tutorial! And I love how detailed the photos are! 🙂

    3.30.13
    Reply
  87. Melanie wrote:

    I made these & sold them by the bucket load at the salon I worked in 2 summers ago. We called them Mermaid Pins & after I featured them in a bridal up do, I could barely make enough to meet demand during prom season.

    9.16.13
    Reply
  88. Eproc Bell wrote:

    Can’t wait to see my niece wear them on her wedding day 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    10.6.13
    Reply
  89. KTZ Shoes wrote:

    Nice hair pins, white one is looking stunning and definitely suit in my hairs too 🙂

    12.21.13
    Reply
  90. ooohhh!!! I love it!! ^_^

    2.2.14
    Reply
  91. amy lee wrote:

    the biggest selection of glass pearls I found at http://Beadingsupplys.com

    9.1.14
    Reply
  92. Kimi wrote:

    too cute and classy. 😀 omg omg I’m gonna try this.

    3.5.15
    Reply
  93. Erica wrote:

    These are so pretty!

    7.22.18
    Reply
  94. Lynne wrote:

    Love,love,love,love it al

    9.3.18
    Reply
  95. Erica wrote:

    So cool! I have some pearl bobby pins from Etsy.

    11.4.18
    Reply
  96. Excellent post keep it up and share more.

    12.8.20
    Reply
  97. mark person wrote:

    Hi,

    Thank you so much for sharing DIY Chanel Pearl Hairpins information on your blog keep it up and share more. I really like it and bookmark your blog for latest DIY.
    https://ppcexpo.com/blog/what-is-roas

    1.12.21
    Reply
  98. Smith wrote:
    1.21.21
    Reply
  99. KK wrote:

    This site gives a lot of great and amazing content and feedback! certificationglobe.com

    10.30.21
    Reply