TOOLS & SUPPLIES
(Links are included to show examples. What is available will vary depending on where you are located. If you have any issues sourcing supplies or tools, please contact me and I can help you find what you need, or an alternative.)
26 gauge craft wire - Any color you want to coordinate with your thread and hair colors. Example: https://amzn.to/4l0GPmJ
Wire cutters & needle nose jewelry pliers. Example: https://amzn.to/4kUUY4z
#3 (UK #10) Stainless steel knitting needle
*For the beginner session, we will only be using the US #3 needle (UK #10). However, if you plan to explore wirework hairwork further, I suggest going ahead and getting a full set.
I have this set: https://amzn.to/4593MzpA clamp for securing your needle to your table or work surface. It should have non-slip tips.If your table or work surface will accommodate it, I recommend this clamp: https://amzn.to/441LvD3
Sewing thread - Any color you want, to coordinate with your wire and hair colors.(Some like to use embroidery thread, but it is a little too thick for my liking. But feel free to use what you have or prefer.) This is the thread I use: https://amzn.to/49vtfEI
Wood craft stick for spreading glue. (Spreading the glue as thinly as possible is very important.) You can get these at the $1 store, but here is an example: https://amzn.to/4qsnbT8
Clear nail polish (Wet n Wild brand has had good results for me, but if it is not accessible to you, you may need to experiment with other clear nail polish brands to find which works best for you. I suggest starting out with the least expensive.) Currently, Wet n Wild clear polish is only available on Amazon in a 2-pack: https://amzn.to/4sgBagH
Gel Super Glue - I recommend Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control, as it has had the best results for me, but if it is not accessible to you, you may need to experiment with other brands to find which works best for you. Regardless, I highly recommend a gel, rather than a liquid super glue, as it does not spread.) https://amzn.to/3Tdkkil
Hair -For this workshop, you will need hair bundles that are about 10-12" long with no layers. (See below for instructions on creating your hair bundles.)Inexpensive hair extensions which are pre-sewn into wefts are perfect for learning, as you can simply cut off what you want to use. These extensions, for example, work well, and are available in a variety of lengths: https://amzn.to/4b4mVFy
The bottom few layered inches of these types of hair extensions can be trimmed off, leaving long lengths to work with.(You may have hair you've saved and would like to make into hairwork. I recommend saving precious hair for once you have become more proficient in the technique. Working with hair cut from the head will be more challenging and unpredictable. Typically procured loose, it will need to be sorted, which can be a painstaking procedure that will likely turn the beginner off quickly. In the early stage of learning wirework, I recommend focusing on learning basic techniques, which are easier and more quickly accomplished using extensions that are already sewn into wefts. As you learn more, you can begin to develop your own processes for managing and sorting hair.)
A small piece of baking paper, wax paper, or some other non-stick surface for applying the clear polish to the ends of your hair bundles.
A small, shallow bowl for water.
A regular comb (not wide-toothed) for detangling the hair.
Small, precision scissors for trimming hair and thread. Example: https://amzn.to/45wQRrl
A ruler.
Bead or button for the center of your flower.
Creating Hair Bundles
Please have your hair bundles prepared before our session.
Beginner: We will be creating a five petal flower. For this project, you will need hair that is about 10 -12 inches long.Bundles of between 50 - 100 hairs will work well for this project. You may choose to count out each bundle, or count out your first bundle and then eyeball the rest. Keep in mind that, if you are attempting to emulate nature, being precise is simply unnecessary, as perfect uniformity and symmetry are not truly observed in nature.
All hair strands should be arranged in the same direction, from root to end. The outermost, scale-like cuticle layer of the hair can prevent it from remaining smooth if the hairs are bundled together arranged in different directions. Even if you are working with synthetic hair, it is a good idea to get in the habit of facing all your hair in the same direction from the start.
Once you’ve gathered and cut the hairs from the weft, secure the hairs together at the root end using clear nail polish. To do this, line your work surface with parchment paper and apply the clear nail polish to the tips of the root end, ensuring that it coats all the hairs so they will be sealed together.
(Hair professionals - if you prefer, you could prepare your hair bundles the same way you make k-tips. However, you will still need the clear nail polish for use in creating our hair flowers.)
All hair strands bundled together must be the same length - no layers. If the last few inches of your extensions are layered, trim off the ends so that all the hairs in your bundle are the same length.
For this project, I suggest preparing at least 8 - 10 hair bundles. We will need 5 for our petals, and then you will have extra for learning/practice.
Please watch this short video for further guidance:
https://youtube.com/shorts/3UyWX0-h-4M
If you have any questions about preparing your hair bundles or anything else, please email me prior to our session.