Making Hair Sticks
I am working on some tutorials on how to make hair sticks for those who just cannot resist. 
Cutting your own Aluminum Hair Sticks
This is a tutorial on creating hair sticks from knitting needles.
Years ago, I came across a web site that gave really helpful hints on making hair sticks.
That was the first place that I had ever heard of anyone using knitting needles for making hair sticks.
That was the beginning. From that small beginning, I have learned alot. So I thought that I would share some of what I have learned with other aspiring hair stick creators.
I buy the knitting needles at Micheals in the knitting section. They have lots of different kind and sizes. The size that you chose is up to your personal preference. They also have rosewood and bamboo knitting needles at one of the stores by me. But you cut those with a regular saw. Hobby Lobby also carries knitting needles.
If they don’t have those stores where you are, any knitting shop or fabric store usually carry them and will have a nice selection. At least that is what I have found.
I use a very good metal pipe cutter to cut the metal knitting needles.
I wrap the stick and mark it where you want to cut it, to obtain the length you want. The reason that I wrap the stick is to prevent marking it or scratching it in any way.
I mark them on the tape or what I am using to wrap them.
What I do is this. If the stick is small, I will place a straw over the knitting needle and then mark the straw in the right place. Then, using the cutter, I very carefully, and slowly, cut the stick.
If you do it too fast the straw, or tape will rip and you risk marking the stick up.
If the tape or straw begin to twist or roll up as you do this, back up a little and loosen the cutter a bit. And straight it out and then go forward.
If you tighten the cutter wheel too quickly, this is usually what happens.
You will need a pair of gloves to hold on to the stick.
I use latex as they have the grip that I need to hold it steady. It takes a very strong hold to do this process, I don’t cut too many at a time or I hurt my hands.
Also if the cutter is an old or a cheap one you risk marking the stick.
I know that this may sound confusing but it is really simple, you just have to do it all very carefully.
On working with this stuff your tools are critical and I don’t buy cheap one’s. They will let you down.
After you cut your hair stick to the size that you need, take a piece of sand paper and sand the very top of the stick only, making it smooth, but not too smooth.
A little roughness makes the glue bond better.
I use glue to fasten the sticks to the beads, but I also use a headpin that goes down the middle of the bead and into the stick and is then glued in place.
I prefer epoxy, it is harder to work with but gives a stronger and long lasting bond.
If you are not used to it, get the 5 to 10 minute epoxy to give yourself time to work. But not too long, the thirty minute kind will seem like an eternity if you are holding it in place to dry straight.
I know this from experience.
I hold the piece upside down so that the glue stays where you want it and I get a nice bond.
Remember when you want to use the sticks that you make, don’t grab them by the tops.
It might be okay once or twice but in the long run it will break down your bond and the stick topper will break.
With this short tutorial you should be able to make your own one of a kind hair stick creations.
There are findings and beads available at many stores. Even if you and some one else use the same beads, your hair sticks will be different, because you will put your own spirit and view point in each one. Enjoy! But for something different, you can visit my shop on Etsy
I hope you have a wonderful day!