I was searching for something entirely different when I found these .. as you do!  I made the barettes from surplus buttons, jewellery and chain ... I had very long hair at the time and these worked a treat.

The little bags are based on ariel photos of a river delta and an African village and surroundings.  Made with silk, leather, metallic threads and hand made braids and tassells.
  I'm pleased with the way the came out. .. though I remember it was hard on the fingers!!