How to Make Paper Clips

Transform clothespins into paper clips with decorative paper.

Make paper clips using paper-covered clothespins for a stylish desk accessory. Standard wooden clothespins with a spring provide substantial organization to a paper-laden desk surface. Decorative paper covers the wood to transform ordinary clothespins into chic paper clips. Teach this simple art project to students or use as a birthday party craft activity. Make a bowlful of clothespin paper clips for your desk and as last minute gifts for co-workers and friends.

Things You'll Need

• Standard wooden clothespin with a wire spring
• Decorative paper
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Take apart a wooden clothespin by removing the wire spring. You will need to twist and pull the spring to remove it, but do not bend it out of shape.

2. Cut two, 3/4-inch wide by 8-inch long strips of decorative paper.

3. Mix a small amount of craft glue with water until the glue is an inky consistency. Apply the glue mixture with a paintbrush to the side of one wood clothespin half that is on the inside of the clothespin when it is assembled. This is the side of the clothespin that has three grooves in it.

4. Lay the length of the strip, wrong side down, on the glue side of the clothespin's length. Place the short end of the strip on the thin tapered end of the pin and center the strip so the long edges of the paper evenly hang over the long edges of the clothespin. Allow the excess strip to extend past the top or rounded thick end of the clothespin half. Use your fingers and the paintbrush to mold the paper into the grooves on the clothespin.

5. Clip slits along the edges of the paper that is hanging over the edges of the pin. Space the slits a 1/4 inch apart, cutting from the paper edge to the clothespin. Apply glue to the long thin side edges of the clothespin and the wrong side of the slits. Fold the cut slits over the edge of the clothespin. Continue to fold the slits around to the outer side of the clothespin, where the depth of the clothespin is thinly tapered.

6. Apply glue over the short ends and to the other long side of the clothespin half. Wrap the paper strip that is extending past the end of the clothespin around to the outer long side. Mold the paper into the groove (there is only one on this side) and overlap the end of the strip with the beginning of the strip. Clip slits and glue to the side edges, overlapping to the opposite side where the clothespin tapers. Apply a coat of thinned glue mixture to all sides of the paper covered pin to seal. Repeat with the other clothespin half and paper strip. Allow the glue to dry.

7. Reattach the wire spring to complete the paper clip.