How to Decorate Clothespins

Transform plain wooden clothespins into decorative magnets.

Clothespin crafts take little time and money to create. Turn a plain wooden clothespin into a decorative refrigerator magnet using vibrant craft paint and charming embellishments. You can use the customized clothespin magnets to display children's schoolwork or art, favorite holiday cards, family photos, recipes or shopping lists. Have children design their own magnets as an interactive birthday party project. The embellished clothespins also make creative and affordable party favors, birthday present accents and holiday stocking stuffers.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden clothspins
• Craft paint
• Paintbrush
• Craft glue
• Embellishments, such as buttons and ribbons
• Scissors
• Letter-shaped stencils
• Adhesive magnet strip

Instructions

1. Cover the outside of a wooden clothespin with craft paint using a small paintbrush. Choose a paint color to match the kitchen's color scheme, or to coordinate with a decor theme. Allow the paint to dry completely before proceding with the craft project.

2. Embellish the top of the clothes pin. Use craft glue to attach small plastic beads and gems, buttons, sequins, pieces of candy or rhinestones. Use tiny insect-shaped stickers for a whimsical look. Or cut a piece of ribbon to fit the top of the pin and glue it to the top in place of the other embellishments. Create a customized look using polka-dotted, striped, grosgrain, satin or velvet ribbon.

3. Use stencils and craft paint to create names or initials. Place small letter-shaped stencils against the painted clothespin surface and use craft paint and a small brush to depict a name. Use the letters alone or in combination with the embellishments. If you choose to decorate only the handle of the pin with embellishments, place an initial on the clamp portion.

4. Transform the decorated clothespin into a magnet. Cut a strip of adhesive magnet to fit the length of the clothespin. Peel the backing off the magnet strip and press it firmly on the bottom of the clothespin.

References

• Kinder Art: Clothespin Magnets