The customized clothing pin! I saw a set of beautiful clothes pins at Michael’s and bought a set. Then when I got them out to use I realized I had everything I needed to make my own except the actual pins themselves. And if you’ve been doing these crafts yourself then you can complete this one for less than a dollar! Walmart sells clothing pins for 97 cents.

I don’t know about you, but I love hanging up photographs. In all manners and ways. I use cork boards, frames, magnets, and string with paper clips and clothes pins. One of my besties, Kat, gave me a set for hanging photographs that was nothing more than a black string with paperclips that had ravens atop each one. My pictures look like they’re hanging from the claws of birds on a wire. So cool!

Supplies:
1. Paint
2. Scissors
3. Paint Brush
4. Artwork
5. Dimensional Magic (Mod Podge)
6. Glue
7. Clothes Pins

Step 1:

Step One:
As with the magnet DIY, you will want to prep by measuring the length and width of your clothes pins and crop/resize your artwork to fit the top of the pin. For the best results chose prints that have small motifs and easily cropped details. Prints with repeated patterns work best. You can create your own, or you can use THIS awesome site to get a few to start off with. Printing with a laser printer is preferred to prevent ink runs in later steps.

Once you have your images cut them down to size.

Step 2:

Step Two:
To paint the clothes pins, pull them apart from the metal spring.

Step 3:

Step Three:
Paint time! I chose colors that would compliment the artwork I would be putting on them. Look at what you use and pick a central color or complimentary color to the main color. It will help your artwork pop. Wood can soak up paint easily so make sure you give it generous portions of paint. There were a few (and this depends on the consistency of the brand you use) that I had to do a second coat on. Once they dry, put them back together.

Step 4:

Step Four:
Cover the desired side of the clothes pin with glue. You don’t need glue in the groove where the metal is, just across the flat parts of the pin. Line up your image and press into the glue. For drying I turned them upside down so the weight of the pin would keep the image from curling on the edges. Tacky Glue gets firm quickly so you only need to keep them upside for a minute or two. Allow time to dry the rest of the way.

Step 5:

Step Five:
Once the glue sets you can cover the top in Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. There are two ways you can coat the top, one is to apply a thin layer for a purely protective shine, second is to apply a liberal amount for a nice glossy sheen and raised texture to the finished piece. I prefer the latter. Make sure you cover the entire top, including the edges of the artwork. This will help seal it in and keep it from peeling away over time. I held the pins up to the light so I could easily see if I was missing any spots. Allow full drying time before using and keep flat until then.

They are ready to use!

Step 6: Extras

Make a set for friends, for yourself, for the office, or for some good ol’ fashioned line drying. Or add a thin magnet to the back and hang pictures on the fridge. These fun, personalized clothes pins will remind you of spring all the year long. I wouldn’t be surprised if a whiff of fresh linen, sun dried and cozy, accompanies it. Enjoy and Happy Making!

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