It seems that often times the simplest things are the last things you think of. Such is the case with these DIY Painted Mini Clothespins. I've had an inspiration wire (literally just a wire hung with two nails) above my desk for a couple years now, and a mini teacup filled with mini wooden clothespins to hang pretty clippings up with right below it...but it wasn't until just the other day when I was straightening up and had three bottles of nail polish in my hand to put away, that it occurred to me that I might just be able to jazz up my standard pins with a quick coat of polish. Sure enough, it was a total cinch to do and now I have pretty gilded pins hanging on my wire.
They also make great tag holders for topping gifts, or you could incorporate them into a table placesetting—try tying napkins with festive ribbons and then affixing place cards to the ribbons with your clips). Teeny-tiny 1" wooden clothespins can be found in craft stores (I got mine at Michael's) and online (I recommend Besotted Brand LLC). Don't limit yourself to using only gold polish, there are endless colors or nail polish out there, so choose your favorite hues and have fun!
Supplies Needed:
- Mini wooden clothespins - I used the 1" size
- Nail polish in gold or any other color you'd like — high gloss varieties work best
- Scrap cardstock paper
Tip: Click on the following tutorial step photos to see an enlarged view in a new window.
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Step 1: Create a working/drying area for your clips with a piece of scrap cardstock. Fold one end of your cardstock to create a 3" flap.
Step 2: Keep paper folded and create a 1" fold on top of the initial 3" fold. Turn paper over and fold the 1" fold back the other way to deepen the crease.
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Step 3: Open Paper and pinch the portion where you created the 1" fold so that it forms a raised peak.
Step 4: Repeat with the other end of your paper if you will be making more than just a handful of clips.
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Step 5: Attach one clip to the fold of your paper.
Step 6: Paint clip using nail polish, making sure to coat all sides.
Step 7: Repeat with as many clips as you'd like to make. Leave clip(s) attached to paper until they are completely dry (I recommend letting them sit for at least an hour).
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To use as a tag holder on a gift, wrap gift and tie with decorative twine. Attach clip onto the knotted portion of your gift and secure your gift tag inside it. Knot twine around the center of your clip and tie a bow to finish.
Prop notes: Twine from Knot & Bow | Mini Clothespins from Michael's | Kraft Favor Box from Michael's | hello friend card with decal from Shanna Murray | Art Print from Caitlin Shearer | Nail Polish pictured from Orly (Luxe), Revlon (Silver Dollar), and Piggy Polish (Sunrise Skies)
Want more 5 Minute DIY ideas? Find them here. See even more DIY tutorials in the Projects & Inspiration Gallery.