Clip-It Clothespins

crayola supplies

Paint Brushes
Washable Kid's Paint

household supplies

recycled newspaper
paper towels
magnet tape (optional)
container(s) of water
clothespins (clip)

Why

It's a snap! Make bright bag clips, merry memo holders, or magnificent magnets with clothespins.

Steps

1. Paint! Cover your craft area with newspaper. Use Crayola® Washable Kid’s Paint and a paint brush to paint one side of your clothespins. Air-dry the paint. Then paint the other side (unless you’re making a magnet). Air-dry the paint again.
2. Decorate! Use your imagination to decorate the clothespins. Paint on colorful bugs, geometric shapes, flowers, hearts, stripes, stars, or other designs. Air-dry the designs.
3. Magnetize! If you wish, attach a small piece of magnetic tape. Press the sticky side against the clothespin.

When & Where

"Our children love to make things that are useful. Even toddlers enjoy painting clothespins."
- Nicole K., family child care provider.

"I keep clothespins in my backpack. The kids are busy at the picnic table in minutes."
- Tanika R., teenage babysitter.

Interesting Info

Did you know that between 1852 and 1887, the United States Patent Office granted patents to 146 different kinds of clothespins? Amazing!

Safety Guidelines

Magnets— WARNING: Only use common magnets that have a weak attractive force, for example, magnetic tape or flexible refrigerator magnets. Never use permanent, high-attractive-force magnets, for example, rare earth magnets or magnets used in motors. If the magnet is small, follow the small parts guidance. WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points