Monday, November 19, 2012

Clothespin Snowmen Christmas Tree Ornaments


Inspired by another blog we discovered, these snowmen were created using broken wooden clothespins.

(Skip on over to http://lilla-a-design.blogspot.com/2010/11/kladnype-gubbar-till-granen.html to see very cute clothespin soldier ornaments)

This blog however, did not give step-by-step directions on adding the hanger, so we decided to try a few things.  I liked the idea of using the wooden match for arms.  A toothpick is too thin for these ornaments.

What you need:
~ two pieces of broken wooden clothespins (or take the metal spring off of one)

~strong glue (we used E6000)

~thin string,  we used recycled string from a pet feed bag

~acrylic paints:  white, black, orange or permanent markers (for the black and orange)

~one wooden match per ornament

~black craft foam or small flat black button

~black pony bead or similar bead  

~recycled foam tray or other painting work surface     

~tacky glue

~embroidery needle or similar

~paint brushes, thinner one needed for small detail (or use a black fineline permanet marker


1.  Glue the two wooden clothespin pieces together, but place the hanger string inside the thicker end of the pieces as you glue them together.   Tip:  We folded our string and placed the folded end inside the clothespins, so we could thread on a bead if needed.  Allow to dry.


2.   Using your scissors, cut off the striking end of your wooden match.  Place a dab of tacky glue on the hole that is in the center of your clothespins.  Gently slide the wooden match through the hole, and center it.  Allow it to dry.


3.  Paint the entire ornament (excluding they string) white.  Allow to dry.  Tip:  Paint one side at a time or tie up to dry.


4. Cut a small circle from black craft foam, or use a black button.  Thread it onto the hanger string, and gently slide it to the top of the clothespin.  Secure with a dab of glue.  Then slide on a black pony bead (or similar bead).  Again, secure the bead to the craft foam or button with a dab of glue.  Allow to dry.  We traced around a dime to make our craft foam circle.
 

4.  Tie a very thin scrap of ribbon or string for a scarf.  Paint or draw eyes, nose, mouth and buttons onto the ornament, using fine line permanent markers.


Tip:  We could not find small plastic snowmen hats.  If you can, simply melt a small hole in the top, using a versa tool, and thread it onto the hanger.  To secure it, I added a dab of strong glue, between the hat and the clothespin.  Allow to dry.   
  


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