Altered Wooden Clothes Pins

I saw these cute little canvas leaves and was inspired to make some autumnal themed clothes pins. These autumnal clothes pins can be used for various decorative purposes. They can be clipped on lampshades / drapes for a fun home decor accent or used as a table decoration as a place setting name card holder for your guests. If a magnet is attached to the back, they can be decorative and functional.

Here's a step by step of how I did it.

Directions:
1. Prepare to Paint: Protect your work surface & wear gloves. Place the canvas leaves on your craft matte or newspaper. Mist the leaves with 3-4 autumnal colors. With your finger, blend the colors together so they absorb into the weave of the fabric. I worked with all paint colors simultaneously. Remember to color the back side of each leaf as well. Set aside to dry.

2. Color Clothes Pins: Attach washi tape to both sides of each wooden clothes pin. Carefully trim away excess tape with scissors and firmly press all edges securely.

 3. Assemble Bows: Cut a strip of fabric about 1.25in x 4inches in length. Find the center of the fabric strip. Pinch and twist one side of the fabric to the back and use a piece of wire to cinch the center of the bow twisting the wire to secure it. Trim the ends of the fabric if needed. Tie a small bow using jute or baker's twine.

4. Detail the Leaves: When the leaves are thoroughly dry, take each leaf and fold it in half to the stem pressing firmly with your fingers. The stiffened canvas will hold the gentle crease and the fold will appear to be the vein of the leaf giving it a more realistic appearance.

5. Embellish Clothes Pins: Use a hot glue gun to attach the fabric bow to the end of the wooden clothes pin. Next, glue a leaf in the center of the fabric bow. Finally, glue a twine bow on the leaf and embellish it with a button.

Linnie Blooms Supplies: canvas leaves, wooden clothes pins
Other Supplies: Moon Glow's Glimmer Spray, twine, buttons, washi tape, fabric, wire, glue gun
              Browse the Linnie Blooms Shop: HERE
A Closer Look:

 

 

TIP: Since I have accumulated many sprays and mists, I make a sample card for each color by spraying a mini tag and attaching it to a jump ring. Then, I can refer to the tags to help me quickly select the right colors for my project. To help me find the bottle on the shelf, I write the brand & color on the back of the tag. 

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