Bree's Stampin' Blog: Mini Clothespins

When I first perused the brand new Stampin' Up! catalog I was really excited to see new mini clothespins: 2014-2016 In Color Printed Clothespins and Plain Wood Clothespins. These new additions have joined the Mini Metallic Clothespins so whether you're going for fancy and sophisticated or casual and adorable, Stampin' Up! has got the perfect embellishment for your project! You can order below.

Item 133764 $3.95 (24)

Item 133630 $5.95 (20)

I jazzed up my plain minis and used the printed designs as inspiration--why not make them unique? I got to work and ended up creating a few different styles. I ended up using 2 packs because I just kept on going! I used the 2013-2015 In colors (I LOVE these colors!) with the printed clothespins as inspiration.

Ribbon Covered Minis:
I used some of my fave American Crafts ribbon on these. I painted glue onto the front and adhered the ribbon. I trimmed it and sealed the edges with a lighter so they won't fray (hopefully!). Be careful on this step because if it is too close to the flame it will leave black residue on your ribbon--this happened to a couple of these but I have decided to call it a distressing technique!

2013-2015 In Color Clothespins:
I inked the wood with my ink pads, which I must say is super easy with the new pads because the pad is smooth and flexible and can easily coat whatever is pressed into it. On a couple of these I added some white ribbon in the space between the spring and wood (not the pin part) and tied a bow. I also sealed this ribbon so it won't fray. The glittery ones were inked, painted with glue and dipped in fine glitter. I used the Basic Pearls and a couple Brights Candy Dots to embellish a couple of them.

My Painted Mini Clothespins:
I used Sakura's Souffle pens (those cool 3D pens that can write on everything, like glass and plastic) to draw the patterns. I then pressed them onto the ink pads and wiped the excess ink from the 'painted' design. I also tried embossing powder on a few. I used a versamark pen (very cool little option) to hold the powder and finished it with a heat gun, as you do. I don't love these as much as the SU printed clothespins because these look more imperfect--I did my best, but they certainly aren't perfect. I suppose I'll call this a charming homemade element! :D

The clothespins to the right of the Bermuda Bay mini are embossed--except for the yellow one, which is covered in Chevron ribbon--I forgot it on the ribbon pics and lazily decided not to retake the pics :D

So there you go, my decorated mini clothespins. Let me know what you think and feel free to add suggestions.

Side note: The best and cheapest way to get the new in colors is to buy the bundle. The bundle includes all the ink pads and 20 sheets of cardstock (4 of ea. color) and at $30, the cardstock is basically a freebie. There's a bundle available for each in color collection:
2013-2015: (Item 131204) Crisp Cantaloupe, Strawberry Slush, Pistachio Pudding, Baked Brown Sugar and Coastal Cabana.
2014-2016: (Item 133673) Blackberry Bliss (totally gorg and my fave!), Tangelo Twist, Mossy Meadow, Lost Lagoon, and Hello Honey. Click on the picture below to order: