Creating Clothespin People: Hours of Fun on a Budget

At the beginning of every summer I tell myself I'm going to do more 'crafty' things with my girls. I have three of them and they all love crafting. I have to admit, I'm not really into crafting lots of things that I don't have a purpose for. I love sewing - especially when I'm sewing for a purpose or something I can and will use. I like making jewelry and other things, but getting out the glue and paint and glitter and all sorts of other crafty things --- not so much. I decided, though, that this summer would be different. I'd try to overcome my own dislike of making big, sticky messes and let my girls create things, to a certain degree. And you know what? They LOVE it. As it turns out, they are much more creative and imaginative that I thought they were and I love watching them.

A few weeks ago, I found a package of old fashioned clothespins at a local thrift store for $2.00. There were about 24 clothespins in there and I thought, "Hmm...these would be fun to make dolls with!" So, I bought them and a few days later, when I started hearing those all-too-familiar words, "I'm bored", I got them out. I decided to put a few pieces of scrap fabric in a bag with some yarn and my hot glue gun and then brought the bag out to the kitchen table {where all of our messy crafting is done} and then called my girls in. They went nuts! I gave them free reign of it all after a quick lesson in hot glue gun safety and they got right to it. They worked at least 2 hours on it before we had to go somewhere. And guess what they wanted to do the next day? A couple days later, their cousins came to town and they joined in on the fun. We ran out of clothespins quickly.

So, I went in search of more old fashioned clothespins and found something even better! While the girls had used the round clothespins previously, Hobby Lobby had the same type, only they are flat on the front and back. This gave me another fun idea - paint them! So, I bought one bag of tall flat ones and one bag of round ones.

As soon as we got home, I brought out my stash of craft paints and paint brushes and tried not to panic thinking about the mess that could happen and sat down with my girls to paint some people! I painted a few to help give them ideas of how to paint them and then I let them go crazy! They sat quietly at the table painting people and complementing each other on their work for FOUR hours!!! I could not believe it. No electronic devices, no TV, no fighting. Just happily painting together. Best.Day.Ever!

They ended up painting close to 40 people in one day. We can't wait to do this fun craft again! And they actually play with their clothespin people. I've found Pin People in all kinds of places in this house.

We ended up having some super heroes, pirates, girls, boys, fashionistas, and even Rapunzel in our little Pin People Family. There's even one that looks like Michael Jackson, although that wasn't the plan. It just sort of happened. I guess you could say it was a Pin People Fail. Makes me laugh every time I see it. My kids have no idea who that even is, but looking at it cracks me up! Can you pick him out?

They are easy to store and easy to play with at home or on the go. It's a great way to keep your kiddos busy this summer while encouraging their creativity and enhancing those motor skills. They're learning and growing without even knowing it!

Thrifted Desk Makeover

A few months ago, our search for a small desk for my daughter's room finally ended - and it was totally worth it. We found this cute little desk at a Goodwill nearby for $25. I first talked about it here.

It was still in pretty good shape minus a broken handle and some water stains on top. But those can be fixed easily. So, I brought it home and got busy cleaning it. {Think lots of cobwebs and dust.}

I took the drawers out and cleaned every inch. I used Dawn dishsoap and warm water to clean this desk because it was mostly surface dirty - no greasy stains or anything too hard. Then, I let it dry out.

When it was time to sand, I used a handheld electric sander for the big, flat pieces like the top and sides. And for the details and smaller pieces and corners, I used sandpaper - a pretty rough grit because the finish was kind of thick. Sand until smooth. Then, use tacky cloth (buy at Lowe's in the paint aisle) to remove any leftover dust from sanding.

Finally, it was time to paint. The Sherwin-Williams guy told me to use a foam roller for a smoother finish on the paint, so I did. I used a foam brush and/or regular paint brush to get into the details. It turned out really well.

I rubbed the dry finish with furniture wax by Minwax. It helps protect the surface and gives it a smooth finish.

Add the knobs and some drawer liners and you're done! I'm planning to buy a piece of glass for the desk top so that it will not be marked on or scratched.

Tools I used for this project:
Orbital Sander - 50% off right now!
Tack Cloth
Sandpaper
Foam Roller
Any Paintbrush
Minwax Finishing Paste
Sherwin-Williams "Gris"

*Some of these are affiliate links. Others I just wanted to pass along to you. All opinions are my own.

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Thrifting {a sneak peek}

Now that the kids are back to school, I've been able to hit a couple of thrift stores without running the risk of having to buy more and more children's books {we have a million of them} or being begged to 'look at the toys' or having to take someone potty. I hit a Goodwill I don't visit often because it's not on my usual route and was very pleasantly surprised when I found this hidden gem...

I've been on the hunt for a desk for my oldest daughter's room and just hadn't found the right one...until now. I almost settled for lesser ones, but I'm so glad my husband talked me out of them. This little beauty was only $25. I'm tickled to death!! She will be gorgeous when I get through with her. A little cleaning, a little sanding, some paint {maybe paper too?} and some new knobs and she'll be better than new!

What color would you paint her? I'm kinda fond of light gray. Any suggestions? I want it to be a color that will survive an almost 10 year old girl's ever-changing tastes. I hope this will last her a few years or more!

Stay tuned!

Thanks for stopping by!


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Painted Silhouettes on Canvas {Tutorial}

{I took these pics at different levels - Rest assured, they are evenly hung on the wall!}

Pardon the pink wall in the background, it will be painted soon! I am working on redecorating my girls' rooms and painting has to be done at a little later date, but the other stuff is in full makeover mode. I have all the plans in my head and some on paper, however, a few little things are done and waiting on the room to be put together. This is one of those projects! I had so much fun making these and their cute little silhouettes melt my heart. Especially those little noses. Here's how to make your own if you feel the urge! It couldn't be simpler!

 

I'm sharing with a few of these parties.

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Painted Clay Pots {Tutorial}

There's something about a clay pot. I'm not sure why I love them so much, but I do. They are simple, beautiful and they get more lovely with age. They also remind me of the biblical reference to clay and how God is the Master Potter and we are but clay in His hands. He molds us to be exactly what He wants us to be and we become not only useful to Him, but a masterpiece.

I wanted to embellish some clay pots for some succulents I bought to display and after seeing this {gilded clay pots} on Pinterest, I knew I had to try it. Because I liked the look, but didn't want to try to find the gold leaf and waste all that time, I used the Antique Gold craft paint {less than $1} and a foam brush to paint it on. Literally took just minutes start to finish including planting. Try it! You'll love it.

Here's a song my music pastor wrote that I love about the Master Potter.

Molding a Masterpiece by Ron Hamilton

Master Potter, why do You labor all day,
Giving such effort to rough, worthless pieces of clay?
Why such feeling in Your hands? Why such care in every touch?
Why all the struggle? Your creation is nothing but dust.

I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece; My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

Loving Jesus, why are the children all here,
Gathered around You and eagerly clinging so near?
Urgent matters clamor loudly, and the children interfere
Why do You hold them, and so tenderly dry every tear?I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece; My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

Heavenly Father, sometimes I question Your way:
Why do You ask me to mold simple pieces of clay?
Give me eyes to see the future, though it's hidden from my view;
Give me compassion as I'm molding a treasure for You.I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece; My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

I'm sharing this with some of these parties.

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Butterfly Silhouette Art {Tutorial}

Confession. Sometimes I find some really great deals on neat stuff that I'm looking for. And sometimes I find some really great deals on neat stuff that I didn't know I was looking for and have no idea where I'm going to use it {but I buy it anyway - because it was a great deal!}. I know I'm not the only one.

I found this wall art at Goodwill about 2 years ago for $3 and it has been sitting around waiting for me to use it. I'll use the birdcage for another project, but the butterflies were perfect for this!

I'm sharing these with some of these parties!

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Chevron Canvas {Tutorial}

It's no secret that one of my favorite patterns is chevron. It comes in so many colors and widths and variations and looks great on art, clothing, home decor, etc. I've used it on curtains, throw pillows, skirts, baby items and now art. I'm planning a room redo for my 9 yr old's bedroom and she's been begging me for a Paris room. So, I'm slowy - very slowly finding things for her room and will be changing everything from the wall color to the bed skirt. The other day I came across a blank canvas at Goodwill for $1.50. I knew I'd use it for something but by the time I got home I knew its purpose. Here's how I made a personalized chevron canvas for her future Paris room.

Now, you can leave it or you can personalize it with a monogram or a picture or whatever you feel like doing! I chose to do an M for my daughter's name. After a few texts back and forth with my sister, I decided to paint the M gold. {Stay tuned for more gold painted accents for this future Paris room!}

 I had a big chipboard M laying around from Hobby Lobby so that's what I used to make this. I had also bought Antique Gold craft paint for another project so I was able to make quick work of this.

 Or if monograms aren't your thing, hot glue a smaller canvas to the center and personalize it any way you want! Decoupage a picture to the top canvas or have your child draw on it or whatever you want! Be creative! There are tons of ways to use canvases.

Check out my other chevron tutorials here.

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I'm sharing this with some these parties.