How to Make a Clothespin Necklace

I’ve always been a big fan of using supplies for unconventional purposes.  Hole reinforcers for a French Manicure, spoons for a Chrysanthemum Spoon Mirror, a book to make a decorative Book Pumpkin.  This post is along those same lines.  I was inspired by this tutorial for clothespin jewelry.  Luckily I had all I needed to make this cute clothespin necklace, so this project was FREE!  Score!

Materials

• Clothespins
• Beads (ones with large holes)
• Necklace chain or ribbon

How to Make a Clothespin Necklace

First, take apart your clothespins.  I found that twisting them was easier than trying to pry them apart  (your fingers will thank you).  You want to separate the spring part of the clothespin from the wood part of the clothespin.

Before you start, your bead should be the same size or smaller than the spring and should have a large hole.  (There is a work-around for larger beads, but it’s easier if the bead is smaller)

Next, use pliers or your fingers to pry apart the non-coiled end of the clothespin spring.  If your bead is longer than the spring, use a pliers to separate the tines so they are “pointing at” each other.  Insert one side of the spring into one of the holes of the bead.

Bend the other side to fit into the corresponding bead hole.

Wiggle the bead and the spring a little to get the ends of the spring to align.  If they don’t fit perfectly, that’s okay!  I found both types look great.

String the necklace chain or the ribbon through the spring end and voila!

Change your bead, change the chain, the possibilities are endless!