Clothespin Christmas Stars

By Anelia Van Zyl

It's that time of the year again! Christmas trees, decorations, home-baked goods, family, friends, and Christmas carols. To get into the spirit of the festive season, why not try your hand at some cute, easy-to-do decorations? These clothespin stars are the perfect ornament to hang on the tree, add to a gift, or use as table decorations. Why not get the whole family together to make this fun Christmas craft? So for now, leave the laundry, get the clothespins, and let's make some stars!

Supplies

• Wooden clothespins—you can use different sizes to make bigger or smaller stars 
• Acrylic paint (color of your choice)
• Cardstock
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Decorations (pom poms, miniature cones, glitter, bows, and so on)
• Twine or ribbon 
• Scissors 
• Marker

Instructions 

1. Prepare the clothespins: Take the metal springs out of the wooden clothespins. Arrange five clothespins, so 10 halves, in a five pointed star shape, as shown in the picture. Use a glue gun to stick them together.

2. Paint the star: Paint the front and sides of the clothespin star and let it dry completely. 

3. Cut out the cardstock: Take some cardstock and trace around your star with a marker. Carefully cut out the star from the cardstock, cutting just inside the lines for a neat finish, then glue it to the back of the clothespin star. Make sure to trace each star separately, as they may be different shapes and sizes. 

4. Add decorations: Use the glue gun to glue some tinsel pom poms, miniature cones, or anything “Christmassy” in the center of each star.

5. Make a twine loop: Cut a piece of natural twine or ribbon about 10 cm long. Tie it in a loop and make a bow.

6. Attach the loop and bow: Use the glue gun to glue the loop and bow to the top back of the clothespin star ornament.

Now all you need to do is find somewhere to hang it, sit back, and enjoy your lovely Christmas star!

About the Author

Anelia is a performing artist from South Africa. She has been living and working as a teacher in Thailand for ten years. She also writes educational children’s books, makes music, and loves to spend time in the kitchen. Follow her adventures on IG @aneliavz.