For each snowflake you will need 8 large clothespins and 8 small ones. Other materials include Elmer’s Glue All,* a hot glue gun, craft paint and brushes. Modge Podge and glitter are optional but will add an additional step to the project giving participants greater involvement.
For each snowflake you will need 8 large clothespins and 8 small ones. Other materials include Elmer’s Glue All,* a hot glue gun, craft paint and brushes. Modge Podge and glitter are optional but will add an additional step to the project giving participants greater involvement.
The clothespin must have the springs removed. Twist each pin to remove one side then remove the spring from the other. I use pliers for this step to save on fingernails.
Once separated, the gluing process begins. Instruct participants on the best use of the glue. Place a narrow line of glue on each flat side of one separated pin. Using the bottle tip, a finger, or a small piece of cardboard, spread the glue into a thin layer. Then press the two pieces together. This gluing method will ensure a fast and firm adherence. When the large pins have all been glued into star points, participants can move onto the small clothespins. In the meantime, a staff member can hot glue the large points together to form the star, see photo. Use care with this step. Once you have applied the hot glue you cannot move the clothespins. So, center carefully, the overall appearance of the product will depend on this step.
When participants have finished gluing the small pins, they can begin painting the large clothes pin star while the staff member hot glues the small star together. Because the clothes pins are bare wood, they may require 2 or 3 coats of paint to get good coverage. Once the small star is hot glued together, participants can begin the painting process on them. When painting has been completed, all coats, and dry, staff can then hot glue the small star atop the large one. Center the small star so its points will lie between the points of the large one. When the glued item is secure, participants can paint with Modge Podge, or watered down Elmer’s Glue, and then sprinkle with glitter. This is optional.
*Using Elmer’s Glue and not hot glue for star construction will give participants more involvement, hence more pride in their project. Elmer’s Glue All has a better holding power than Elmer’s School Glue and should be the glue of choice for crafts. A very thin layer on each side of a project is the best method.
