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Clothespin Magnets
Children love to display their artwork
on the refrigerator. Dad is always hanging up phone numbers and slips of
paper. And Mom, of course, has her own little notes, lists, and reminders.
With the help of the kids, why not personalize a magnet clip for everyone
in the family?
You will need
wooden or plastic clothespins
buttons, google eyes, small silk flowers, etc
hot glue with parent's help)
magnet strips
posterboard (white is best)
 If you make this project we'd love to see it! Just send your photos and comments to the editor and it may get published on this page!
What you do
Begin by drawing the first letter in each family member's name on a piece
of posterboard. Cut out the letters, they should be approximately
3 inches in height.
Next, glue together two clothespins in cross cross fashion so that both open
at the same end (bottom). Position your letters onto the crisscrossed clothespin
to make sure it will fit comfortably. Lay the posterboard letter onto the
a flat work surface.
Have the children choose what they would like to use to decorate each letter
with. One child may be very fond of the color purple and may choose a variety
of buttons, pom poms, flowers, and beads, all in purple. Another child may
have a liking for google eyes as one of ours did! Use whatever beads,
baubles and items you like, as long as they aren't too heavy. Have the children
arrange their "finds" on the letters (atop the work surface) the way they
would like them to be on their magnets.
An adult will need to operate the glue gun. Apply glue to the items and affix
them, one at a time, to the posterboard letter. Set aside to dry
completely. On the back of the crisscrossed clothespin, attach a long
magnet strip (these are self adhesive and available at discount and craft
stores). You can also recycle old business card and flat magnets that you
have lying around by cutting them to fit and gluing to the back. When
finished, glue the letter to the clothespin and hang on the
refrigerator!
 Recommended Reading: Kuffner gives us an enormous number of ideas for fun things to do with our children. This is an arts and crafts type of book, and she does
something I haven't seen in other activity books. She spends a chapter telling you how to organize for a toddler. She also provides a list
of items to buy and old household items to save (dried magic markers, for example).
The rest of the book is laid out equally well. There are chapters on rainy day play, water play, kitchen activities, outdoor adventures, how
to entertain the kids when you're on errands or travel, nursery rhymes, learning activities, music, arts & crafts, and even birthday/holiday
activities. The appendix lists craft recipes, "crazy can" activities, and best toys/books for toddlers. Very comprehensive and varied. (courtesy: Amazon)
About the Author
 Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She
and her husband live in southern Nevada. She is also the owner of
FamilyCorner.com Magazine.
Subscribe to her free weekly kid's craft newsletter,
Busy Little Hands, by filling out the form here
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