What two dexterous hands can do with...wooden clothespins

In the article on wooden gadgets, a wooden clothespin turned USB stick was one such gadget. The designer who created it made many other objects out of clothespins. But clothespins can also be used by DIY enthusiasts to make various useful objects. Here are some examples:

Christmas wreath

To make such a wreath we need wire, green spray paint, red beads, red headband for the bow and...wooden clothespins. From the wire make a circle of the desired size. Before pinching the ends of the wire string the beads. Spray paint the clothespins green or use other methods. After the wire ends have been fastened, the pliers are alternately fastened - one bead, one pair of pliers - to the circle until there is no more room. The pliers must be very tightly packed to stay in place. From the red ribbon a bow is made and attached to one of the pliers. The sash is made so that the headband remains for the loop. There you go, we have the crown!

The method can be adapted to make a simple or more complicated mirror frame, with several rows of clamps glued to a backing on which a round mirror is also glued. You can find various solutions for making such round frames. You can also use old pliers from which you remove the metal spring and use the halves separately. You can glue them to a round cardboard with a strong backing and room for the mirror in the middle. After gluing the clamps, paint everything in the colour you want and stick the mirror in the centre.

Various holders and decorations for the tree

You can also use half tongs to make Christmas tree stars or hot pot holders.

With a piece of a wooden frame or even a simple plank to which you glue a few clips and attach a fastening system, you can make a holder for scarves, beads, cords or belts.

From a tin left over after emptying the contents, holders can be made for scented candles or small flower pots. Simply clip the tongs to the rim of the tin and the holder is ready. For pots, old tongs look even better because they have the patina of time.

For those who are more skilled and dare to assemble an electric light bulb system (which should not be complicated at all because such systems can be found in DIY stores), they can move on to making lamps or lamps. Here's how you can make a special lamp out of wire (a wire bin can also be used) and clothespins. And with a little imagination you can make lamp shades that will make your friends envious.

If you have a talent for drawing and can draw all sorts of animals, use clothespins to create simple and cheerful toys for children...and beyond.

Even artists can't stay away from this little clothespin. Artist Gerry Stecca makes very interesting objects, exhibited in museums or famous hotels, or dresses the trunks of trees with "armour" made of clothespins, creating a unique urban decor.

So, don't throw away the old clothespins. Even if they've blackened they still have a lot to say. And if we've whetted your DIY appetite, but you don't have any wooden tongs around the house, go out and buy a set or two. The investment isn't big, and what you can make is wonderful. Good luck!