Clothespin Puppets on a Stick

Round-headed peg clothespins have been a quick crafts staple for decades - so much so that many crafting supply companies package them as 'crafting pins' or some similar name. Frankly, I don't see any difference between the pins marketed to turn into crafts and the ones you buy for $1.19 at the supermarket to hang your clothes.

We've used them to make cottages, napkin holders, Christmas reindeer and castle fences. These little stick puppets are probably the cutest of all the uses we've found.

If you're looking for a fun and easy craft project to do with a Scout troop or Sunday school class, these cute little charmers might be just the thing. For an added boost in creativity, have each person create a character from a familiar story and use the puppets to put on a play - or dress them up in school colors to decorate lockers.

We just used markers and paints to Curt and Cathy, but there's no end to the materials that you can use to dress up the cunning puppets. Tulle circles, bits and scraps of lace, paint, markers, leftover fabric and yarn - your imagination is the only limit.

Materials

• Round-head clothes pegs (not spring-clamps)
• Wooden chopsticks
• Markers, paints
• Fabric scraps
• Glue
• Acrylic spray

For Bride

• 4 9" tulle circles
• 12 inches satin ribbon

For Groom

• Small bottle cap

Instructions:

1. Lightly sand clothespin to remove any rough spots.

2. Using markers, paint black or blue dots for eyes and red cupids' bow lips.

3. Glue or paint on clothing using markers, paints, nail polish or any other permanent markers. Spray lightly with acrylic coat to preserve. Let dry.

4. Paint glue on bottom 4 inches of chopstick and wedge between legs' of clothespeg to serve as a handle'.

For Bride:

Layer three tulle circles one on top of the other. Fold in half, then twice more to make a point at the top. Using a sharp scissors, snip a tiny bit off the very tip and unfold. Slide the circles over the top of the clothes peg and work down to 'waist'. Dab glue around waistline to secure. Using 1/4" satin ribbon, tie bow around neck and wrap ends down and around to back. Secure with a dab of glue.

For veil, fold tulle circle in half and in half again. Dab glue on top of head, and press veil into place, holding until set.

For Groom:

Using black marker, paint on 'tux'. Glue 4" strip of 1/4" satin ribbon along side of each 'leg' for satin striped tuxedo pants. If desired, cut and glue lace ruffle to front of shirt. Glue bottle cap derby" to top of head, and paint handlebar mustache above lip.

There's no end to the adorable puppets that you can create using round-headed wooden clothes pegs. Just fire up your imagination, scrounge for scraps and have fun!