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)

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!

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 and founder of FamilyCorner.com Magazine.

Visit FamilyCorner.com for loads of great craft and decorating ideas, fun projects for kids, and informative family-oriented articles. You can also register for great prizes in Family Corner's many contests - it's a GREAT website!!!