Clothespin Soldier Ornament
Today’s post will be another instructional post (a bonus, if you will) because the Arts and Crafts people here at b5media decided Christmas in July was a cool thing. You can see the other amazing Christmassy things on display, here!
When I think of Christmas tree ornaments, I have several pop into my mind from my childhood–including the one in the picture at the beginning of my post (uh-oh, now you’ve seen inside my head!).
To make this little guy, you need an old-fashioned style clothes pin (no spring, just wood), paint, a red pom-pom ball (available at craft stores–see I don’t use junk exclusively), and some thick gold thread(or yarn, or whatever you decide looks cool to decorate his uniform).
First, paint the clothespin to look like a little soldier (I’ve also seen a reindeer variation**) and use the bottom end of the clothespin as his legs (and when his mother asks him if his arms are painted on, he can answer “yes” and not be lying). Next, glue a loop of string to his “head” under where the pom-pom will go.
Almost done now! The penultimate (second to last) thing is to decorate his uniform with the gold stuff. Finally, glue the pom-pom on his head for his helmet.
Variations (aside from the earlier mentioned reindeer**) include a white helmet, a white suit with either white or red helmet, and any other color suit with any color helmet. (I decided listing them would take longer than anyone would care to read, since I think we all got the idea.)
**For the reindeer version, two clothespins are used–the first one is unaltered and the “head” has pipe-cleaners mounted as antlers, the second clothespin “head” is cut off, and glued between both sets of clothespin “legs” to form the reindeer bod. Painting is really only needed for eyes, hooves, and that sort of thing–unless you want a darker shade of reindeer.
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7 opinions for Clothespin Soldier Ornament
Jennifer
Jul 26, 2007 at 6:06 am
Wait didn’t you guys just do a “green” carnival here. And now it’s X-mas. You arts and crafts folks are always doing something creative I can’t keep up. Still, nice idea. I’ve got clothespins and a six year old so this will work. I think though, I’ll suggest a more summer themed version.
Joshua Johnson
Jul 26, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Thanks! I may give instructions for the reindeer later on, if you have some extra clothespins you might check back, or “comment” a request.
Patti
Aug 29, 2007 at 11:48 pm
This is a wonderful keepsake. I speak from experience as my 37 year old son made one of these at 5 years old when was in kindergarten..It has beens one of our “special” ornaments since. Now is passed on to his 4y/o son.
Joshua Johnson
Aug 30, 2007 at 11:53 am
Thank you, Patti!
I was informed by my mother that this little guy also should have Q-tip arms. Let me know if you want instructions for them. I figured most of you could figure out how to put them on–once you knew that they were supposed to be there.
Melissa
Nov 30, 2008 at 11:27 pm
What a cute little guy, have some of these dolly pegs will have to give this project a go
Joshua Johnson
Dec 2, 2008 at 10:48 am
Thanks, Melissa. I love the little guy.
Revisit: Clothespin Soldier Ornament
Dec 4, 2008 at 2:59 am
[...] you haven’t checked it out yet, read Joshua’s post on how to make a Clothespin Solider Ornament. Yes, that’s it pictured. Cute, [...]
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