Categories: Beauty

What to Do with Those Old Bobby Pins

Once upon a time, no teen or women’s bedroom would be void of bobby pins, but nowadays they’re rarely used for anything except occupying space. Don’t need them anymore? Don’t throw them out! Use them to make other things or use them as helpers around the house.

Bobby pins can be turned into cute hair accessories simply by decorating them. Attach things like pearl beads, lace, silk flowers or other items to the pin, then slide it into a bun or other hair design. You’ll find very unique miniatures that can be attached to them at a craft supply store.

The pins are perfect for holding lights and ornaments in place on a Christmas tree, too. Most people struggle with trying to get Christmas lights to stay in a certain place on the branch, but when you use bobby pins, the lights will cooperate and the pin will blend right into the tree needles. Use bobby pins to hold other things on the tree as well. Clip on photos, holiday greeting cards, garland bows, and other festive touches.

When decorating windows with lights or garland the bobby pins make it easy to attach ornaments and other holiday items to the light strands. The pins can be spray painted to match the strands of lights or garland, if desired. You can even hang garland around the room, then use bobby pins to hang your many Christmas cards. Slide the bobby pin between the front and back of the card, then over the garland. This will hold the card open so that others can easily read the front and the inside of the card.

Glue faux jewels, silk flowers, sequin, and similar items onto the bobby pin to create a unique design. Now simply slide the pin onto various articles of clothing to instantly change their appearance. Try them on high heels, shirt pockets, the front center area of a scoop neck shirt, the hemline of an evening dress, or even on a hat or purse.

Use a chain bracelet or necklace, and several bobby pins, to create unique jewelry. Decorate the bobby pins with any number of craft and jewelry supplies, then slide one bobby pin into each link of the chain. The bobby pins will dangle and sparkle, looking much more expensive than it actually is. If needed, paint the bobby pins to match the color of the chain. The bobby pins can be snipped with wire snips if you need some pins to be shorter than others. The jewelry project is a great way for your daughter to spend some fun time with friends.

Use decorated bobby pins to embellish lampshades, curtain tie backs, belts, tablecloth edges, or even as the pull for your luggage or jacket zippers. There are literally dozens and dozens of ways to use the bobby pins on clothing and accessories.

You can still purchase bobby pins at some stores and they’re available in assorted colors. The color assortment allows you to get even more creative.

Be sure the bobby pins you choose for these crafts are the ones which have one flat side and one wavy side. You may have other crafts in mind which require different styles of bobby pins.

Even though bobby pins are rarely used these days you might be one who still uses them for holding your curlers in place. Even so, remove a few from your bobby pin container and use them to make crafts or to help you around the house. You can spare a few, can’t you?