Use Clothespins To Create A Cute Countertop Storage Box With A Fun DIY

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You've got jewelry, house keys, and other stray knickknacks out and about, waiting to be misplaced. There's never enough countertop storage containers for these little pieces that get lost easily. Reminiscent of a children's Popsicle stick log cabin, this simple clothespin DIY from TheDailyDIYer on YouTube is the perfect solution. In just minutes, the creator makes adorable storage containers out of nothing but clothespins, which are the perfect organizers to stash any small items in. Long gone is the risk of brushing these pieces off your countertop, never to be seen again. The box is so charming, you could also use it as a decorative accent on any surface, from your living room mantel to your dressing table.

To recreate TheDailyDIYer's design, you'll need clothespins, like a pack of 50 Mr. Pen Large Wooden Clothes Pins, which can be found on Amazon for just $6. You'll also need a hot glue gun, a sheet of cardstock, and an X-Acto knife. In fact, if you happen to already have the hot glue gun and the knife — or even a sturdy pair of scissors in a pinch — then this entire DIY can be done for under $10. Inexpensive, simple, and speedy, this project is perfect for entry-level DIYers, kids, or anyone seeking a fun afternoon project that won't require too much preparation or cleanup.

Once you've assembled your materials, you're ready to make your little box. Start by dismantling your clothespins, removing the wire connector so that you're left with just the wooden pieces. Then, use the hot glue gun to affix three of the pieces side by side, facing in alternating directions. This creates one side of the box when placed horizontally. Repeat this process three times until you have all four sides, then glue these sides together to create an open square. Place this square on your sheet of cardstock, and use the X-Acto knife to cut around the perimeter, creating a base for the box, which you can then affix with the hot glue gun. To make the lid, glue eight clothespin pieces side by side, again facing in alternate directions. Then, glue two pieces back to back, and attach them to the top of the lid to create the handle. Place the completed lid on top of the box, and you're all set!

This is a great DIY to do with kids, and there are lots of ways to mix up the design to make it fun and colorful. Instead of plain clothespins, you can also buy multicolored packs in vibrant hues or soft pastels, and offer additional craft supplies in the form of pompoms, pipe cleaners, sequins, glitter, stickers, and feathers to allow for plenty of creative scope. The over-1,500 unit multipack of DOITEM Pipe Cleaners Craft Supplies from Amazon includes all these options and more for just $14. For younger children, it might be a good idea to substitute Elmer's glue and safety scissors for the hot glue gun and X-Acto knife, but the DIY is still doable with these slightly more child-friendly tools.