Making Stick Pins

Have you noticed all those lovely stick pins available for you to use on projects?  They are so pretty and can add a nice touch to a layout or card. Did you know that you can make your own?  Let's give it a try.

You can gather up supplies such as beads, pearls, spacers, a straight pin and super glue. This would be a great way to use some beads or pearls from a broken necklace, or left overs from other projects you've completed. Wouldn't it be nice to use the pearls from the brides hairpins on a scrapbook page with photos of the wedding?  Or re-use the beads from a baby bracelet to be included on a special card or project?

For this example, I used a straight pin that already had a pearl at the head. You can use a pin as long as it has a head to it that you can place a bead against.

Begin by laying out the beads in the order that you want to place them on the pin.  Since you'll be working with super glue, you'll need to work quickly. Having your design already planned will help.

Simply place a drop of super glue on the pin and slide on your bead. Hold it in place for a few seconds, the glue will adhere it quickly.  Place additional super glue on the pin as needed and add your remaining beads.  You only want to use a minimal amount of glue so that it is only on the decorated portion of the pin. Wipe off any excess glue.

Allow it to dry thoroughly before using in a project, just in case there is some glue on the non-decorated portion of the pin.  You wouldn't want a "sticky" stick pin. :)

 

And now you're ready to use your pins on your pages and projects!  Simple and easy way to make your own stick pins that coordinate with your design, or bring in special mementos to be preserved with your memories.