Safety pins are useful items you'll find in just about any home, but they are also great for crafting. You can combine different types of beads with safety pins to create a variety of fun projects, from stylish jewelry to simple wine glass charms.
Bead and Safety Pin Bracelet
This easy bracelet is a great craft for older kids and adults. Choose glass beads and wooden beads in colors that complement one another to give your bracelet a professional appearance. This project will take you about an hour.
Things You'll Need
- About 10 medium-sized safety pins
- Glass seed beads
- Long wooden beads
- Beading elastic
- Scissors
- Glue gun and glue sticks
What to Do
- Open up the first safety pin and fill up the pointed end with glass beads. Leave just enough of the pin unbeaded to allow it to close properly. Close the safety pin and set aside. Repeat this process with the remaining pins.
- Cut two pieces of beading elastic, each about 14 inches long. Pick up one piece and string a safety pin on it by threading the elastic through the spring loop of the pin. Next, add a wooden bead. Follow this with another pin. Continue this pattern until the beaded area is about the same length as your wrist.
- Knot the two ends together and apply a bit of hot glue to help secure them. Trim the loose ends.
- Pick up the other piece of beading elastic and thread it through the other end of one of the safety pins. Tie it in a knot to secure it. Add a wooden bead, and then bring the elastic through the next safety pin. Knot it around the safety pin and add another wooden bead. Continue until you have completed the bracelet.
- Tie the ends and apply hot glue to secure them.
Chevron Beaded Pin
You can create a modern graphic jewelry design using safety pins and seed beads. All it takes is a little patience and about half an hour of your time.
Things You'll Need
- Large safety pin
- Nine small safety pins
- Seed beads in two colors
What to Do
- Open up one of the small safety pins and add two beads of the first color. Then fill up the rest of the pin with the second color of beads. Close the pin and set aside.
- For the next pin, add one or two of the second color, then two beads of the first color. Fill up the rest of the pin with the second color and set aside. For each subsequent pin, keep adding a bit more of the second color beads near the top and pushing the first color further down on the pin. Make two of each design in the pattern, except for the pin you created in step one.
- Open up the large safety pin and begin adding the smaller pins to it. The little pins should hang from the closed side of the big pin, not the pointed side that opens. Arrange the little pins to create a chevron pattern in the two contrasting colors of beads.
Safety Pin Wine Glass Charm
If you're hosting a gathering, you can keep everyone's drink straight by making these easy wine glass markers. These are handy since you can make them even if you have just a few minutes before the party.
Things You'll Need
- One large safety pin for each wine glass
- A few small gold safety pins
- A few pretty glass beads or charms
- Two pairs of needle-nose pliers
What to Do
- Open the large safety pin. Grasp right next to the point with one of the pairs of pliers. Using the other pair, bend the pin back slightly. Grasp the pin near the closure and bend this back as well. Then use the pliers to open the body of the safety pin into a curved shape. Check that the pin will close properly and adjust as needed.
- Choose one or two pretty beads and slide them onto gold safety pins. Hook these small pins through the spring of the large safety pin. Use different colored beads for each wine glass.
- To use, place the large safety pin around the stem of the wine glass and hook it closed.
Found Objects Pendant
You can make your own found objects pendant using beads and safety pins. Because a safety pin is a found object itself, it makes the perfect centerpiece for this fun jewelry item. Choose your own favorite objects to include, such as charms, lockets, keys, crystals, buttons, jewelry parts, and more. Your design will tell a unique story.
Things You'll Need
- Large safety pin
- Several smaller safety pins
- Glass beads
- Found objects
- Chain
- Jewelry wire
- Pliers
What to Do
- Start by choosing the focal point of your pendant. A key makes a great choice for this. Simply hook a small safety pin through the object and then attach it to the spring loop of the large safety pin. Continue adding items using smaller safety pins.
- For items you can't add with small pins, make a simple wire-wrapped loop. Cut a piece of jewelry wire and insert it through the hold of the item. Then bend it back on itself to make the loop. Wrap the remaining wire around it to secure the loop. Then use a small pin to attach it to your pendant.
- Slide beads and buttons over the pointed end of the large safety pin or suspend them from smaller pins. Choose beads that will add color to your design.
- When you're happy with your pendant design, string it on a chain to wear around your neck. You'll have a one-of-a-kind, upcycled piece of jewelry that will garner plenty of compliments.
More Safety Pin Crafts
If you're interested in making even more projects involving safety pins and beads, try some of these ideas:
- Create a safety pin candle holder to show off your favorite tealight or votive. These beaded holders make lovely gifts too.
- Making Friends has some great instructions for a safety pin pony tail holder. This easy design uses elastic and pony beads to create a sweet, crafty hair tie.
- If you want to create a holiday project, make a safety pin beaded Christmas tree using the instructions from AllCrafts. Although this project may be time consuming, the results are stunning.
Creating Something Beautiful
If you love upcycling crafts, you'll really enjoy the thrifty fun of creating something beautiful from utilitarian safety pins and a few colorful beads. Whether you're decorating your home or crafting a few unique accessories, these projects are a great way to show off your imagination and creativity.
