Clothespin Mirror and Vanity Holder

I got the inspiration for this project from the YouTube video linked below:

I decided to remix this project by covering the clothespins with newspaper and adding a compartment to store items in. This project is easy, utilizes household items, and is completely customizable.

For this project, you will need

• A hot glue gun
• Hot glue sticks
• A mirror
• Paintbrushes
• Cardboard boxes (1 big and 1 small)
• Scissors
• A pencil
• Newspaper (preferably with text)
• Mod Podge
• Clothespins
• Black and white acrylic paint
• Black cardstock

Using a pair of scissors and the large cardboard box, cut out a strip of cardboard. To do this, first, draw a line to indicate where you would like to cut. Then using your scissors carefully cut along the penciled line. Since I used a shoebox, I cut off the lid to obtain the strip of cardboard. The size of the cardboard will vary based on the size of the mirror you use.

Repeat the previous step to obtain another strip of cardboard that is equivalent to the first one you cut.

Place your mirror in the center of the cardboard strip so that there is an equal amount of cardboard on either side of the mirror. Using a pencil draw a line on each side with excess cardboard (as shown in image). Cut along these lines so you end up with 2 smaller pieces of cardboard.

Using a hot glue gun, attach the two smaller strips of cardboard to the main strip, so that all four sides around the mirror have an equal amount of cardboard (use the image as a reference).

Align the mirror in the center of the cardboard frame, and use a pencil to outline the mirror. Next, apply a generous amount of glue to the back of the mirror and attach it to the cardboard, using the outline as a guide. Press firmly and let the glue fully dry before moving on to the next step.

Now that the basic frame of the mirror is complete, we will now work on decorating the clothespins. To do this you will need, a pair of scissors, clothespins, a newspaper, a paintbrush, and Mod Podge. First, cut strips of the newspaper the size of the clothespins, approximately 3in x 0.5in. We can trim the paper later, so don't worry if they are not all the same size. Using your paintbrush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the top of the clothespin. Stick a strip of newspaper onto the layer you just created, then apply another layer of Mod Podge on top to seal in the design. Repeat this step until you have enough clothespins to fully surround the mirror. For me, it took about 40 clothespins, but this number may vary based on the size of the mirror you are using. Make sure to allow the Mod Podge to fully dry before moving on to the next step.

Once all your clothespins have dried you can cut off any excess newspaper that is hanging off the sides. Now it is time to start assembling the mirror. First, you should lay out all the clothespins around the mirror to make sure you have enough and to provide a guide for when you start gluing. This step is very important in making sure the clothespins are aligned neatly.

Once you have layed out the design, use a hot glue gun to glue the clothespins to the frame. Make sure to glue the clothespins so that that clasp side is facing outward.

Obtain the cardboard strip you cut earlier in this project. Use your paintbrush and black acrylic paint to paint the strip of cardboard a solid black color. Using a hot glue gun, attach this piece of cardboard to the back of the mirror. This cardboard piece will serve as a stand and a joining point for the holder.

TIP: If you want the stand to be stronger you can double layer the cardboard or use thicker cardboard instead.

Obtain your smaller cardboard box and use a pair of scissors to cut off the top. This will result in a box with an open top. Use the images above as a reference.

Once you have prepared the cardboard box, we will start to cover it. Use a pencil to trace 3 sides of the box onto the black cardstock paper. Cut these pieces out using a pair of scissors. Once all three pieces have been cut out, glue them onto the box with a hot glue gun.

OPTIONAL

This next part is optional but I decided to add writing to my holder. Using a pencil I wrote out the word "beautiful" in cursive letters. I then used a thin paintbrush and white acrylic paint to outline the letters.

Once the paint had fully dried I attached the holder to cardboard strip using a hot glue gun. I glued the holder approximately two finger widths away from the bottom of the mirror. When the glue was cooled, I cut off the excess cardboard at the bottom of the holder (as shown in the image above).

CONGRATULATIONS you are finished!!!

Now its time for you to use your mirror and vanity holder.

If you liked this project vote and leave a comment down below.