Clothespin Dragonflies

With just a few supplies, you can create these quick and easy Clothespin Dragonflies that are perfect for creating with your kids or grandkids!

It shouldn’t be a secret that I LOVE dragonflies! The dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. The change that is often referred to has its source in mental and emotional maturity and understanding the deeper meaning of life.

You all know that I am all about DIY’ing the relationship with ourselves and those around us and the dragonfly is the perfect symbol of that!

Here is what you need to make your own Clothespin Dragonflies:

• Clothespins, Wooden Spring-Style
• Acrylic Craft Paint – White, Three Shades Purple, Three Shades Blue
• Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
• Paintbrush

Gather all supplies. Full size wooden clothespins can be found in the laundry section of Walmart of the Dollar store, OR I have some from Amazon linked above. Remove the metal spring from 10 full size wooden clothespins for each Dragonfly. 

For each Dragonfly, attach six clothespins together flat side to flat side with a glue gun and glue sticks. Leave the other four clothespins as two separate pieces.

Glue two of the attached clothespins together for the Dragonfly body. Line up each wing as follows on your work surface: half, full, half, half, full, half. Attach the wings together evenly at the base with a glue gun and glue sticks. Using the photo as your guide.

Glue the wings to the right and left side of the Dragonfly body, using the photo as your guide. Hold the first wing in place until the glue completely sets, and then attach the second wing. Repeat the above steps to complete the second Dragonfly.

Paint the front and all sides of both clothespin Dragonflies with white acrylic craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary. 

Paint the Dragonfly bodies with the darkest shade of purple and blue acrylic craft paint with a paintbrush. Set aside to dry.

Apply the lightest shade of purple and blue acrylic craft paint to the dragonfly wings with a paintbrush. Set aside to dry.

Paint the tips of the Dragonfly wings with the medium shade of purple and blue acrylic craft paint, feathering the edges in to blend the colors. Set aside to dry.

Embellish the dragonfly body with polka dots in the medium shade of purple and blue acrylic craft paint by dipping the end of a paint brush in paint and dotting on the surface. Repeat this polka dot accent with the darkest shade of purple and blue acrylic craft paint on the end of the wings.

Create a rainbow assortment of Clothespin Dragonflies to use as a place card, gift tag, or garland. They are also the perfect size for a tiered tray decoration.

I can see using these is ALL of my summer decorating!!

What do you think? What color would you paint yours?