If you are looking for an inexpensive project to dress up a blank wall or a means to hang your child's artwork, look no further. These easy clip art rails are inexpensive and easy to build.
Preparation
2 – 1×2 pine or MDF strips, 8 feet long (I used firring strips from Lowes for 75 cents each)
2 – bags of small clothespins, 24 count each (bought mine at Joanns for $2.49 each)
Glue (I used Elmers)
Paint (I used Valspar Antique White Satin leftover from the bookcases. The fastest method would be to spraypaint)
4 screws or 4 Picture Hanging Brackets
You can cut your boards down to size, but it's not necessary.
Instructions
Step 1
Remove the springs from the clothespins.
Step 2
Paint the wood part of the clothespins and the boards.
Step 3
Step 4
Reassemble the clothespins. Then glue the clothespins to the boards. I glued the clothespins ever 4″ starting 2″ from the ends. You can do this by marking the board at 2″, 6″, 10″, 14″, 18″, 22″ . . . and so on, every 4″ until the last mark at 94″. Alternate pins facing upwards and downwards.
Comments
Marygail (not verified)
Sat, 08/07/2010 - 20:10
So happy to have found your
So happy to have found your blog! This is going to be my very first project! It'll be for my kids rooms, and after I redo my craft space I'll do this project again. Can't wait :)
Robyn (not verified)
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 00:39
I wanted to make these for
I wanted to make these for our playroom, but I have two little ones (and hubby wants one more) so these will need to last a long time. Is the glue strong enough to last years of abuse or would it be better to nail/screw the clothespins on?
Ana White (not verified)
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 09:02
Robyn, mine are doing great!
Robyn, mine are doing great! However, I would suggest using a glue for finished surfaces if you plan to paint your clothespins first.
How to Build a… (not verified)
Mon, 09/06/2010 - 18:57
[...] A new bed that would
[...] A new bed that would essentially remodel here entire room? Yep, it would takeover this very wall. (plans for clip art rails) [...]
MarketGirl76 (not verified)
Mon, 11/08/2010 - 04:03
Made this in a few hours. I
Made this in a few hours. I installed three rails in my stairwell heading to the basement to display photos and art work from the kiddos. I used a hot glue gun to adhere the clothes pins and it seems to be working well. Good luck to everyone!
Just clip it «… (not verified)
Mon, 11/22/2010 - 14:05
[...] Tutorial for Easy Clip
[...] Tutorial for Easy Clip Art Rails — Ana White [...]
Amy Avaritt (not verified)
Fri, 12/03/2010 - 22:04
I'm so happy I found this
I'm so happy I found this website! You have provided an easy way for curious would-be builders to get over the fear of ignorance and jump into the project they have always dreamed of. This little clip art project rescued me! We draw names for Christmas and we are supposed to make something, but I'm the least crafty of the family and thought I would settle for giving a gift card. I know I can accomplish this project and build my confidence to move onto another! Thanks for empowering me!
Ana White (not verified)
Sun, 12/05/2010 - 20:42
Amy, welcome! Thanks for
Amy, welcome! Thanks for commenting, can't wait to see what you build! Ana
Christa (not verified)
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 18:47
Am I the only moron that is
Am I the only moron that is having a heck of a time putting the clothespins back together? It's a nightmare!
nikki_0823
Tue, 03/22/2011 - 11:33
Just Did This!!
I just finished hanging this up on my little one's wall! Super easy to do, looks great and is a nice piece in a growing boy's room. All I have to do is switch out the papers to change the look. A lot better than trying to redo it every couple of years!!