As of this past Thursday evening I had 151 pins on my Pinterest board called “Make”. I know most of you have a board like this.  It’s the one with all the wonderful crafts and DIY projects you are  planning to make in all your spare time (insert laughter here). The key word here is planning because that’s how far any of us get. 

Well this week I decided I am actually going to make ONE item off my “Make” board. So I looked at all the crafty goodness and I oohed and aahed at the possibilities. Then I came to my senses and chose the following criteria for the project.

First, it must not require supplies most people don’t have lying around, like a mile high stack of pallets, 115 vintage hankies or 55 yards of antique french lace.

Second, it must not require tools most people don’t own, like a blow torch, kiln or tower crane.

Third, it should not require skills the average Joe doesn’t possess, like glass blowing, tatting or scrimshaw.

And Lastly, it cannot take three days to make!

Well, those criteria really put a dent in my list. But there is one little project we probably can all make without using too many “sentence enhancers” and here it is.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_walker/

This cutie little pin came from the flickr link above, according to Pinterest.

Now it’s our turn to make one. First we need to pick some ribbons to use. Simple, right?

Yeah, I know that’s obscene, and the bad part is that this is only SOME of the ribbon I have!

Okay, now we can really get started.

Cut a length of ribbon and fold it in half over the non-moving arm of the pin. It is important that you don’t use the side of the pin you need to open and close to attach it to your clothing. Sew the ribbon right under the pin arm. You can use a sewing machine like I did (with zipper foot), hand sew it or I guess even use glue!

Cut the end of the ribbon to the desired length and angle.

Next we’re going to pick a piece of lace to layer over the ribbon. Simple, right?

This is just ONE box of lace and ribbon scraps I have. I won’t even show you the rolls of lace!!

Now I’ve just snipped some lace and put it in place.

Find a button, flower, fabric yo-yo or some other kind of embellishment to sew or glue on top.

Here are some sample pins I made.

Now I know this is not high fashion jewelry, however, it is easy to make and uses stuff we probably all have on hand. You can customize them any way you want. These little pins would be great to make for fund raisers, as a VBS craft, for a make-it-and-take-it at a party, or to show your support for a cause. 

If you would excuse me now, a whole drawer full of ribbon is calling me to make it into pins!