f you missed Part I of this post, you may first want to read about how I dyed 500 clothespins. When all was said and done, I wasn’t the only one thrilled with the result. Graham was quite proud, too – and SUPER curious. He obliged happily when I asked him to pose next to all of the colorful goodness.
Once I was sure they were completely dry, I started the task of stringing the clothespins onto strings of varying lengths. I made each string either yellow/orange or pink/red – but within the string itself, I let all the different shades mix with each other.
I made strand after strand.
They started to take over the whole balcony.
Altogether, I was able to create 11 strands. Believe me, the wall above our bed was READY for a shake up.
I hammered two tiny nail in the wall and tied up the first strand. I immediately knew this was going to be a good thing.
Luckily, Bobby was off work that day so he was able to help me figure out positioning for each strand and take some photos to document the process.
We layered the strands one by one. With each one, the masterpiece got better.
Then.
Finally.
It was complete.
TA DA!
It turned out pretty much just like I had envisioned. Both Bobby and I are really happy with the look and it makes our room feel so much more complete.
I think this worked particularly well since the clothespins complement the vibrancy of our bedspread (which is a whimsical map of the world – a homage to Semester at Sea where we met/fell head over heels for each other).
This was totally worth every ounce of time put into this project.
Cheers to sweet dreams under colorful, clothespin skies!
SO amazing! You should send your pictures to Rit! It is such a happy, light-hearted decoration. Congratulations on your awesome stick-to-it-iveness. You started, you finished, you inspired!
Martha, I took your suggestion and tagged RIT on instagram – they re-grammed my photo! So fun. Thanks for the enthusiasm, you’re the best!
These are little dancing sea anemones, Grace, streamer dreams floating over your heads. And the colors are gorgeous.
Adrienne, what a poetic, whimsical way of looking at it! I love that!!
Grace I love this!!! I’m definitely keeping this in mind for a fun DIY for a baby or bridal shower (on a much smaller scale, of course!).
Bri, aw yayyyyy thanks for stopping by and for commenting! You’re right, this would look so good at a baby or bridal shower – love that idea. It could even be an interactive display where people could write on small slips of paper (a wish or prayer for the baby, their favorite thing about the bride-to-be etc) and then hang them from the clothespins…
Let me know if you ever whip one up for a party, I’d love to see your version!
Wow! What an amazing piece of wall art. Adrienne’s comment describes it perfectly! xoxo Gini
Yes, Adrienne captured it so well! We LOVED being with you a few days ago and already can’t wait to May! xoxo
Fabulous! You are so creative and fun!
Thanks, Auntie! Even when I was little, you had such enthusiasm for my art – I’ve always treasured that. :)
This turned out amazing, Grace!!!!
I’ve actually never seen many Anthropologie store displays, but I’ll have to keep a look out for them now.
The bright colors, the gradations, the intricacy of the dozens of clothespins, and the whimsical hanging of the strands…there’s so much to love!
Since I saw this post, I’ve been dreaming about ways to decorate my apartment. Thanks for the inspiration! :)
The second you get back to the states, you’ll have to seek out some Anthro stores. You will LOVE the displays, that’s a 100% promise from me to you. As far as I know, each store has its own display team – dream job, anyone?!?
Grace, seriously. You are the most creative person I know! What an inspired piece of art work!
What a huge compliment! Thanks, Meghan! Hoping and praying we get to see you and Hans when we drive back up to Vermont in a few weeks!
Hi Grace! Maybe you remember me, maybe not… STM, church, Rapid City, etc… I found your site by chance on Pinterest, and your art is beautiful! We just painted our living room robins egg blue with a peacock blue accent wall and need some décor. I think that this clothespin hanging would be perfect. Now to choose colors and find time!
Hi Jeanmarie! I definitely remember you! Wow, I love hearing that you found my site on Pinterest – that makes me so happy. :) I can envision how great this project would look on robins egg blue or peacock blue – SO GOOD! I hope your able to find time – please email me a pic if you do! (hello@yourbiggestfangrace.com)
It’s done! I e-mailed you some photos!
Hooray, thanks so much, Jeanmarie! I loved seeing them – it’s so cool knowing that someone else was inspired and took on this idea. :) I promise I will respond to your email soon!
Wow! very creative. I always admire people like you. I’ll try to do this in my daughter’s room. It can be a nice project : > Keeping her away from the gadgets and phones : >
Thanks for such a nice comment, Toper. :) This would be such a fun project to work on together with your daughter! I feel like kids would be enamored by how the wood changes color in the buckets of dye. Always good to think of new ways to peel them away from screens and get them into real-life creativity!