Whether you score a bag at the thrift store or have a surplus after hanging your laundry to dry, clothespins seem to be the sort of thing that we all have laying around the house. Not only are clothespins handy for drying your clothing, they're a great, plastic free craft supply that you can use in all sorts of fun projects! Here are a few crafty ways to use clothespins.

1. Plant markers. Rather than purchasing mass-produced plant markers at the garden supply store, you can make your own, custom plant markers out of clothespins. All you need are a clothespin, a permanent market, and a stick.
2. Customized pennant. Sure, you can use them to string clothes, but you can also whip up a quickie, recycled party decoration with clothespins! Just cut triangles or circles out of salvaged paper (junk mail, anyone?), and use clothespins to string them on twine or ribbon. For a nostalgic twist, dig through your old boxes of photos and string up some memories instead.
3. Vertical storage. Hit the thrift store for a small wall shelf. Sand and paint your find, and use hot glue to attach a row of clothespins along the front of the shelf. Voila! A storage solution that's cute to boot.

Have you guys done any crafting with clothespins? I'd love to hear more ideas in the comments!

Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by Simon Cocks