... Read moreHey everyone! If you're anything like me, you love finding creative ways to show off your cheer spirit, and nothing does it quite like personalized cheer pins! I've been making these for years, and they're not just fun to create, but they're also fantastic for team gifts, boosting morale, and adding a unique touch to your cheer gear. My squad absolutely loves getting them, especially when they have cute sayings like 'SO FETCH' or 'SPARKLE'!
You might be wondering, what exactly do you need to start making these awesome cheer clothes pins? It's easier than you think! Here’s a quick list of my go-to supplies:
Clothespins: You can use both wooden or plastic ones. I usually grab a bulk pack online or from a craft store.
Paint: Acrylic paints in your team colors are a must, plus white for a good base coat.
Paint Pens/Markers: These are perfect for writing those catchy phrases like 'GO FOR GOLD', 'Your On Fire', or 'HIT ZERO' without needing a super-fine brush.
Glitter & Rhinestones: Because what's cheer without a little sparkle?
Strong Adhesive: E6000 glue is my best friend for attaching charms and beads securely. A hot glue gun can work for quicker projects too.
Charms & Beads: This is where you can get super creative! I've used everything from miniature popcorn buckets and gummy bears to tiny bows and even googly eyes. Letter beads are also great for spelling out words like 'CHEER' or 'SMILE'.
Sealant: Mod Podge or a clear spray sealant helps protect your pins and keeps everything from flaking off.
Ready to get crafting? Here’s my simple process for making durable and dazzling cheer pins:
Prep Your Pins: If you're using wooden clothespins, I usually give them a light sanding first. Then, I paint a base coat of white or a light color. This helps your design colors pop!
Add Your Background Color: Once the base coat is dry, paint your clothespins in your desired colors. Team colors always look fantastic! Let these dry completely.
Decorate with Phrases: This is the fun part! Using your paint pens, write out those iconic cheer sayings. Think 'SUPERSTAR', 'BE BOLD', 'NAILED IT!', 'CHEER ERA', 'SMILE', or even playful ones like 'PIN YOU'RE IT!' and 'IN MY BOW ERA'. You can also use letter beads for a different texture.
Embellish, Embellish, Embellish! Now it's time for the glitter, rhinestones, and charms. I love adding a little glitter dust over the wet paint or glue for extra sparkle. Attach your charms – maybe a cute troll doll to go with 'CHEER HAIR Don't Care' or a tiny megaphone. Don’t forget those fun lip charms or mini popcorn buckets if you want a unique touch.
Seal the Deal: Once all your decorations are dry and secure, apply a layer of Mod Podge or a clear spray sealant. This step is crucial for making sure your beautiful creations last through practices, competitions, and locker rooms!
These pins are perfect for clipping onto cheer bags, attaching to bows, using as locker decorations, or even trading with other teams. I once made a batch featuring 'HAIR WE GO!' and 'Whip your Hair' with tiny bows, and they were a huge hit at a competition. It’s such a small thing, but it truly makes a big difference in showing off team pride and making everyone feel special. So grab your supplies and get ready to create some 'ON FIRE' cheer pins!