The classic paper clip is indispensable, but these handmade clips -- which double as bookmarks -- are much more enchanting. Try clipping one onto a homemade card for a surprising little gift.
You'll need 20-gauge annealed-iron wire, wire cutters, and round-nosed pliers (all available at crafts and jewelry-supply stores). Your design can be as simple or as ornate as you like, as long as it consists of at least two flat loops or shapes that will hold a piece of paper between them. The heart and the monogrammed clip shown at left are good designs to start with.
Heart: Find the midpoint of a 5-inch-long piece of wire, and bend at a right angle. Curl each end around the points of the pliers, curving the sides into smooth arcs.
Monogram Charm: Bend a 5- to 7-inch-long piece of wire into a paper-clip shape, extending one end to form a short stem at the top of the clip. Then, fashion a wire letter (to make the letter J, wrap the stem of the J once around the crossbar, and twist the end slightly with the pliers' points). Attach the letter to the top of the clip by wrapping the clip's stem around the bottom of the letter; twist tightly with pliers to secure.
I like martha's crafts, but written instructions do need help
what is her site address?
I agree. As cute as it appears, More needs to be done as far as instruction is concerned. Carol Duvall is an awesome craft site.
It's cute but half of the instructions are covered over by a recipe for caramel crepes! I click on th X to close the crepe thing
If I didn't need a pattern or more instructions, I also wouldn't need this craft idea. There's not enough info here for me to do anything with this.
Are there any PATTERNS to go with this idea? Need some guidance!
i use this tecnique and is cute and you add and extra detail what ever you put it.
These are so fun and easy! I use them to decorate cards I have made, it gives the person and extra gift they can use as a book mark or to old papers. Thanks for the idea!