Back to School Projects: Stylish Backpack Pins

I had a frustrating conversation with my seven year old in which she insisted she needed a new backpack for second grade. WHAT? A NEW BACKPACK EVERY YEAR! The one from last year looks unused. Our compromise was to give the old backpack a unique touch so that she could go back to school in style. This project dates back to when I was in elementary school and craft kits were a thing of the future;).  I did add one of my favorites Shrinky Dinks! Try it out and give an old backpack a new look.

You will need:
Saftely Pins
Small Beads
Charms (I used Shrinky Dinks)

Let’s get started:
Step 1: You will need to open up the joint of the safety pin. I used a metal nail file.

Step 2: Gently open the joint so that a bead can be slipped around the coil.

Step 3: Slide beads onto the pin and around to the other side.

Step 4: I hung a pre-made Shrink Dink charm off of the coil of the pin. Finish beading up the other side of the pin and close. I made three of these pin charms using different Shrink Dinks.

Step 5: Now it is time to assemble the pin which will be hooked on the backpack. I used a little bit bigger pin for this part that those used to make the charms. Once again open the joint and slip on some beads. Then using the same approach slip on the assembled pin charms. REMEMBER only decorate one side of the pin – leave the sharp arm of the pin empty.

YOU ARE DONE! Attach to a backpack for a glamorous first day back to school.

Alison