Use Old Wooden Clothespins To Transform Any Mirror Into Rustic Wall Decor

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One of the best things about DIY home decor is that there are no rules — you can turn almost anything into a design idea. Another household item that often makes its rounds in DIY videos is clothespins — and not just for laundry-related crafts. For example, TikTok user Courtni put a twist on a typical full-length mirror by using wooden clothespins to build a rustic frame for it. She bought dozens of clothespins and glued them in tight, even rows over a homemade burlap-wrapped frame, forming a thick, textured border around an entire wall mirror. 

The final design looks like a rustic treasure you might find on the shelf of a World Market store. This DIY is just one more example of how everyday household items can be repurposed into something that actually earns a spot on your wall. If you love finding new ways to decorate with mirrors and want to give this project a try, you'll need to get a few supplies first, including a roll of burlap fabric. 

For example, this Liaycco 40" x 5 Feet Burlap Fabric Roll would work well. If you don't have a full-length mirror, you can buy a frameless one like those in this 4-pack of SAFEE MRROR 10" x10' Wall Mirrors, which is available on Amazon for $12. There, you can also find clothespins, such as the Mr. Pen Wooden Clothespins (100-pk), which is $7. If needed, add this $7 Mr. Pen Mini Hot Glue Gun to your list, and you're all set to get your project started.

First, remove all the metal springs from the clothespins, which can be a bit time-consuming. To do it, simply twist the two wooden ends away from one another, which will cause the springs to dislodge from the center. You can also use a pair of pliers to remove them. Set the disassembled clothespins aside afterward. Next, cut and measure your burlap fabric to create your mirror border. For a thicker border, you can fold the burlap in half at least once. 

@courtni..thompson

not bad for $7 dollars & an old body mirror! #clothespinmirror #diyproject #diybohodecor #fyp #boho #clothespincraft #wallofmirrors #bohodiy

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Measure the burlap and then cut it. You should end up with a frame that's roughly 5 inches on the front of the mirror, leaving an additional 2 to 3 inches to wrap around the back and secure it in place. Next, secure the burlap to the perimeter of the mirror with your hot glue gun. It's best to secure one side at a time, pressing the burlap down with your fingers every few inches as you go. Once it's dry, take the clothespin pieces and start at the top edge of the frame. 

Leave a gap the length of one clothespin from each side, then position the pieces vertically in a row across the frame, keeping them tight and in a straight line. The key to really making this design pop is keeping the wood pieces in straight lines so that it looks intentional and not thrown together. Repeat this process for the bottom edge. Once that's finished, move on to the side edges, but this time position the clothespin pieces horizontally, stacking them one beneath the other down the length of the frame.

If you're looking to upgrade your home on a budget, here's a DIY home decor idea that's definitely worth adding to your list. Additionally, there are several ways to level up this rustic frame design to put your own personal spin on it. For example, you can liven up the design by simply adding a pop of color to the frame. Something like this fuchsia FWD Burlap 60-inch Natural Sustainable Jute can add just enough color without losing the aesthetic. 

If you have time, consider spray painting your wooden clothespin pieces. You can use one or two colors to create a striped effect on the side edges of the frame, alternating colors on every couple of rows. Or, try working with multiple colors, for example, creating a gradient, if you want to keep the rustic look while leaning into something more playful and eclectic. If you prefer the natural look of the clothespins but want something with more patina, consider whitewashing them instead. 

This is another task that may be time-consuming, but the unique look of the final design will definitely be worth it. A strip of thick braided rope placed along the edges as trim is another way to add more dimensionality and even a nautical element to the design. Or, you can use metal string or a braided metal cable, such as this HUNSOOL Copper Wire, to build an industrial-farmhouse mashup on the mirror.