You Just Need Clothespins To Make An Adorably Rustic Mini Apple Barrel

Not every DIY has to be some sort of game-changing hack that improves your everyday life (although we do love those kinds of projects, too). Sometimes, all you want to do is sit back, relax, and make a cute piece of home decor — like this adorable mini apple barrel created by Blessings Craft Therapy on YouTube. Made from an empty metal can, wooden clothespins brushed with wax, and jute cord, this rustic DIY is cheap, simple, and fun. 

In the video, the creator displays fake flowers in her finished barrel, but you don't necessarily have to use it for that purpose. For example, it could also be a cute way to hold cutlery, straws, or napkins when you're hosting parties. Or you might pop it on your desk and fill it with pens, thumbtacks, paperclips, or other office supplies. It would make a cute piece of outdoor table decor for a backyard wedding or gathering as well.

Want to make your own mini apple barrel? Your first step is gathering the right supplies, starting with the metal can. You'll want to use a smaller one (about 4 ounces, rather than the larger 14.5-ounce) so the clothespins fit nicely around it. Then pick up some clothespins, like Dollar Tree's Crafter's Square Clothespin Pack priced at $1.25, a roll of jute cord, black paint, and a container of wax. At Hobby Lobby, you can buy the FolkArt Home Decor Wax for $1.99. You'll also want a hot glue gun, a paintbrush or old makeup brush, and scissors.

Once you have those items, wash the metal can with warm water and dish soap, then let it dry. Next, use your fingers to disassemble each clothespin so you're left with three parts: two wooden arms and one spring. You won't need the springs for this DIY, but if you want to repurpose them, you can follow the creator's tutorial for turning them into adorable little stars. Set the can upright on your table. Add a vertical line of hot glue onto the flat side of a clothespin and press it onto the seam of the can, making sure it's straight. Repeat that process, working your way around the can until it's covered in pins. 

Now, it's time to give the barrel some personality. Grab your paintbrush or makeup brush and start applying the wax to the clothespins. When they're covered and you're happy with the color, wipe the pins with a paper towel. Then, add a line of hot glue in one of the holes of the clothespins, going all the way around the barrel, and cover it with jute. Repeat that for the other indented part of the pins.

Alternatively, if you don't love rustic decor, you could skip the wax and jute. Instead, you might paint the barrel a fun, vibrant color. For example, if you're planning a baby shower or gender reveal party, you could make it blue or pink depending on what you're having. Another option? Paint it a light color and use markers to write a message or draw on it.

For the finishing touches, put a dot of hot glue on one of the clothespins (right above the first row of jute). Add a few more at evenly spaced intervals around the barrel. The creator says she puts a dot on every four pins, but you could do more or less. Do the same thing above the second row of jute. Wait for the glue to dry, then darken them with a little bit of black paint. Finally, to get a more rustic and weathered look, gently brush some of that black paint on different parts of the barrel. And now, you have an incredibly creative way to use clothespins in your home.