Clothespin Car SWAPS

Clothespin Car SWAPS Instructions:

Materials: (mini) wooden clothespin, 2 twist ties, 4 matching buttons, 2 pieces of drinking straw (1/2” for mini clothespin), thread (~4”), safety pin
Also needed: scissors, glue or glue gun, and paint/decorations

1. Paint and decorate clothespin as desired. Allow to dry.
2. Insert one of the twist ties into a hole in one button from back to front. Thread about an inch or so through a second hole and back to the other side of the button. Twist the two pieces at the back of the button tightly. Thread one of the straw pieces onto the twist tie. Thread the open end of the twist tie through a hole in the second button, then thread it back through the second hole and twist together like you did before. Trim any excess twist tie as needed. Repeat this process for the remaining pair of buttons.
3. Thread the string through the hole in the safety pin and thread through the spring of the clothespin. Tie the safety pin to the side of your car. Trim extra string as needed.
4. Open the clothespin and place the straw from one set of wheels in the hole of the clothespin opening. Close the clothespin. Hopefully, the clothespin will not completely flatten the straw and the twist tie should be able to turn freely inside the straw.
5. Add a dab of white glue to the back of the clothespin near the spring. Insert the second set of wheels into the handle end of the clothespin and push it toward the spring into the glue. Allow to dry.
6. Decorate finishing touches, such as coloring over showing twist ties, as desired.

Colors of scouting/rank, along with details such as troop number or Den number, can tie in well with this craft. You can also consider stickers, decoupage, or other decoration materials.

This SWAPS ties in wonderfully with the annual tradition of the Pinewood Derby!
For young scouts, this one may be tricky and require the assistance of an adult partner, but the results are very popular.

Additionally, I know at least one Adventure where it can be a great tie-in craft!

Recommended Adventure Tie-In:

Lion = On My Mark Adventure