Savvy Suggestions for Safety Pins

Photo: AZCentral.Com

Wise Bread Picks

• Online Savings Accounts Reviewed
• Best Online Checking Accounts
• Citi Simplicity: 0% APR for 18 months

I seem to be obsessed with the various uses for household gadgets lately, and safety pins are no exception. Following are several ideas, ranging from the practical to the unexpected.

Nightlight shades. Add some beads of your choice, and voila. Not for everyone’s taste, but preteens should have a blast making these, as well as those who like the look of chrome and steel. Here’s a link to instructions on how to make the one pictured above.

Extra backpack security. While it isn’t fool proof, I like to use safety pins to secure the two zipper tabs for each section of my travel pack. Not only does this make it more difficult for the would be reach-in thief, but helps keep things from working their way loose when tossed in with other baggage on the bus.

Watch bands. I thought this idea was super cool when I first saw it. A great way to get some extra mileage out of an old watch, and apparently some people are selling them commercially. Here’s a link. 

Children’s friendship pins. This is definitely one of those “old classic” ideas that most of us probably remember from childhood. I included it here because it is certainly the season when young people are going to be looking for things to do for their classmates and parents are hoping they’ll choose activities that are low on mess and cost. These definitely fit the bill on both counts, and kids really do still love to dangle these things off the front cross laces of their sneakers, from their hats, on their jean jackets, wherever. Back in the day, I remember making just the simple version with a few colored beads on the pin section. Apparently, things have gotten much more elaborate with the pin swapping scene. Here’s a link to make a ton of different designs with pictures and instructions for each.

Emergency wardrobe support.  For me this comes up mostly on the adventure travel circuit, but certainly could be of use to the average person on the street, especially if my classroom teaching experiences are anything to go by. Some examples? Zipper pull replacement, turning a sarong into a temple skirt, pulling together fabric edges on an embarrassing rip or tear, securing a head scarf for mosque tours, dealing with popped buttons on a shirt . . . there are others, I’m sure.

Decorative tea light holder. Who knew? Between the reflective surface of the safety pins and the different crystal beads you could use, one of these should really give you some nice light reflection for a very small and affordable candle option. Obviously, the quality of beads you choose will directly impact the "class factor" of this project. I think this would a fun dorm room decorating activity for the young folks. Here’s a link: 

Tee-shirt sleeve holder. While young girls developing their own style might be some of the only ones wanting to make a fashion statement with the beaded version of these, as a traveler who has ended up with long term obnoxiously placed tan lines, I can see a plain nonbeaded on-the-road version of these as well. I usually have at least one extra large pin with several smaller sized ones attached to it hooked to the inside of my pack. This idea definitely would require having at least two extra large ones in the mix for the next trip. This link has the instructions.

Young person’s bracelet project. This is one of those “keep them busy for hours” projects that is perfect for a rainy day. Need some instructions? Here you go.

There are other ideas out there I'm sure. I admit to being particularly partial to the nightlight idea, but if you have others please feel free to post. Have a great day, everybody!