Fun Ways to Use Colorful Paper Clips – Craft Ideas for Everyone!

Colorful paper clips are not just for holding paper.

They’re also fun tools for art and crafts!

Kids, adults, and even grandparents
can enjoy using paper clips in creative ways.

Let’s explore some fun and easy ideas!

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What Are Colorful Paper Clips?

Paper clips are small metal tools for holding paper.

Colorful ones come in many bright colors and fun shapes.

They are great for school, work, and DIY projects.

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What Can You Make with Colorful Paper Clips?

Here are some fun ideas for different age groups!

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FPaper Clip Crafts – Step-by-Step Ideas + Classroom Kit Tips

Paper clips are not just for paper.
They are bright.
They bend.
They are perfect for easy crafts and STEM fun.

Below are projects for Kids, Adults, and Seniors.
Each project has You will need, Steps, and a Video.

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For Kids (Ages 6–10)

1) Paper Clip Animals (bunny, fish, more)

You will need

• Colorful paper clips (plastic-coated are best)
• Googly eyes (self-adhesive)
• Small pom-poms or beads (optional)
• Low-temp glue gun or glue dots
• Safety scissors (for ribbon or felt tails)

Steps

1. Pick one clip. Hold the long side.
2. Bend the small loop to make an ear, fin, or tail.
3. Add a tiny dot of glue. Stick on eyes or a pom-pom nose.
4. Want legs or fins? Add a second clip and link it.
5. Clip your animal onto a card or bookmark.

Classroom kit pairing

• Jumbo paper clips + glue dots + googly eyes + mini pom-poms + felt scraps.
• Fits a “Paper Clip Animals Station” table.

Video

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBKgiwAXqEU (DIY Paperclip Animals) YouTube

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2) Paper Clip Collage Art (color + shape play)

You will need

• Construction paper or cardstock
• Colorful paper clips
• Glue stick or double-sided tape
• Washi tape and stickers (optional)
• Crayons or markers

Steps

1. Draw a simple shape (sun, flower, fish).
2. Trace the outline with paper clips.
3. Glue the clips down (one by one).
4. Color the background. Add washi tape for borders.
5. Sign your name. Display on the wall.

Classroom kit pairing

• Construction paper class pack + glue sticks + washi tape + mixed paper clips.
• Fits a “Collage & Composition” lesson (line, pattern, color).

Video (embellishments you can adapt to collage)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8dU1KK3KMo (Butterfly Paperclip Embellishments) YouTube
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvpyAwqcr6k (Covered Paper Clips: add color & texture) YouTube

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3) Paper Clip Bookmarks (fast wins)

You will need

• Jumbo paper clips
• Ribbon or yarn
• Felt or craft foam (small pieces)
• Hole punch (optional)
• Glue dots

Steps (ribbon tassel)

1. Cut 15–20 cm ribbon.
2. Fold ribbon in half. Put the loop through the top of the clip.
3. Pull the tail ends through the loop. Tighten.
4. Trim the ends.

Steps (felt tab)

1. Cut a small felt heart/star.
2. Sandwich the clip top inside two felt shapes.
3. Stick with glue dots or low-temp glue.

Classroom kit pairing

• “Bookmark Bar” tub: jumbo clips + pre-cut felt shapes + ribbon spools + glue dots.
• Great as a reading reward center.

Videos

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcNgo4O-6_E (Heart-Shaped Paper Clip Bookmark) YouTube
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HI9qhDCK4M (Macramé Paperclip Bookmarks) YouTube
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIP4PZQMrik (Hidden Paperclip Bookmarks) YouTube

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4) Science Games: Magnet + Paper Clip

You will need

• Bar magnet or magnetic wand (classroom-safe)
• Paper clips
• String, tape, and a pencil (for “floating” tricks)
• Tray or large paper (for magnet painting, optional)
• Washable paint + a cup (optional)

Activities & Steps
A. Make a paper clip chain

1. Touch the magnet to one clip.
2. Add more clips to make a chain.
3. Count how many the magnet can hold.
   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AU7gkt5XW0 YouTube

B. Levitating/floating clip

1. Tie a clip to string; tape string to a pencil.
2. Hold a strong magnet near the clip; don’t touch.
3. Adjust until the clip “floats.”
   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbbhHz3J3jg YouTube

C. Temporary magnet

1. Stroke a clip with a magnet (same direction 30 times).
2. Try to pick up another clip.
   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okGhrHc65B4 YouTube

D. Magnet painting (STEAM)

1. Put a clip in paint.
2. Place the paper over a tray.
3. Move a magnet under the paper to pull the clip and paint lines.
   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPLpsrYDl3w YouTube

STEM kit pairing

• “Magnet Lab Mini Kit”: magnetic wands, jumbo clips, string, tape, cardstock, washable paint.

Safety Tip (Kids)
Use magnets with adult help.
Keep magnets away from mouths, ears, and electronics.

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For Adults – Home & Art Projects

1) Wall Art Grid (clean, modern)

You will need

• Wire grid panel or string + pushpins
• Paper clips (one color looks sleek)
• Mini prints or polaroids

Steps

1. Hang the grid or string lines on the wall.
2. Clip photos in rows.
3. Add washi tape corners if you like.
4. Change photos by season.

Classroom/office kit pairing

• “Photo Wall Board” set: grid, mini clips, washi tape, photo cards.

(For more decor clip ideas, browse mixed craft ideas)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EZ558Ma7u4 (5 Paper Clip Craft Ideas) YouTube

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2) DIY Jewelry (earrings, rings, necklace)

You will need

• Paper clips (standard or jumbo)
• Jewelry pliers set (round-nose, flat-nose)
• Jump rings, earring hooks, chain
• Beads or thread (optional)

Steps (simple chain earrings)

1. Open a clip into an oval link.
2. Make 3–4 links; connect like a tiny chain.
3. Add a jump ring on top.
4. Attach an earring hook.
5. Repeat for the second earring.

Steps (wrapped thread necklace)

1. Make a chain of 10–15 clip links.
2. Wrap colorful thread around each link.
3. Knot thread ends with a dot of glue.
4. Add a clasp.

Jewelry kit pairing

• “Paper Clip Jewelry Kit”: nickel-free hooks, jump rings, chain, small pliers, clips, bead mix, thread.

Videos

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DSVoSrXNFw (Paperclip Chain Maille Earrings) YouTube
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgEY1C1cGlg (Thread-Wrapped Necklace + Earrings) YouTube
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xdZRl1BeLA (Wire/Paperclip Pendants & Earrings) YouTube

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3) Office Helpers (stylish desk set)

You will need

• Tin can or jar (clean)
• Paper clips, washi tape, label stickers
• Hot glue gun
• Scrap fabric or felt (for a wrap)

Steps

1. Wrap the jar with fabric; glue the seam.
2. Make a band of paper clips around the top (glue a thin strip).
3. Add a label: “Pens,” “Clips,” “Markers.”
4. Fill and set on your desk.

Classroom kit pairing

• “Desk Makeover Pack”: jars/cans, washi tape, labels, clip mix, felt sheets.

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4) Big Art Displays (bulletin board wow)

You will need

• Foam board or cork board
• Lots of colored clips
• String lights (optional)

Steps

1. Sketch a big shape (tree, wave, skyline).
2. Press in clips along the line (or glue heads only).
3. Add string lights around the edge.
4. Mount in a hallway or library.

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For Seniors – Simple, Calming, and Fun

1) Easy Bookmarks & Charms

You will need

• Jumbo soft-touch clips
• Large-hole wooden beads or felt shapes
• Ribbon cut to 15–20 cm
• Glue dots

Steps

1. Thread bead on ribbon.
2. Tie ribbon to top of clip.
3. Add a felt leaf or heart with a glue dot.
4. Test in a book—easy to grip.

Kit pairing

• “Comfort Craft Kit”: jumbo clips, big beads, felt shapes, pre-cut ribbons.

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2) Brain Games with Paper Clips

You will need

• Paper clips (large)
• Printed puzzle cards (paths, mazes, shapes)
• Optional: rubber band for “linking clips” magic

Games

• Make a cube: try to build a clip cube.
• Linking magic: two clips + dollar bill trick.
• DIY puzzle game: make and solve a tangle trail.

Videos

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frq1dRyihps (DIY Paperclip Game ORANGU-TANGLE) YouTube
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-dNtsvatS0 (Paper Clip Magic Trick) YouTube
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv5SOvPJe3k (Paperclips Cube) YouTube

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3) Home Organizing (gentle tidy)

You will need

• Paper clips
• Index cards or photo sleeves
• Small boxes or trays

Steps

1. Clip photos by event and label.
2. Clip coupons by store.
3. Keep a small dish of clips by the phone.

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Safety Notes (for all ages)

• Use adult supervision with kids.
• Keep clips and magnets away from mouths and small children.
• Use low-temp glue with kids.
• Bend gently to avoid sharp ends.
• For jewelry, choose nickel-free findings.

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Ready-to-Go Classroom Craft Kits (easy to pack)

1. Paper Clip Animals Station

• Jumbo clips, googly eyes, mini pom-poms, felt dots, glue dots, idea cards.

2. Bookmark Bar

• Jumbo clips, pre-cut felt shapes, ribbon bundles, washi tape, glue dots.

3. Magnet Lab Mini Kit (STEAM)

• Magnetic wands, clips, string, tape, cardstock, directions for 3 games.

4. Collage & Composition Pack

• Construction paper class pack, glue sticks, washi tape rolls, stickers, clip mix.

5. Paper Clip Jewelry Kit (Makerspace/Teens & Adults)

• Paper clips, jump rings, earring hooks, chain, bead mix, small pliers.

6. Comfort Craft Kit (Seniors)

• Soft-touch jumbo clips, large-hole beads, felt shapes, pre-cut ribbons.

Panda Crafty can bundle any kit above with your class size, age level, and time limit.

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Extra Inspiration – More YouTube Links

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgEY1C1cGlg (Thread-Wrapped Necklace + Earrings) YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIP4PZQMrik (Hidden Paperclip Bookmarks) YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HI9qhDCK4M (Macramé Paperclip Bookmarks) YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcNgo4O-6_E (Heart Paper Clip Bookmark) YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBKgiwAXqEU (Paperclip Animals) YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AU7gkt5XW0 (Magnet + Paper Clip Chain) YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbbhHz3J3jg (Levitating Paper Clips) YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okGhrHc65B4 (Temporary Magnet Demo) YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPLpsrYDl3w (Magnet Painting) YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DSVoSrXNFw (Chain Maille Earrings) YouTube

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Real-Life Craft Ideas

Want some inspiration?

• Watch a video on making animals with paper clips
• See pictures of paper clip collage art
• Try DIY paper clip jewelry tutorials
• Play fun brain games with paper clips

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Summary

Colorful paper clips are more than office tools.

They are fun, safe, and perfect for creative minds of all ages.

From kids’ crafts to home decorations,
paper clips can turn into anything you imagine.

So grab a box and start crafting today!