This document provides instructions for building a cross out of clothespins. It details the supplies needed, which include 16 clothespins and glue. The instructions are broken into 4 phases: in phase 1 the clothespins are prepared by removing springs and gluing them together in pairs; phase 2 provides directions for starting to assemble the cross shape; phase 3 adds supporting pins to strengthen the structure; and phase 4 attaches pins to form the arms of the cross. Proper alignment and adequate drying time for the glue are emphasized throughout.

1. A CROSS TO SHARE
Building Your Cross To Share
with
Gene Chism

2. I hope that you enjoy making
the cross as much as I enjoy
helping you.
You will find out shortly that it
does not take a rocket engineer
to make the cross.

3. Construction of A cross from clothespins

4. Supplies
Clothespins, spring type 16
Wax paper 8” x 8”
Glue – Woodworking waterproof –
This is supplied free.
Sandpaper grit size 150 1 sheet
Sandpaper grit size 210 1 sheet
Newspaper for top of table
Paper cup – small
Paper towels 4

5. Phase 1
1. The first step is to
gather up 16
clothespins and I
suggest maybe 3 or 4
in addition.
2. Inspect the pins for
roughness and lightly
sand if you find it
necessary.

6. It is my belief that after you have
completed this project it will open
your eyes to the time needed in the
construction.
Please feel free to work on the project
at home. You can use this time to glue
the pins for the next class.

7. Directions
1. Remove springs.
2. Glue 1 pin back to back. Use your wax paper to separate the pin
being glued from another object.
3. Glue balance of pins (15) face to face. Being careful to keep them
aligned properly. These pins should be glued a few at a time and
held tightly together for a good bond. Allow glue to set overnight.
Clamps may be removed after 30 – 45 minutes.
4. At this point you are ready to start the construction of your cross.
5. Start placement of pins to form cross but only 2 or 3 pins at a time.
By following this detail of the construction you have better control
of the assembly process. Use the pin from number 2 above to
form the foundation of the cross.

8. Phase 2
1. Take apart the pins but
keep them in pairs.
2. Now that you have
disassembled the pins you
will want to glue 1 pin as
shown in the far upper right
side of the picture. This is
glued back to back.
3. The other 15 pins will be
glued as shown the 2nd
from the right. Make certain
that you align the pins.
4. The springs may be thrown
away unless you can think
of another use for them. A
possibility would be to
make a bracelet for the
grand-daughter.

9. Phase 3
1. You will use the one pin
that is glued back to
back to start the cross.
2. To this add a normal
glued pin to the bottom
as shown in left photo.
3. The next step is to add
supporting pins to the
basic as seen in the
upper right photo.
4. Now we start to add
and this will strengthen
the cross.
5. We will move on to the
next phase.

10. Directions
You must be careful in the construction making certain that the pins
are aligned properly. If not, the cross will not be constructed
correctly and perhaps be weak.
As you apply glue be certain to wipe off any excess glue from the
pin or pins. Use a paper towel or cloth that is damp. Not wet but
damp. If too much water comes in contact with the glue then the
glue joint will not be strong.
Sand your cross and apply the finish of your choice.

11. Phase 4
Here we start the arms of the
cross and at this point we are
attaching the pins without much
contact being given. Please be
careful, as this will determine the
strength of the cross.
Notice how we have on the left
side started to add the three
pins. Before we complete these
with glue we have added another
pin to the original vertical pin.
This helps to give support and tie
the group together.
After this part has had time to
set, we start on the right side and
repeat the placement.

12. This is your cross to share
A finished picture of your project. You
may paint, stain and add to this as you
wish. We leave a lot to your imagination
and skills. It is possible to find miniature
flowers at one of the hobby stores to
decorate the cross
In the assembly of the cross, it is very
important that the joining of the parts are
in good contact with each piece and that
the glue is allowed to harden over night
before any stress is used in handling the
parts. We cannot emphasize this enough
Some of the connection are very delicate
and do not allow much of a surface
contact for gluing.

13. At last finished, but you have to make the
choice of how you wish to finish your cross.
Stain finish Stain finish with miniature flowers