Sporty Clothespin Players

Materials Needed Wooden clothespins
Acrylic paints in; skin tone, colors of a favorite sports team, and black
Clear gloss varnish
Paintbrushes: # 6 or 8 flat
Liner: # 00
Pencil
Very fine black pen, (optional) Directions A: Mixing the Paint

1. Make skin colored paint by mixing white paint with tiny quantities of scarlet and yellow. You can mix darker skin tones by adding a very small amount of blue. Experiment with these colors to find the right blend. If children are to paint the pins, they will probably need adult help to mix the skin-colored paint.
2. If you want to make a darker skin tone, add only a small bit of blue at a time. Remember that it is very much easier to apply darker coats of paint over a light colored first coat, than to lighten a first coat that is too dark.

B: Painting the Pins

1. Using the #6 or 8 flat brush, apply an undercoat of skin colored paint to the pins and allow them to dry.
2. Using the image above as a guide, or making up your own designs, paint pins in the colors you have chosen. You could use generic colors, or paint the pins in the colors of your favorite team. Allow the pins to dry.
3. Using the pen, add black paint to add details such as the outlines of the jackets, sweaters etc. as well as hands, buttons, hairline and more. Don't forget to add interesting details to the backs and allow to dry.

C: Finishing:

1. Using a #6 or 8 flat brush, apply two coats of clear gloss varnish, leaving the pins to dry for at least 24 hours between coats.