Durable Center Clip Idea: I absolutely adore center time, but center clips rarely make it through a school year in one piece in my room. I constantly have to replace them when they fall apart!
I use the most durable wooden clips I can find because you can forget those plastic-colored ones… they break super easy. I love covering the clips with card stock or construction paper so I have a variety of colors for each center or area. How do you get the paper to stay on the clips and not end up looking like THIS:
Center Clip Idea That Didn’t Work
Here is what I tried in the past:
– plastic clips- worst idea ever
– wooden clips with markers to draw on the clips- messy and rubs off, esp in the art center
– wooden clips with paper and regular glue- easy and cheap- doesn’t last
– wooden clips with paper and rubber cement glue- worst idea ever- do not attempt
– wooden clips with paper and hot glue- lasted better than most, but still didn’t make it through the year.
Center Clip Idea That Did Work
Finally, I thought, why not use Mod Podge on my clips??? Here is what I did today. I took new wooden clips, scissors, construction paper, Mod Podge, a small paint brush, and the sealer spray (this is optional.)
First, I cut the paper to fit on the clips. Then I applied the Mod Podge to the wooden clip using the brush. The paper sticks on it pretty easily and it isn’t very messy. Do this to both sides of the clip. Then, I let the clips dry on a laminated folder in case the Mod Podge dripped.
Next, I applied a second layer of Mod Podge on the TOP of the paper on the clips and let that dry. Do one side, let it dry… then flip it over to paint the second side.
Last, I put my new clips up on my chart!
You can spray the sealer on top of the clips if you desire. Since I am pregnant, I skipped this step because of fumes. (Hubs would have been mad at me if I even attempted.) These clips are slick to the touch, but not sticky. Best yet… the paper isn’t raised on clips which I really feel will prevent them from falling apart like most clips.
Time with certainly tell how well these clips are but this was a cheap and super easy way to make some durable clips. Here is the link to my versatile center chart shown above.
Update for Durable Center Clip Idea
Update: After doing this for 10 years, I can tell you that this Durable Center Clip Idea DOES WORK and I still do this to this day.
Thank you for sharing this great idea. This is the perfect time to work on this project!
It was quick and easy… just paint a layer… work on something else while it dries… paint another layer and work on something why it dries.
And did I mention CHEAP!?!
The other thing I heard of recently is to dye them when you tie-dye. 🙂 This looks like a good idea, fun project! I might try this over the summer, I have several other Mod-podge projects in the works!
That would be SO FUN! I am very particular about the colors matching though, so I am not sure I could tie dye. I say on Pinterest using dye to color the clips… also a cool idea!
I use the tie-dye method. It works fabulous. The longer you leave the clips in the more vibrant the colors. They never fade.
Good ideas here! My peeling clips drove me crazy this year. Another suggestion when drying items with Mod Podge is to use waxed paper to dry on. Peels right off and handy. I keep in my art center for all projects requiring glue.
I have had good luck with acrylic paint, but maybe I'm just lucky? Love your clip idea!
Maggie
I used spray paint on mine and they lasted quite well.
I spray painted mine too and they lasted forever! Sooo fast to spray them. 🙂