Make a Mini Uncle Sam

Spread the red, white, and blue cheer by creating Uncle Sam clothespin dolls with your family. (Parental supervision is required). The versatile pins can be use at a July 4 gathering to hold holiday banners, napkins, and place cards. Or, pop a doll on your cup in lieu of a paper umbrella. Once they’re no longer in use, the dolls can become age-appropriate kids’ toys at your discretion. Inviting Uncle Sam to the party is sure to make any tablescape look playful!

Supplies:

Super glue
Double-sided tape
Wooden clothespins (one per doll)
Blue paper
Cotton balls
Paint brush
Paint in navy blue, primary red, white, and yellow

Tip:

While working, place the clothespins on a paper plate. This way, you can space them far enough so paint doesn’t get on them while they are drying.

Instructions:

Step 1

Mix white and red paint until you get a very light peach-pink. Paint the ball area at the top of the pin to make it into Uncle Sam’s head. Dry the pin standing up on a flat surface.

Step 2

Add pants to the pin by painting the "legs" white. Create a collar just below the head with the white paint, too. Next, add one drop of water into the red paint to thin it. Once the white pant legs are dry, apply vertical red stripes to them with a very fine brush. The lines don’t have to be perfect! After the striped pants are fully dry, paint on a blue coat for Uncle Sam to wear.

Step 3

Mix a dab of red color with the peach-pink paint from step 1 to create a darker pink. Add two dots of this hue to Uncle Sam’s face to give him rosy cheeks. Complete the face by painting two black dots for eyes. Dress up the doll’s coat by adding a vertical row of yellow painted buttons to it.

Step 4

To make a hat, cut a circle about the size of a quarter for the base and a rectangle for the top part. Roll the rectangle into a tube, sealing it from the inside with the double-sided tape. Attach the top tube to the bottom base with super glue, then allow it to dry.

Step 5

Roll a thin piece of cotton with the palm of your hands to make Uncle Sam’s beard. Apply it to the bottom of his chin with a dot of super glue. Hold it in place for about 10 seconds.

Step 6

Glue the excess beard to the left and right sides of the doll’s head. Wait about a minute, then add Uncle Sam’s hat on top of his head with glue. Hold on the hat for another minute, and enjoy! Repeat steps 1-6 to create as many pin dolls as you like.