Making A Push Pin Sequin Decoration
19th December 2024 - New Experience Number 36.
This has to be the fiddliest new craft I have ever tried. Yet, whilst making a push-pin sequin decoration did need focus and time, it was well worth it to add a new, and meaningful, ornament to the Christmas tree.
Here’s how I got on when I gave it a go as one of my fifty-two new things.
What Is A Push Pin Sequin Decoration?
I hadn’t heard of this craft before. In fact, I’m not entirely sure I’ve called it by the correct name.
The kit I found simply referred to it as ‘ornament of the month’. There doesn’t appear to be all that much online about it either so I’ve gone with push pin sequin decoration as that cropped up the most. If you read this and know what it’s officially called, please let me know!
I didn’t actually know it was a craft, even though I discovered I owned a Christmas decoration which was made in this way, but that had been bought from a garden centre so I don’t know for certain if it was hand made.
Essentially, it’s a craft which involves pushing pins, beads and sequins into a polystyrene shape to create a highly decorative item.
It’s not always a polystyrene shape, sometimes it might be an old satin ball, or an old Christmas decoration which is given a new lease of life by pushing the sequins into it.
Finding The Kit
I’d never heard of this craft, and I’d never seen a kit anywhere before.
It was when I was browsing in a charity shop that I spotted three sets for making push-pin sequin decorations. Always on the look out for new crafts to try, I picked up the Christmas ornament set for the bargain price of £2.50!
A Festive Feeling
On a chilly December afternoon, I turned on the Christmas tree lights, found a suitably cheesy and easy viewing festive film, made a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and set to work.
Getting Started
Firstly I read the instructions. Then I re-read them as I wasn’t sure I’d properly followed them the first time.
Secondly, I laid out all of the beads, sequins, pins, ribbons and shapes before me.
That’s when I saw just how small this all was!
The Process For Making A Push Pin Sequin Decoration
It’s quite a straight forward process.
The idea is to thread a bead and then a sequin onto a pin, and then push it all into the shape.
Repeat the process, and push the next pin in so that the sequin slightly overlaps the first.
Complete until you have finished your pattern.
Simple, hey?
The First Push
There were 3 different designs, and I began with what I thought would be the easiest, marking out the suggested design in pencil as a guide.
After a couple of attempts to get the pin to thread through the minuscule eye of the bead, I added a sequin, and then pushed it into the polystyrene.
One done, many, many more to go.
It took a few aborted attempts to place the second pin in a position which neatly overlapped the first.
My first line of sequins wasn’t exactly neat, but they were in, and I consoled myself that this was my first test attempt.
I thought this might have taken an hour or so, but it soon dawned on me that this would take much, much longer.
Getting Into The Zone
I was committed, so I got comfy and soon lost myself in the repetitive action. It’s a great activity for getting into a flow with.
I needed to pay attention to what I was doing with my hands, but I could still follow the plot of the film I’d put on. It’s the sort of craft which doesn’t need too much tough thinking. It’s ideal to do whilst listening to a podcast, or an audiobook, or pop on a film which doesn’t require your eyes to constantly be on the screen.
The Last Push
There was something incredibly satisfying about watching the piece come together. With half of the decoration complete, it was a tipping point, and the end was in sight. It felt as though I would actually, eventually, finish it.
A couple of hours later, and I pushed the final pin into place.
From those uncertain beginnings, I’d completed my push-pin sequin decoration, and it looked amazing!
Whilst it had looked very messy for a lot of the time during the making of it, I was really proud of the finished results. It was shiny and neat, and made a perfect new addition to my decorations.
Getting Into The Swing Of It
The kit contained another 4 decorations. As I was feeling pleased with my first attempt, I decided to start a second one. This time it was a 3D ornament. Over the course of the next few days, I spent an hour or so at a time threading the beads and sequins and covering the shape.
Again, I reached a point where I knew it was all going to come together which was a great motivator to keep going,
Beautiful Push Pin Sequin Decoration
I didn’t have time to make all of the decorations, but I was super pleased with the ones that I completed. They look like traditional, almost vintage, Christmas ornaments than my Grandma would have loved.
I hung them on the tree near a fairy light which gave them an extra sparkle, and I’ll look forward to putting them up year on year, knowing the time and effort that went into making these home-made, individual ornaments.
Would I Make Push Pin Sequin Decorations Again?
Well, I’ve still got some from the kit to make, so definitely!
I think it will be fun to make my own designs on the next ones. I don’t have to strictly follow the guidance in the instructions now that I know what I’m doing.
I’ll give myself plenty of time, and snuggle in on a bad weather day for a nice mindful craft.
Want To Try It Yourself?
- I stumbled across this kit in a charity shop, so it’s worth perusing your local second hand shop as you never know what craft kits you might find.
- You can find a selection of beautiful kits on the Pinflair website.
- There are some kits available on Etsy. This link will take you to the Etsy page where there are finished ornaments, but you should also find some kits to make your own too.
- Autodesk Instructables has a great tutorial outlining what you need and how to make push pin decorations. There are also some great design ideas, including teenage mutant ninja turtles, and pokemon!
- Covering The Bases also has instructions for making your own push pin sequin decorations.
Cost Of Experience
- My kit cost just £2.50 and contained everything I needed to be able to make 5 beautiful decorations.
- You can find kits on line from places such as Etsy, and Ebay. Prices will vary.
- You could always buy the individual components and follow one of the tutorials mentioned above.
Recommendations
- Use a muffin tray, or something similar. The individual pieces are so small, it’s a good idea to separate out the different colours so it’s easier to work with.
- Give yourself plenty of time. This isn’t a particularly quick craft, and will take well over an hour.
- Take breaks. Don’t forget to give your eyes a rest from focusing on the tiny parts.
- Use a thimble. I didn’t have a thimble and I managed ok, but it would have been helpful for pushing in all the pins.
- Take a picture. If you do give it a go, don’t forget to capture a photo of your decorative piece!