Mini Cup Pin Cushion and DIY Pins

Say hello to my newest pin cushion.

This little thing started out as a decorative candle from Dollar Tree, but had a higher destiny: To keep my straight pins off my craft room floor, and out of the bottoms of my feet. Here's how to make your own:

Let the candle burn for a few hours, and pour the wax out. Don't worry if some wax gets left behind since the cushion will cover it anyway. If you can't find one of these cute candles you can use an espresso cup, or even a piece of a miniature tea set.

To make the cushion cut a circle from your desired fabric. Mine was around 6 inches across. Hand sew a running stitch around the circle, fill with stuffing (or steel wool to keep your pins sharp), and cinch it shut. Sew through it a few times to secure.

Put a few circles of hot glue around the inside of the cup rim and press the cushion in place. You'll only get one shot at this, so make sure it is where you want it.

That's it! Now you've got an adorable new pin cushion. But, wait! You need some equally adorable pins! If you are like me you've got dozens of random beads lying around. Give them some new life by placing a dab of E-6000 on and slightly below the pin head. Slide your bead to the top, and hold in place for a few minutes.

If you don't have the time or patience to hold the beads in place simply slide them into a piece of styrofoam or a soda cup lid and let them sit for at least an hour before removing.

For another easy pin makeover use Sculpy clay to cover the pin heads and bake at 275 degrees for 15 minutes. Both the pins and the cushion would make a lovely gift for any seamstress.