There are always socks that get separated from their mates.  Previously the lonely socks without a matching pair were kept attractively right on the kitchen table, until the creation of this super cute and functional DIY lost socks sign.  The inspiration for this very useful craft project came from Pinterest.  The execution of it can happen with virtually limitless variations in style and color.  It’s easy to make this DIY lost socks sign with a unique personality to fit a desired theme or decor.  This article goes through the specific steps used to make this sign and some different options produced as examples.

 

Steps:

1. Prepare Sign
2. Add Lost Socks Quote
3. Glue On Clothespins
4. Hang, Use, and Enjoy

 

1.  Prepare Sign

There are multiple options for the base of this project.  More affordably old scraps of wood can be used.  For my signs I found some recycled redwood shingles and added in rectangle pieces of plywood that was readily available in my garage.  The wood was all rectangular in shape and approximately 14 by 9 inches, give or take 2 inches.  The signs were sanded down by hand and given a light spray of acrylic paint.  2 nails were hammered into the 2 top corners in the back.  Twine was tied to the nails, which allowed the sign to be hung.

Blank ready-made signs could also easily be used, like the chalkboard one found for just $3 at the Target bullseye playground.  It was a little smaller than my homemade signs, and as a result held less clothespins and less socks, but still resulted in an even easier to make and still very cute product.

 

2.  Add Lost Socks Quote

There are multiple options for lost socks quotes.  Even just “Lost Socks,” would do nicely.  I liked “Clean, Single, Seeking Sole Mate,” with its play on words.  Using Cricut Design Space™ app I made this design with fancy script letters and cut the phrase out of vinyl along with the heart arrow with the Cricut Maker.  For more information about Cricut’s cutting machines and the Cricut Maker please read my previous articles Cricut Maker Giveaway and WIN A CRICUT MAKER!

 

I hate wasting materials (I’m cheap frugal) so I used both the actual words and the negatives to make signs.  The negatives were used as a stencil.  Using white chalk paint this saying was stenciled onto the wooden natural sign.  The vinyl sticker words were used for the black chalkboard sign.

 

 

3.  Glue on Clothespins

Clothespins can be found at any hardware store.  A bag of 50 wooden clothespins was purchased for $6.99 at City Mill, or bags may be found on Amazon with free prime shipping. The next simple step is to glue the clothespins onto the sign.  Consider using E6000, or some other really strong adhesive, because the clothespins need to be attached very securely so they are stabilized while clipping and unclipping socks on.

The pins below were hand crafted by Grandma and the kids.  It gives the otherwise plain sign some personality and a pop of color.  See how to make the creative and colorful pins in a previous post here.

4.  Hang, Use, and Enjoy

Now the sign is complete and the last step is the hang the sign up.  Hopefully there’s a nice spot right by the washer and dryer or in a laundry room if you’re lucky enough to have one.  Pin up all those single, lonely socks laying around so they are easy to keep track of and easy to find if a sole mate magically reappears.

 

No Time To DIY?

Etsy has some beautiful options for these signs ready-made.

 

Now you know how to make a DIY lost socks sign step by step.  I’m keeping the sign with the kid’s personalized clothespins.  The other signs are going to become Christmas gifts given out this year and with plans for even more styles and variations made in the future.  Of course, there are always tons of plans and good intentions for future projects, which doesn’t always get done due to time.  There’s not enough hours in the day to get everything done, as is a true saying for most moms.  Let me know if you have any questions and I love seeing and hearing about your own projects!

 

The product links above are provided for your convenience with no obligation to buy.  I am a Cricut, Etsy, and Amazon affiliate and may make a small commission if you click on the links and end up buying useful, needed, and wanted stuff.  All products used were bought by me and all opinions are my own.

 

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