Decorative Cactus Push Pins (Made From Hot Glue)

Always have cute push pins ready for any project or task by making your own! Learn my technique for making DIY decorative push pins that you can use in a variety of ways.

Cute push pins are always in need! I don’t know about you, but I’m constantly pinning papers and other important items up so I don’t lose them.

Sure, generic push pins are functional and work just fine. But I would MUCH rather use decorative push pins – especially when I can make them myself.

Today, I am showing you how to make decorative cactus push pins from hot glue. Yes, it’s true! You can make things like this out of hot glue. In fact, I wrote a book to show you how to make 50 other projects just like this one (more about that down below).

If you love working with hot glue to create useful and unique things, check out how to make your own Stamp and Statement Rings made from hot glue.

How To Make DIY Cactus Push Pins

Here is everything you will need to make these decorative push pins yourself! I even included a few links to help you start quicker.

Supplies Needed

• Hot glue gun
• Green hot glue sticks
• White craft paint
• Paintbrush
• Thumbtacks
• Non-stick hot glue mat

Instructions

Y’all, just follow these steps, and prepare to be amazed at how quick and easy this project is! In just minutes, you’ll have fun push pins to start decorating your boards and projects.

Step 1

Place a non-stick hot glue mat down on your work surface.

NOTE: A silicone baking mat will work as well but be sure not to use it for food after using it for crafting.

Step 2

Then add your green hot glue sticks to your glue gun and squeeze until melted green glue starts to come out.

Step 3

Freehand cactus shapes right onto your mat as shown below.

Pro Tip: If you don’t feel comfortable with freehanding or want to freehand them, just print some images from your computer and lay it under the mat as a guide (kind of like tracing).

Step 4

Allow the glue to cool completely then you can peel your cacti up from the mat. Add some polka dots with some white craft paint to complete the look.

Tip: I like to use the wrong end of my paintbrush whenever I am painting dots. Just dip the end in the paint and apply to the hot glue cactus.

Step 5

Then, just use a bit more hot glue to attach each cactus to the thumbtack. Allow everything to dry completely. You now have a collection of decorative push pins for your cork board!

FAQs

Here are a couple of questions that I see readers ask about making decorative push pins like this one. If you have a question, please check to see if I’ve already answered it below. Don’t see it? Please leave it for me in the comments!

Can I make different push pin shapes?

Yes! You can use this same technique to make decorative push pins in any shape that you desire. Imagine seasonal push pins or just ones to match your mood.

Have fun playing around with different shapes, colors, and designs. You can get hot glue sticks in a variety of colors – there are even glitter versions!

Will other types of glue work for this craft?

No, other types of glue won’t work. The reason hot glue works is because it is easy to form into a shape, it cools/dries quickly, and it holds its shape once dry. Other types of glue aren’t able to do any of these things, so they aren’t a good fit for making decorative push pins.

I hope you love this craft as much as I do! Will you be making some cactus DIY push pins for your home?

Hot Glue Hacks and Crafts

Do you love how easy this project is? Perhaps you want even more project ideas with hot glue? Well, I have the book for you! I partnered with Carolina Moore to write a book all about hot glue to bring you projects just like this one. We are using hot glue in ways that you never thought possible. Hot glue shoes? Oh yes! And so much more!

So are you ready to dive in and use your glue gun like never before?

Click here to order your copy of our book on Amazon!

Click here to order your copy of our book on Barnes and Noble!

Want to support local bookstores? Click here to purchase on Indie Bound!

DIY Cactus Decorative Push Pins

Create fun and unique push pins that you can use anywhere just using hot glue!

Print Project Pin Project Rate Project

Supplies

• Hot glue gun
• Green hot glue sticks
• Craft paint white
• Paintbrush
• Thumbtacks
• Non-stick hot glue mat

Instructions

• Protect your work surface by placing a non-stick hot glue mat down on it
• Add green hot glue sticks to your glue gun and let them heat up. Then squeeze so that melted green glue starts to come out.
• Create cactus shapes onto your mat with the hot glue.
• Allow the glue to cool then peel your cacti off of the mat. Add some polka dots with some white craft paint to complete the look.
• Use a little more hot glue to attach each cactus to the thumbtack. Allow all of your pins to dry completely before using them.

Notes

Pro Tip: If you don’t feel comfortable with freehanding or want to freehand them, just print some images from your computer and lay it under the mat as a guide (kind of like tracing).

NOTE: A silicone baking mat will work as well but be sure not to use it for food after using it for crafting.

Tried this project?tag us to show off your work!