The humble clothespin, often relegated to the laundry room, is a surprisingly versatile and incredibly affordable tool for a myriad of creative projects. Beyond simply hanging clothes to dry, these small clips can transform into delightful decorations, engaging toys, and practical household items. Dive into the world of **clothespin crafts** and discover endless possibilities for every season, occasion, and skill level.
One of the best aspects of working with clothespins is the wide variety available today. From classic wooden pins to colorful plastic ones, and even miniature or vintage styles, each type offers unique creative potential. This extensive guide showcases crafts that may call for different kinds of pins, allowing you to explore the full spectrum of clothespin artistry. You might find yourself reaching for classic wooden clothespins for a rustic look, mini clothespins for delicate details, colorful plastic pins to add a vibrant pop, or even vintage-style pins for a charming, nostalgic touch. These are some of the most commonly used types in the inspiring crafts detailed below, ready to spark your imagination.
1. Clothespin Wreath
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Wreaths can often be a costly endeavor, especially if you’re opting for fresh or intricate designs. For a budget-friendly, sustainable, and equally charming alternative, consider crafting a clothespin wreath. The beauty of this project lies in its seasonal versatility. You can effortlessly create a unique wreath for each major season or holiday, swapping them out as the year progresses. Personalize your wreath by using pre-colored clothespins or unleash your creativity by painting them yourself. Imagine a vibrant spring wreath, a patriotic summer display, a warm autumn arrangement, or a festive winter welcome, all made with simple clothespins.
2. Flowers
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Inject some playful charm into ordinary clothespins by adding decorative embellishments like fake flowers. This easy craft transforms plain old clips into something truly eye-catching and functional. With just a hot glue gun and your choice of small artificial flowers (paper, fabric, or silk), you can create delightful clips perfect for various uses. They’re excellent for displaying children’s artwork in a classroom, organizing important papers on a bulletin board, or even hanging cherished family photos on a string. Mix and match flower colors for a vibrant assortment, or stick to a single hue for a more cohesive look.
3. Bottle Brush Gift Embellishments
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Following the creative spirit of the flower pins, these bottle brush embellishments add a festive touch perfect for the holiday season. The concept remains wonderfully simple: attach miniature bottle brush trees to clothespins to create charming gift tags or festive decorations. These little “cuties” instantly elevate any present, adding a personalized and joyful flair. You can opt for classic white bottle brushes for a wintry feel, or choose from colorful assortments to match your holiday theme. They also make adorable ornaments or decorative accents for your home.
4. Wooden Snowman Ornament
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As highlighted, clothespins come in many forms, each suited for different projects. The next two snowman crafts, while depicting the same festive character, demonstrate this perfectly. This particular wooden snowman ornament utilizes a vintage-style clothespin, transforming it into a darling keepsake. With a bit of paint, small fabric scraps, and miniature accessories like scarves or hats, you can create unique ornaments ready to adorn your Christmas tree. This craft offers a wonderful opportunity to infuse your holiday decor with handcrafted charm and festive cheer.
5. Snowman
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In contrast to the vintage wooden snowman, this craft utilizes the classic spring-style clothespin, making it a familiar and accessible project for everyone, especially children. This snowman design is an excellent option for kids to create, offering a fun and engaging activity during the colder months. Once completed, these cheerful snowmen can serve multiple purposes: as charming bookmarks for their favorite books, whimsical additions to their toy collection, or even as festive clips to display holiday cards. It’s a simple yet rewarding craft that encourages creativity and imaginative play.
6. American Flag
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Are you searching for a striking piece of patriotic decor, whether for the Fourth of July or simply to show your national pride? This American flag wreath, constructed from clothespins, offers a perfect and enduring solution. It’s a robust piece that you can proudly display year after year. For a unique aesthetic, consider customizing the look to evoke a more vintage-inspired feel by opting for muted reds, whites, and blues, perhaps even painting subtle stars. Applying a coat of sealant or a distressed paint finish can further enhance this charming, aged effect, making your patriotic display truly stand out.
7. Car
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For children who adore cars, or for adults with a passion for unique decor, these clothespin cars offer a creative and untraditional take on classic racers. While they might not zoom across the floor at top speeds, they are perfectly suited for imaginative play and make charming display pieces. The beauty of this craft lies in its limitless customization. Feel free to decorate and paint them as elaborately or simply as you wish. From vibrant Hotwheels-inspired designs to classic Model T replicas, any style is more than acceptable, allowing for truly personal creations.
8. Cross
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For individuals seeking a unique and meaningful decorative cross, this clothespin rendition presents a beautiful and heartfelt option. Its construction creates a distinct textured look, which feels inherently appropriate and adds depth to the craft. Customization is key here: you can paint it a serene solid color, combine a few harmonious shades, or even make each individual clothespin a different hue for a striking mosaic effect. To ensure durability and a polished finish, seal your completed cross with a product like Mod Podge, preserving its beauty for years to come.
9. Cicada
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If you’re an educator, a parent, or simply have children in your life, this cicada craft offers an excellent and engaging art project. It’s particularly effective when paired with lessons about insect life cycles, hibernation, or the natural world, providing a hands-on learning experience. Alternatively, for kids who simply have a fascination with bugs, this clothespin cicada is an absolute winner. Its simple construction allows young crafters to easily assemble their own charming insect, fostering creativity and a love for nature in a fun, accessible way.
10. Magnetic Clothespins
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Are you constantly misplacing your clips or magnets around the house? Magnetic clothespins are a brilliant solution to this common problem. By attaching extra strong magnets to the back of clothespins, you create functional and decorative clips that will reliably stick to any metallic surface. I highly recommend making these in batches; despite their utility, they seem to have a mysterious way of disappearing or breaking over time. Having a stash on hand ensures you’re always prepared to clip notes to the fridge, organize papers on a whiteboard, or secure photos with style.
11. Trivets
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For those who frequently cook or bake, the struggle of never having enough trivets is all too real. These clever clothespin trivets have proven to be exceptionally handy on countless occasions. Not only are they an excellent solution for protecting your countertops from hot pots and pans, but they also offer a super affordable alternative to store-bought options, which can often be surprisingly expensive. Crafted from readily available and inexpensive clothespins, these trivets are a testament to budget-friendly functionality, making them a must-have for any kitchen.
12. Chip Clips
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Just like magnets, chip clips often have a way of disappearing when you need them most. If you find yourself constantly searching for a way to seal open snack bags, these DIY clothespin chip clips are the perfect solution. By decorating them in super bright and eye-catching colors, you can easily spot them from across the room, eliminating frustrating searches. A clever tip is to store them in the same drawer or pantry area as your snacks. This ensures they’re always within reach, making it harder to lose track of these essential kitchen helpers and ensuring your chips stay fresh longer.
13. Washi Tape Magnets
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Take your magnetic clothespins to the next level by adorning them with fun and vibrant washi tape. This simple addition instantly transforms plain clips into stylish, personalized magnets that can brighten up any metallic surface. Washi tape comes in an incredible array of patterns and colors, allowing for endless customization. You can even create different sets to match every season or holiday, or simply to reflect your mood each month. With an expansive set of washi tape at your disposal, the creative possibilities are truly boundless.
14. Clock
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If you’re seeking a truly distinctive and conversation-starting piece for your home, look no further than this innovative clothespin clock. Its captivating shape and intricate pattern make it a standout item, and the most exciting part is the freedom to decorate it entirely to your taste. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or a riot of colors and textures, this clock can be adapted to any aesthetic. It would make an exceptional and thoughtful gift for someone with eclectic taste, offering both functionality and a unique artistic flair that is sure to be admired.
15. Christmas Tree
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As the festive holiday season approaches, engaging in a small array of crafts is one of the most cherished activities, whether for personal enjoyment or with children. This charming clothespin Christmas tree is an ideal project to undertake while enjoying a holiday movie marathon or as a group activity with enthusiastic kiddos. Its simple construction allows for creative embellishments and personal touches, making each tree unique. For those looking for more quick and festive projects, you might also enjoy exploring these other holiday crafts for a fast and satisfying creative fix!
16. Sunshine
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Clothespins are not only versatile craft supplies but also excellent tools for developing fine motor skills in children. This cheerful sunshine craft brightens up the entire learning process, transforming practice into a fun and engaging activity. Keep it handy for a delightful project that offers a low-key moment for skill development. Encourage creativity by giving your sun character fun accessories, such as a playful toothy grin or cool sunglasses, or opt for a minimalist version. Regardless of the chosen style, this craft provides an enjoyable way to foster dexterity and imagination.
17. Sunflower Wreath
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As previously suggested, crafting a unique clothespin wreath for each season is a brilliant idea, and this stunning sunflower wreath makes an exceptional choice for ushering in Summer or celebrating the transition into early Fall. The addition of vibrant artificial sunflowers truly makes this wreath pop, creating a warm and inviting display. You can easily procure a selection of fake flowers here to bring this sunny creation to life. It’s a beautiful way to capture the essence of the season and add a cheerful touch to your home decor.
18. Christmas Tree Ornament
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Here’s another charming Christmas tree project, perfect to have prepared for December, whether for yourself or for kids eager to embrace the holiday spirit. These delightful ornaments can serve as lovely party favors for guests or as unique additions to your own Christmas tree. Either way, these DIY Christmas ornaments offer a wonderfully simple and satisfying crafting experience for enthusiasts of all ages. Their ease of creation ensures that anyone can partake in the joy of making personalized holiday decorations.
19. Angel
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Continuing with the festive theme of Christmas ornaments, add this sweet clothespin angel to your holiday crafting list for December. This project is ideal for gathering a variety of ornament materials and offering kids a choice of designs, fostering individual creativity. Alternatively, you could dedicate an afternoon to making a whole collection of these angels during a holiday movie marathon or a crafting session with friends. For a truly personal touch, offer different skin-tone colored paints to customize each angel, making them unique and reflective of diverse representations.
20. Fairies
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For those who believe in a sprinkle of magic and the charm of mythical creatures, this next craft is an absolute dream. These sweet clothespin fairies are the perfect whimsical addition to your home, capable of perching delicately on ledges or stairwells as if watching over your space. They also make enchanting toys to add to a child’s collection, sparking imaginative play. Whether you choose to go all out with intricate details, glitter, and elaborate outfits for your fairies, or prefer to keep them minimal and understated, the design is entirely up to each crafter, allowing for personal expression.
21. Fish
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These adorable little clothespin fish are the perfect companion for an academic lesson, an interactive game, or simply for free play. The best part of this craft is its adaptability: almost any sturdy craft material can form the fish’s body, from colorful card stock to cardboard covered with tissue paper or contact paper. To make them even more versatile, add letters, numbers, or colors to the fish cutouts. This simple addition gives you the option to instantly transform them into an educational activity, making learning fun and hands-on at a moment’s notice.
22. Mermaids
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Among the most delightful kid-friendly craft items I’ve encountered recently are these charming clothespin mermaids, which consistently turn out super cute. To ensure a vibrant and diverse collection, make sure you have an abundance of fun colors, especially for the mermaid tails, and plenty of sparkly accessories on hand for the young crafters. This versatile pack of yarn provides a wide range of hair colors, allowing for endless customization. Whether you create a singular mermaid or an entire family of underwater beauties, each one promises to be more endearing than the last. You will also love these other adorable mermaid crafts for more aquatic inspiration!
23. Airplanes
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If you or your little one gravitates towards the skies rather than the roads, these clothespin airplanes are a fantastic craft alternative to cars. You can recreate historical aircraft by meticulously adding individualistic details, or simply let your imagination soar and design your own unique flying machines. These airplanes make wonderful decorative accents for a child’s room, adding a touch of adventure and whimsy. They are also an easy and thoughtful option for party favors at aviation-themed celebrations. Beyond painting, consider staining them with wood stain to achieve a more authentic, classic aircraft appearance, giving them a sophisticated finish.
24. Turkey
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There’s an undeniable charm to a flock of homemade turkeys, and this craft cleverly scales them down to delightful clothespin sizes. While real leaves can be used, fake leaves often work better for durability and color retention, though experimenting is always encouraged! This craft is particularly excellent for a large group of young children, as most of the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. The finished turkeys are incredibly versatile: they can be used in academic work as visual aids, as cheerful place settings for Thanksgiving dinner, or even as functional clips to keep snacks fresh for longer. Their uses are truly endless.
25. Alligator
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For those times outside of the holiday season, a captivating clothespin craft like this alligator is perfect to have on standby for a rainy day, especially when you have a group of energetic kids. Children are naturally drawn to critters, and with the simple addition of expressive googly eyes, these alligator clips are sure to be an instant hit. Encourage individuality and creativity by offering each crafter different colors and patterns for their alligator. This not only makes the activity more engaging but also results in a wonderfully diverse and unique collection of toothy friends.
26. Dinosaur
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The parade of beloved children’s animals and critters continues, with the extinct crowd — dinosaurs — taking center stage. These captivating dinosaur crafts utilize felt to create distinctive and durable silhouettes, ensuring they stand the test of time and enthusiastic play. You can opt for traditional colored felt to represent classic dinosaur species, or unleash boundless creativity with bright, patterned, or other fun felt options to adorn these prehistoric pins. To enhance their functionality and fun factor, consider adding magnets to the back of any of these pins for a kid-friendly fridge fidget or an engaging whiteboard decoration.
27. Plant Markers
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It’s a common gardener’s dilemma: planting something and then immediately forgetting what it was – it truly happens to the best of us! Solve this age-old problem by crafting these easy and adorable plant markers using regular or mini-sized clothespins, depending on the scale of your garden or planting space. Personalize them to fit your unique aesthetic, whether you prefer the vibrant patterns of washi tape, the crisp lines of paint pens, or any other decorative style that suits your needs. For seasonal gardeners, keeping these markers with your other gardening items ensures they are always easy to find and ready for use year after year.
28. Tinkerbell
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For children who dream of Neverland and prefer the magic of Disney characters over airplanes or race cars, this Tinkerbell craft is an enchanting choice. The project isn’t overly complicated, making it accessible for young crafters. Beyond sketching out Tinkerbell herself on a wooden clothespin, the main creative challenge lies in crafting her iconic wings, which can be made from paper, glitter foam, or even sheer fabric. This delightful fairy doll provides endless opportunities for imaginative play and makes a charming addition to any Disney fan’s collection, bringing a little bit of pixie dust into their world.
29. Heart
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Add a touch of heartfelt charm to your seasonal clothespin wreath collection with this adorable heart design. This particular wreath is, quite obviously, a perfect option for celebrating Valentine’s Day and the surrounding romantic period. You can stick to the classic aesthetic with an all-red heart, symbolizing deep love and passion. Alternatively, introduce a bit of variety by incorporating shades of pink, white, or even purple to create a softer, more nuanced expression of affection. It’s a beautiful way to express love and decorate your home during the season of romance.
30. Butterfly Snack Bags
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One clever trick I’ve discovered to encourage youngsters to eat a wider variety of snacks is by presenting them in an appealing and fun way. Creating an animal or insect motif with the snack bag itself is a surefire winner – much like these charming butterfly snack bags. By clipping the center of a sealed snack bag with a decorated clothespin (forming the butterfly’s body) and adding paper wings, you transform an ordinary snack into an exciting treat. This simple visual trick makes healthy eating more enticing and adds a playful element to meal or snack time.
31. Dyed Glitter
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For a unique, sparkly, and utterly adorable clothespin, try the simple yet effective technique of dyeing and adding glitter. This is undeniably one of the easiest projects on this list, involving a minimal number of steps for maximum visual impact. The process is straightforward, yielding beautifully vibrant and shimmering clips. You can choose to follow a specific theme, opting for a cohesive palette of colors and glitter, or simply let your intuition guide you, picking and choosing whatever feels right in the moment. The result is always a collection of personalized, dazzling clothespins that elevate any use.
32. Dragonfly
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Armed with your newly glittered and dyed clothespins, you’re perfectly equipped to create these absolutely darling dragonfly pins. These whimsical creatures are an ideal craft for heralding the arrival of Spring or Summer, instantly injecting bright pops of color and playful charm into your surroundings precisely when you need it most. Their vibrant appearance captures the essence of warm, sunny days and adds a touch of natural beauty to any space. Display them individually, or create a whole swarm to dangle from strings or attach to curtains for a truly enchanting effect.
33. Pirate Dolls
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Are you searching for a fresh and exciting activity to engage your children, but not quite ready to invest in another box of Legos or expensive toys? These pirate dolls are the perfect solution! The best part about creating this crew of swashbucklers is the freedom to go as detailed or as simple as you wish. Encourage imaginative play by creating dolls that resemble your own family members, friends, or even beloved storybook characters for an extra layer of fun and personalization. These handcrafted pirates promise hours of creative adventure without breaking the bank.
34. Butterflies
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Complement your dazzling dragonflies with these equally charming clothespin butterflies, creating an even more colorful and bustling ensemble of winged friends. These butterflies, even on their own, can serve as exquisite decorative accents in any part of your home, their visual impact depending on their size relative to your space. Imagine them clipped to curtains, displayed on a mobile, or adorning a spring-themed centerpiece. Their delicate beauty and vibrant colors bring a touch of nature’s elegance indoors, making them a delightful and versatile craft for any season.
35. Watercolor Spider
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This art project offers a fantastic blend of simplicity and fun, with clear directions and easy-to-follow steps. The classic spiderweb craft receives an exciting makeover with the addition of a larger-than-life spider, seemingly crawling its way back home. This craft is particularly engaging for children and perfect for the Halloween or Fall season. For an extra creative touch, utilize both mini and regular-sized clothespins to construct an entire family of spiders, creating a charming and slightly spooky display returning to their intricately painted web. It’s a wonderful way to explore art and storytelling.
36. Hippo and Zebra Magnets
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These delightful zoo-oriented magnets make a perfect addition or a thoughtful gift for your favorite young classroom or dedicated teacher. Classrooms can always benefit from more fun, sweet, and functional decoration options, or engaging items for kids to interact with on whiteboards and magnetic surfaces. These hippo and zebra magnets not only add a touch of playful wildlife but also serve as practical tools for displaying artwork, holding notes, or simply providing a cheerful visual element. They encourage learning and creativity in a vibrant, classroom-friendly format.
37. Color Matching Game
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An excellent and pressure-free method for teaching color recognition is by creating this engaging color-matching game. Customize the game by including as many or as few colors as are appropriate for the child or children learning their hues. As their knowledge expands, you can easily make new versions with additional colors, numbers, or even letters. Constructing one out of sturdy cardboard is a quick and budget-friendly way to create a durable tool for continuous practice. This hands-on activity fosters cognitive development in a playful and interactive manner, making learning a joyful experience.
38. Bunny Ears
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Crafting bunny ears is arguably one of the quickest and easiest projects you can complete, often within five minutes! This simple option, typically made from paper or felt attached to a clothespin, allows for charming customization, including a cute bunny face. It’s an ideal activity during the Spring season, perfect for Easter celebrations, spring festivals, or simply to add a whimsical touch to any day. This particular cute craft idea embodies simplicity and immediate gratification, making it a favorite for crafters of all ages looking for a swift and adorable project.
39. Love Bug
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A love bug stands out as one of the cutest and most charming Valentine’s Day crafts you can create with little ones. This particular rendition brilliantly incorporates another one of my favorite versatile household goods – a humble paper plate. The joy of using simple, readily available items to create something joyful and fun is always a delightful experience. It’s a craft that sparks imagination and celebrates affection with minimal fuss. For more creative ideas using everyday items, you might also have fun exploring these other paper plate crafts!
40. Bat Magnet
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For a delightfully spooky edge during the vibrant Fall and festive Halloween season, consider crafting these charming little bat magnets. They fit perfectly into the category of our other captivating critters and creatures, adding a touch of nocturnal mystique. There’s a good reason for this association: bats will forever be intrinsically linked with the spirit and imagery of Halloween. These magnets offer a fun and easy way to decorate your fridge or any magnetic surface, bringing a touch of whimsical fright to your seasonal decor, much to the delight of kids and adults alike.
41. Birds on a Branch
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Rounding off our comprehensive list of clothespin crafts are these wonderfully whimsical and sweet birds on a branch! This project offers an easy yet thoroughly enjoyable option for crafters of any age, from the youngest artists to seasoned enthusiasts. With just a few simple materials and a dash of creativity, you can bring a delightful scene of feathered friends perching on a branch to life. Whether displayed in a child’s room, adorning a mantelpiece, or gracing a classroom, these charming birds add a touch of natural beauty and playful character wherever they go. Their simplicity ensures success and a smile for every creator.
In conclusion, the humble clothespin proves itself to be an extraordinary crafting material, offering endless possibilities that extend far beyond its traditional use. From intricate wreaths and delightful holiday ornaments to functional household items and imaginative toys, these 41 clothespin crafts demonstrate the incredible versatility and creative potential packed into such a small, inexpensive item. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with kids, a budget-friendly way to decorate your home, or a unique gift idea, clothespin crafts offer accessible and rewarding projects for everyone. So, gather your pins, unleash your creativity, and start transforming these everyday objects into works of art!