Shake, Rattle and Roll

Until I started scrapping I thought a paper clip was just that, a paper clip. A vehicle that one used when one wanted to temporarily hold together assorted papers. A hundred to a box, made in China, pick them up at the dollar store for a dollar or at the 99 Cent Store for 99 cents. But as we all know now, that is so yesterday.

Today paper clips have been updated and upgraded to become a necessity for all good scrappers. No more boring blah silver, one can easily find paper clips in every color of the rainbow and in such obscure designs as Pac-Man and thumbs up and down.  

Despite their boring silver color, paper clips do have a colorful history. Although the first paper clip patent was awarded to Samuel B. Fay in 1867, its true origins remains a mystery to this day. And unlike other office supplies, paper clips played a role in WW2  when Norwegians wore them on their lapel as a symbol of resistance against the Germans. Inspired by this show of solidarity, the documentary PAPER CLIPS was released in 2004. If you haven’t seen it, please do. It is an incredible film that will restore your faith in the goodness of man.

I personally love the look of vintage paper clips and happened upon an easy way to make them. Ingredients: silver paper clips, alcohol ink and a plastic bag.

 

Pour a few drops of ink in the bag. Add a handful of paper clips, shake until they are coated. I usually let them sit for about a half hour and then remove and let dry. VOILA! Vintage paper clips for pennies.

 

Do you use paper clips in your projects? Have a favorite?