• Dragonflies vary symbolically from culture to culture: in Japan they symbolize happiness and light. Native Americans see them as souls of the dead. Similar to jeweled or metallic ladybugs and butterflies, dragonflies are a popular figure in women's jewelry. To some, wearing them symbolizes a connection between humans and nature.
  
  

Dragonfly Clothespin

• A dragonfly clothespin is quick and simple to make and you can use it as a paper clip, potato chip bag clip, or as a charming accessory clipped to a bag or purse. Paint a clothespin any color you like. Take two small wooden craft spoons and paint those a matching color, a color that contrasts with the clothespin. When dry, cross the wooden spoons in an "x" shape and glue them to the back of the clothespin. These are the wings. Take a pipe-cleaner of about 6 inches in length and bend it in half, curling it at the ends. Glue it to the top of your dragonfly to act as antennae. Feel free to draw a face on the dragonfly, or leave it blank.
  
  

Beaded Dragonfly Pin

• A beaded dragonfly pin is a more traditional jewelry piece. A great aspect of making this pin is that the beads you use drastically change the finished overall look of the pin. For example, glass beads will look dramatically different than silver or gold beads. Take a 24-gauge wire of at least 6 inches long and curl it at the end. String beads until it is covered entirely: feel free to use beads of the same or differing colors. This is the body of the dragonfly. Shape the 32-gauge wire into wings and string beads on them of a contrasting color. When finished, twist the wings against the body of the dragonfly. Wire your pin to the dragonfly with a few inches of 24-gauge wire, or glue it with a hot glue gun.
  
  

Wire Dragonfly

• This dragonfly is similar to the one in Section 2, except that it's simpler to make and in the end, gives you a more minimalistic dragonfly. Fold 12 inches of silver wire in half, leaving a little curve at the bottom. Add five beads of any color. Loop the remaining wire into a small set of wings. Twist to hold. Repeat this step again, this time making your second set of wings slightly larger than the first set. Fold the wire down and then up, and string one bead of a different color at the top. This is the head of the dragonfly. Curl the remaining bits of wire into antennae. Loop a safety pin through the top bead to pin it to your clothing.