Boxing Boxes

 I shop online periodically.  I always save the boxes for a while to determine if I can use them for something else. (I've been trying to declutter and organize lately.) 

I've made a pact with myself that if I don't use them within 30 days, I break them down and take them to a recycle station. After all, more boxes will be on the way...eventually. 

Being that I frequent fast food restaurants, (Don't judge me.) I accumulate a lot of paper napkins. (Why throw them away when I can use them in the car or at home*?)

 For a while I stacked them on top of the microwave. That stack can get so large, it tumbles over.  I decorated one of the small, cardboard  shipment boxes using one napkin, acrylic paint, felt and air-dry clay to decorate a box to keep them in. I happened to have all I needed in my craft stash. 

* I never buy paper napkins. I use cloth and launder them. I purchase the cloth napkins in good condition from thrift stores.  Since I'm at a vintage age 🙂, I also have vintage 

tablecloths that have matching napkins. 

That's it ***

Bracing the Bracelets

Now that I have the necklaces corralled it was time for the bracelets. 

1. I spotted a small wooden crate that  once held fancy fruit and chocolates, at a second hand store   A new crate at a Craft or $ Store would have been about $5. I got this one for 99 cents. 

2. A  base coat of white followed by pink was  the previous plan.  I later decoupaged it with a floral gift wrapping paper which you'll see in the final product.

3. The wooden drawer knobs in my stash finally got a chance to shine...literally. They were from a project that was never fulfilled. Originally,  I wanted the knobs green, but later decided on silver.

4.  The wooden dowel purchased from Lowe's for $1.69+ was cut to length with a  hacksaw I'd forgotten was in the garage. The pool noodle was easy to cut with a pair of strong scissors.

5.  I'm pleased with how this project turned out. You can see the decoupaged floral paper I used. The cup hooks are strong and hold the bracelets and dowel well.

        6. Now I can see the bracelets (this is just a sample) I have without rummaging through a drawer  looking for them. This hangs in my closet, on the wall next to the necklace holder.

That's it ***

1 

Tin Can Wind Chimes

 Things don't always work out. You can either chalk it up to experience or you can try again.

In this particular instance I'd seen colorfrul wind chimes made from tin cans and thought I'd try it.

Oftentimes my problem is that I can't decide on what I want to do, end up incorporating all features and then it turns out a tragic mess. 

I saw this.

Laura Daniel

             AND                         I saw this.         Debra Makol

*Coffee can, vegetable cans, Red Bull can. All      spray painted white 

 *Cans painted with acrylic paint in the colors        on the napkin. 

   *Napkin decoupaged onto one can.

I tried too many techniques. 
Decoupage, stencil, free hand, stones, glitter

The wire and chain (from a broken necklace) I used was difficult to shape. Then I tried to use string. 

A TACKY MESS!

I decided that this would be an experimental experience.   

I will try again. 

That's it ***

3-D Frame

 

The Inspirations

Pinterest

   

The Result

The red bird was made from air dry clay, painted and wired to the branch. 

How I Did It

Brown paper wrapped around wire to make branches. Leaves from air dry clay and painted. Tree made from twisted brown paper, painted and glued to canvas. 

There  are flaws such as the frraming being crooked but, not bad for a first try.

That's it.***

This and That with discards

 Sometimes you just want to do something to occupy your hands and your mind. Escapism.

 

The finished product.

empty vinegar jug, yellow pages,  cardboard, permanent markers, napkins, Mod Podge, air dry clay,  sealant

I didn't give any of these a lot of thought. Just played it by ear using left over and recycled items.

That's It ***

Hydro dipping Part 2

 Previous post- click here

I chose to remove the top edge of the plastic jar to make it more open.

I gave  the container a smoother lip using air dry clay. 

I've never used air dry clay before. 

Instead of using the silicone molds  I opted to simply mold the clay around the ragged rim.

Afterwards I painted the rim with acrylic paint. 

That's it***

Return of the Pretty Blue Pot-Ugly

 

I'd previously tried to decorate an azure blue, plastic, container into a decorative pot. Click  here  to see the post.

I decided to  give it another try.

I spray painted the container to cover up my previous painting attempts.

Silicone mold

That's it***

Egyptian Fruit- Reverse Decoupage #3

 

That's it ***

Coffee Creamer Vase

What I used

Coffee Creamer Vase, magazines, napkins,  plastic container,  spider plant, acrylic paint, duct tape, school glue 

That's it ***

 

Crafting with a COFFEE CONTAINER and a BOX

2 pics, 1 video 29 sec.

 I drink a lot of coffee.  While I do recycle items, there are some that make me go, "Hmm, what else can I do with this?"  If you've read my profile you know recycling and upcycling is a passion of mine. I've made numerous flower planters. Don't be misled. There will be more. 🙂

I was in need of a container to house a set of silicone utensils I'd bought from Amazon.  Folgers container to the rescue. 

I've had a bit of practice with these items over time. Although I couldn't erase the embossed Folger's symbol, I could do a primer to cover the laser printed label.  Follow up was with red spray paint.

The paint looks faded in some areas because I allowed some of the beige primer to peek through. But, I like the look.

After using acrylic paint, Mod Podge, printed label, cording, glue gun, button and spoon I found in my stash, I had the perfect container for my silicone cooking utensils.

Utensils in container.   29 sec. video

The only thing I'm displeased with is the hot glue showing after it has solidified.

                                                              ***

2 pics

Sometimes I get into an intense crafting mood. Today was that day. 

The Dollar Store container that I keep my TV remote and other items in bit the dust.  It was never sturdy and I'm pretty sure that what was supposed to be fabric was just a cheap plastic fabric imposter.  You get what you pay for.😐

My friend VFH sent me a birthday present in this box.

It contained a mug with a positive affirmation inscribed on it, comfortable footie socks, a make up bag, journal and I'm pretty sure I'm missing something. I didn't want to get rid of such a sturdy box so it became the new  container for my coffee table paraphernalia. 

I used good, old-fashioned contact paper to cover it and put it to use. Easy Peasy. 

That's it ***

Scandalous Sewing

It started with me wanting to know the age of my sewing machine. My aunt E. , who was a Home Economics teacher gave it to me more than 40 years ago. I’d taken sewing in high school back in the 1960’s. At one time I made most of my clothes.  In later years I do mostly crafts, alterations and repairs.

  This is my Morse sewing machine.  All metal parts, no modern bells and whistles, a little beat up from traveling with me through life but, it's perfect for what I want.

This is the accompanying array of feet and tools that came with the machine and kept in the pink and ivory plastic box. The feet you buy now have to be purchased individually. 

The Scandal

Philip Morse and his wife began their company in 1948.  At one time many sewing machines were made in Japan. Japanese companies  shipped their products through Morse’s shipping company, Mercury. Once in the U.S. the machines were distributed to various sellers who would brand the machines with their badge. Among them, Janome, White and Kenmore. Staying true, if a machine had “JA” inscribed it meant the machine was Made in Japan.

Morse began selling sewing machines also. BUT, he didn’t mark his machines JA though they  were Made in Japan.

Morse and his company Mercury would remove any information linking the machines to their Japanese origins. Instead,  he’d advertise and label his sewing machines as being  “Made in America with American parts.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) learned of his fraudulent claims and ruled against Morse in 1955 stating that he misrepresented country of origin and manufacturer. Obviously, this omittance was done to bolster sales.

If you'd like to know more about the Morse story go to Silver Bobbin .

 I decided to give my Morse sewing machine a facelift.  Before I could paint it I attempted to repair some of the rough spots.

I attempted to paint the inside but, the fumes of the spray paint were too strong even wearing two cloth masks.

                                          

I plan for us to be together for as long as possible.💓💓

That's it***

 

Faux Agate Bracelet

Inspiration not duping. There's a difference. Inspiration-I like what I see and would like to try something similar.  Duping-  Intentionally making something as close to the original as possible.

Hard to believe but, this bracelet is rock hard and none of the shells are falling off. Maybe I should add a necklace and earrings.😏

P.S.  Next time I'm trying Epsom Salts as the stones.

That's it ***

That's How I Roll

 

I'd been wanting to try  decorating a roller shade using acrylic paint. The design would show only from the outside.  I consulted YouTube to watch several videos of a simple sunflower. One thing I did learn is that you can't mix the methods of different painters. I liked this one best by  DIY Crafty Creator

I wasn't expecting the calming glow from inside the bathroom, but I like it. And yet no one can see inside, even at night. ( I know because I tested it.😊)

Very pleased with the results.  

But, Wait There's More!

This is my back door.  I wanted a tree for this one. Consulted YouTube again. Settled on  Jay Lee Painting. Seems simple enough.

I am pleased with this result also.

I'll let you in on a secret. I couldn't get either shade to roll properly 😯but, I'll consult YouTube again and if that doesn't work out, I have another method in mind.  Still, I'm okay with the turn out.

That's it***