How to Upcycle a Jigsaw Puzzle into a New One

If doing jigsaw puzzles, is one of many in the list of activities you have on the go right now, then maybe you have got tired of the same old scenes?

Once you have finished a jigsaw puzzle, you have a few choices.  You can either.

1.  Glue it permanently and frame it as a decorative picture for wall art.

2.  You can pull it apart and do it over again.

3.  You can create a new one.

Check out this video:

How to Upcycle a Jigsaw Puzzle

What you will need:

• Spray paints in different colors
• 
  
• Painters Tape
• 
  
• Completed Puzzle on a Portable Surface
• 
  
• Place with ventilation for creating your works of art.

Method:

Step 1.  Using a very light coat of white or a light color for your base, spray over the puzzle.  Make sure it is a light coat as you don't want anything drizzling between the pieces.

Spray paints are good at stick-ability and durability with a soft durable sheen.

Step 2.  Spray over the entire puzzle to cover the picture.  Let it dry.

Step 3.  Add more colors.  You could either follow her idea on the video by (Karen Kavett DIY) or you can get creative with other abstract ideas or some graffiti art if that is your thing.

DON'T use a paint brush or roller, it simply glue the pieces together, this is definitely a spray paint project.

Step 4.  Let it Dry Completely

Step 5.  While everything is drying, paint the puzzle box too!

Step 6.  Take apart and put away in the box.  This would also make an inexpensive gift idea.

Step 7.  Now you have a GOOD AS NEW puzzle to work on!

Would You Prefer To Preserve The Puzzle You Just Did?

You can get supplies that will glue the puzzle together so that it can be hung as wall art if you would rather do that, or maybe with your new abstract puzzle you just completed.

There are a few different ways to make a puzzle permanent. The above are some suggestions from AMAZON.

How to Upcycle Old Pans - Creative Kitchen Decor on the Cheap

I don't know about the rest of you, but I decided as this pandemic lock down continued, it was time to clean out my kitchen cabinets, especially the pots and pans.

As it turns out I had lots of those "non stick" frying pans that had seen better days, but for some reason were still here!

I didn't like the idea of just throwing them out.  I came across this awesome video by Kitty Ideas on upcycling them into works of art for the kitchen.

Check it out:

Get Your Creativity Mojo Moving!

You are not restricted to napkins for this project and you can decorate either side of the pan with craft supplies.  If you don't have enough craft supplies, they are readily available online as many stores including Amazon deliver quickly right now.

Don't have any Napkins with Pictures?  Print off some old photos!

You are not restricted to paper napkins!  I was thinking you could print out random photos in black and white and cut and paste them to the pan as a collage?

Ideas:

Pet photos
Grandparent gift filled with pictures of the grandkids
Mother's Day last minute gift idea
Get pictures online at Pixabay.com  of anything you want.
Ideas are endless.

Materials:

• Rubbing alcohol or some kind of degreaser so the paint will stick
• Acrylic craft paints or left over house paint.
• Decopage Glue (such as Mod Podge) or white craft glue mixed 50/50 with water.
• Pictures or Designs or even just stamp designs on if you have stamps.
• Varnish to protect your work and to make it shiny.

Look Around Your House for Supplies

You might be amazed at just what you find.  But if you don't have many, order some online.
Most house paints are water based, so they could be used too.  But if you want the kids to be involved, having lots of colors to use would be best with acrylic paint sets.

This is an Awesome Way to Decorate the Kitchen and Keep Old Pans out of the Landfill

Perfect craft for one of those "what can I do now" moments if you are at home with your kids.  I have done a lot of organizing of rooms, especially the closets, but until the donation boxes open up again, I can't donate them!

Why Not Make a Memento Of This Time Together?

It is not an ideal situation right now, but if we try to find the positives, maybe it is spending more time together.  Having the time to get creative instead of stressed and recycling and upcycling household goods!

Stay safe everyone.

DIY Watercolor Paints - Make Your Own

It can be hard for the creatives in the family to stay busy without lots of supplies, but if we get creative it is amazing what we can do with supplies we may already have on hand.

So check out this video and see just how easy it is to make professional style watercolor cakes ready for the budding artist in the house especially during this pandemic lockdown.

This is a very recent video by Artrageous with Nate.

What you Will Need:

• Muffin Tin or Empty yogurt containers or paper cups work too!
• Baby oil (just for making the paint cakes to come out easily you could use cooking spray)
• Food Coloring (he uses gel but I had the traditional liquid drop and it worked well)
• measuring spoons
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1/2 teaspoon corn syrup
• 6 drops of various food coloring colors each.
• tall beaker or measuring cup (to allow for fizzing reaction)

  How to Make Your Watercolor Cakes

Check the video for procedure but basically you follow these steps.

Step 1 - Place 4 tablespoons of baking soda into the beaker or mixing cup

Step 2 - Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to baking soda and stir.

Step 3 - Once fizzing stops, and you have kept stirring, then add 2 tablespoons of corn starch.

Step 4. - Stir well and then add 1/2 teaspoon of the corn syrup

Step 5 - Oil your containers or small muffin tin

Step 6 - Add your mixture

Step 7 - With stir stick or popsicle stick stir in the food coloring.

Step 8 - Let it dry for approximately 24 hours.

Step 9 - Simply pop out the watercolor cakes.

Step 10 - Use a wet paint brush and you are ready to go!

These work awesome!  They glide on the paper and last a super long time. The best part is you know exactly what is in them, no chemicals, no fake ingredients.  All food grade supplies.

These can be used by kids and adults who just want to use their creativity right now during these trying times.

Art is a stress reliever, so you don't have any watercolor paints, make your own!

Upcycle Your Magazine Pages into Beautiful Handmade Faux Glass Beads

I love the Pandora or European style bracelets with the beads, and I came across this video on how you can upcycle magazine pages into beautiful professional looking beads with proper metal end caps that look similar to the purchased ones.

Watch this video, and you will be amazed at just what you can achieve by upcycling magazine pages, scrapbooking paper or any paper.  Create beautiful gifts with just a few supplies that you can order online.

What You Will Need:

• Paper or Magazine Pages
• Xacto Knife
• white glue
• knitting needle (for wrapping paper)
• bead cores
• gloss or varnish

Method:

Step 1 - Watch the video for how she cuts the paper on a slight angle so the beads turn out even with a taper at each end to look even more realistic.

Step 2 - Using a knitting needle that is sized the same as your bead cores, wrap the paper tightly.

Step 3 - Shine up your bead with thick glaze, varnish, clear nail polish or the embossing powder she uses in the video.  My own personal experience is the "triple thick glaze" super shiny.

Step 4 - A way to dry the beads (suspend with toothpick?)

Step 5 - Add the bead cores to each end with glue.

Step 6 - Leave to set overnight and you are ready to create your own unique jewelry.


You can get most supplies online if you don't have anything at home.

The Bead Cores Makes This Bead Look Professional

To me the Bead cores are the most important part as they give the bead a more professional look.

With many of us at home trying to safe and healthy, getting creative is the perfect way to keep your brain healthy too!




 I have been ordering a few craft supplies online with Amazon, it is one of the easiest ways to get supplies without leaving the house, especially craft supplies.

Watch the video and the process she uses to make the beads look so professional!

Stay safe everyone!

We can look back on this time and look at all the creations we have made!  Things we never had time for before.  Creativity is good for the brain and the spirit.

DIY Kid's Notebook from Cereal Boxes on the Cheap - Recycle and Upcycle!

Avoiding going to the stores like me?  It is a difficult time right now for everyone, and I have certainly become more creative to find ways to avoid purchasing things out in the world right now. 

Trying to stick with the "stay at home" and not spend money...   I found a way to create a journal or notebook for yourself or for the kids by using the empty cereal box and scrap paper.

So before you pitch that cereal box in the recycling bin, check out this video:

What you will Need:

• Scrap papers (this would work with anything even construction paper!)
• 
  
• Empty Cereal Box
• 
  
• Duct Tape (or something similar even packing tape will work)
• 
  
• Ribbon
• 
  
• Hole Punch

Method:

Step 1 - Find the papers you want to fill the book up with.

Step 2 - Add holes with punch or something sharp..

Step 3 - Cut out the cereal box for front and back cover by tracing the papers.

Step 4 - Create a spine with the duct tape (watch video it is not long!)

Step 5 - Thread the ribbon through the holes and tie off.

Decorate and Personalize  or leave as is.

Your kids might like the idea of their favorite cereal on the cover of their new art book, but maybe you don't, so you could also cover it with scrapbooking papers, duct tape or even paint.

This is a great way to use up leftover paper laying about and put the cereal box to good use for that arts and crafts day.

Totally Personalize the Homemade Journal

This is an affordable DIY, you most likely have everything you need at home.  An awesome craft to keep kids busy or for yourself. 

Journaling is a good stress reliever for you and drawing is a great way for kids to destress.

Hope everyone is staying safe!

3D Glue Gun Art - Make Masterpieces While At Home and Cover a Wall

Keeping yourself or your kids busy can be difficult.  But getting creative is awesome for stress and anxiety.  Even if you have never created before, you will disappear into this project!

The thing I like the best about this project, is there is no right or wrong way to do this.  If you have a Glue gun, you can let your creativity out in full swing!

Check out this video by Amy Pearce:

What you will Need:

• Hot glue gun with lots of glue sticks
• 
  
• Blank canvas
• 
  
• Acrylic paints
• 
  
• Shoe Polish
• 
  
• A Blank wall to cover with all your creativity from you and your family!
• 
  
• It can be a memory board of 2020!

Method:

Step 1.  Using the hot glue gun create a pattern.  You could also draw it out in pencil first if you want it to be more of a controlled piece rather than a random abstract creation!

Step 2.  Once dry, paint over the entire piece with acrylic paints of your choice as she does in the video.  If you are simply doing an abstract, work with what you have!

Step 3.  Add shoe polish, and then wipe off with a cloth.  You don't have to add shoe polish, but it does create depth, protects the piece and really makes the piece pop with a little sheen.

The best part is this is a fast project, and if you have a wall that has seen better days, what better way to cover it, than with a bunch of artwork!

You can get canvas in bulk online for cheap with Amazon if you don't have any at home.


or...Recycle Old Canvases by Painting Over Them

You could also take old canvas pictures that are collecting dust in your garage and paint over them to recycle. Get creative! 

You don't need to be an artist to create awesome works of art for your home even if you say you don't have a creative bone in your body! This is an great project for young teens, yourself or kids with supervision.

We All Need An Outlet

Sometimes the 24/7 news is too much, and you can't go anywhere right now, so why not spend the time as a family and get creative.  I love the idea of filling a wall with these creations.


I love creating things. Many times I think I should be doing something else like housework, but I notice when creating art, you can simply disappear, and if you choose projects that are not tedious, frustrating or difficult, the creativity just flows.

I think this is one of those projects, where you simply can't go wrong. 

Create some positive memories from this time at home.

Stay safe everyone!

How to Make Your Own Paint by Number Art from Photographs

If you are looking for ways to keep your older kids busy or even yourselves, then crafts usually do the trick!

If you enjoy the idea of painting, but find starting from scratch stressful, then try this out.  Paint by Numbers.  Yes you can buy kits in stores or online, but why not take one of your own photographs you have sitting on your computer and turn it into a work of art!

Check out this video:  I have used the site they discuss in the video it works!!

The particular site they use will figure out the color palette as well as create a basic line drawing.  If you have photoshop you could do the same, but I thought this particular site was super user friendly.

Simply upload your photo, get the color palette, print the line drawing.

What You Will Need:

• Digital Photo (landscapes work perfect!)
• 
  
• Assorted Paints
• 
  
• Computer Printer
• 
  
• Heavy Printer Paper or Printable Canvas Paper (which you can get online)

Watch the Video and have fun!  Make a few from your last vacation!

With us all self isolating right now, and the kids home, it can be hard to find things to keep them occupied or even for yourself.

Creating paint by numbers is fun and you can also get super creative.

Go for the Abstract Look Maybe?

You don't have to follow the picture exactly if you don't want to, or maybe you don't have all the colors they suggest.  You can order them online, or simply get creative with what colors you do have including markers, pencil crayons and more.

This will create a "one of a kind" piece for the fridge, or frame it as your memorial of family all together during this pandemic.  This era will definitely be in the history books!

It takes your mind away for a little while.  You can purchase most of the supplies online with Amazon, check out this link below..  or you can simply use what you have.


Click on any of the products and go shopping and have it delivered to your door.

If you don't want to order online, then use the site, print on paper and use crayons or markers.  This can be fun to do.

You can make this as simple or as complex as you want depending on the kid's ages or what you would like to work on. 

If I have just reminded you have much you loved those oil paint by numbers, then check out the products above, they are online!  Do them why you have some time.  Art is good for the soul

Stay Safe Everyone!

FREE DIY Coloring Pages for Your Kids

It is difficult times right now around the world with this global pandemic.  As many families have been told to isolate at home with many businesses shut and schools, it can be hard to give kids things to do.

Here is a unique way to get some Freebies online especially coloring pages!

As long as you have access to a printer, you can find many of these on some free picture sites.

These are not for resale, these are for your own personal use.  But there are so many fun examples such as the one above!

Everything from simple line drawings that are free for download and use, to more complex drawings depending on the age group.

Step 1.  Check out "Pixabay.com"  this is a free from royalty and stock photos site,  that you can use for yourself.  It has all kinds of pictures.

Step 2.  In the search bar put "line drawings" this is how I got the picture above.  This way you get simple line drawings that are perfect for coloring.  You can try other searches too, but it all depends how much time you can dedicate to this project.

Step 3.  Click on the picture you like, and it should say "free for Commercial use" in the right side bar.  But you are not selling this, you are just printing for your kids.

Step 4.  You can either follow the instructions to download or you can right click and copy to your computer.

Step 5.  Find the image on your computer and print.

Find all your crayons and markers and let them have a good time!

You might even want to try some of these yourself!

There are many different and more complex ways to create coloring pages using photoshop, but this is the easiest and quickest way to add some "stock" to your kids coloring on the cheap!.

I hope everyone is staying safe and at home right now.

Take care and stay well.

Upcycle Magazines into Wall Decor or Bead Door Curtains

I love recycling or being able to "upcycle" anything, especially magazines!

With most people around the world stuck at home as most business closed due to the Pandemic, it can be hard to come up with things for kids to do, but especially "tweens".

With their socializing totally limited to family members, I thought this would be the perfect craft to use leftover magazines, and create some artwork or even retro bead door curtains!

Crafting is also a wonderful way to curb some anxiety that we are all having in these difficult times.  Check out the video by Artzi Crafts, to get the idea, but don't stop at bead curtains!!   Get creative.

I love the pattern she created, but I also think going random would work nicely too.

Re-purpose an Old Picture Frame with Magazine Beads

If you don't want to go quite as large as the bead curtains, another idea is to take a old wooden picture frame, paint it and then simply hang the magazine/beads from it to create awesome wall art!

Tweens/teens, could decorate their rooms, and create gifts for their friends for when we are allowed to go outside again.

We are living through scary times, and the news is everywhere, which is good for keeping us informed, but sometimes it is also good to do some crafting to take your mind off of things and spend time with your family.

If you don't have everything, you can get creative, but you can also order some things online with places such as AMAZON and have craft supplies delivered to your door.

Now is the Time To Try New Crafts

Maybe you were super busy before and just never got around to trying some of the upcycling craft ideas out there.

Now is the time...  if you like this craft, find some old magazines and get started!  Create some art for your walls and keep the magazines out of the landfill.

Hang a Picture Wire Across a Wall

You could also simply hang a picture wire across a wall and hang this bead strings onto the wire.  This would make super cool wall decor (without damage) and/or cover a bad or ugly wall!


Search Your Home for Craft Supplies

 It is actually amazing, what you probably do have in your home when it comes to supplies.  But if you don't have everything, check online and don't go out there, let it be delivered to your door.

I hope this post has inspired you to get those well read magazines out of the basement and put them to work.  Upcycling can be fun, and there are so many ways to use them now.

Lets Get Crafting and Upcycling!

How to Upcycle Old Clothes into Rugs - DIY Braided Rug

It's a change in seasons and as you clean out your closet and your drawers of old clothes to make room for new ones, maybe you can also upcycle?

I am all about donating gently used clothing, but what if your's has seen better days?  Instead of adding them to the landfill, you can create your own braided rug.

Check out the video below:

Try to Use Similar Weighted Fabrics...

I have done this many times, and my all time favorite is to use old denim jeans.  But if you want a lighter rug, you can use old t-shirts, tops or anything. 

But I personally have found the braided rug looks it's best with similar weighted fabrics. 

Check Thrift Shops for Discarded Clothes

I found this to be a great source for fabrics.  When people donate to the thrift shops, only the better condition clothes make it to the floor for sale.  They quite often have bags of old clothes that end up in the landfill. 

How to Make a Denim Braided Rug

I bought a bag of old jeans for 5 bucks!  I washed them and then cut them up to make this rug:

How to Make a Recycled Jeans Braided Rug.

Follow the video (at top of page) on how to braid the fabric and attach new pieces.

How to Create Strips of Denim:

1.  Cut up the side seams to the crotch and cut the top part of the jeans off, leaving you two open legs.

2.  Cut strips about 2 inches wide.  

3.  To make this easier, you can create a cardboard template 1.5 to 2 inches wide in a long strip (tape cardboard together for a long piece),  or use a yard stick, and make the outline with a fabric marker.

4.  Cut the strips out using sharp scissors or electric scissors (totally saves your hands from cramping).

Obviously you need to have good sharp scissors, or electric scissors, which I used.  I got them online from Amazon.  Here is a link to 

Electric scissors made the whole process quicker, easier and fun.  Once you have the strips, then create the rug as in the video.

But this is where denim differs.  It is much heavier, and unless you have a specific denim need for your sewing machine, I personally found it much easier to sew the coils together as they formed using carpet or upholstery thread and needle by hand.




This is a much stronger thread, and I found it much easier to work with than trying to fit this thicker denim rug under the machine needle. It is not hard to do.

I simply began coiling it tightly as soon as I could and sewed it together.  As the braid grew I kept coiling it and sewing it by hand.

How to Make Your Braided Rug Safe?

If you are using the rugs for hardwood or tiled floors, then you need to make then "anti-slip".

I purchased this anit-slip fabric from Amazon and they really work.  They keep it in place.

It generally comes in a big rectangle and you can cut it into pieces to fit under your DIY braided rugs. This keeps them in place on any surface to make them safe.

I hope this has got you inspired to cut up those old clothes and create awesome and one of a kind unique braided rugs for your home or cottage.

Feel good knowing you totally upcycled or recycled your clothes!

How to Make a Easy Book Diversion Safe for Cash or Stash

I like to keep a few dollars and some change in the house for emergencies, bus fare, or whatever, and I used to keep it in my underwear drawer!

Underwear Drawer is the First Place Checked by Intruders!

But according to a police report I read, the underwear drawer is the first place a burglar will look.

So scratch that idea!

I like the idea of some cash simply because when the power goes out in various storms, ATM machines don't work and neither do cash registers, so it doesn't hurt to have some around, plus it is my scratch ticket fund!

You could use it for anything that you need to keep safe that is small.

I decided an obvious change purse was not the answer, so I found this video on how to make your own book safe and add it to your shelf of books.

Hide in Plain Sight!!

This video by O'Neil Sisters, shows you how to hollow out the book using Mod Podge to seal the pages.  She talks about using this box for jewelry or anything, but I love the idea of using this for a

secret stash safe.

Any intruders are not going to spend time going through your books, they want to be in and out quick.  So I think this is an awesome idea.

Do Not Cut Right To the Back Cover

To keep some strength in the book, find a thick one and make sure you do not cut right to the back cover or it will become flimsy.



What you will Need:

Thick old book you have around the house or find one at the thrift store.

Mod Podge

Paint Brush

Sharp X-acto Knife

That's it, you don't need anything else.  Yes you could decorate it, but the idea of the secret book safe is so that you can hide it in plain sight!

Find a Book that Fits In with Your Books on the Shelf

You want your book safe to "blend" with the rest of your books.  But of course only you will know which one it is.  If your shelves are full of sports books, then find a sport book, or if you have a ton of recipe books, find an old thick recipe book.

Make it, Fill it, Place it, Done!

You could make a few of these, for any special things you need to keep safe in the house.  If you don't have any books, start a little collection so this one book will not look out of place.

If you prefer not to DIY your own secret safe, you can purchase them online to blend in with anything such as soup cans, or hair brushes!  Check it out below.

How to Make Mini Yarn Pom Poms with a Fork and Tiny Yarn Hats

As I was making some Christmas tree ornaments this year from my old wine corks, I needed a tiny pom pom for the Reindeer nose.

I didn't want to go and buy any, so I went looking and came across this video by ArtsandCrafts on how to use a fork to make a mini pom pom.

Check it out, then I will show you the video to use up those wine corks into rustic Reindeer and then a picture of my completed Wine cork snowman!

This is such a cool idea!  Up until now, I have only ever made pom poms from a cardboard circle, and it would have to be pretty small to create these tiny ones.

I would never have thought of using a fork!  Learn something new everyday.

I love being able to create crafts, such as ornaments with very little store visits.  Just using up craft supplies I have on hand.

Keep a Tub or Box Just for Craft Leftovers

Last year I invested in a large plastic tub that would fit on my closet shelf to house leftover craft materials and labelled it "leftovers".

This way they are kept all in one spot, and you can poke through them when it comes time for smaller crafts such as Christmas tree ornaments or gift tags.

Now I will show you the video I was following for Christmas wine cork reindeer.  This is where I needed the pom poms for the nose, and didn't wan to go and buy any!

Video by Stefan Weetvan - super short video tutorial

I love the simple crafts, that you can do quickly with minimal supplies.  I found most of the twigs in the park.  Just make sure to let them dry out before using if the twigs have been out in snow, or rain etc.

You could take this craft a step further and paint the corks, or add more embellishments, such as more pom poms, now that you can make them quickly from left over yarn and a fork!.

Wine Cork Snowman with Yarn Hat

This picture is of a wine cork snowman I just created!

I painted it white, added eyes and mouth and used a tooth pick for the nose and colored it orange with a marker.

I added a fabric scarf and this cute tiny yarn hat, which I also just learned how to do from Youtube!

If you love these little mini yarn hats then check out this video on how to make them below and don't throw away your empty toilet rolls...  You could also make them larger as a stand alone Christmas decoration.

I followed this video to make the above hat for my wine cork snowman and added a wire that I threaded through the hat so I can hang this on the tree.

NOTE:  On my smaller wine corks I took a piece of cardboard and wrapped it around the top of the cork to get a snugger fit and taped it together for the hat form.

My decorations were looking a bit tired so this year I looked at my pile of wine corks and my box of leftover craft supplies, and decided to get creative.  Between youtube and supplies I think I did ok!

How to Upcycle Christmas Cards into Gift Tags

I still have last years Christmas cards, and instead of throwing them out, I decided to make them into tags after watching this super short and yet simple video.

Many of the cards had beautiful fronts, and so it was fitting to create round tags using a punch.

Check out the video:

This is a very simple process.  You could cut them out yourself by using a glass and tracing the circle, or you can do it super quick with a punch.  If you do scrap-booking, you probably already have a punch, if not, I found one on Amazon.


This is a 2 inch punch.

Just think of all the gift tags you could make, once you have this punch, as it speeds things up!

After you have punched them out (you can get 2 or 3 out of a card front depending on its size). You simply need to punch a tiny hole for some string.  I just happened to have some fine red wool left over from a knitting project, so I used that.

Get started now, These are Fun to Make

I got myself organized this year, and purchased a small plastic storage container just to house my recycled cards and tags in.  I keep the punches with them and when I am wrapping, I don't have to go hunting.

Gift Tag Shape Punch

The simple tag above, is obviously round, but if you prefer the traditional "gift tag shape"  I found another hole punch online that creates 3 different sizes.  Just think of the possibilities!  I know I am, for birthdays, Christmas and more.

Create Gift Tags from anything you can punch out!  You could also punch out of plain card stock and decorate yourself.


These tags could also be made into unique pieces of art to add to your gift giving.

Recycle and Upcycle!

It is so easy to turn last years cards into beautiful gift tags.  There really is no need to purchase tags separately.  It is expensive enough at this time of year.

So whether you wish to invest in hole punches in different shapes and sizes, or if you simply want to use a glass and draw a circle, it doesn't matter.  Just reuse the best you can!

Upcycle Punched out Tags into New Christmas Cards

This is a side project, but if you get over excited and make too may tags, then here is a wonderful idea!

Take one piece of card stock and cut in half.

Fold each half over (you now have 2 cards from one sheet) and with a bone folder or a ruler make sure the fold is crisp.

Take some of your punched out round tags and glue to the front of the card.  Or many different shapes, if you have different shaped punches, and you now have a brand new Christmas card made from the old ones!

DIY Christmas Wreath from Bathroom Shower Scrubbies on the Cheap

Sticking with my Christmas decor theme (on the cheap of course!) I came across this super cool craft that I am going to make right now.

This ultra modern style Christmas wreath using bathroom shower scrubs!

I had no idea there was that much material on those things.  You only need 2 to make this wonderful craft, and the whole family will enjoy it.  Check out the video by Craftcast (its a short one promise!)

What you Will Need:

• Foam Wreath (online, craft stores etc)
• 2 x bathroom shower scrubby
• Christmas Tinsel Pom Poms
• Glue Gun

Method:

First of all, I had no idea there was this much material on one shower scrub.  But once you pull them apart, not only is there loads of material, but it also forms a tube.

Step 1 - Make a cut in your Styrofoam wreath (so that you can get the material on to it)

Step 2 - Find the string inside the scrubby that is holding it all together and snip it.

Step 3 - Unravel the scrubby and place your hand in the tube of netting and gather it over your arm (like you see in the video).

Step 4 - Place over the wreath from your arm.

Step 5 - Hot glue pom poms to this wreath (or something else lightweight)

Very Lightweight

I love that this wreath is light in weight so that you can hang it without worries.  No heavy hook needed.

Different Colors?

You could use different colors of scrubs, but I personally think the white makes the most impact especially with deep colored pompoms.

You can purchase the scrubs, wreath form and pompoms at any craft store, but you can also purchase them online if you don't have the time.


I thought this was a super cute as well as fast Christmas decoration done on the cheap but does not look cheap. I love the modern look of the white.

If you can find a dark green scrubby that would look good too, but there is something about the look of the white wreath and the colored pompoms with tinsel that just makes this look super festive.

DIY Halloween Lanterns Using Mason Jars!

I was looking for some cheaper ways to decorate my porch and inside my living room window for upcoming Halloween, when I came across this super cool craft using mason jars.

With a bit of DIY you could make a collection of these on the cheap!  Would be awesome at that Halloween Party too!

I found this video by Charmaine Dulak and she shows you just how it is done.  So check it out!

What You Will Need:

Old mason jars (you can also get online or at the Dollar Store)

Orange tissue paper (also dollar store)

Mod Podge  (or mix white glue 1/2 and 1/2 with water if you don't have this)

Battery Candles  or also known as flameless candles.  (much safer!!) also at the dollar store, or you can get larger amounts online with AMAZON

Assorted brushes for gluing and a covered table for creating the fun!

 Black paint or a sharpie

How to Make:

If using old mason jars, give them a good clean and dry completely.  You want the glue to stick!

As you can see in the video, she has the orange tissue paper cut into squares.  You could simply tear them into smaller sizes to save time as it all gets glued to the glass.

Working in sections stops the glue from drying too soon!

Look online for some face ideas to draw on with the black paint or markers, especially if you want them more intricate, but I love the simplicity of these.

Place the battery flameless candle inside and group them together outside, or in your window for a super cool looking display.

Get the Family Involved!!

I thought this was a super cool family friendly craft (although you are using glass jars, so it should be age appropriate)

I also found some mason jars in the basement.  Check with friends and neighbors.  A super cool way to recycle for your Halloween decorations.

Perfect for the Halloween Party

Turn out the lights and lets these DIY lanterns shine!  Totally get into the mood and create the ambiance, just add some spooky music!

How to Make a Sweater Pumpkin Using The Dollar Tree and Old Sweaters

I love crafting, and especially love crafts that look awesome with very little money spent that also include upcycling. 

With the fall season upon us, these sweater pumpkins make for unique decor and especially the latest farmhouse decor trend.  Check out this video!

If you were envisioning a pile of cheap orange pumpkins, then think again.  I came across this craft by "Lemon Avenue" on Youtube, and am totally in love with the idea of reusing old sweaters and turning them into super cool fall decor.

If you don't have any sweaters, ask friends, relatives or visit the thrift shop. 

Make a few of these and display them in a basket for some pretty cool farmhouse decor. 

Also remember that the DOLLAR TREE is now online and you can order most things in bulk and get them delivered to your door.

What you will Need:

Carvable pumpkins from the Dollar Tree (made out of foam)

Sweaters with no more life left in them other than the sleeves!

Glue gun

Accents of your choice.  There are so many ideas for this part.  Have some fun!

How to Make?

Check out the video, but basically you cut off the sleeve of a textured sweater (the texture adds some dimension to the pumpkin project)

Cut a hole in each end of the pumpkin and tuck the sweater edges inside with a glue gun.

Add your embellishments.

You Could Go With a Theme!

You can find sweaters in similar colors and create a theme that will match your own decor, or you could go wild and go for colorful sweaters. 

Keeping them a plain one color makes them look very sophisticated.

So Dress Up Your Pumpkin in a Sweater This Year.

I hope I have inspired you to give this a try.  You can order the pumpkins online if you can't get to the dollar store in person.

Last time I was at the store these fall accents and pumpkins were going fast.

How to Display Your Sweater Pumpkins?

You could collect a few into a wicker basket or find a basket at a thrift shop and spray paint to match your decor.

Line them up on your mantle if you have one.

Personally I think they look good as a collection, so would also look nice on a entry way hall table to add to the autumn mood and decor. 

How to Upcycle a Wine Bottle with Paper Napkins and Paint - Gorgeous Shabby Chic or Farmhouse Decor

If you love crafts, and especially upcycling as I do, then check out this wine bottle recycling idea.

It is only a 3 minute video, but what a gorgeous idea!

What you will need:

wine bottle, cleaned and dried, label removed.  (make sure there is no grease on bottle, so clean well)

Paper napkins.  She uses roses, but you could use any vintage looking napkins or anything you like.  I love the vintage style as it suits the bottle.

You can get these at the dollar stores or also check online if you want more specific designs such as with AMAZON.  My favorites are below:



I love sunflowers, so for me this would work.  They also have a slightly vintage look to them.

In the video she uses "emulsion paint" which isn't always easy to get.  A way around this is to use a primer that will create the right surface for glass.

The primer/sealer below will do just that on glass and many other surfaces.


This multi-purpose primer will allow you to use any paint you wish once applied to the glass.  This primer gives the surface a "tooth" so that your paint will stay stuck to the surface.

PVA Glue or Mod Podge works the same.  (PVA glue is simply white glue you mix with water)  Mod Podge is ready to go.

How to Make?

Once your wine bottle is label free, clean and dried, paint on your primer.

Once dried (follow instructions on bottle) you can then add your paint of your choice, whether acrylic or chalk paint, both would look nice.

Using your foam brush, add the mod podge or (white glue and water mixture) to the bottle and add the top layer of the cut out napkins.

Follow the video, and don't forget the splatters at the end.  She protects her flowers with some paper while she splatters some grey dots on the bottle.

I think this step totally adds a vintage look to the entire thing.

Varnish - Add some varnish to protect your project and keep them nice.  If you don't like the idea of varnish you can add a couple of coats of modge podge, that will also protect your work.

Use Them as Part of Your Decor!

Create Candlestick Holders, or Vases for a single flower.  I think these would look super cool as rustic, vintage, shabby chic or farmhouse decor.

Would also make affordable housewarming gifts for friends and family.

So don't pitch those wine bottles into the blue bin, recycle them into beautiful artistic looking vintage art pieces!

Other Ideas?

Instead of cutting out the flowers or specific designs, why not add the entire napkin up to the neck of the bottle?

Or create a collage from different napkins you may have.

Hopefully I have got you inspired to try something yourself.

Upcycle Sweater Scarf - Create a One of a Kind Winter Scarf to Stay Warm

Recycling and upcycling are awesome ideas that we all try to practice.  But what about those worn out sweaters?

I usually donate gently used sweaters and clothes, but sometimes they are not fit for anyone to wear, and instead of throwing them out, check out one of the cutest upcycling ideas, a warm winter scarf!

What You will Need:

Old sweaters that are about the same weight to make your project uniform.

ZigZag Sewing machine, or hand sewing

Imagination!

Unique and One of Kind Just for You!


For this unique looking one of a kind creation, you will need to do a bit of sewing, but check out the video and see if this doesn't get your creative juices flowing.

You create a rectangle pattern from cardboard of the size you want and then simply cut out rectangles from the decent parts left of your old sweaters!  Scour the house and find anyone's old sweaters or check with your friends and family.

You decide the length and color combinations.

Upcycling into a Winter Scarf

This totally uses up an old sweater.  I found a few old sweaters at the Thrift Store that the manager was going to throw out due to holes.  I asked if I could have them and I washed them and got creative.

This means it actually was recycled twice!

Keeping as much out of the landfill as possible not only helps our environment but also creates awesome recycling projects.

Upcycling Ideas for Clothes

There are so many cool ways to upcycle and even get a new look from your old clothes. This book offers all kinds of neat ideas that not only look good but can save you money for a bit of time and creativity.

Get a new wardrobe without breaking the bank, or simply add to the one you have.  Reusing old clothes is an awesome upcycle project as they don't break down to well in the landfill.

How to Make Faux Stained Glass on the Cheap

I came across this video on how to create faux stained glass and was hooked!  This has got to be one of the cutest crafts for using those old window frames or panels.  Check it out:

You don't need many supplies, but depending on how detailed you want your images, it will take some time.

But if you get a few bottles and mix as accordingly, you could make this a family project.  You could create your own drawings first to tape behind the glass, or find images online you could print and copy.  Just remember, you need the white glue and the clear glue for this to work.

You can purchase Elmer's glue at craft stores, but you can also get the larger sizes online.  The dollar store can also be the perfect source for the muffin tins as she used in the video, and the acrylic paints.

This project doesn't have to cost a lot.

Making Faux Stained Glass Windows...

The addition of the color to the clear Elmer's glue creates the opaque almost see through look once it has dried, which looks great if you hang it in a window, but it will still look awesome hung as wall art.


Where to Find Old Window Frames?

Thrift stores and yard sales are a good place to start.   When searching just ignore the color of the frames as you can paint them.  As long as the glass panels are still intact, everything else can be changed.

If you can't find any suitable and are willing to add the glass, you can purchase the rustic frames online such as below;

Most of the ones sold online do not have glass in them.

A local glass cutter would be able to install them quickly.  I just thought this was a super cool idea to add whimsy and fun to these frames.  If you hang them in the center of the window, they will catch the light, and look pretty authentic.

If you were looking for a cool way to showcase some of your drawings or art, this would be beautiful!

How to Make Pandora Style Paper Beads - Recycle Magazines and Papers

I love the Pandora style beads in my bracelet, but I must admit they are heavy.  I came across this video on just how to make the Pandora style beads using papers, such as magazines, newspapers or whatever you have and still look awesome and authentic without the weight.  Check it out:

This is such a cool project, and just looks more professional with the metal bead cores at each end.  You would never know they were paper.  I also found the triple thick glaze works well if you don't have the other supplies she uses.
She also uses a knitting needle to wrap the papers. You could use a small diameter piece of dowel wood, or a pencil.  Take a look around the house to see what you could use to wrap the papers.  Have some toothpicks on hand to for holding the bead.

Making Paper Beads

I used to make paper beads when I was a kid, but because they were so lightweight, they didn't stand up to wear and tear for very long.

I really love the idea of adding the bead cores to the ends.  This makes it easier to thread onto larger diameter bracelets and necklaces without the paper falling apart at the ends.

I personally prefer the Triple Thick Glaze for these projects as it adds a super shiny protective coat you simply brush on.  But you could also use clear nail polish or wood varnish if you have it.

Use for Bracelets and Necklaces

You could make a few of these beads and create awesome pendants, earrings and more.  This would be the perfect way to use up some old magazines as well as scraps of scrapbooking papers.  So don't throw anything out until you have tried this project.

You would never know these were paper beads to look at them.  They definitely have that European or Pandora style bead going on without the weight.