Friday, August 23, 2013

Easy Upcycling Projects to make/to do



Below are just some quick suggestions on some items you can easily recycle and probably already do.  For instance soda can pull tabs, old panty hose and magazines, the decoupage table might take a longer time; but, it is a fun project to do.

Using soda can pull tabs
Earrings: Take two soda can tabs and paint them using enamel paint or spray paint. Using the same technique as the artwork hanger above, create a small hole in the tab. Turn it over and hammer any sharp edges flat. Secure an earring hook wire (can be purchased at a craft store) to the small hole to create a unique pair of earrings.
Additional Closet Storage: Slipping a soda can tab onto a hanger give you the option of extra hanging space. Simply slide the tab around the top part of the hanger, and that will allow another hanger to slide into the second ring of the tab.

Using old Panty Hose

Hairbrush Cleaner: Stretch panty hose over the bristles of a clean hairbrush, and push down over the bristles. When it’s time to clean it, simply lift the panty hose from the bristles and throw it away.
Spare Stuffing: Does a throw pillow or a favorite stuffed animal need an extra little stuffing? Add some old panty hose into a hole, and then sew it closed.
Save Garden Bulbs: Did you dig up flower bulbs in the summer or fall that you want to plant in the spring? Place the bulbs in panty hose (just like you stored the onions above) and store in a cool, dark place until you are ready to plant.
Make a Bean Sprouter: Place the panty hose over the top of a glass jar that you’ve placed wet, sprouting seeds in (beans, alfalfa, clover, etc.). Secure with a rubber band. It makes a perfect lid, since it allows sprouts to breathe as they are growing, and water can be poured in and out of the container.
Soap on a Rope: Use up the last small pieces of soap by placing them into old panty hose and tying them shut.
Homemade Scrubbers: Need to clean something up but don’t have a scrubber on hand? Knot one end of the hose; stuff it with more wadded-up hose, then the tie the other end shut. Use it as a scrubber or polisher.


Using Old Magazines

Magazine Beads
Make beads and adorn necklaces, earrings or even a beaded curtain for a window or doorway.

Materials:  Pencil, Magazine page, Scissors, Bamboo skewer, Glue, and Decoupage glue

Direction:
Draw a triangle on magazine page. It should have a 1” base and be 8” tall. Repeat and cut them out.
Tightly roll a triangle, starting with the base, around a wooden bamboo skewer.
Place small bead of glue onto the inside tip of the triangle. Hold it in place until it’s dry.
Coat the bead in decoupage glue to finish. Slip bead off the skewer and use as you would a bead.

A Decoupage Table



Materials:  Photos, magazines or any other thin material of your choice*, Object to decoupage, Scissors, Decoupage glue (purchase or make your own: Three parts white school glue to one part water), Plastic or other recycled container (for the glue), Paint brush, Popsicle stick or brayer, Acrylic spray sealer, Damp rag,

Directions:
Thoroughly wipe down the object you plan to decoupage with a damp rag to remove any dirt or dust. Let dry.
Cut out your pictures and arrange them on the object to get an idea of how you want the finished product to look.
Spread the glue on the back of each picture with a paint brush. Then lay the photo back in its place and use a Popsicle stick to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. Wipe away any excess glue with the rag.
Repeat Step 3 until the object is covered to your liking. Let dry completely.
Cover the entire object with decoupage glue. Let dry. Repeat, until you can't feel the edges of the different pieces of paper. For your final coat, apply the acrylic spray sealer. Let dry.

You might want to consider other furniture like bookcase to cabinets.



Share your ideas on this or anything here on the blog either here or e-mail me at stipple@verizon.net.  I look forward to hearing from you!




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