Jacquie's Up- Cycle Nation: Baggage

We've all got baggage- Why not make the best of it! 

This simple up-cycle makes use of all those random scraps, souvenirs, paint, and everything else in the stash closet.  It also creates a new attractive space to stash more stuff!

The only true essentials for this project are Mod-podge, a good paintbrush, and patience. 

Choose a suitcase that is made of hard plastic.  These vintage cast-offs are in abundance at thrift stores.  This dud cost $5.99 at Salvation Army.  A bargain for me and the money goes to a good cause: a win-win up-cycle!

Use old book pages or scrap paper to create the first layer.  Mod-podge directly to suitcase. This takes a lot of Mod-podge and I found a large household paintbrush to be the best tool for the job.  Use small paper strips along skinny areas and rounded corners.  Leave some areas bare as these smaller spots can be covered with paint.

If papers bubble or come loose, simply pull them off and cover with new paper.

Let mod-podged paper layer dry over night.

Use acrylic paint to brush over paper and bare areas of the suitcase.

Now begin adding a new layer of visual interest.  Using a bottle cap as a stamp, I made loose polka dots in the lower corner.  Get creative with old stamps, freehand drawing, or markers.

Adding layers becomes addictive! 

The suitcase becomes a great place to display accumulated stickers and snippets hidden away in idea folders.

Smaller tidbits get their own special place on the suitcase sides.

 Washi tape looks smart along the structured lines of the suitcase.

To protect layers as the design builds, spray suitcase with a clear coat. 

There is no real end to the suitcase I am working on.  Though it is done "for now", I have a feeling there are many more layers to come.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Shabby Chic Shelf

I love the look of a seasonal shelf and nothing says summer better than shabby chic pastels! It's the perfect mix of colorful memory and rustic ease.

 

Meandering through Goodwill last week I stumbled across an outdated shelf made of solid wood with simple lines.  At $3, the price is right for an up-cycled trash to shabby chic treasure! 

The supply list is short with the usual suspects. 

*Paint *Paintbrush  *Garbage bag drop cloth  *screwdriver 

*150 grit sandpaper *damp cloth

Set out plastic garbage bag as a work surface.

Using a screwdriver, remove any existing knobs.  These knobs are perfect for reusing so I set them aside for the finishing steps.

Sand the entire surface, front, back, and underneath.  Surfaces that have a coat of varnish can still resist paint so it's a good practice to sand with the grain and again against the grain.  This will give the new paint a firm grip.

Wipe away all sanding residue with a damp cloth.  Be sure to wipe inside drawers and pockets just to be sure any cobwebs aren't left behind.

Apply paint.  The first layer always looks weak in coverage.  Let this first layer dry completely before adding more paint.

A note about good paint:

 I can be found frequenting the oops paint section at both Lowe's and Home Depot for cast off colors at a great price.  These stores also offer small sample sized containers for as little as $2.49 if a specific color is desired.  Getting paint and primer in one cuts the workload in half.  This particular color was a sample marked down to 50 cents.

Once the second layer of paint is dry, lightly sand, and wipe residue.

 Shabby chic distressing is added by sanding the edges until the wood shows through.

Reattach the drawer pulls and wallah!  The shelf is now ready for beachy decor!

Add some pretty "prop" soaps by wrapping everyday soap in pretty scrapbook papers and bundling together with twine..

A few extra sea embellishments and a crisp linen backdrop complete the summer shabby chic vignette.

This quick up-cycle can be completed in less than 2 hours for instant summer appeal. Try it out on a forgotten shelf in your own home :)

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Update Your Reflection

Summer is time to lighten up and allow fresh colors to rule the walls.

Before heading out to a local boutique, check the closet or attic for a good up-cycling option.  After all, closets are usually where items go waiting out that guilt period before getting tossed in the trash pile.

Picture frames and mirrors offer an easy up-date opportunity. This mirror/print combo has been fearing the trash pile for 6 years now.  It's up-cycle day has finally come!

 

The supply list is small and already on hand!

*Spare paint  *Large and small brushes *Sandpaper  *Pliers *Scrap art

 

Gently tug at nails with pliers and set aside for re-use.In this case the cardboard backing is crumbling and needs to be replaced.

Remove the current mirror and glass. Clean with warm soapy water and set aside.

The current artwork in my frame is just a reprint dirtied by age- so into the recycle bucket it goes.Using a 120 grit paper,lightly sand the frame.  Remove sanding residue with a damp cloth.

Apply paint with large brush.  Use small brush for crevices and difficult areas.  Lightly sand when dry and use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue.

For the artwork section I am turning to the vast supply in my tidbits drawer.  I have stitching remnants, scrapbook papers, vintage images and old photographs to choose from.

 

Though I like all the options, I am going to go with the light airy look of the paper lace atop teal paper.

Using the frame glass as a template, cut the desired artwork to fit the frame.  Also use the glass and mirror as templates to cut new cardboard backings.

Reassemble the frame, glass, mirror, and artwork. Place new cardboard atop each section.  Using original nails and pliers, secure cardboard to the frame. 

 If this will be a gift, use decorative paper, or frame paper to seal the back for a finished look.

If you are like me, and change your mind with the seasons, leave the back open for easy artwork change-outs.  I never fear my guests looking behind my projects and seeing unfinished edges.  I always love to share the simple shortcuts of my work. 

LOVE & UP-CYCLE NATION!

 

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: That 70's Bowl

 

Summer is when outdoor spaces come to leafy life with vibrant floral accents.  But shopping for all those fab showy planters can leave one feeling a bit withered in the purse. A can of spray paint and a vintage metal basket can turn drab into fab!

 The 1970's are still in that no man's land of not-quite-cool-yet-vintage. If there isn't an outdated metal basket in the attic, pieces can be scored for pennies at yard sales and thrift stores.  This iron-work fruit basket is sturdy and the curly swirlies make it a no-brainer for conversion to a hanging basket.

All you will need:

vintage iron work basket (or modern wire basket)

spray paint

moss mat

4 pieces of twine

S hook

assorted plants

Spray paint wire basket in a well ventilated work-space, or outside. This particular project needed 2 coats due to the metal curls.

 Cut mat to fit inside basket.

Pour in a base layer of potting soil.

Tightly pack in flowers and apply a light top coat of soil. 

I went with sweet potato vine and basil.

Attach strands of twine at 4- 5 equidistant points on the basket.  Pull strings tightly to center and knot approximately 6 inches above top edges of basket.

Because this basket has a pedestal base, I can't resist hanging a few vintage lamp crystals (left over from last week's project) to catch the sunlight.

Using an S hook, hang plant in a sunny location and enjoy!

 

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

 

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Behind The Closet Door

I just love the unexpected find!  For $0, I turned ultra-drab into an ultra-fab shabby chic treasure!

Some trash to treasure inspirations strike suddenly, without warning, under cloak of night; becoming a covert rescue operation.  Stranded on a curbside trash pile is a discarded bi-fold closet door. I drive by slowly, eye-balling the scene: looks clean. I use my shifty senses to survey the neighborhood (don't want to get caught in the act, pride goeth before the score...), not a soul in sight!  I put the car in reverse and load up my find!

The  key to good closet doors for up-cycle projects is solid wood.  Hollow core, pre-fab cheapies don't hold paint and won't withstand rehab abuse. To save time in the search for good doors, check your local RE-Store, a building supply store benefitting Habitat for Humanity.

The doors I picked up need very little work before the embellishing fun.  The outside of the doors are just the right patina of vintage white oil paint.  I will leave the "out" side as-is for days when I want a blank palette.  But the "in" side of the doors are smoothly finished with one coat of primer.  I want some 'pop' so I am going to give these doors a color wash.

 

Three cheers for short supply lists!!

*Sandpaper *Paint *Paintbrush *Rag *Embellishments

Using a wet rag, clean away any dirt and grime on the door. Lightly sand the "in" side of the door, wipe away sanding residue.

To apply a wash of color, not a thick coat, dilute paint with water. 

1/4 cup paint + 1/8 cup water is plenty for this project.

Apply paint one panel section at a time.

After each panel, use a damp rag to wipe away 75% of the paint.

Now the door is ready for embellishments.  (I know!  That was SUPER fast!)  Lay the door flat to attach hardware.  I know this seems like common sense- but believe me, I learned the hard way! 

  I never have enough places to hang stuff- so I am going to add vintage hooks and upholstery tacks to aid in my display needs.

My embellishments include a bevy of trinkets including vintage lamp crystals, cut glass salt shakers, and some wire tea light candle holders.

 Get creative with placing embellishments.  Put elements in unexpected places.  Use this screen as a place to display architectural finds that have been hiding in a drawer.  Display your collection of off beat knobs!  Go hog-wild!  It's your screen and it's just so happy not to be headed to the dump it will proudly wear whatever you choose!

The screen is now free to move about the home and patio!

 

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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