Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Kitchen Kitsch

January is a perfect time to liven up the living spaces.  With Super Bowl parties and Valentine celebrations fast approaching, give the kitchen a kick of up-cycled kitsch to keep guests delighted. 

These Etsy up-cycle artists have that perfect kitchen item ready to roll!

 

Metal whimsy is the order of the day at kathrynarnett. Angels, birdhouses and floral bouquets come to life in brightly painted recycled glory.  Give that special hostess the gift of functional art with these winged magnets!

Wine gets eternal life at winecountrycraftsman where stem to barrel is repurposed into intoxicating home décor and functional wares.  Eco friendly designs that pair well with any home style.

Get the conversation started with a fun up-cycled wooden panel sign from RelicRedo.  Check out this Etsy shop for more shabby chic rehabs and kitchen vintage.

Humor and functionality combine at orangecottagedoor where everyday items are topped with the unexpected. This store has that perfect centerpiece for the superstar party!

 

 Nothing screams kitsch like vintage cookbooks! For an appetizing selection head over to OldeVintageGoodies where all things retro-entertaining gather. 

Stop "borrowing" (you know who you are!)  barware from the pub and offer guests a customized glass up-cycled from brew faves. BelangerDesigns crafts drinking glasses, vessels and vases from empty wine and beer bottles.  From everyday to special occasion, this is your one stop shop!

To find more up-cycled kitschy decor search "up-cycled kitchen" on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Halloween Tricks

Halloween is the perfect holiday for up-cycling!

Using old books and left over scrapbook supplies, cast-off coasters can become mini works of art.

The key is simplicity.  Don't over think the design. Less says more.

Start by prepping the coasters:

* Sand the coaster surface

*Apply a coat of Gesso

*Sand the Gesso layer

Using old books cut out letters, words, faces, and fun images.  Mix the paper elements with left over scrapbook supplies to create whimsical combinations. 

Play with different designs but, again, don't over-think the layout.  Too much concentration on theme can lead to frustration.

 

 

 

Halloween is a good time to drag out all those cool tints, inks, and paints that have gone unused in the past year.  Experiment with color and texture to create a creepy cool effect.

This mottled brown was achieved with watered down black acrylic paint brushed on and immediately blotted of with a textured paper napkin.

 

 Once the coasters have the right background, use Mod-Podge to cement designs in place.  After the first layer is dry more embellishments can be added.  Use markers, more paper, glitter, or whatever strikes a ghoulish fancy!

As embellishments increases, remember to cover each layer with Mod-Podge to protect the design.

Once finished, apply adhesive magnet sheets to the back to create festive magnets or attach a hanger and display as mini works of art.

 

These little vignettes are perfect for home décor or ghoulish gifts.  Remember to keep them easy and have a fiendishly good time in the process!

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION