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

Tutorial - Turning Your Ordinary Printable Tags Into Something Extraordinary

As you know, I'm the owner of Ewe-N-Me Printables and have been working with paper crafts for several years.

While the printable tags you buy from me or another seller of printable items can simply be printed on card stock, hole punched and a sting added and they look great, let's take tag making a step further.

First of all, find your favorite tag file and print them on the best paper you have, card stock normally works great. Sometimes I use a matte photo paper, as  photo paper can really make the colors pop.

Trim the tags so the unprinted edges don't show. Many times I'll use a paper trimmer.

If you have any stamp/ink pads find one with a coordinating color and ink the edges. Just simply rub the edge of the tag along the stamp pad. You just want the edges, so go lightly at first, you can always add more if necessary.

This is how mine turned out after I inked the edges.

Before you punch a hole in the tag, let's look for some coordinating colored card stock and add a backing to the tag. I like to put glue on the back of my tag, line it up in the corner of the card stock so I only have to trim a couple of the edges. You want to leave about an 1/8 inch of the colored card stock showing around all edges. As you can see, it's a great way to use up your scraps.

Again, ink the edges of the card stock to match the tag. As you can see, I didn't go overboard with the inking. (click the pics for a closer view)

Now, let's punch a hole thru both layers… the tag and the card stock backing. If you have eyelets now would be a good time to use them… if not,  simple hole will do. You can see that I did use the eyelets here.

 

Rather than using plain string for the tie, I used coordinating ribbon instead. Sometimes I like to tie bows on the front of the tag… sometimes not, it just depends on how it works out.

You can add rhinestones, paper flowers and other things to the front go the tag if you like. Just use your imagination.




These are my finished tags... simple, but a little more than just a printed and cut tag.

If you're interested in finding the printable file for these tags they're located here... www.ewenmeprintables.com

Thank you for joining us today.
Deena Davis
www.byyourhands.com

Tuesday Tutorial - DIY Paper Projects

Do you have some extra scrapbooking paper laying around or maybe some office supplies you're not using? Maybe you can make one of today's featured projects or perhaps be inspired to come up with your own paper crafting project.

The first one I'd like to share today is from www.simplyvintagegirl.com I love all the different papers  she used to create this notebook. It looks pretty simple to make as she has complete instructions with photos.

Next, I found this great way to recycle cereal boxes. The way my family eats cereal, I could have a whole shelf full of these in no time. You'll find great instructions on how to make these at pittypatpaperie.blogspot.com

This one is clever too... a Button and String Mini Journal from www.thecreativeplace.blogspot.com. You'll find instructions with photos to walk you through every step.

Last and certainly not least, I found these really cute stars made from paper. You could use these for all kinds of things. They'd be really cute as bowl fillers, in a jar, on a Christmas tree, etc. Instructions are here... www.umeorigami.com

Thanks so much for joining us today!
Deena Davis
www.byyourhands.com