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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http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

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Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Floral Bottle Board

Decorative signs ride current craft trends- but just because one style passes doesn't mean the sign needs to hit the trash pile.  Looking at an object for it's shape instead of the message can often lead to new life for would-be castaways.

This floral bottle board is a good example of "one person's trash is another person's treasure".

Believe it or not, what lies beneath this sign was so outdated, even the cashier at the thrift store gave me a cross-eyed look.  But for just $1, I knew I couldn't pass it up.

Despite the hot-glued bugs, this wood sign is in excellent shape and already has a whimsical wire hanger. Bugs are easily picked off (and set free into the wilds of my patio plants) and a good coat of paint with primer will cover this sign's current message.  Add some vintage bottles I scored for $3 at auction last week and I would have my own custom floral board.

What you will need for this project:

*  Wooden Sign  *  Small Glass Bottles *  Sandpaper * Paintbrush  *  Foam Brush  *  Spare Paint  *  Mod Podge  *  Scrapbook Paper  *  22 Gauge Wire  *  Wire Cutter  *  Ruler  *  Pencil  *  Upholstery Tacks  *  Small Hammer 

Start by sanding the entire sign, front, back, and sides.

Apply one coat of neutral paint with primer.  I used some leftover interior paint from the garage.

Paint that gets on the wire can be scraped off with a damp towel, or use sandpaper if the paint has dried.

 Choose scrapbook paper to embellish the sign.  For this project I used paper from My Mind's Eye's Lost and Found collection.  Once the paper has been cut to suit the sign shape, apply Mod Podge to the back of the paper and adhere paper to the sign.

 Sand edges of paper to decrease the harsh line where the paper ends.

Apply a second coat of Mod Podge over paper and entire front of sign.

Using a ruler, mark the center point of the sign.  From there, make a mark every two inches on either side.

With a small hammer, pound in upholstery tacks at each pencil dot. Leave about 1/4 inch open to wrap wire.  Add some distressing by randomly hammering the board to leave strike marks.

Using 22 gauge wire (or stronger, depending on bottle size), cut 12 inch strips.  Place bottle neck in center of the cut wire, wrap wire twice and twist until the wire is secure and the bottle can't slip through.

Bring wire ends up and wrap around upholstery tack twice, twisting together for extra security.  Snip extra wire with wire cutters.

Repeat this process for all bottles.

  Lightly hammer tacks to be sure any extra space around wire is tapped into the board.

Hang sign and tug bottles lightly to be sure they are secure.

Fill each bottle with 1-2 inches of water.  Too much water could create too much weight.

Now the bottles are ready to display your favorite garden flowers!

Display inside or outside and enjoy!

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

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

Organizing - Organize Your Scrapbook Paper

Scrapbooking paper storage can be quite a challenge at times. Take a peek at these ideas on how to store your papers.



Thank you for joining us,
Deena Davis
www.byyourhands.blogspot.com