Alice's Soda Can Bookmarks What does Wonderland's Alice have to do with Christmas? Absolutely nothing. Except that the same procedure with which I made her 'Drink me' bookmark I employed to make a more Christmas-y version. (PDFs of each design included.) First, the ingredients: An empty aluminum can (one per bookmark)White card stockMatt fixativeCraft knifeBone folder1/8” spring punch/eyelet setter and eyelet/s (I have this one) Straight edgeCutting matBlack perle cotton or crochet cottonSmall silver bell or jingle bell for the Christmas option and one large and one small silver bead for the non-Christmas onePDF of the Christmas version or the 'Drink me' version available on my Scribd pageSticky-back tape220 grit sandpaper Step 1: Print the PDF image onto white card stock. Step 2: Cut the middle section of the aluminum can into one large sheet. Step 3: Using your straight blade and craft knife, miter each of the corners of your aluminum. Step 4: Step 5: Place your straight edge along the long side of the image/print.
Metal Flowers Picture Tutorial I am just in love with my metal flowers!! Love making them in all different sizes and shapes. Getting better at each time! So many ways you can use them. Hope the picture tutorial will help you make some pretty ones too! Enjoy! Using a scrapbook brad, secure your flowers together. After this project, I end up with a lot of soda can bottoms. Found a way to use some of them by making this upcycle project!! Metal Wall Art & Decor by Artwall Metal Decor | Home Page | Metal Art & Decor Products Festive Stars made from Recycled Drinks Cans November 1st, 2011 I’m preparing for a couple of craft fairs (details coming soon) at the moment and decided to have a go at making some Festive decorations by recycling some drinks cans I’ve been collecting. I found this tutorial the other day and thought I could adapt it to me own needs. So here goes… What you will need: - Empty drinks cans - Scissors - Craft Knife - Ball point pen or an embossing tool with a fine point - Sharp pointy thing – not sure what the name of this tool is! Step One First you need to get a star shape printed onto paper or card and cut out. Step Two Next you need to cut the tops and bottoms off your drinks can and give the insides a good clean – I used a craft knife to do this as well as scissors – be careful of sharp edges! Step Three Put a bit of sticky tape (rolled up) onto the back of your cardboard star and stick this to the silver side of your can and draw around it – I use my sharp pointy tool to do this but you could also do it with a fine permanent marker.
DIY Triangle Shelves Photo: A Beautiful Mess This fun little project comes via the ladies over at A Beautiful Mess, combining the love of collectables, with the modern twist. Printers trays are back in fashion (though avid collectors will say they've always been in style!), there is something rather special about showcasing our little treasures and keepsakes and these DIY shelves offer just the ticket. You'll find step-by-step instructions and photos at the link below. DIY Triangle Shelves via A Beautiful Mess Tagged : How-To, shelves, wall art, DIY Triangle Shelves Material : wood Design Style : colorful, contemporary, minimalist, scandinavian Techniques : woodworking Room : bedroom, Dining room, Entryway & Hall, Kid's Room, Kitchen, living room, Office & Workspace Decor Element : wall art
Wall Decor | Metal Wall Art | Wall Art | recycle Old Tin Cans into Functional Furnishings Tin cans are the subjects of many arts & crafts projects, frequently reused as the bodies of little tin robot soldiers or other kitschy knickknacks. This designer has taken the same classic object but added a useful and more minimalist twist – a set of simple plastic lids that make an old tin can able to serve a new function. From tea, coffee, sugar and other kitchen storage containers to soap dispensers and pen holders, these designs by Jack Bresnahan bring out the remarkable elegance of what one might previously consider a purely functional form. Not to wax too ecstatic about a simple cylinder, but somehow the silver shine and ribbed sides of the tin cans take on a new luster in the presence of these purposeful white tops.
Making Fused Plastic March 12th, 2013 I’ve been wanting to experiment with fused plastic for ages so what better place to try it out than here on Tutorial Tuesday and share my experiences with you. I’ve got lots of plastic bags stored in the kitchen from a few online supermarket deliveries we’ve done since Milo was born and I’ve just never got round to taking them back to the supermarkets for recycling. Good job too as then I wouldn’t have any bags to experiment with. As I was experimenting and learning at the same time, the images in the tutorial below show different bags all at different stages – I hope it’s not too confusing! What you will need: - Sharp Scissors - Plastic Bags - Iron - Ironing Board - Greaseproof Paper - Large Wooden Chopping Board - Metal Ruler - Craft Knife - Cutting Mat Step One The first thing you need to do is lay your plastic bag out flat and cut off the bottom and the top so that you’re left with a large tube of plastic. Stretch and flatten this out and put aside. Step Two Step Three
Wire Jewelry | Wire Wrap Tutorials | Jewelry Making Wire DIY Eco Friendly Packaging February 26th, 2013 Have you ever needed to find a box to package up a gift in a hurry? Look no further than the simple plastic PET bottle you have in your kitchen. Certainly don’t throw it in the bin! What you will need: - Plastic bottle - Cutting Mat - Craft Knife - Scissors - Marker Pen - A Plate - A pointy thing (I used a blunt sewing needle) Step One The first thing you need to do is cut the top and the bottom of the bottle off. Step Two Flatten the tube by pressing down on it with your hands and then flatten/crease one edge with your thumb. Then re-inforce the crease using the edge of your craft knife. Next do the other side. Step Three Place you flattened tube onto a cutting mat so that you know where the center is. Step Four Next you need to use the plate again to score a curved line at both ends of the tube on the front and the back – so you do this 4 times. Step Five Start forming your pillow box by creasing along the scored lines you’ve just drawn. Step Six
8 Clever Uses for Plastic Straws Have you ever pried a straw out of the mouth of a young child, only to find it macerated and dripping in saliva? Let’s all let out a collective “eeeewww.” In general, my “clever uses” articles are meant to teach people how to get a second use out of something disposable. In the case of straws, I’m honestly going to have to suggest that you be very picky about which straws you reuse. I really don’t expect anyone to reuse chewed up, spit-covered drinking straws. Now: It is not too gross to wash plastic drinking straws and save them for DIY projects. When the plastic drinking straws are clean and dry and you’ve amassed a decent-sized collection, try your hand at one of the following projects. Drinking straw lamp shade: The L.A. The straw cluster chandelier: Design Sponge featured a spiky-looking straw cluster chandelier. Woven coasters: According to Country Living, woven drinking straws are a great material to make coasters from. Do you have any great uses for drinking straws?
Easy DIY Chicken Wire Pendant Lights In need of some whimsical, Anthropologie-style accent lighting? Try your hand at these simple DIY chicken wire pendant lights! These babies are so easy to make, they practically don't need a tutorial -- but check out the how-to on A Subtle Revelry for tips and some more pretty photos! DIY Chicken Wire Pendant Lights by A Subtle Revelry Tagged : How-To, Inspiration, chicken wire Material : metal, paint Design Style : eclectic, rustic Room : Dining room, living room, Office & Workspace Decor Element : Lamps & Lighting
Fresh Steamer Trunk Makeover I'm torn. I kinda love the rough, pirate-y personality of this steamer trunk before its makeover. But I also love it after its makeover. Shannon, to whom the trunk belongs, taped out the leather straps, the wood cross beams and metal parts and then painted it, using a sanding block after the paint was dry to bring back a little of that roughness. The outcome is completely fresh. How about you? Steamer Trunk Makeover [Burlap and Lace] Tagged : Makeover-Mondays Material : paint Design Style : eclectic, rustic, transitional Techniques : refinishing Room : bedroom, Entryway & Hall, Kid's Room, living room Decor Element : Desk & Tables
DIY Idea: Make a Reclaimed Wood Planter Wall Move over, wallpaper. Take a hike, paint! There's a new accent wall treatment in town -- and it's green from head to toe. Reclaimed, up-cycled materials? Check. What do you think of this accent wall idea? Get a full tour of the Studiomates work space, beautifully photographed by Julia Robbs, right here. Tagged : accent wall, Inspiration, reclaimed wood Material : wood Design Style : colorful, eclectic, rustic, transitional Techniques : Creative Reuse, gardening, Recycling & Upcycling Room : bedroom, Dining room, Entryway & Hall, living room, Office & Workspace, outdoor Decor Element : accessories, Plants & Garden, wall art