Recycled Crafts

Hi Crafters!

I've long been an advocate or re-using and recycling materials in crafts.  I especially like doing that for kids' crafts, but recycled materials are also great for re-use in art collages, paper projects, decoupage, general crafts and even jewelry.

Here's a craft that I did recently for the Smoothfoam blog.  This Primitive Bunny Jar uses paper bags, old buttons and a jelly jar. You can find the instructions at the link.

Primitive Bunny Jar for Smoothfoam

Here's another of my favorite projects that I made using paper bags - Scrunched Paper Bangles.
All the instructions are on my blog at the link.  It's a fun gift for the kids to make for Mother's Day.

Scrunched Paper Bangles

Here's another craft that I made using recycled materials:  a Decoupaged Flower Pot. It's a great craft for everyone from kids to seniors!

Decoupaged Flower Pot

To make a pot like this, sponge on some acrylic paint, then glue on a selection of pieces from seed catalogs, gardening magazines and seed packets.  I also added some fabric leaves and flowers.  Stamp a message and decoupage that on top.  Add coats of decoupage medium.  This also makes a nice gift.  You can add a plant or fill it up with seed packets, a trowel and a pair of gardening gloves! 

Have fun with these and don't forget to look at your recyclables for crafting material!

Burlap Turkey Decoration

Hi Everyone!

It's time to talk turkey!  So, here's a cute little turkey that you can use to decorate your Thanksgiving table. 

Here's the link for the instructions on the Smoothfoam blog.  (The foam balls were provided by Smoothfoam, where I am a member of the Creativity Team.)

Burlap Turkey Decoration for Smoothfoam

Get the whole family involved making these, because they are easy enough for all to create.  Personalize him with name tags and put one at each place setting.  Or, give him a little sign that reminds all to give thanks. 

And, don't be afraid to add your own creative touches and substitutions!  Use felt for the wings and feet, chenille stems for the legs or make this little turkey into a bigger version with larger Smoothfoam balls.  That's what crafting is all about!

Happy Crafting!
And, a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Terry

Scarecrow

Hi Crafty Friends!

Fall leaves, bright pumpkins, garden harvests...there are so many reasons to enjoy this time of year.  And, it's so much fun to use all these things to decorate your porch or table.  

I created this little scarecrow to go with my fall decorations this year.  He was created for Smoothfoam™ and the instructions are on their blog.                                          

Scarecrow Decoration for Smoothfoam

He's very easy to make with Smoothfoam™ and upcycled fabric.  I used an old shirt and a pair of jeans.  Add some burlap and a few buttons and you'll have a decoration you'll set out every fall! 

I'd like to make more of these since I really like scarecrows.  I think a few in different sizes and fabric would be fun!  Maybe a whole scarecrow family!

Happy crafting and fall decorating!

Terry

Thankful Heart - Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to another first Monday of the month Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop!  This month we're creating thank you gifts.  I've created a Thankful Heart plaque that you can give as a gift or use to decorate the house for Thanksgiving or all through the year.  You can make this as a family or with a group.
 

Thankful Heart 

I've made it a reminder of a few of the people and things for which I am thankful.  You'll have your own things for which you are thankful so you can individualize the heart with names of loved ones or other words you like.

For this project, you'll need:

8x10 canvas
DecoArt Americana acrylic paint in Jack-O'-Lantern Orange and Milk Chocolate
Off-white cardstock and a word processing program/computer
Raffia-covered wire, about 1 foot
Small dry sticks
Tacky glue
Paintbrush, pliers, sponge

Instructions:

1.  Mix some orange and brown paint and paint the canvas.  Leave the paint streaky and uneven.  While the paint is still wet, press the sponge on the paint using different angles to create more texture.

2.  Using a word processing program and your computer, make a sheet of words describing things or people for which you are thankful.  Space them so that you can tear them apart.  Change the fonts and sizes on some of the words for interest.  Print them out on cardstock and tear the words apart into different shapes.  Thin the brown paint and randomly paint the words.  Let dry.

3.  Break the sticks into pieces to make the letters for the word "Thank".

4.  Using the pliers and your fingers, shape the wire into "ful".  For kids and seniors, use yarn instead of the wire.  Write the "ful" in glue, then follow it with yarn. 

5.  Glue the word "Thankful" as shown or as you like.

6.  Glue the paper words into a heart shape.

That's the basics, but as usual, you can change the project around to make it as individual as you are! 

Thanks for stopping by!  

Terry