Mel Designs

Napkin Rings from Recycled Materials- Making Something From Nothing

Have you ever stopped to think about how much cardboard we bring into our homes on an almost daily basis? From the boxes that hold shipped items to the cardboard rolls used to hold paper towels, it's a lot of cardboard. A few weeks ago, I shared with you an idea for using patterned paper scraps and cardboard to create bird napkin rings.

I had so much fun making these little birds that I decided to play with more of my Sizzix dies and Jacquard paints and create napkin rings in more themes.

Here's how I did it...

After I had cut out all of my shapes using corrugated cardboard, cardboard recycled from a cereal box and cardboard rolls (cut to 2 1/2" pieces), I covered the pieces with Gesso. If you are familiar with Gesso, it is a sort of paint primer. It comes in black or white mostly be can be purchased in colors as well. I used it for this project to add durability to the pieces since I plan to use them as napkin rings.A side note about the dies I used- this bird in cage Sizzix Bigz Die is one of my all time favorites. I also used a layered flower die that I have used over and over for all sorts of projects.

Both are two of my "go-to" dies when creating projects.

After the pieces were coated front and back, I used various colors of Jacquard Products paints in the Neopaque and Lumiere brands. Neopaque is a highly pigmented opaque paint designed to cover dark grounds. They have a consistency similar to Lumiere but are not metallic. Neopaque paints are flexible and soft on a variety of surfaces. They have an opaque appearance and compliment the shiny Lumiere paints when used together. 

For the bird cage napkin rings I used Neopaque in Turquoise, White and Black.

Lumiere is another cool paint product.

This stunning assortment of metallic and pearlescent paints brush on like butter and are designed not to spread. They allow for smooth application on soft or flexible surfaces like fabrics and uneven textures like Styrofoam. Lumiere colors can be bright, metallic or subtle, even on dark backgrounds.

For these flower themed napkin rings, I used Lumiere in Metallic Cooper and Shimmering Silver.

I love to use old shipping boxes with a corrugated center since it has such a rustic, textured look to it. I added stamp muslin and some bling to each of the napkin ring sets. I glued the cardboard roll to the back of the shapes to serve as a ring, and added fabric tape to further enhance the durability of the rings.

Making these rings from materials you would normally discard, plus some special craft supplies is a truely rewarding experience!

Details matter very much...

What is your favorite recycled materials to create from? What do you make? I love reading your comments. I am always so inspired by you...

Live Life Creatively,

Painted and Sewn Flower Embellishments From Recycled Jeans

I hate throwing anything away. Especially old, worn blue jeans. It's hard to let go but once you decide that the old jeans are just too covered with paint, rips and other stains and such, you HATE the idea of tossing them. Blue jeans can be recycled into so many cool things. From hand bags to pocket organizers, the possibilities are endless.

I decided to cover an old pair with Jacquard's Neopaque and Lumiere paints, in random swatches.

I painted one color in random places, letting that color dry before moving on to the next one. I really didn't know where the whole process was going but I knew I loved the effect and color combination I used to make this Drip Art Painted Tote.

Once I had completely covered the jeans. I decided to cut them up and die cut them into layered flower shapes using my Sizzix BigShot die cutting machine and a layered flower die. Oh, I also threw in a pair of old leather pants that I haven't worn in a decade or so...

if you want to do this, alternate the leather pants (you could use an old purse or boots too) with the painted denim on the different shapes on the surface of the die.

Use fabric glue, such as Aleenes Fabric Fusion to glue the pieces together. Free form cut a circle for the center and place a pretty jeweled brad in the center to hold all the pieces together.

Boy! Does one pair of old jeans and leather pants make a ton of these flowers! Add to the whole effect by free form stitching around the edges of the flowers. You may need to trim the edges of the flanges of the brad so it does not hit your sewing needle if you get too close to the center.

I'll bet you can think of all kinds of things to do with these flowers created from painted and sewn pants. The first thing that came to my mind was fashion.

I sewed several to the neckline of a plain cotton top.

I made some cuffs by lining up three or four flowers and sewing them together at the edges.

I also created a statement necklace. Worn with the cotton top, its a look that is completely over the top.

What would you do with these flowers? Leave me a comment and let me know. I love hearing your unique ideas!

Live Life Creatively,

I Have Been Featured in Altered Couture Magazine

And what makes it so special to me is that this is first. Stampington produces upscale, remarkably high quality content and the photography is first rate. The items featured are so unique. Take this "bottom on the top" dress created by Tracy Schultz, how out of the box can one possibly think?

Altered Couture is a 160-page publication dedicated to altered and embellished clothing and accessories. It is filled with gorgeous photographs of altered jackets, t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, skirts, and more, accompanied by easy-to-understand techniques and endless inspiration. You'll find new ways to transform your own garments and accessories into fabulous works of wearable art. Now you don't have to throw your clothes away! Altered Couture will show you creative ideas on how you can add a twist to your attire with just a few resources: dyes, paints, bleach, rubber stamps, threads, buttons, beads, and more!

Beth Livesay, the esteemed editor of Altered Couture, chose to feature two of my projects I sent into her. One is tmy altered Springtime blazer.

I altered it by cutting off the lapels and replacing that collar with ruffles. I used lots of free form stitching and wool felt appliques.

Lots and lots of detail here! I also sent my tree of life corduroy jacket and that was featured as well. This one combines hand stitching the appliques in place in lieu of
machine stitching using a cozy blanket stitch.

As we move from Winter into Spring, there are so many inspiring projects in this issue that you will be longing to create!

The current copy of Altered Couture can be ordered here.

Live Life Creatively,

Things to do With Paper and Fabric Scraps Part Three and Giveaway

In my continuous search for cool ideas to make the most of the patterned paper ad fabric scraps you have lurking in your creative stash, I rounded up some super innovative ideas from here and around the web. While ironing a new stash of hand dyed ribbons last week, I had an idea.

 

 

 

 

 

Idea #1- What if I took coordinating fabric scraps, ironed them to Lite Steam a Seam fusible webbing and cut them into little triangles to resemble bunting flags? Super easy. I ironed the flags in a repeating pattern to hand dyed ribbon and added a simple straight stitch across the flags to secure them in place. This bunting ribbon can be purchased from my etsy shop and would be an adorable addition to wrapped packages, gift bags, cards, scrapbook pages or other art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Idea #2- While poking around on Pinterest the other day, I ran across this adorable idea for creating a lampshade from fabric scraps.

If you like color, you have to check out The Color issue. It is a delightful blog filled with the most amazing and stunning color that will surely inspire you. I cannot wait to try my hand at creating this lampshade from my fabric scraps!

Idea #3- And while we are talking about fabric scraps, don't fail to overlook the possibilities of old garments such as t shirts and sweaters when cleaning out your closet this Spring. Everything from rolled fabric bracelets, like these "Jersey Bracelets" from U Create Crafts to handmade bathrugs can be created from torn strips of t shirts that have seen better days and may end up in your "toss" pile.

Idea #4- We all love and know paper beads. By cutting simple strip shapes from paper scraps, we can use a decoupage medium such as Collage Pauge to create custom beads. I like this spin on paper beads from Mixed Creations Jewelry Blog. The creator used jewelry wire and round nose pliers to secure the bead inside wire wrapping for a definite mixed media feel.

Idea #5- If you love using paper punches as much as I do, then you will love this idea from the Crate Paper Blog. Various shapes were punched from leftover scraps of patterned paper and sewn together to create a string of scraps and finally wrapped around vintage spools for storage. How awesome is this? These would be a unique addition to your workspace decor, they are just too darn cute to hide in a storage bin.

Idea #6- Its all about color these days. Don't be afraid to display a mix or prints and solids in lots of different patterns. This cool arrangement created from paper scraps cut into leaf shapes and attached to gathered fallen tree limbs is a terrific example of making the most out of your paper scraps and having fun in the process! Visit Everyday Mom Ideas where the designer gives you a tutorial on how to make this and adds that this idea could be adapted to weddings, showers, spring celebrations, the possibilities are endless.

If you are as passionate about using fabric and paper scraps in your projects, see part one and two of this series. I am constantly on the lookout for new ways to use these items and would love to hear your ideas. Leave me a comment and tell me how you use your scraps! Comment by February 26th, 12:00 AM, EST and I will chose a winner at random to receive two yards of my bunting ribbon (US and CA only). Leave as many ideas as you would like and good luck!  

Live Life Creatively,

 

 

A Unique Housewarming Gift

Welcome to the neighborhood. With the housing market continuing to improve, chances are you're getting new neighbor. What better way to welcome them to their new nest than with a box full of useful things all tucked into a fun, handmade container that looks like just their new home!

My absolutely favorite thing about these containers are that are made from recycled corrugated cardboard boxes. Choose a box of an appropriate size to fit your contents (I will give you some unique ideas at the end of this post). Tear away the first layer to reveal the corrugated surface. Call me jam packed with issues but there is something wildly therapeutic about tearing away the cardboard layers. When your done, cut one flap into a triangle to resemble a roof top. Fold the remaining flaps inward and secure with tacky glue.

I used Jacqaurd's Neopaque paint to paint my houses white. But with the array of colors the paint is available in, you can choose from so many other colors.

I like Neopaque paints because they are designed to cover dark backgrounds with light application. Neopaque paints brush on smoothly and remain soft and flexible when dry.

Use recycled corrugated cardboard for the features of the house as well including doors, little flower pots, a chimney, you name it.

For the flower pots, create little flowers cut from wool felt and centered with beads. First use wire nippers to cut off 3" of 20 gauge beading wire. Then insert one end of the wire into the center of the wire. Thread the wire onto the the wire and create a loop to secure with chain nose pliers.

Insert your flowers into your cardboard pot. I created a pot and a lid from the recycled cardboard but didnt expose the corrugated layer to create some additional texture.

Paint the door and pots a color of your choosing, I chose black and then dry brushed with white Neopaque.

For the windows, decide how large and where you would like them to go on your house, then use a square or rectangular template to cut from the box onto traced lines on the front of the house.

 

Back the windows with some recycled vintage book pages and some patterned paper for curtains.

Stamp a sentiment such as "Welcome to your new home" or "From our house to yours" on white cardstock, cut out and glue to the roof.

Finally I added a few more small touches, including this tiny bunting created from the leftover scraps from a previous project created from Lumiere.

Super Cute and all made from mostly recycled materials!

Need ideas of what to put into your house? Here are a few

- Where are the dishes? Paper plates, cups, plastic knives, forks and spoons and napkins

- We need to clean- Cleaning supplies such as a all purpose cleaner, sponges and cleaning cloths

- No time to cook- Take menus from local restaurants that deliver, if you can splurge maybe a gift card to the same restaurant along?

-Snack attack- Snack packs of cookies, trail mix, crackers, sweetened drink mixes, etc. O course, handmade goodies are always welcome!

Think about the last time you moved, what would you want tucked into your new home box of goodies? Leave me a comment- I would love to hear your ideas!

- Good info to have- local telephone numbers of sanitation department (garbage pick up), police, fire department, names and numbers of neighbors, neighborhood association meeting info and contact number

Live Life Creatively,

 

Ideas for Scraps From Your Stash- Part Two- Ribbon Scraps

As we continue to tackle all of our scraps in an effort to find useful ways to include them into our projects, here is an idea that I think you will love. Its economical, green and organizational.

It who have a growing stash of paper and/or fabric scraps, I will willing to bet you have just as many if not more bits of ribbon and trim.

While sorting and cleaning out my crazy mess of trims, I thought of this idea. I had been saving recycled jars for some time, so I dug out three pickle jars, removed the labels, washed and dried them.

I sorted my bits and ribbon and trims into piles by color, or by color combos that inspire me. I was sure to include various bits of tiny pearl trim, tulle pieces or anything else that would add texture.

I filled the jars, artfully by making sure interesting pieces were visable from the outside of the jars.

To color coordinate the lids, I chose DecoArt Americana Acrylics in various colors, along with some Duraclear varnish to coat the paint and prevent it from chipping off the metal.

To decorate the front of the jar, choose some rub ons in desired themes. I liked a Baby Girl theme for my pink ribbons and more general themes for the other two. by adding themes, I can choose to giveaway my scrap jars as gifts to a new Mom for her scrapbookingprojects, or keep the jar of ribbons as my go to jar when creating projects for a new baby!

I love to create gifts for artsy friends and these ribbon scrap jars perfectly fit the bill!

Here is a photo with the lids painted and dry brushed. For my stash, they are perfect just as is and will make pretty decorative containers for my studio.

But if you plan to give them as a gift... you may want to consider adding a coordinating tag. I used a tag punch and cardstock to punch tags for my jars.

Then, I set about embellishing the tags with rub ons, stamps and rhinestone trim.

Attach them to your jar with coordinating ribbon.

I challenge you to gather up all your bits of ribbon and trims and get a hold of them with this project. You will feel so great knowing you have so much more supplies to use than you thought and they will be ready and waiting for you when you start your next project! For ideas in using up fabric and paper mosaic, see my post from last week on creating a paper mosaic.

Live Life Creatively,

Things to do with Paper and Fabric Scraps Part One- Sewn Paper Mosaic

If you are any type of crafter who enjoys sewing and/or paper crafts, chances are pretty good you have a great collection of scraps. Follow along with me as I show you how to create some great projects using these scraps.

This technique is sort of like creating a mosaic, minus the messy grout. First, choose some coordinating colors of patterned paper and use a pair of scissors to cut them in random shapes. I chose to cut mine into shapes with straight edges.

I chose a black, white and cream color combo to create the bird napkin rings shown above. After you have plenty of cut pieces, glue them to the surface of a piece of cardstock with a paper adhesive such as Zip Dry Paper Glue by Beacon Adhesives.

Completely cover the surface of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet, overlapping pieces as needed.

For the fabric sheet, I chose cotton fabric, burlap, a netting type of fabric for added interest and printed canvas.

Here is the final result. Instead of wet adhesive, I fused my uncut fabric to Lite Steam a Seam with an iron and then cut the pieces into "tiles." I used the iron to fuse the fabric pieces to the cardstock sheet after peeling off the paper backing.

Now that you have your paper and/or fabric mosaic sheet completed, use a sewing machine and contrasting thread to free form random lines on the surface of the sheets with a straight stitch.

Ok- so these are interesting but what can we do with them, right? I used a Sizzix Big Shot Machine to die cut my favorite bird shape from the sewn paper mosaic sheet.

For the wing, I used a recycled cardboard box to trace a simple teardrop shape. I cut it out and peeled the top layer away to reveal corrugated cardboard. Ink the wing and add a pretty embellishment and voila!

These Karen Foster sparkle brads were purchased from Scrapbook.com. To adding some extra durability to the bird shapes, die cut a bird from the recycled cardboard box and glue the pieces together with the paper adhesive. Then, use Collage Pauge to coat the sewn surface.

I love to create napkin rings, they are a pet project of mine. I used a recycled cardboard roll to create a ring and mounted the bird to the ring with Aleenes Tacky Glue. If you want extra durability for the cardboard ring, consider adding some fabric tape to the outer ring. These can also be purchased from my etsy shop.

What did I do with the sewn fabric mosaic? I used it to adorn the front of a journal cover, to capture all my inspirational thoughts and ideas when the moment strikes.

Since I have plenty of paper and fabric scraps laying around, I am looking to introduce you to a new technique once or twice a month. What do you do with your paper and fabric scraps? I would love to hear your ideas!

Live Life Creatively,

 

Last Minute Table Favors- Recycled Tubes

Being a huge fan (still) of recycled crafts, I have continued my quest in hoarding recycled cardboard tubes to use as napkin rings, kids crafts and small favors. At the lastest minute this year, I decided to make these sweet table favors using Jacquards Lumiere and Neopaque paints.

I love Lumiere paints because they come in 32 beautiful metallic colors and spread smoothly and stay flexible. They are a perfect choice for fabric and leather, but are also stunning on surfaces like paper, photos, wood, shrink plastic and even styrofoam! I used them on paper surfaces only for this project.

Starting with plain short tubes, I machine stitched the ends closed to create a little pouch. I was inspired by Becky Shander's art in Sommerset Life to create these adorable pouches this way.

If you don't sew, use a strong adhesive and glue the end closed. Hold it in place while it dries with a clip or clothespin.

Leave one end open to create the little pouch. I chose Metallic Copper, Citrine (my fav) and Metallic Gold to paint the tubes. These make beautiful Fallish colors. Switch up the colors to make Christmas ornaments or little gift card holders in reds and greens or blues and silvers.

Paint the outside and the inside for a nice finished look. A couple of coats should do the trick.

I used a unmounted rubber document stamp with black ink to stamp the image on the front. This is a little tricky so don't be frustrated if you are unable to get the entire image to transfer. You can cover those parts with embellishments.

I cut plain lightweight cardstock into 2" squares and painted with light coats of the lumiere. I also dry brushed them with contrasting colors and edged them with a little Neopaque paint in black.

I used my handmade embellishments created from felt, paper, recycled brads and pinata colors. Each embellishment is a brad so I simply punched a hole in the center and inserted each.

Here is a peak at the embellished tubes. I used self adhesive gem stone rows since I like that extra bling factor.

To make the handles, I used yet another cardboard tube and cut 1/2 strips from the tube, cutting in half to form a handle.

Paint your handles with Neopaque in black.

Neopaque paints are designed to cover dark backgrounds with light application so you will need one coat for this step. Attach the handle to the tube by punching holes at the ends of the strip and to the sides of the tube with a small hole punch. Hold together with brads, preferably jeweled ones!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Live Life Creatively,

 

Eco-Chic Thanksgiving Table Favors and a Giveaway

With Thanksgiving so near, you may be starting to menu plan, decorate and planning the center of all that is treasured on this American celebratory day: the table.

These origami table favors are so easy to make. You can whip up a batch faster than you can say Pumpkin pie.

Have you ever stopped to take notice of all the brown paper bags we bring into our homes on an almost daily basis? I think crafting with brown paper bags has become so eco chic since they are never hard to find!

Start by opening your bag at the seams with scissors so you have enough room to cut an 8" square from the flattened bag.

Here is the tricky part but its really easy once you do it a few times.

Fold the 8" square into a triangular shape like this.

Next, fold one corner in so that it meets the other end of the triangle.

Repeat on the other end. Your pouch should begin to look like this.

You will end up with two flaps at the top of the pouch. Fold one towards you. If needed, use a wet or dry paper adhesive to hold in place.

Flip the pouch over and repeat, gluing down the flap. You now have what resembles an origami cup or pouch. The layers used when folding make it sturdy enough to hold small treats, silverware, napkins, etc. without tearing.

Now its time to jazz these up some...

Use lumiere paints by Jacquard Products to dry brush a light coat on both sides.

These burlap circles by Canvas Corp will make the perfect embellishment for the front of the pouch.

So I dry brused the edges of the pouches and burlap circles with Neopaque in Black by Jacqaurd products.

Next,sew a wool felt die cut letter and a stamped sentiment on cotton to your round piece. I chose "thankful" and "grateful."

As a special touch, I used Lumiere 3-Dimensional paint on the edges of my pouch. This product comes in the same beautiful lumiere colors but has added dimension. It will be available to US consumers in January 2012.

Glue your burlap circles to the center front of your pouch. Add other special touches like these corrugated flowers created from a recycled box and die cut.

If you want handles for your pouch,here is one option.

Take a larger circle punch or cutter and cut circles from black cardstock. Take a smaller circle punch or cutter and cut out finger holes from the larger circles.

Glue your handle to the insides of the pouch.

Want more origami pouch projects? See my pouches made using recylced magazine pages or my pouches using old newspaper.

And Now for the Giveaway details! 

Welcome the holiday party season by winning a full set of their fun body glitter! Jacquard's Glitter Body Art Kit is non-permanent body art with a shimmery twist! Draw designs with the medical-grade adhesive using the fine applicator bottle or apply through one of the 6 included stencils. Or apply using a brayer and a rubber stamp. Instructions included! Includes 3 colors of glitter. Lasts for days or is easily removed with baby oil.

Here' what to do:  Visit Jacquard's Facebook page here and mention Body Glitter Art Kit. Make sure you "like" them while you are there. On December 1st, 2011, at 12 EST, we will chose a winner (us only please) by random drawing. Good Luck!

Lumiere and Neopaque can be purchased at Dick Blick Art Materials. Burlap Circles by Canvas Corp can be purchased at Scrapbook.com.  

Live Life Creatively,

 

 

Painted Handbag Using Products by Jacquard And Giveaway

If you do a lot of DIY projects, you probably know what I am talking about when your friends and family show up with loads of tossed off items that "they just knew you could do something with it." I am lucky to have that problem. When my first cousin brought me this interesting silver toned pleated purse, I immediately was inspired to make it a lot more interesting using products by Jacquard.

Using Lumiere and Neopaque in a variety of colors, I painted each of the pleats on this bag a different color, including the ruffles.

I love using Lumiere on surfaces such as leather and vinyl because it adds such a rich shine. Neopaque is the perfect compliment to it because it covers the surface with an opaque finish. This means you do not have to use multiple coats the surface, usually one does the trick!

To add details, I used the handle of a foam brush and black neopaque paint to create dots on the pleat that was painted Neopaque in turquoise.

On the white panel, I opted for stripes painted in Lumiere Crimson. I added details with a black fine point tee juice marker. I have recently discovered the fun of using tee juice markers on top of Jacquard paints.

I continued decorating each panel in a different design, using markers as needed.

This was a really fun project! And I saved a nice bag from the trash bin.

Would you like to win a Lumiere Mini Exciter Pack? It is a package of eight 1/2oz bottles of Lumiere, this lustrous metallic paint that can be used on fabric, leather, paper and wood. Pack includes: Pearl Turquoise, Pearl White, Metallic Bronze, Halo Violet-Gold, Metallic Olive, Halo Pink-Gold, Pewter and Metallic Gold.

Here what you do- go to the Jacquard Facebook fan page and "like" them. Leave a comment under my post and mention you saw the giveaway on my blog by November 14th, 12 AM PST. On November 15th, we will randomly draw one person to receive this giveaway! (US only please). So dont wait! Go over to the Jacquard Facebook Fan Page NOW.

Jacquard Lumiere, Neopaque and Tee juice markers can be purchased from Dick Blick Art Materials.

Good luck!

Live Life Creatively,