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,

Comments

[vintage ring]

These rings look lovely! I myself adore recycled materials and have a whole pile of things to be re-used in all sorts of closets and boxes. I will make sure to try make some of hose at home next time I find a minute.

[Sher]

You are such a talent! My gosh, I wish I were half as talented. I've featured your work on Momcaster: http://momcaster.com/2012/04/11/make-napkin-rings/

(I love these so much.)

[cathy]

Hi there - love love the birdcage!

[Recycled Materials]

I like the bird cage, I think I will have a go at making that.I have started making some of my own designs from used car parts. I am not an artist or sculptor but I have some goals set on what i want to make. Thanks for showing us how to make these.

[KathyH]

Hi Mel!

Let's see...what do I save...bottle caps, wine corks, bread wrapper plastic thingys, any bottle cover that I might be able to make something from (my mantra)..basically you name it, I save it. Most of it I use to make jewelry. I've even had friends save stuff for me. Bringing home another person's garbage is always a great conversation starter with hubby...

[Bobbie Lynn Duran]

You have so many great projects. Thank you for your inspiration. Love all the tips. Those napkin holders are too cool. Have a wonderful day!