Mel Designs

Treat Cups Made From Recycled Cardboard

Here is a fun Green craft for you to try using materials you already have at home plus some fun cool embellishments. These are recycled treat cups created fom cardboard tubes and corrugated cardboard from shipping boxes. 

Materials for Recycled Treat Cups

 

• Recycled cardboard tubes (I used tube from the center of a scot towel roll cut into smaller lengths)
• Shipping box or other corrugated cardboard
• Adtech hot glue gun and sticks, hot glue gun pad
• Adtech Permanant Glue Runner Crafter's Tape
• DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint- Sour Apple
• Assorted embellishments of choice, light green rick rack
• Rubber stamps of choice and Staz-On pigment ink
• Scissors, paintbrush, ruler

First of all, cut off one side of the cardboard box and peel off the paper to expose the corrugated box. 

Now trace a 5" circle on the smooth side of the cardboard and cut out with scissors. Measure 2" circles and cut out. Paint all circles Sour Apple. 

While the coats of paint dry, measure the length and the width of the tubes and cut the cardboard to fit around the tubes. For the bottom of the tubes, measure and cut a circle that is 1" larger than the bottom of the tube. 

Use the Glue Runner to adhere the cardboard on the tube by placing several strips of glue on the smooth side of the exposed cardboard. 

Use the hot glue gun the adhere the circle to the bottom of the tube. 

 

Refer to the photo and use the glue gun and glue sticks to assemble the remainder of the treat cups. 

 

Use the rubber stamps and ink to stamp sentiments, motifs, etc. onto the green circles. Embellish the circles to suit your taste. 

Deciding on what to fill these recycled treat cups with is the fun part! Here are some ideas for you

• Trail mix for a brownie, eagle, girl or cub scout meeting. Make it rich in nuts and seeds and use the opportunity to talk about how important it is to respect the earth as it has so much to offer. 
• Fill them with gourmet bird seed and give them away to avid bird watchers along with the instructions for making bird seed cakes. I like this recipe. 
• For a fun art gift for a creative friend, assemble embellishments such as ribbons, vintage jewelry, ephemera in green hues and fill the tubes with them. 

 

I hope you find many cool uses for making and using these recycled treat cups! 

Live Life Creatively, 

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Stamped Bird with Eggs Shower or Wedding Favor

Are you looking for an easy to make favor perfect for an upcoming Spring Wedding, Bridal Shower, Baby shower or bridal luncheon? if you can stamp, you can create these adorable bird themed favors. The birds are simply stamped on top of the glassine bag, and the bag is filled with shredded kraft paper and candy coated eggs to resemble a bird sitting on a nest of eggs. The beauty of creating these is that candy coated or "jordan almonds" comes in a wide variety of colors so you can customize them to match your chosen colors. The materials are simple but if you would like to take the EASY ROUTE and order them from my etsy shop, they are available in multiples of 25 or 50. I also accept custom quantities so you can convo me with questions.

I ordered these 3" x 5" glassine bags in lots of 100 from etsy. The seller, Cre8tive Goddess, is one of my favorites and sends along a big bunch of shredded paper with your order.

I used StazOn solvent ink in black and a simple bird and script stamp for the design on the front.

When working in multiples, don't stack the bags together or the ink will stick to the back of the bag. Solvent ink dries quick but takes a little longer to dry on glassine.

I did these particular favors for a baby shower for an etsy customer in Canada. She instructed me in the text she wanted to use including type font. She wanted a vintage feel so I used Baskerville Old Face.

I used a scalloped edged circle punch to punch each label out. I like this one from Marvy Uchida because it allows you to see where you are punching on the paper simply by turning the punch over.

The first step in assembling these labels is to cut out some corrugated cardboard circles. Corrugated cardboard is most likely sitting in or around your trash or recycling bin right now. I used the top part of a Pizza box.

Simply peel away the top part of the box to expose the corrugated layer and use scissors or a circle cutter to cut circles that measure approximately 1 1/2."

Ink the edges of the cardstock circles with brown ink and glue it to the top of the corrugated circle, centering.

To embellish the labels, I die cut some flowers from black wool felt. You will also need some ribbon or dyed fabric strips, seam binding, etc to decorate the top part of the label. I find that it is easiest to hand dyed torn strips of muslin with Rit Dye so that I can get the exact shade to match the candy color being used.

This hemp from Hemptique adds the final rustic touch to the labels.

Assembling the labels is by far the most time consuming effort of this project since you are most likely working in multiples of 25, 50, 100, etc. I even completed a 400 piece order for a wedding last Spring!

The final step is filling the bags with the shredded paper and candy and attaching the label. Fill the bag with five almonds and shredded paper. Fold over the bag and punch a hole for the label. Use the jeweled brad to attach the label and hold the bag closed.

I like to send the favors along to my customers in special packaging. I imagine that the recipient might save the box and use it hold special momentos of the special event, in this case a baby shower.

I usually save shoe boxes and other non-corrugated packages for just this purpose. I paint the box with several coats of paint and then dry brush in a contrasting color.

To coordinate with the theme of these favors, I stamped the bird on hand dyed ribbon.

 

Life Live Creatively,

 

Amore Embellished Altoid Tin and Tags

"Amore" (Italian) translates to "love" in the English language. Remember the old song "when the moon hits the sky like a big pizza pie thats 'Amore?' The Italians celebrate love with no other and it was with this mind that I was inspired to create some super versatile tags that can be used to adorn anything from jewelry, home decor or as fun wedding or valentines favors, tucked inside this embellished altoid tin.

These tags also make gorgeous bag ties for favors perfect for Valentines Day Favors, Wedding Favors, Bridal Showers, etc. Just change the color of the ribbon to match your color scheme.

I have been saving altoids tins for several months ago but I was still surprised to clean out my recycled stash and discover I had 15 of these babies!! I must be eating them like crazy...

I knew that I wanted to paint the tin as I was aiming for a shabby, distressed look so I thought it would be easiest if I covered the tin with cardstock first and then painted it. So I took a pencil and make templates by tracing the tin twice (to cover the top and bottom).

I cut out the templates and used Zip Dry Paper Glue by Beacon Adhesives to glue the pieces to the tin.

I measured the sides of the tin and used a paper trimmer to cut strips about 1/4" thinner than the actual measurements.This ensures that the cardstock does not hang off the edges of the tin.

Adhere with strips around the tin with the paper glue and use rubber bands to hold in place while drying, although the glue will set up very fast.

Now its time to paint. I used Lamp Black Americana Acrylics by DecoArt to cover the tin on the outside. I also cut a 1" x 3" cardstock strip, scored it 1/2" from each edge and painted it as well. Additionally, I painted a doll pin stand (stay posted for how I used this) and about eight wood heart tags. These tags can be purchased from several online sources. Just search for "unfinished wood heart tags."

 

painted and scored cardstock strip

You may be asking yourself why I painted cardstock when I could have simply used black cardstock. I find that for items that will be handled frequently, adding paint and gesso layers makes them a lot more durable.

After I had a front coat on the wood hearts, I used a candle to rub wax heavily across the surface.

Next, I painted the hearts, front and back, with two coats with Americana Acrylics in Antique White by DecoArt. I also dry brushed the box using this paint as well as the doll pin holder.

Note that the doll pin stand, or holder (purchased at any craft supply store in the unfinished wood supplies) has been glued to a stamped cardstock strip and a sprarkly bead placed in the hole of the bead. I used Beacon's Gem Tac to glue these components together.

This embellishment, along with some pink hand dyed ribbon were glued to the top of the tin using Fabri-Tac by Beacon Adhesives.

  I also added some tiny self adhesive stones for extra sprarkle.

Now back to the hearts and this is the fun part. Use a sanding block to sand the waxed surface lighly to reveal a distressed finish. Areas where the wax was applied will "peel" away easily. Use a scriot stamp and chalk ink to stamp the surface of the hearts for a very subtle stamped background. Use alphabet stamps or stickers to spell out "Amore."

Make another template for the tin by tracing the tin bottom to the wrong side of patterned papers of your choice. I used some simple black with white dots. Glue the divider strip slightly off center in the tin, adhering the scored sides to the tin to keep in place. This will keep your tags and ribbon hangers tidy inside the embellished altoid tin.

I embellished this recycled tin can with one of the tags and some washi tape for a pretty art supplies organizer.

These tags also make gorgeous bag ties for favors perfect for Valentines Day Favors, Wedding Favors, Bridal Showers, etc. Just change the color of the ribbon to match your color scheme.

My brain has been on overdrive thinking all of all the art kits I can create with these tins. Stay tuned as I show you next how to create super easy postcard charms tucked inside this quilted embellished altoid tin! To get a head start, see my previous post on how to make these charms.

Live Life Creatively,

 

Melony

Journaled Burlap Bags

Today, I have decided to share with you my scrappy journaled burlap bags created from canvas and burlap by Canvas Corp. These bags are not only unique for the journaled sentiments but also since they incorporate painted canvas using Jacquard's Lumiere and Neopaque paints.

To make these simple bags, start by cutting a strip of canvas to approximately 3" x 9." Cut another small piece of canvas to 4" x 6."

With a paint brush, paint the canvas using the Lumiere and Neopaque paints. I opted for a red with white dots, created by using the end of the paint brush.

When the pieces are dry, roll the ends into the middle of the long strip to create the cuff and press with a steam iron. Die cut a heart from the other piece.

To hold the fold in place, I used a sewing machine to straight stitch the center together.

To create a second pattern with the paints, paint swatches of color on the canvas and let dry. Then use the lid of a coke bottle to stamp rings on top. Again, use the end of a paintbrush to create dots.

To create the bag, cut two 7 1/2' x 9" rectangles from the burlap. Sew the heart or bird die cut to the center of one of the rectangles. Use alphabet stamps for a sweet sentiment, stamped to the front side of fused muslin.

Fuse the sentiment to the bag with an iron. Then use a sewing machine and contrasting thread to sew the edges in place with a straight stitch. For an extra scrappy look, let the ends of the sewn thread hang down a little, instead of trimming them off. This gives your journaled bag extra homespun flair.

These fun and sparkly embellishments purchased from Scrapbook.com give the bags a little extra touch.

Secure the cuff to the top of the sewn bag (sew right sides together and turn inside out) bag with strong fabric glue. If needed, secure the ends with straight pins while drying.

Thanks for joining me today!

Live Life Creatively,

Punched Paper Cone Wreath

 
I have to admit I have been foaming at the mouth to create one of these pretty, victorian inspired paper cone wreaths.

I decided to make a wreath using my clever lever paper punches from Marvy Uchida.

 
After playing with various papers and cardstocks, I discovered that double sided patterned paper (since both sides show) that are not cardstock weight work best.

I used my Extra Giga Scalloped Edged Clever Lever Punch to punch circles from the patterned papers.

 
I rolled each circle into a cone shape and applied Zip Dry Paper Glue to secure since I needed the adhesive to set quickly. I also discovered that this baby clothespins work great to hold the shape together while drying.

 
Continue punching and rolling until you have enough pieces to form a wreath shape. Once you have shaped the wreath, glue the edges together and use the clothespins to hold sections together if needed, while the glue sets.

 
Now, use the Super Jumbo Clever Lever Circle punch to punch circles from vintage encyclopedia pages, dictionary pages or old textbook pages, whatever you happen to have around.

 
Fold the circles into thirds as shown and glue to the front of the wreath, in between the cone pieces.

 
 
For a pretty focal point, stamp a cameo image on scrap cream cardstock and cut out with Marvy Squishy Scissors.

 
 
I wanted my image to be more bold so I used a black Marvy Pigmented Artist Marker to color in the image.

 
Punch a coordinating scalloped circle from the Clever Lever Giga punch.

 
After you have punched a circle from cream colored cardstock, glue the cut image to the center and layer together with the scalloped circle, using the Zip Dry Paper Glue to adhere.

 
Use self adhesive gems to decorate various portions of the circle, as shown. I also used a crown sticker but had to trim in down to make it fit the cameo head.

 
 
I used a piece of encyclopedia paper cut into a forked flag and a rub on to create a sentiment.

 
 
Glue the pretty focal point to the center of the paper cone wreath...

 
Live Life Creatively,

 

Patriotic Party Favors

Here is a super simple solution to making easy party favors using materials you probably already have on hand. If you have Marvy Uchida's Extra Giga and Giga paper punches, you can make several of these in a couple of hours.

Supplies are minimal. You will need some double sided patterned paper in a patriotic theme or just combine coordinating patterns in red. whites and blues.

I used Marvy Uchida's Scalloped edged Clever Lever Extra Giga Paper punch, Giga paper punch, extra jumbo punch in flower and extra jumbo punch in scalloped circle.

Once you punch all your pieces. Roll the large pieces into cone shapes by bending the edges in as shown above. Glue edges together and slightly bend out so that you have a cone shape. On the smaller cone, layer together the scalloped circle and flower and glue it to the front of the cone. Use a vintage game piece to add a little dimension.

Finally, glue the cones together, smaller on top and add a stamped sentiment. Fill with excelsior and small wrapped candies such as peppermints.To double the fun, create a patriotic party string using the same materials.

Live Life Creatively,

 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Colorful Peat Pot Favors for Spring

I have seen some really cool project ideas for using garden peat pots. I have been wanting to play with them for some time. When I visited Lowes yesterday and found these little cuties, it blew my mind that I could buy sixteen of them for $2.11 including Mississippi sales tax! What??

It all starts with these Jiffy Strips....

Of course, they come in linked rows so you have to cut them apart with scissors, easy enough....

I love the green craft look of the pots unpainted but I knew I wanted to try and make some really colorful favors perfect for Spring. I painted them with Jacquard's Neopaque paints.

I chose the brightest happiest Spring palette I had in my stash.

To embellish, I decided to play with my collection of Pinata inks. A couple of weeks ago, I used these on metal foil sheet die cuts and loved the result. So here I go again. These are the Sizzix dies I chose. They are all layered flower dies.

So here I go die cutting my metal foil sheets with my BigShot machine.

As far as metal foil sheets go, I have to give a big shout out to Walnut Hollow's Be Creative Metal Line, It comes in metallic colors and is very easy to die cut and/or emboss in different patterns.

Now, the REAL fun begins. I dropped various colors of pinata inks on my die cut foil flowers.

I either used a paint brush to spread the ink around or a heat tool, to blend colors together.

I used various colors to experiment... Once I had the color combos I liked, I used various embellishments for the center and glued all to the front of the peat pots with tacky glue.

I decided to add stamped tags too....

Punching holes in the sides to add a wire hanger is super easy...

So here they are, my colorful peat pot collection, all filled with bird seed.

Live Life Creatively,

 

Spring Celebration Favors- Etsy Coupon Code (BIRDFAVOR20)

It's getting so close to Spring and time to celebrate wonderful things like new babies and weddings. If you are looking for a special favor for baby showers, wedding showers, wedding favors or easter brunches, these unique bird nest favors may be just what you are looking for.

I am currently offering these in my etsy shop.

Each favor has an adorable bird and script stamped on 3 1/2" x 5" glassine bag. The bag is stuffed with shredded kraft paper and five jordan almonds in your color of choice (blue, green, yellow, beige, white, pink or a custom color). We embellish the bag with a custom label with in a font of your choice and add hand dyed ribbon to coordinate with the candy color. We finish it off with corrugated cardboard and a tiny floral.

As a special offer to my blog readers, I am offering these an early bird special. By entering a special coupon code, you can get these favors at 20% off until March 30th, 2012. Go to my etsy listing for further details and enter:

BIRDFAVOR20

at checkout for a 20% percent discount on your entire order.

Colors include:

Beige

Blue

Green

Lavendar

Pink


White

Yellow

Here's to a beautiful Spring Celebrations!

Live Life Creatively,

Rustic Canvas Bags

For a fun party favor, create mini canvas bags using Canvas Corp's burlap and canvas sheets and some odds and ends from your craft stash.

In various themes, these bags will be the hit of your gathering or a fun way to present a small gift. Perfect little works of art, these bags are easy to create from two matching sized pieces of cut canvas along with wool felt, muslin and scrapbook embellishments.

Don't have the time to make them yourself? Visit my etsy shop to purchase these sweet bags..

Live Life Creatively,

Snowman Votives for the Holidays

Looking for a quick last minute gift for neighbors, co-workers, friends and those unexpected drop by guests. These snowman votives are easy to make in batches, inexpensive and fun!

Purchase a .50 glass votive in a style that has a slight curve for the top. For the bottom, a recycled glass jar works perfectly. I used a pimento jar. Wrap the pieces in self adhesive decorative scrap booking tape such as Tim Holtz's Tidings Tissue tape which can be purchased at Scrapbook.com. Simply tear small (1"-3") pieces of the tape off the roll and layer as needed to cover all the glass.

When both pieces have been covered, decorative the face by gluing pebble beads for eyes and creating a carrot shaped nose with sculpey.

Use a strong adhesive to hold the facial features in place such as Aleene's Liquid Fusion.I chose to bling up the top edge of my snowman with self adhesive gem stones such as these by Creative Imaginations that can be purchased from Scrapbook.com as well.

With all in place, glue the jar top and bottom together using the Liquid Fusion. If you are using a pimento jar, this should be fairly easy since it has a flat bottom. To add a cute scarf, wrap some pretty seam binding or organza ribbon around the middle and add a starburst brad, such as these by Karen Foster.

So gather up all your supplies and start working on these adorable snowman votives for the holidays.

Live Life Creatively,