Tag: upcycle (page 4 of 5)

Create a Purse from an old VHS Tape

Create a Purse from an old VHS Tape

What do you do with all those old VHS tapes? Why you create a purse! Perfect way to add some interest to your outfit!

Hello Everyone!

I am almost embarrassed to admit, but I still have a lot of VHS tapes laying around my house. I hate to toss them, but I have no way of playing them (I don’t even own a VHS player…) So what do I with this pile of tapes? I decided to create a purse!

I will admit that is project did not turn out exactly how I envisioned it. But it did turn out cute and the next one will be better! In the instructions I will tell you what I did and how I will make it better next time, that way you can create it at home with out all my struggles, lol

create a diy vhs purse

Materials:

  • VHS tape
  • screw driver
  • cutters
  • fabric, buttons, trim
  • super glue

Instructions:

create a diy vhs purse

First you find an old VHS tape. If you no longer have one in your stash you can find them at thrift stores, or ask around I am sure someone has one somewhere.

create a diy vhs purse

This is the fun part. Unscrew all the screws and open the tape. Take out the innards and safe them, they will work great for a mixed media project. Next you want to cut off the plastic bits that are sticking up. This is one area that I messed up, I cut too much off the bottom and it doesn’t seal (there is a tiny hole in the bottom. Just be careful and you should be good.

Then I glued some faux leather fabric on one side, in hindsight I probably should have glued it to both sides, but I wanted to see the clear windows still. I think I can make this a little better next time.

create a diy vhs purse

Glue hinges so that you can open and close your purse. Try not to glue your fingers to the tape, lol (I may or may not have done the, lol) Also try not to glue the hinge shut, it takes a lot of careful prying if you happen to glue the hinge (once again I may or may not have done the, lol)

create a diy vhs purse

Then I added a decorated bottle cap and some string to secure the purse closed. Next time I will use elastic, but this works. Also next time I will add fabric to the sides so the tape doesn’t lay flat when open, it will help keep everything contained. Add a strap, I wanted mine to look a little funky so I added pom-pom trim.

create a diy vhs purse

create a diy vhs purse

Overall I am happy with how this turned out, and I am excited to make improvements to version 2.  What are you doing to up cycle your VHS tapes?

The post Create a Purse from an old VHS Tape appeared first on Take Time To Create

 

DIY Straw Flower Hat

DIY Straw Flower Hat

With spring approaching a new straw hat is what everyone needs. And with a few markers you can personalize the hat and add just the right amount of flair.

Hello Everyone!

It has been a while since I did a Dollar Store project and an accessory project, so I thought I would combine the 2 into 1 project.

I have a terrible case of Spring Fever and when I saw these cute straw hats at the Dollar Store I knew I had to get one and decorate it.

diy straw flower hat

 

The project is simple enough and can be completed in under an hour.

Materials:

Instructions:

Find a super cute straw hat that you are willing to draw on.
diy straw flower hat

 

I didn’t want to spend a ton of money, so I thought a dollar was perfect. I also wanted to make this an easy project that could be completed quickly. And I accomplished that as well.

diy straw flower hat

 

Find a design that you want to draw and go to town. I thought pretty pink flowers were perfect for spring.

diy straw flower hat

 

Straw is a little harder to work on, but not impossible, just take your time and you will be fine. Pick a design that doesn’t have a lot of detail or it will get muddy on the hat.

This would be a great project with a group or for a girls weekend or with kids.

How are you handling your Spring Fever?

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The post DIY Straw Flower Hat appeared first on Take Time To Create.

Galaxy Mixed Media Canvas

Galaxy Mixed Media Canvas

Mixed media is perfect to showcase a galaxy. With found objects, and paint you too can create your own galaxy.

Hello Everyone!

It has been a while since I last posted, and I am sorry for the long absence, I was traveling for work.

But now I am back and  want to show you a mixed media project that I have been working on for a while. It didn’t turn out how I anticipated, but I love the final results! I just went with the flow and this is what I ended up with.

galaxy mixed media canvas

Start with a black canvas and add all your goodies. I added an old educational film, some plastic bits I had laying around, large plastic gems, metal pieces, bottle caps, there is an old record on the very bottom, plastic coins. For interest and texture I stenciled some stars and swirls in the background and added some tea from a tea bag.

 

galaxy mixed media canvas

Cover everything in black gesso to get the canvas ready to become a galaxy

galaxy mixed media canvas

Before I even started painting I watched tons of videos on You Tube on how to paint a galaxy. I incorporated a variety of techniques, and I kept working on it until I was happy.

Then I went to town painting. I added layers and layers of  acrylic paint and used some DIY acrylic sprays. When I was finally happy I splattered white paint all over to make it look like stars. And I added some metal shavings and old necklace pieces to bring in some more metal elements.

I am not sure it looks like a galaxy, about half the people I have shown it to thinks it looks like the moon. I am good with both views, in the end I am happy with how it turned out.

galaxy mixed media canvas

galaxy mixed media

What do you think Galaxy or Moon? Now I have been thinking about doing an underwater mixed media, I think what will look awesome!

The post Galaxy Mixed Media Canvas appeared first on Take Time To Create.

Project has been entered into the following design challenges:

 

Create Mixed Media Canvas

Create Mixed Media Canvas

Old paint brushes are given a new lift with this Create Mixed Media Canvas

Hello Everyone!

Have you ever been so involved with a project that you forget to take pictures as you care creating? I think that is a good thing, it means that you are enjoying the creating process and not worried about how it will look in a photo.

This happened to me with this canvas. I know this is not perfect when I am trying to teach you how I created something, but it was good for me to spend time with my art.

I used my favorite mixed media techniques. You can view my other Mixed Media projects here:

create mixed media canvas

I painted the blank canvas with black gesso then stenciled the swirls in the background.

For the Doily I sprayed it with different colors of spray ink to create this look.

The paint brushes were old ones that I had in my craft room, to prep them paint them with black gesso and then dry brush metallic colors.

I added flowers, jems and butterflies, (the butterflies are actually plastic bows from the dollar store that I cut off the ends and added beads)

create mixed media canvas

I added the glitter word Create and outlined it in black. Then I dry brushed everything in a few metallic colors.

I love this mixed media, it inspires me in my craft room. What have  you made for your craft room that inspires you?

create mixed media canvas

 

The post Create Mixed Media Canvas appeared first on Take Time To Create

 

 

 

DIY Harry Potter Drawstring Backpack

DIY Harry Potter Drawstring Backpack

A trip to Universal Studios isn’t complete with out this DIY Harry Potter Drawstring Backpack!

Hello Everyone!

Next month we will have the opportunity to go to Universal Studios Hollywood!!!  I am so excited! In great anticipation I decided to make a Harry Potter drawstring backpack that will be perfect to carry my wallet, camera, and sunglasses.  I decided to use this simple design that I found on the internet. Everyone know what book this is in reference to without being to obvious, lol

I have made drawstring backpacks before, you can see that post here: Cinderella backpack

My son is such a good sport being my model, lol.

 

 

 

diy harry potter drawstring backpack

Materials:

  • backpack (you can find a similar one here: bag)
  • Gold Sharpie (you can find it here: sharpie)
  • Graphite paper (you can find it here: paper)
  • Clip art from internet

Instructions:

The first thing you do is find an image that you would like to trace (just about any image will do) and print it in the size you need.

Spread out your bag and decide where you want your design.

 

diy harry potter drawstring backpack

Place the graphite paper on the bag then place the image over the graphite. Trace the image with a pencil so that the image will show up on the bag. Press hard and do over it a few times if needed.

diy harry potter drawstring backpack

Once you like the image take the papers off and set them aside.

Put a piece of cardboard in the bag to prevent the sharpie from bleeding to the other side

Now it is time to start drawing the image with a sharpie.

diy harry potter drawstring backpack

Fill it all in  and clean up the edges. Now you are ready to rock your new bag, and you don’t have to wait to wear it at Universal, this is a bag that can be worn all the time!


diy harry potter drawstring backpack

The post DIY Harry Potter Drawstring Backpack appeared first on Take Time To Create.

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Vintage Sewing Pattern Collage

Vintage Sewing Pattern Collage

Hello Everyone!

A vintage sewing pattern collage is a wonderful way to display an old sewing pattern. The patterns are fun to look at and alter for any of you crafts. 

I just love looking at old patterns. The pictures are great, with wonderful colors! Recently I found some terrific patterns at my local creative reuse center, Who Gives A Scrap, and I ended up getting about 10 or so, lol.

The pattern covers are perfect for a collage and the tissue paper on the inside work great for textures in mixed media. (I will show you how to do that later)

Materials:

  • Frame ( I found mine at the dollar store)
  • Sewing patterns, dictionary paper, stencils, paint, label maker
  • Mod podge, brushes

Instructions:

Bloom Where  You Are Planted:

This one was a lot of fun! I adhered 2 dictionary pages with Mod Podge to a piece of paper that fit the frame.

Then I stenciled the flowers (I stenciled in 1 color then I went back and added another color on top).

After stenciling add the cut out girl from the pattern.

For the edges I painted some darker colors and then lightened it up afterwards. I wanted it to look like a mat in the frame.

stenciling the Vintage sewing pattern collage

The frame was super easy. I painted the silver frame in a gold color, once that was dry I painted over it in a pearl white color.

When everything was dry I sanded it to create a shabby chic look. I think it turned out super cute.

Before I added everything in the frame I used a hand held label maker to print the quote.

Vintage sewing pattern collage bloom where you are planted

Take These Broken Wings and Learn to Fly

This frame is essentially the same except I used a different stencil, but I still used 2 colors to give it dimension.

I didn’t add any colors to the edges, I thought with the wings I would look too busy.

I drew on the wings before attaching the girl.

Vintage sewing pattern collage

This frame was easy as well. I just painted the silver frame gold to match a little better.

These are such easy collages to do, I think they would make a great gift!

Vintage sewing pattern collage take these broken wings and learn to fly

The post Vintage Sewing Pattern Collage appeared first on Take Time To Create.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy new year to all  my wonderful followers. Because of you I have had a wonderful, fun year and I am excited for next year!

Hello Everyone!

As this year comes to a close I wanted to take a moment and say thank you for making this year pretty great. I had so much fun creating new thing and making tutorials for you enjoy.

I think every blogger says this, but in my case it is true, but I have the best followers! You guys are fun and supportive! Whether you follow me here on the blog or on my other social platforms you guys are just the best!

I will close this year with a pic of a collage that I have on my desk. I love this quote from Curly Girl (if you don’t know who that is  you have to follow her. Her designs are wonderful, I love them! You can find her here: Curly Girl Designs)

I took this quote from a planner, “We must take every opportunity to make the most of our very remarkable life,” and made a quick collage. I love having it near my work area as a perfect reminder that this is all pretty remarkable.

Have a safe holiday season and I will see you in the new year with new projects, ideas, and tutorials, and a You Tube Channel! Yikes, yes I am going to start a You Tube Channel to help demo even more things. (I will admit I am a little nervous about this, but it will be fun!)

So many new things for the new year! It is going to be amazing!

See you in 2017!

Linda

 

diy-pillows-burlap-coffee-sacks

Sewing Craft Project Burlap Pillows

Used burlap coffee sacks make for a great sewing craft project… they also make make great pillows. They are fun and unique and perfect for any decor.

Hello Everyone!

sewing craft project burlap pillow case

Finished burlap pillow case

Today is a cold, wintry day and I am inclined to stay inside all day (I do have to go to work, but when I get home I am going to snuggle down and say warm) anyway, as I think about staying home I am reminded of this sewing craft project I did where I made pillows from Burlap sacks. I did this a while ago, but I still love them so much. I think they are perfect for my decor. 

Materials:

  • You will need the used burlap sacks that is used for coffee. I originally purchased mine on eBay, but I did find some on Amazon. You can use this link: Burlap Coffee Sacks.  There are a lot of vendors for these sacks so you have your pick! But they usually come with random patterns, I don’t think you are able to pick your pattern. So keep that in mind when purchasing. 
  • Pillow form. I found mine at Ikea, they have the best prices for pillow forms
  • Needle and thread, or sewing machine. 
burlap sacks

This sewing craft project starts with burlap bags

Instructions:

Cut your sack to the dimensions of your pillow form. If you want the pillow to look more full then cut the sack a bit smaller. (I have to be honest here, I didn’t actually sew these pillows. My fabulous mom sewed them for me. haha, I don’t know what I would do without her.)

Once it is cut, pin the right sides together and sew the right sides together. Leave a little hole so you have room to put your pillow form in. 

Stuff your pillow and stitch the hole. 

finished sewing craft project

Here is another finished pillow

That is it, very easy to make a custom pillow for your home. You can use this technique for almost any fabric.  I love how easy it is to update your decor, and reusing items that might otherwise land in the landfill is a double awesome!

BTW if you are wondering how I painted my couch green you can check out this old post: Painted Couch

burlap-pillows-3

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Painted Christmas Houses

Painted Christmas Houses

You can find these really cute ceramic houses just about anywhere, with just a little paint and glitter they are ready to be put on display. 

My finished Christmas houses on display

Hello Everyone!

December is rolling along and it is time for me to think about decorating. The tree is up, and if you follow me on Instagram you probably have seen our tree by now. (@taketimetocreate).

With any holiday I always feel the need to create some new items. This year I made some painted Christmas houses.  I found the unfinished ceramic houses at our creative reuse center Who Gives A Scrap (I love that place!) With a little paint and glitter they were ready to go.

Materials:

  • Ceramic House (You can get these at a creative reuse center, craft stores, and sometimes the thrift stores will have some unfortunutally painted ones that need an update)
  • Paint and glitter found at the craft store. I really liked this paint, it was white with a little pearl look to it. Perfect for Christmas.

paint-and-glitter

Instructions:

Take your plain ceramic house and paint on a layer of white paint. You can always spray paint the houses, but I just decided to hand paint instead.  This is what it looks like before the paint.

(btw, The houses did come with detailed instructions to paint the house in all the colors, but I did not want to take the time to do any detailed painting. haha. So white paint here I come. )

Painted Christmas houses before glitter

My Painted Christmas houses before glitter

Add the paint. This is what it looks like with the paint. Go over everything, all the little details. Don’t forget the inside of the windows.  Touch up where ever you forgot.

Painted Christmas houses before glitter

My Painted Christmas houses before glitter

Then I decided to add some glitter detail to the snow and trees. Just pick a clear holographic glitter that goes with your paint. I put a layer of mod podge on then sprinkled it with glitter.

add glitter painted Christmas houses

Adding Glitter to the painted Christmas houses

Once they are dry they are ready to be put on display.

I think they turned out really cute. You can put lights in the bottom, but I didn’t have any. So this weekend I will pick up some and then they will look even better!

painted Christmas houses on the mantle

Close-up of the painted Christmas houses on the mantle

painted Christmas houses

Here are the finished painted Christmas houses


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How to make anything look old and rusty

How to make anything look old and rusty

Hello Everyone!

I have finished the third angel that I was working on. This time I made it look old and rusty, like the angel had been out in the weather for many years

I really liked how this turned out. It was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to make more things look old and rusty.

finished-rust-painted-angel

Materials

  • Figurine (I used a resin angel from the dollar store)
  • Paint (you can get rust paint from the craft store, but the colors I used was orange. brown, and yellow

paint

  • Coffee and Cinnamon and mod podge

Instructions:

First paint the angel with black gesso,  Cover everything, this makes a good base for the paint to adhere to.

 

add-gesso-to-angel

After the gesso is dry sponge on some yellow paint. I used a chalk paint. The idea here is to not be too perfect, because rust is not perfect at all, haha.

add-a-first-layer-of-yellow

Then sponge on orange and then brown. I went from light colors to dark on top. Emphasize some areas more than others.

add-orange-and-brown

Now it is time for the really fun part. Mix up some ground up coffee and some cinnamon. sponge on mod podge on the angel in a random fashion, emphasizing some ares more than others and pour on the cinnamon/coffee mixture. Your crafting area will smell pretty awesome. Let it dry and then gently brush off the excess. This is what makes it look really rusted! It is pretty cool. Then spray a matte sealer to keep the coffee/cinnamon on and then you are done! Add to your decor and you now have a custom piece.

add-coffee-and-cinnamon-layer

I put her on our mantle (you can see how we built it here) and if you are interested you can see how I made the lantern  here

add-to-your-decor

Here are all three angels that I altered standing next to each other. I think they are all wonderful in their own way. You can see how I did them here and here.

all-three-painted-angels

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