Trash To Treasure - DIYInspired.com
15th Mar2012

Flea Market and Thrift Store Finds

by Dinah Wulf

I have written a prior post on some of my flea market finds.  Since then, I have had some other great Flea Market and Thrift Store Finds that I wanted to share with you.

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For me, I find a thrill in flea market and thrift store shopping.  I love the hunt for a great deal on new old things and even a bigger thrill in creative ways to repurpose some of them.  Here are a few of my new old finds.

I scored when I found this old carpenter’s tool box.  I see these all the time, but they are usually sixty to one hundred dollars for one this size.  I found it in a lonely corner for twenty bucks at the Long Beach Antique swap meet.  I use it in my living room to store extra blankets and fabric collected from all over the world.

Antique blue Ball jars are highly collectable. I got a great deal on this one for five dollars at a Junk in the Trunk flea market.  I use it as a memory jar to hold concert tickets, hotel keys, and the like.

Mercury glass is timeless and matches any type of décor style.  I found these two candle pillars for six dollars at a local Salvation Army.

There is a humor in vintage ads.  Frame them in a modern frame and you have a great piece of art (I thnk I need to add a mat to this though).

OK, this isn’t a flea market or thrift store find; rather it is an ice pick that has been in my husband’s family for generations.  You can, however find these at flea markets and antique stores.  I LOVE this piece, and I think for the past decade or so, it has been repurposed into a paper towel holder (right, Jolene?).

Another Salvation Army score, I found this pedestal table for the low low price of sixty-five dollars! Yay me! Pedestal tables are classic and match several types of décor styles.  I’m thinking of painting this one a vibrant color…not sure yet. Any suggestions?

*****

Reminder: ENTER TO WIN free Simply Spray Fabric Spray Paint to upcycle your flea market finds! The winner will be announced next week!

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2 Comm
06th Mar2012

Simply Spray Fabric Paint

by Dinah Wulf

I came across this fabulous upholstery fabric spray paint. Yep… you read that correctly… fabric spray paint!!! Even better, it is eco-friendly!  Simply Spray is the only non-toxic aerosol paint for fabric.  It doesn’t rub off and it doesn’t harden or stiffen the material.  I thought it would come in handy for my DIY upcycling projects. You can use it on furniture, pillows, throws, curtain panels, rugs, and more!

My only issue was that I couldn’t decide what project to do.  I did some further research and found Simply Spray’s Facebook page and perused the photo albums.  (By the way, for the month of March they have some awesome giving aways planned for their FB followers!) Here are a few of my favorite projects.

Patio Furniture Cushions

I thought this was so cool! The cushions were a boring beige color and they were quickly brightened up with a vibrant color and a beautiful stencil.

Updated Stenciled Bath Mat

Such a great idea! I actually happen to have this same stencil… hmmm…

Stenciled Throw Pillow

This looks like it can right off a store shelf.  I love it!

I ended up with a few different colors to play with as well as some spray paint especially for clothing apparel. I am off to do some thrift store and flea market shopping this weekend to purchase some items to upcycle! Stay tuned for my own Simply Spray DIY project!

 

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4 Comm
22nd Feb2012

Repurposed Spice Rack

by Dinah Wulf

The other day I was doing some spring cleaning and purging. Although I feel like I’m ALWAYS cleaning, I noticed a little bit of dust on my spice rack.  Then it dawned on me.  I have had that spice rack for over five years and I have NEVER used it.  Why do I have a feeling that many of you can relate?  Anyway, here it is. Even in the picture you can see how full they are!

Naturally, my next step was to Google “shelf life of spices”. I came across some interesting links. After a little research, I found out and answered the following questions:

1. Are your spices older than three years old? YES

2. Have they lost their color? YES

3. Have they lost their aroma? YES

4. Do you even know what the heck some of them are used for? NO

There you have it… time to get rid of it. Just kidding! Being the hoarder that I am, I could never throw it away! I would repurpose it; but into what? I looked around my craft room and found two containers and two drawers of craft items that I thought would fit perfectly.

I dumped out each container.

And washed and dried each bottle.

My beads, shells, stickers, pins, charms, and the like are all now organized in one place and can easily be seen! Here are some pictures of my repurposed spice rack.

 

 

 

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7 Comm
20th Feb2012

Simple Ways to Reuse and Repurpose

by Dinah Wulf

Simple Ways to Reuse and Repurpose

Did you know…

  • Large oatmeal canisters are the perfect size to hold 2 rolls of toilet paper? Cover it up with decorative scrapbook paper to match your bathroom to make the perfect, but necessary hiding place.
  • Pringles cans are the perfect size to store cookies. Pretty it up with wrapping paper and ribbon and there you have the perfect hostess gift.
  • An old rake can add some rustic charm and be used to hold wine glasses in your kitchen, jewelry in your bedroom, or tools in your garden. Photo Source: BHG

  • Coffee mug racks make handy accessory and jewelry racks.  Spray paint it a fun bold color and it doubles as art.
  • A spice rack can be repurposed to hold beads or small notions for a craft room.  How many of us have one of these and NEVER use the spices? I don’t even know what half of them are!
  • Drawer pulls can be mounted on your wall to cleverly and decoratively hang picture frames with twine or ribbon. Photo Source: Pottery Barn

  • Old plates and glasses (or candlesticks) can be converted into cute cake stands.  Simply adhere the two with epoxy and spray paint it the desired color.  If you paint the platter, make sure you place a napkin on top with unwrapped food to make it food safe.
  • On old plate stand can be used for extra storage in your bathroom for your toiletries and makeup.

  • The clips from plastic pant hangers make perfect chip clips.
  • Old dresser drawers can be repurposed into shelves. Paint them a fun color and add wall paper inside.
  • An unused magazine file holder can be used in your pantry to hold and organize (vertically) foil, plastic wrap, wax paper, etc.

  • An old wall mounted magazine rack can be used to hold extra towels in your bathroom or guest room.
  • You can drip old candle wax into a bottle cap and add a wick for an instant tea light.
  • This one’s for the kiddos… you can cut bubble wrap in large squares and write each number with a black sharpie to create bubble wrap hopscotch!

 

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6 Comm
15th Feb2012

Repurposed Kitchen Inspiration

by Dinah Wulf

My motto is, “Repurpose, Reinvent.” (If you haven’t noticed ;) )

I thought I’d put together some of my favorite repurposed kitchen ideas from some of my favorite websites.

A website I peruse often is Apartment Therapy.  They have countless inventive and creative ideas.  Check out this repurposed IKEA shoe rack turned pot holder and this salvaged card drawer turned kitchen storage.

Here are some repurposed fruit crates for shelving and storage from Poetic Home. I love the idea of displaying canned preserves in old mason jars as opposed to hiding them in the cupboard.

Anyone know where I can get truck springs? Check out these fabulous repurposed truck springs as bar or counter stools from House Beautiful. It reminds me of something from the Picker Sisters.

Card catalogues are popular. Also from Poetic Home, a card catalogue for kitchen utensils has enough compartments to store your knives, forks, spoons, serving utensils, napkins, and more!

Although not necessarily repurposed, this upcycled and salvaged dish rack from Country Living is beautiful.

I found this repurposed newsstand into a plate rack from a great blog, Craft Journal.

This cut idea from Better Homes and Gardens is simple and unique.  Consider adding a magnet to the back and hanging them on your refrigerator.

 

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6 Comm
03rd Feb2012

Repurposed Lighting Inspiration

by Dinah Wulf

Everywhere I go, I always have my camera.  Not only do I want to capture fun moments with my daughter, family, and friends, but I find decorating inspiration EVERYWHERE. I end up filing my pictures in digital folders on my computer.

I just noticed that I had taken several pictures of lighting ideas and thought I’d share them. Some of these pictures are old, but in my head, the store bought version is way too expensive anyway.  I’d rather try and recreate them with flea market or thrift store finds.

Anyway, here is some really cool repurposed lighting inspiration that I’ve captured on my camera over the last several months.  I think with a little creativity, you can get these looks for less.

This was a lamp I saw at Anthropologie.  It’s simply a tea kettle, lamp kit, and colorful lamp shade.  I’ve also seen lamps similar to this made out of stacked tea cups and saucers… super cute.

This one is also from Anthropologie (I frequent there often… love the window displays). It’s a lamp made out of recycled cardboard!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this one! The mix of an industrial metal basket and chic chandelier is fantastic!

If I recall correctly, the price tag on this one was pretty steep…several thousand dollars….yikes! I think a smaller version of this made out of mismatched thrift store silverware would be cute.

I can picture this one hanging in an enclosed patio or sun room.  I like the mixture of glass bottles, shells, and twine.

Technically, this one isn’t repurposed, but it caught my eye.

 

 

 

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9 Comm
24th Jan2012

Spray Painted Fan

by Dinah Wulf

Living in warm sunny California my husband and I always use a fan. It’s much cheaper than running the air conditioning all the time. There’s only one problem.  The fan we have is ugly. It’s your typical plain white plastic oscillating fan.

Here’s a before picture.

I decided to try and spray paint it.  As many DIY’ers do, I happen to have spray paint in my garage. So, this project cost me zero dollars…yay!

The first thing I did was take it apart.  This is the point where I realized how disgustingly dirty it was! Embarrassing! I gave the fan and motor a good cleaning and soaked all the plastic parts in soapy water.

Next, I taped the cord and put the motor in a plastic Ziploc bag.

I coiled the cord and taped it under the base.

I decided on using metallic silver and matte black spray paint. I used a large cardboard box outside in a well-ventilated area away from the baby and the dogs for this spray painted fan project. Don’t forget to spray both front and back of each part. Also, use a pair of latex gloves…less messy!

Now that all the parts were painted, I put it back all together. Be careful, because the spray paint is easily scratched on plastic.

Here are some after photos! I’m pretty happy with the results!

For your spray painted fan project, consider painting a fun pink or blue for a kid’s room. The color combos are endless!

 

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2 Comm
20th Jan2012

Six Ways to Recycle Maps

by Dinah Wulf

Maps are so beautiful.  I’ve been looking for some ways to use them because I see them everywhere (including my glove box).  Just like CD’s, record albums, and books, they are becoming obsolete due to the emergence of electronics like the GPS and the internet.  But what I do love about maps is that they tell a story and simultaneously serve as a work of art.  Here are six great ways to recycle maps.

One: Art Work

Check out these heart maps by Tcktyboo.  Each heart represents a special place.  For example, where you were married, where you went on your honeymoon, or where the kids were born.

 

I also saw a great idea on Pintrest (I can’t find the picture or source anymore) where a map was framed and the route to a special trip was stitched in a coordinating colored string… so cute! Update! Thanks to Adri, here is the link for that map! http://www.marthastewart.com/375160/map-artwork Thank you, Adri!!!

 

Two: Pillow

This is a pillow from Etsy inspired by a vintage map.

 

Three: Pinwheels

Another Etsy find, these cute pinwheels make a whimsical vintage wedding favor.  Click here for different pinwheel tutorials.

 

Four: Upcycle Furniture

Here are three great examples of using decoupage on maps to turn an old piece of furniture into a unique and beautiful conversation piece.

Cover a wooden chest

Inspiration from Nate Berkus

Revamp an old Dresser

Add new life to an old Vanity

 

Five: Gift Wrap

Just in time for the holidays, use an old map as gift wrapping paper.

 

Six: Monograms or Letters

Use decoupage to commemorate a trip on craft letters (source unknown).

 

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10 Comm
18th Jan2012

Repurposed Crate Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

A few months ago, I did a blog post on recycling old crates.  It included using crates for shelving, bike baskets, and side tables.  Since then, I have gathered a collection of old wine crates from a wine tasting party I did in October.  I’ve been searching for more inspiration for a new project and found some other great repurposed crate ideas.  Here are a few pictures.

This wine crate dog bowl would be a perfect DIY project for me, especially since I have two little pups, Harley and Pablo.

I like these ideas of layering and using a crate as a planter.  This would also look nice outside, on a patio or atrium. The problem with this idea is that I don’t have a green thumb, so I don’t really have that many plants.

How cool is this… creating a rustic work space in the garage complemented with a wood bench. The problem with this is that my garage has no room for it.

I’m guessing these are milk crates? Love this look, but my collection of crates are too small and are in different shapes and sizes.

This is also great.  These crate shelves have two purposes. It’s functional for holding kitchen necessities as well as displays a collection of antiques. My issue with this idea is that my kitchen is so small that I have no wall space for this.

I started a list a while back of how I should repurpose my collection of wine crates including making a jewelry case, a cornice, a seat, or a dog bed, but I still can’t decide.

Any ideas or suggestions? I feel stuck… help!

 

Photo Sources: Eco Salon, funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot, Green Dairy, Love1, Remodelaholic, tangledepartment.blogspot

 

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2 Comm
17th Jan2012

Recycled Magazine Bowl

by Dinah Wulf

Awe man! This project was a lot tougher than I thought. Ever since I made that recycled magazine frame, I have wanted to make something else out of magazine pages.  When I first had this recycled magazine bowl project in my head I pictured a large shallow fruit bowl. Let’s face it, not all DIY projects turn out exactly like you want them to.  In this case, my fruit bowl turned into a… ummm… key/change holder thingy? LOL!

I do have to admit, however, that this little sucker is VERY sturdy.  Although it didn’t turn out quite like I expected, it is still very cute and useful.  Here is how I made it.

Using a paper cutter, I cut two inch thick strips from an old magazine.  Each page gave me three strips and I used about 75 pages for this project.  See? Now you know why there was no way I was making a larger bowl!

I folded each strip twice lengthwise to create a half inch thick strip.

Next I began rolling each strip, securing it with a tiny piece of scotch tape.  Make sure you pull your roll taut as you go.

When the base was completed, I applied two coats of decoupage medium, allowing it to dry completely in between each coat.

Next, I continued adding strips gradually layering each round upwards. When I reached the desired height (actually when I was tired of folding and rolling strips), I added another two coats of decoupage medium to the inside and outside of the bowl.

Here are a few after photos.

 

**I heart comments! If you have any comments, ideas, or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.  Is there a craft project you want me to try? I’ll gladly do my best to take on your craft challenge and I’m always looking for new ideas! Just let me know! Also, if you have a project you’d like to share, please email me at dwulf@diyinspired.com.**

 

 

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5 Comm
13th Jan2012

Flea Market Finds

by Dinah Wulf

I am completely obsessed with Flea Markets.  Ever since I started blogging, I have come across so many fun places to go. I wanted to share some of my flea market finds and show how you can get hunt for inexpensive great pieces and repurpose them into something new.

I found this old milk crate for five dollars at a flea market in Orange, California. I decided to add mason jars, turn it on its side and use it for my makeup and hair products.

Old crates and boxes can be repainted and used to display collections or for storage.

Copy a Restoration Hardware look and collect old books.  Antique books are very easy to find and can at times literally cost pennies.

I found these old rusty horse shoes at a local flea market for two dollars apiece and turn them into a coat/hat rack.

I love the industrial look of these old metal card drawers.  I use them to store craft supplies.

Check out this old wooden basket turned upside down.  Add an inexpensive lamp kit from a hardware store and Voila!

Antique seltzer bottles are great to display in a bathroom or guestroom.  They can run anywhere from $10 to $50 a piece.

Window shutters are fairly easy to find.  Use them to prop behind a side table or place two or three side by side to create a headboard.

 

By the way, for all you SoCal locals, the Long Beach Antique Swap Meet is this weekend! Click here for a discount coupon.

**I heart comments! If you have any comments, ideas, or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.  Is there a craft project you want me to try? I’ll gladly do my best to take on your craft challenge and I’m always looking for new ideas! Just let me know! Also, if you have a project you’d like to share, please email me at dwulf@diyinspired.com.

 

 

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6 Comm
12th Jan2012

Paper Flower Magnets

by Dinah Wulf

After making a Hollow Book Safe out of antique books that I inherited, I kept the left over pages in case I wanted to use them to make other craft projects. I ended up making these cute Paper Flower Magnets out of a few of the recycled book pages and beer bottle caps.

I actually made these book page flowers a few months ago but I wanted to wait to post the tutorial to see if they would pass the test of time.  So far so good!  My toddler has tugged and pulled and played and they remain intact… phew!

So here is a quick picture tutorial on how I made them. The materials needed are:

  • Pages from books (colorful children’s books would work nicely too)
  • Flower Craft Punch
  • Bottle Caps
  • Decoupage Medium
  • Paint brush
  • Magnets
  • Glue
  • Rhinestone Embellishments (optional)

The photos are self-explanatory, so here are a few tips.

Tip One: Make sure to decoupage both sides of the flower.

Tip Two: If you are using layers, let the coats of decoupage medium dry completely in between coats and layers (approximately 15 minutes).  Use two coats.

Tip Three: When adhering the magnet, use a strong glue bonding agent.

 

 

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7 Comm
10th Jan2012

DIY Ribbon Board

by Dinah Wulf

DIY-Ribbon-Board-19-1024x768 (560x418)

I always see these cute ribbon boards at gift shops, catalogues, and craft fairs.  They are great for organization for an office or (in my case) my daughter’s room.  I made this DIY Ribbon Board for items such as her hair bows, clips, and photographs.

Another reason I wanted to make this DIY Ribbon Board is because the my daughter’s first baby blanket was getting worn out by the washing machine and I wanted to preserve it somehow, without hiding it in a keepsake trunk where no one would see it.  Here is how I made it.

Materials:

  • Old painting or frame and canvas
  • Fabric
  • Ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Staple Gun
  • Paint (optional)
  • Pliers (if you are using an existing painting)

I had this old painting that was sitting in a box in my garage.

I turned it over and discovered that I needed to use pliers to remove the staples. Remove the canvas.

I took my daughters first baby blanket, trimmed it, and stapled it taut to the canvas.

I decided to paint my frame. I used two coats of paint plus a touch up.

In the meantime, while waiting for the paint to dry, I cut out my strips of ribbon, laying them out in the desired pattern.

One by one, I stapled each ribbon bottom to top and left to right (or vice versa), and then weaving bottom to top right to left. I also stapled the ribbon to the edge of the canvas to make it more secure.

Finally, when the paint is completely dry, (I waited overnight), insert the canvas.

Here are some close up and after pictures.

Thank you for reading!

 

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13 Comm
06th Jan2012

Recycled Magazine Frame

by Dinah Wulf

My brother and I decided to make Christmas gifts this year to exchange.  Naturally, I had to do a recyling project. I have always wanted to try making something out of recycled magazine pages so I finally sat down and made this frame.  I have to say, although slightly tedious, it was quite fun, especially when I looked at the results.  My only regret is that I wished I didn’t use such a cheap wooden frame mainly because of the cardboard back.  I should have shelled out a few more bucks for a nicer one.  Even a thrift store one would have been better. Oh well.  Anyway, here is how I made a recycled magazine frame.

Materials:

  • Any frame (again, I regret using the crappy one from IKEA)
  • Old Magazine
  • Tape
  • Paper Cutter
  • Decoupage medium
  • Small Paint brush

Gather a few magazines that you’ve already read and no longer want.  I say a few, because for this project I used four different Rolling Stones magazines to get the colored pages I wanted.

I chose to cut my strips to the width of the frame.  For example, the frame pictured here is for a 3X5 photo and the frame is a one inch wide, 4X7 frame.  I ended up cutting 1”X7” stripes (approximately eight pages).

Next, start rolling your strips.  The toughest part is the beginning; however it’s easy to get used to!  I used a small narrow piece of tape to secure each roll.  It was cleaner than attempting to glue each roll; and the tape can be easily hidden when attached to the frame.

For each roll, I laid it onto the frame so I knew when to stop. It helps to do this while you’re watching your favorite shows on TV.

After rolling all the strips, I glued each piece with a paint brush and decoupage medium one by one.

When you are finished adhering each roll, allow it to dry completely (about 15 minutes). Then, I used 2 coats of decoupage medium on top.  Allow it to dry between coats.

Insert your picture, and there you have it! The perfect handmade gift!

By the way, I had to show my little plug to recycle. If you look closely on the top left side of this picture, you will see what I mean!

 

***I heart comments! If you have any comments, ideas, or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.  Is there a craft project you want me to try? I’ll gladly do my best to take on your craft challenge and I’m always looking for new ideas! Just let me know! Also, if you have a project you’d like to share, please email me at dwulf@diyinspired.com.

 

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9 Comm
30th Dec2011

Salvaged Wood Toy Chest

by Dinah Wulf

The minute I received this toy chest in the mail I had to share it on my blog.

You see, my father has been a Cardiologist in the same hospital and nursing home in the same small town for almost forty years and as a result, he has developed some close familial relationships with his patients and their families.

It’s astounding, the gratitude my father receives from his work.  Let me rephrase, actually it’s not “work”, rather his passion.  Growing up, my Dad was always busy making rounds and seeing patients. I recall going to his office when I was a little girl and I would do some filing for him after school.

Over the years he has accrued literally thousands of patients, all he may not know by name, but he could tell you their ailments and medications by looking at their familiar faces. My Dad is not just a good Doctor; he is sought after because he truly cares about his patients. He is an admirable man. Because of this he receives many gifts. I want to share some parts of this letter my father received along with this hand-made toy chest. It was especially made for my Dad’s first grandchild, my daughter.  I love it so much because it’s personal, it’s made from salvaged materials, and it is beautiful.  I hope this salvaged wood toy chest inspires you as it has me.

Here are some excerpts from the letter.

“The family owns an old farm in West Virginia, about an hour’s drive from Cumberland.  We have been berry picking there and the result is enclosed for your grandchild.”

“While hiking about the property we found several old barns that had fallen down.  The rich color and age of the wood was ideal for small craft projects.  We found documents indicating the barn was built in 1856, just prior to the Civil War.”

“I used turquoise (blue stones) to fill some of the old nail and knot holes.  I found these stones in the early 1980’s while looking at a diamond mind for Chevron.”

Here are some pictures.

Side

Close up of the latch

Turquoise

Inside

Back

I have decided to use it as my daughter’s hope chest and fill it with treasured items for her when she is older Including the letter).  It’s a little heavy for little fingers to open and close.  Hopefully, it’ll be a reminder for her of how wonderful her Grandpa is!

 

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5 Comm
21st Dec2011

Eco-friendly Gift Tags and Gift Wrapping

by Dinah Wulf

Here are some creative and inspiring eco-friendly gift tags and gift wrapping ideas in time for the holidays.

 

Check out these beautiful gift tags made out of recycled CD’s from our friends at Bellenza!

 

Also from Bellenza, here is a tutorial for making eco-friendly gift packaging with decoupage paper mosaics.

 

Personalize your gift wrapping.  Check out this awesome idea from my brother.  Shipped in a box, “Mike’s Private Stash” was filled with his favorite chocolate and candy. By the way, my hubby ate this entire box of candy in a couple days… did I mention there were probably twenty York peppermint patties inside and then some?!

 

Recycle old boxes and newspaper and make a cute gift basket.  Embellish it with ribbon or craft a book page flower or book page bow.

 

Embellished Keys for gift tags.  I don’t know about you but I can probably dig up a handful of keys in my junk drawer that I have no idea where they belong to. These sparkly lovelies are from My Salvaged Treasures.

 

Here are some unique ideas from A Subtle Revelry.  Use cupcake wrappers to embellish a gift or use a shirt to wrap it up.

 

Finally, here are some pretty brown paper packages tied up with string from Pintrest.

 

Happy gift wrapping!

**I heart comments! If you have any comments, ideas, or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.  Is there a craft project you want me to try? I’ll gladly do my best to take on your craft challenge and I’m always looking for new ideas! Just let me know! Also, if you have a project you’d like to share, please email me at dwulf@diyinspired.com.

 

 

 

 

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4 Comm
12th Dec2011

Coffee Filter Wreath

by Dinah Wulf

So I bought six feet of plumbing insulation tube at Home Depot to make this wreath out of antique book pages.  The project only needed thirty six inches, so I had enough to make a second wreath. I had seen amazingly creative DIY projects made out of coffee filters, including wreaths, and with the holidays and changing season; I decided to give it a try.

This coffee filter wreath was quite easy, I must say.  The only thing (be forewarned) is that I kept burning myself with the hot glue gun. This never happens to me, but out of the 150 coffee filters I used I must have burnt myself 50 times! I even got a glue gun blister (occupational hazard).

Here are the materials you need:

  • Plumbing insulation tube
  • Duct tape
  • Glue gun
  • Coffee filters

The beauty of this project is that the tube and coffee filters costs less than $3.00.  I assume that if you decide to take this project on that you already have a glue gun and duct tape, which are essential materials in any craft closet.

Here is the step by step tutorial on how to make a coffee filter wreath.

First, tape the plumbing insulation tube together with the self-adhesive strips and then duct tape the ends together. It will look horrible, however with a little massaging and maneuvering you can shape it into a circle.

One by one, quarter each filter and overlap the flap.  Using hot glue, attach each filter to your tube.

After the first layer (now the back of your wreath), turn it over and start layering.  I found it easiest to bend the tip of your coffee filter (as shown) and then glue.

Continue gluing and overlapping until you reach your desired fullness.  Here is mine about half way.

There you have it! I used a ribbon to embellish the wreath and to hang it.

 

 

 

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12 Comm
08th Dec2011

Paint Stick Crafts

by Dinah Wulf

If you know me (or read this blog) you know what a cheapskate I am…I mean “budget conscious”.  So naturally, anytime I find a craft material I can get for FREE, I’ll find SOMETHING to do with it.

Anytime you buy paint, the guy (or gal) who mixes it will always throw in a few paint sticks.  If you bat an eye, you may be able to get a few extra to use for some craft projects.

I also saw on the Nate Berkus show not long ago (but couldn’t find a picture) was a challenge where one of the guests used paint sticks to reface a small dresser.  It looked great! I was instantly inspired.

Here are some creative ideas I came across when looking for some more inspiration.  I think I’m going to make the paint stick monogram.  I like the idea of staining them a cool color and using hardware for that industrial touch.

Paint Stick Monogrammed Letters

How cool are these? I’m definitely going to take this project on (plus the letter “W” is easy…tee hee).

 

Plant Crate

So useful and creative, you can make a paint stick crate to hold just about anything.

 

Starburst Mirror

So cool! I’ve seen the BBQ skewer one, but I like this one better. This black one is from OurHumbleAbowed and the white one from CentsationalGirl.

 

Paint Stick Lampshade

This is G-R-E-A-T! Love it!

 

Paint Stick Art

So colorful and creative!

 

Paint Stick Ornaments

With the holidays coming up, I thought this would be a cute idea for a craft night with the kiddos.

 

 

 

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Category : Crafts, Trash To Treasure
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8 Comm
05th Dec2011

Frosted Mason Jars

by Dinah Wulf

Mason jars are so beautiful in their own rustic way. There are so many ways you can recycle glass jars.  Mason Jars in particular can be useful to store craft supplies, hold flowers, dispense soap, or use as illuminaries.

These Classico Sauce jars are my favorite.

I have a cupboard full because I know I’ll find a place for all of them! I decided to try frosting a few to see how they would turn out.  Here is what I did.

First clean and rinse your jars with soap and water (that is, after you eat the sauce!).  To remove the label, soak them in warm soapy water for about an hour.  Jars may vary with soaking time.  Most labels come off very easy.  Use the rough side of a sponge to gently scrub off the label.

Next, dry each Mason jar thoroughly.

If desired, you can use stickers or decals to create a design.  I used simple curling ribbon and wrapped the jar, securing it with tape.

Spray paint the jars in a well-ventilated area holding the can approximately 12 inches away. Allow them to dry.

Remove the ribbon, sticker(s), or decal(s).  There you have it!

So easy! Mix them with unfrosted jars and insert tea lights for a pretty glow or consider making mason jar centerpieces for a wedding. Just add flowers!

 

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Category : Trash To Treasure
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7 Comm
29th Nov2011

DIY Apothecary Jars

by Dinah Wulf

I love the look of apothecary jars.  They are so beautiful and can serve several display purposes.  You can use them for candy, holiday decorations, or even display your collections. They look pretty on a mantel or kitchen island or even a bathroom filled with sponges or shells.  I like to use them for candy on a candy bar dessert table for parties.

Because I’m so cheap, and apothecary jars start at about twenty dollars apiece for the small ones, I decided to try a little do it yourself project.

I found a box of four glass canisters at a discount housewares store for twelve dollars.

On one of my recent thrift store ventures, I found some candle holders for $1.50 apiece.

Additional materials needed are 1) spray paint of your choice, and 2) a strong adhesive.  In my case, I chose a metallic silver spray paint and Gorilla glue.

Before you start, make sure your candle holders are clean and free of wax.  When you spray paint them, every little bump will show (I learned this the hard way).

Spray paint your candlesticks holding the can about 12 inches away in a well-ventilated area.

When the paint is completely dry, approximately two hours, glue the candlestick to the canister. I let the glue set overnight before picking it up, just to be safe.

Voila! Instant DIY apothecary jar! Fill it with whatever you like… pinecones, peppermint sticks, or ornaments for the holidays are perfect for this time of year.

 

You may also like these other crafty eco-friendly centerpiece ideas:

 

 

 

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Category : Crafts, Trash To Treasure
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7 Comm
28th Nov2011

Repurposed Pallets

by Dinah Wulf

I love the idea of repurposed pallets into furniture or art.  When I first thought of doing my own project, I would drive around town looking near the dumpsters of commercial and retail buildings.  The last time I went to Home Depot, I asked if I could buy them and they said depending on the type, they ran from $15 to $60 a piece. Well, it really goes without saying that I’m too cheap for that so I kept on with my search.

Utilizing my resources, I called one of my best friends who works for a high end appliance manufacturer.  Low and behold! She texts me right away with a picture and says, “Here is what we are about to throw away. Do you want any of these?” My answer? “On my way.” So my little one and I hopped in the car. To this destination… aka… free pallet heaven.

Thanks to my friend who, by the way was in heels, I was able to jam two and a half in the back of my car. Now… what to do with them? A few days later they are still sitting in my garage awaiting my attention.  In the meantime I searched for some inspiration.  Here are some amazing ideas I found, but for now I’m still undecided.

Pallet Coffee tables

[Via]

[Via]

Pallet Art

Flea Market Finds magazine

[Via]

 

Pintrest

Pallet Dining Table

Pintrest

Pallet Benches

[Via] 

[Via]

[Via]

 

Pintrest

Pallet Headboard

[Via]

 

Pallet Garden

Pintrest

Pallet Coat Hanger

Pintrest

Pallet Shelving

[Via]

 

Pallet Entertainment Center

[Via]

 P.S. Happy Birthday, Trina Bean! Thanks for getting down and dirty with me.  I heart you, best friend!!!!

 
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Category : DIY Furniture, Trash To Treasure
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15 Comm
21st Nov2011

Book Page Wreath

by Dinah Wulf

I’ve been looking for the perfect book page wreath to make because I have a damaged antique book with beautiful gold leafed pages.  The book is a book of poems by Keats, however it is falling apart and some pages are missing.

There are several book page wreaths out there for inspiration.  I finally came across one at this little boutique in Tustin (of course I didn’t have my camera on me at the time to take a picture).  Because I’m such a cheapskate, of course I didn’t buy it rather I did peep at the fifty dollar price tag!  Ha! I’ll make it myself for much less!

I wanted to get some tips before I tried to make it, so I did a little research.  I couldn’t find an exact tutorial on the one I wanted to make, but I did find some good tips from Living With Lindsay and The Penny Parlor.

Believe it or not I had everything I needed already, so I only spent a total of $1.04 for this project!!!  Here is what you need.

The Penny Parlor had a brilliant idea of buying a “foam tube” from Home Depot. I had no idea what department a “foam tube” would be in and after research, it’s in the plumbing department.  Here is a picture so you know what to ask for.

I chose the thickest tube for $1.94 ($2.08 with tax).  It is six feet long, the perfect size for two (maybe even three)wreaths, hence the $1.04 TOTAL I spent for this Book Page Wreath.

Start by cutting the tube in half.  Set aside one tube for another project. Carefully and gradually peel away the adhesive strip and stick the two sides together.  I say “carefully and gradually” because this sucker’s extremely sticky.

Next, tape the two ends together with duct tape.  It will look something like this.

Don’t panic like I did!  If you pinch and massage the tube, it will form into a circle and end up looking like this.

Next, cut your pages out of the book.  I found that the fastest and cleanest way is to use a sharp knife.

One by one, roll each page to make a cone shape and flatten the bottom part.

Using a hot glue gun, glue the cones onto the foam wreath. After your first layer, turn the wreath over.  You have just finished the back of the wreath. I used approximately 35 pages for the first layer.

Start your second layer as pictured below (approximately 30 pages).

For the third, fourth, and fifth layer, you will glue the cone over the ring as shown below.  After the fifth layer, “QC” your wreath and fill any open gaps with another cone.

Here is a picture of the back. Use a glue gun to attach a ribbon to hang it.

Here are some after pictures.

 

 

 

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Category : Crafts, DIY Artwork, Trash To Treasure
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16 Comm
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