DIY :Makeup Mirror Stocking Stuffers Compact Reuse Kid Friendly Craft Project

Makeup Mirror Stocking Stuffers are huge around my part of the woods.  This cute little idea can be done by you or with the family for a fun added touch at the holidays. This is also a great craft project for teachers to do with their kids. 

Throughout the year I save all my old powder compacts that I've used, or the ones I get as gifts and never use. They are hard plastic, and not normally recyclable, so I’ve found another use for them. If you aren’t a powder diva, ask a few friends, and something is bound to turn up. The bottom of most powders, blushers, or eyeshadow containers have a metal insert where the actual makeup was. These are glued with a tacky glue that should become gooey if you soak the entire thing in hot water, allowing you to pry the insert off.

STEP ONE: Soak the container and pry the metal insert, (if there is one) out with a butter knife. Clean out the old makeup out of all the crevices. In this case, the compact looks really scuffed and scratched up, but no worries, because it’s going to transform into something lovely.

Metal Insert comes out with a little hot water soaking and a butter knife!

STEP TWO: Gather your supplies: Paper, Scissors, Elmers or Mod Podge Glue, and a paint brush. When it comes to paper, there’s nothing you shouldn’t use. Scrapbooking supplies, old magazines, bits of paper bags, newspaper or old books laying around will make great cup ups for this project. If this is a special present from a child, a hand colored picture would look lovely.

STEP THREE: Decorate the outside. In this example, I decided to make something for Melissa, (hence the M) , a blond retro girl who loves to read hence the vintage text on the cover. Three coats of Mod Podge made it very shiny, so the original scratched up condition wasn’t an issue.

STEP FOUR: After the cover dries, it’s time to add special touches on the inside area. I like to set the paper inside, pushing into the corners, to get the perfect creases for cutting. I did a mini collage inside here. I’ve even put some decorations on the mirror itself, but from trial and error learned that the glue atop the mirror make a real mess. Add at least three coats.

STEP FIVE: The back side should be a special place for you to add an inscription so choose something to glue down like you did in Steps 3 and 4. On this particular one, I cut out a Chiristmas decoration and that’s where I’ll use a marker later and do my “to” and “from” and my happy little message.

STEP SIX: Do a quick clean of the mirror, then fill it up with something special. Add some money, fold up a gift certificate, stick in a special pendant or necklace. In this case I’m filling it with pendants and as you can see, two large ones fit perfectly. You don’t need money to complete this gift. You can always choose to add in a “free yardwork”, “free babysitting”, or “free chores” coupon for an added touch.

Please share this idea with your friends!~

To The Steel Fork on Etsy : I Think You're Tractor's Sexxxxyyyyyyyyy

Story courtesy of:

 

Side end table, here,  $470.

It's true, TheSteelFork Etsy shop has it going on! A shop from Bloomsberg, Pennsylvania, with many reclaimed items serving functional purposes. This handmade Farm Table Reclaimed Tractor Hood table is a real gem....I love old machinery.  Doesn't this serve as a great creative reuse functional way to save the best parts of something otherwise headed to the landfill or scrap pile?  I would love to have this in my home! 

Their shop banner proudly says "There's a Farm in Every Home!"  This store is definately worth a look-see.  The rare and unique is hidden here. This table was made from an Allis Chlamers Tractor--if you aren't a tractor buff, I can only tell you how rare they are, all the way from France! What a great way to preserve parts of the item forever!

Large Rare French Tractor Bar Table, $1495, check it out.

Did I mention, you don't have to like tractors to visit this store?  There are other things creatively repurposed, such as this Cleaver Butcher Recycled Kitchen Hook.  At $75, it is a great gift idea for the person who has everything.

There's also signs made of reclaimed machinery, given new life serving as great home decor, like this!

For only $26, this sign is just the right flavor for your home!

Not only is this a great store, but their way of reclaiming items is just marvelous.  I'm sharing this with the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team first chance I get.

Monday Morning Reuse

Creative Reuse Finds ...

INDUSTRIAL
An old metal drawer makes a creative shelf:


MooseHornVintage on Etsy, $25, seller has them in red too!



ARCHITECTURAL
These old industrial "corbels" now make great bookends!

From HavenVintage, $48

Also worth mentioning is how the same shop (HavenVintage)
has these spool-turned candlesticks!

OVER THE TOP

Speechless!  Old shoes.....new handbags!

Signed by artist, $98, this wild item is definitely OOAK.  Seller LisaMoorer has a great imagination!

GIFT IDEAS

You can find a clock for just about anyone at TickTocker's shop, this one, $25.

Same seller TickTockler's vintage grocers tin clock, $23.

DECOR & ARTWORK

 An old kitchen sieve  is now a wonderful work of art!

Sushipot's shop is full of great artwork, jewelry, and home decor.  This Sieve art doll, $145.

Repurposed Chalkboards

Everyday, I see the talent in people when it comes to Creative Reuse. Sometimes it's the little things I wouldn't have thought of myself, such as a driftwood key chain, or a milk cap necklace.  I really get excited looking for some projects that I wanted to do myself, but put off due to lack of time.  So, when lack of time persists, the crafty go shopping. Today I'm talking about chalkboards!

Like the ones I so love at RevivedVintage, spectacular "Red Syroco" for only $45. 

Oh yeah, gotta love it from SoZealous.   For a bargain $10, it's worth scarfing up.

The best thing about repurposed chalkboards is there are plenty options to accentuate your decor, or to give as gifts. With so many frames, styles, and colors available, shopping should be fun!  If you aren't into the bright funky mod lime green above, what about this more subtle frame (and noted as a great wedding gift)  from PoshPilfer?

 This original vintage frame is wedding white and waiting for you at PoshPilfer's shop for only $55.00.

I guess I'm partial to the colors no one else has.  This pink frame really caught my eye, it's a simple upcycled frame, but the seller's choice of pastel pink is great.  Wouldn't this look lovely in a little girls' room?

For $22, PlayingGrownUp really has it going on with this chalkboard.  

How cute this would look in a little girl's room.



So I was thinking, what about the holidays?  What if I could find the time to make some mini chalkboards, or do some jars (leftover canning jars that could then again be reused) and fill 'em with art supplies or candy?   Wouldn't that be a great idea.  So I happened across these adorable chalkboard labels from  BradensGraceWallArt.   Not to mention, the entire store is chock full of chalk labels!  How cute they are and what a great idea!

  

A real steal for $6.80 at BradensGraceWallArt for 12 labels here.  

Then there's always the "hard person to shop for."  You know the kind.  It's the person who has everything or is ultra picky, so you strive to find them something totally different in hopes they don't already have it.  How's this for a OOAK item, this vintage-restaurant-window turned chalkboard.  I love the original great shabby condition! 

Shabby Chalks offers this one for $129, but has many others in stock in their Etsy shop.

I kept looking and I really liked this one, yet another window, but the kind that goes with any decor.  I imagined this in a country cottage kitchen next to the phone nook with phone numbers scribbled on it. 

 Offered by EngagedandInspired, a real deal for $45 and a great gift idea.

Sometimes I'm floored by things that I didn't know even existed. While I was shopping, I found this great shop that offers all kinds of vinyl chalkboard decals that stick to your wall.  What a fun idea for the student at college or the office worker to hang in their office.  Easily-cleaned and waiting for you to scribble your chalky notes on, I suppose you can consider this a way to "repurpose" your existing decor with only a subtle change.  I was thinking about that tiny nail hole I've been meaning to cover up and I can simply save money from re-wallpapering or painting that damaged area by slapping one of these guys on.  So many designs are available, from frame-like ones to guitars!)I like this one, maybe I'm a wee dramatic?

This one as offered by SpellitoutDesigns is called "Bird on a Branch", only $26. Love this.

I still can't help thinking I ought to get that chalkboard paint and do up my doors in my home like the ones I saw back in 2008 on the inspirational blog: "Rethink and Reuse".  I also had seen the same type thing in the "DIY" section of Southern Living.

Part of Southern Living's old Kitchen Makeover on a Budget Series.

Instead of painting my old fridge again, if  I get really tired of playing with the magnets all over it, why not do it up like the "Noisettes" did in 2007?  I love this, but think the hubby would not agree.

This family tells you all about it in their blog post HERE on their Noisettes blog.

I have to admit I'm not this brave and I probably wouldn't have done the globe-thing myself, but seeing the finish project makes me thing any dad or teacher would really appreciate this on their desk.

Image via Make, used on  OnePrettyThing.who explains how to use the chalkboard paint HERE.

So, instead of wasting all that paper writing notes in your kitchen to your kids, hubby, or partner, why not invest in these great finds?  If you are really looking for a fun and inexpensive weekend project with the family, do up your door like a chalkboard!

Creative Reuse : Old Wartime Scrap Making the Catwalk

Christopher Raeburn. 

Raeburn's Jacket As shown on the Vogue Uk Website, February 2009

If you haven't heard of him yet, it's only a matter of time.  No, I'm not talking the deceased record producer, but London's coolest and hippest "Reuse" designer.  I first read something about Chris in 2008 and thought perhaps I read it wrong.  He was taking old military parachutes, in addition to other untouched wartime materials, and was "remaking" them into new garments.

By mid 2008, he was "the rage" having bulky jackets worn by the kids on the London streets.  So much so, in early 2009, London's Fashion Week had a first-time ever show closing with a showcase featuring menswear with Raeburn's trench coats and designs.

In June, Cool Hunting displayed his new offerings and this article.

Just today, I read last month's issue of Vogue, I read a one page write up, talking about how Christopher tags each garment "REMADE IN LONDON." 

I figured it would be a great time to blog about him, but Treehugger beat me too it with this great writeup today, showing an artist original video,  and inside the Fashion week and studio. Make sure to check it out!

Got Books? : Creative Reuse

by Sarah

If you are like me, you love books. However, every few years, my library tends to outgrow the bookcase and I find myself with too many books and nowhere to put them all. So, here are some environmentally friendly ways to find new homes for your old books: How to Get Rid of Old Books

If none of these great ideas strike your fancy, come see what some of the artists at Etsy Recyclers Guild have done with their old books and magazines:


1930 Hardy Boys Book Handbag by retrograndma



Paper Duck made from the pages of an old wildlife book by paperleaves



Flower Barrette made from old magazines by An Bláth Páipéir

Thoughts of Recycling

by Elizabeth Patel

I'm always trying to find new ways to incorporate recycled items into my own work, both out of being kind to our earth & looking for ways to reduce my financial expenditures...

So here are a few of my most recent repurposed & recycled items
It was an clip-on earring, that will eventually make it into the center of a flower, or be used as a button.
I clipped the screw post off and used a jewelry pliers to curl the metal around into a loop, and then used some glue to seal off the gap, I used glue because for what I'll use it for it doesn't need to be super pretty.
What I have here is 1 magnet from the back of a pad of paper - that I will use with a metal washer to form a purse closure. The wooden beads will be wrapped in seed beads like the other bead in the picture to be the center of my flowers.

I'm always looking for more ways to recycle the things around me.

Now it's your turn - What are some of your item recycling tips?

Turning Trash into Treasure

by Sarah
For the past week I have been pounding the pavement in Brooklyn looking for my first New York apartment. During my daily outings, I often come across piles of unwanted items being thrown out. Some piles are neatly organized as if they are for sale, while others are just large heaps which require some scavenging. But always, there is plenty to choose from. From wood scraps to old sofas…from clothing to old books…it seems like every corner I turn I find a homeless item patiently waiting to be upcycled into something great!

Check out what some fabulous members of the Etsy Recyclers Guild have done with items otherwise bound for the dump.


Pop Can Tab Bracelet by AmbidextrousOctopus


Denim Tote Bag by wrapcycle


Upcycled stool by shemakesremakes


Upcycled vintage shirt by Brokenghostcouture


Salt and pepper shakers made from old chair legs by kentuckygreen

Next time your out on trash night, don't forget to take a peak at that heap…just maybe you too will find something worth turning into a great treasure!

Posted by relove

Rusdi Badri : From Singapore with Love

Another Story of Inspiration:  From Singapore with Love, Meet Recycle Artist Rusdi Badri, at 22 making his impact.

I originally wrote and published this article on my Associated Content feed, check it out HERE.

Recycling, Upcycling, Reclaiming & Saving the Earth One Art Project at a Time...

I found Rusdi Badri on a recycling art website. In truth, I found his recycled aluminum Coke can roses which led me to his blog, and I knew I just had to learn more about the crafter behind the recycled art. I'm always on the rant to repurpose and reuse, and trying to make the world a greener place. Imagine how happy I was to stumble upon Rusdi and his thoughts for a cleaner upcycled world!

Only 22 years old, Rusdi is thinking of creative ways to upcycle and recycle what may be considered trash. Rudi lives in Singapore. He's interested in music and the arts, and currently studying Sonic Arts.
Rusdi Badri, 22, Recycler of Trash

Just six years ago, his hobby was collecting drink cans in his room. A few years later, he donated most of them to charity, but admits he kept a few of his favorites. The cans intrigued him, and one day, the art began.

He explains, "I decided to do something with the cans. I did some experiments. Since I love roses, I decided to design a rose. My first trash-to-treasure project was a rose Coke can." What a keen idea. Imagine a rose that never required water or sunlight. A present for one you love that would never die. Soon his friends wanted one, and people were bringing him cans just so he would make them a rose.

Rusdi continued to create art from recycled products and was sure to share his wonderful creations and progress in eco-art crafts with the rest of the world on his "Funky Trash Recycled Arts" blog site. He's made a laptop cover out of old clothing, a small shoe out of discarded items, and a very detailed warrior sculpture out of Coke among his many projects. Another item is the multi-purpose container that you can make from cans. You can use it for anything from loose change to holding paper clips, rubber bands, jewelry, or small craft items.

Rusdi says, "Recycling is important. The waste that people throw away in my country is just too much. People buy products that involve non biodegradable material from shops and throw it away (without even considering recycling.)" Sadly that problem is NOT just in Singapore, but something we've been struggling with worldwide. The eco-go-green movement is calling us.

Rusdi now joins a long list of Eco-Artists including myself, who are becoming more environmentally conscious on products they are using to make their art. Rusdi says, "People need to realize that we are consistently damaging the Earth. We can do our part reducing the harm to the world by recycling."

Suffice to say Junk Art, Trash Art, or art from recycled goods is being taken seriously. Everyone knows about the late and famous Joseph Cornell whose art boxes set the precedent for assemblage from found objects. One of my favorite living artists is Mike Esposito, whose work is often featured in the Gallery 364 of Brooklyn, New York. His work includes a giant 8 Ball made of recycled trash, and a United States flag from pen caps and gutter garbage plastic parts to name only a few.

I'm astounded at the works of Leo Sewell from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who has been scouring dumps for 50 years to make his fun 3-D assemblage sculptures from trash. From animals to humans, to a life size Statue of Liberty handmade entirely out of junk toys, parts, and things discarded.

There's also Harriete Estel Berman whose use of all things tin (old cans, dollhouses) is truly amazing. Her creations include everything from jewelry, assemblage sculptures, and magnificently detailed teapots. All of these artists have credentials that are amazing—and pieces housed in museums around the globe, and a resume any artist can only hope to achieve someday.

Meanwhile somewhere in Singapore, Rusdi isn't waiting for things to change--he's making it happen. He hopes to see a push to improve recycling in his country and around the globe. He says, "There are ways to make recycling fun for kids and get them involved. It's time to do something." Rusdi has plenty of suggestions. "For one, people could be more creative and learn how make their trash into art!"

As an eco-artist myself, I couldn't agree more!

Kudos to you Rusdi for doing your part in making our world a greener place! Find out more about Rusdi and see a tutorial on how to turn your cans into art at his FunkyTrash blog.

RUSDI's BLOG IS HERE : http://funkytrash.blogspot.com/