Guest Post: Wine Bottle Upcycle

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DIY Upcycle Bottles to VasesI was so excited I was contacted by Jessi Snow.  She wanted to know if she could share this cute wine bottle upcycle here at SBLC.  It is like she knew what this week’s 50+ round-up theme.  Now you do too!  Her project is as great as her timing.  Take it away Jessi…

 

We drink a whole lot of beverages out of glass bottles in our house. We’re wine with dinner kind of people, I love Perrier and let’s be honest – glass bottles are just so much prettier. I’ve always been really good about bringing our empties to the local recycling depot, and every once in a while I would put one to use as an impromptu home for a flower or two, but it wasn’t until recently that I decided to try upcycling them into something I would really use. We recently moved into a new house and I had a whole lot more surface area to decorate, so I decided to create some pretty vases out of empty glass bottles to help spice up some space. Here is how I did it!

Supplies:

  • Empty glass bottles – any kind will do!
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Quick dry spray-paint – a primer and your color of choice
  • Acrylic paint (for letters and pictures)
  • Small paintbrush (for letters)

Steps:

  • The day before I planned to actually paint the bottles I collected up a handful of and gave them a good soak in warm soapy water before scraping off the labels. If you have trouble removing the labels, pour a bit of rubbing alcohol directly on them and allow it to soak in for a few minutes before trying again.
  • I let the bottles dry for a full 24 hours – you don’t need to wait this long, especially if you have a bottle drying rack, but I wanted to be sure all the moisture was gone from the inside of the bottle before I got to work.
  • Once they were dry inside and out began by priming the outside of each bottle with a quick-dry white spray-paint primer. This step isn’t really necessary but a lot of my bottles were green and I wanted to be sure that the color wouldn’t show through on the ones I wanted to paint white. It also gives the paint a better surface to adhere to and reduces the chances that the paint will chip off.
  • Next I liberally sprayed the colors I had chosen onto each bottle – I went with navy and white for this first batch to match the bedspread in my spare bedroom. I applied a couple coats to make sure everything was even and because I used quick-dry spray-paint I didn’t have to wait long before the second round which was great!
  • Once the bottles were dry to the touch I started painting on the writing. I had chosen a handful of quotes ahead of time and put two on each bottle – one on each side – so that I could change things up if I wanted to.
  • I let the bottles sit outside in a warm, dry spot for a couple hours before bringing them in and putting them to good use!

 

 

Wine Bottle Upcycle
Suggestions:

  • I realized pretty quickly that I wasn’t blessed with steady painters hands – those letters were tough work! If you’re anything like me, you might want to consider using stickers or stencils to give your bottles a more polished look.
  • I sprayed the outside of my bottles but you don’t have to go this route. You can also spray the inside instead to maintain the glass look while adding a pop of color.
  • Work outside! No matter how hard you try, spray paint has a tendency to go everywhere. I’d definitely recommend tackling this project somewhere rogue paint splatters won’t be an issue.

Some projects look a whole lot easier than they actually are, but I can assure you that this isn’t one of them! The second half of the process (aka. the fun stuff) took me less than 45 minutes and was as easy as pie. If you’re looking for a quick way to brighten up a room or a sweet little gift for a friend, these are definitely the way to go. Thanks so much to Johnnie for the opportunity to come share my tutorial with you guys today, I can’t wait to get some new ideas on how to upcycle glass bottles from a couple of you too!

Jessi is a crafter with a big thing for DIY. When she isn’t dreaming up a new project, she spends her time trying to encourage others to embrace the do-it-yourselfer lifestyle as a Community Coordinator at PartSelect.com.

Mod Podge Transfer Instagram Photos to Canvas & Text Embellish

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Mod Podge Transfer

I have been busting at the crafty seams to tell you about this new product line from Mod Podge by Plaid Crafts.  It includes Podgeable collage papers, Podgeable Shapes, a bunch of new Mod Podge formulations, finish sprays and tools!  I could not believe when I opened the box and saw all of the shiny new supplies:

Mod Podge Product Line

Mod Podge Products By Plaid

 

I have used many of the products since getting the package in the mail and will show you a round up at the end of this post.  Today’s project uses the same image transfer to canvas I showed you last week, using Mod Podge Glossy for the transfer and Mod Podge Antique for the finish coat, with a couple of tweaks –   I used Photoshop to create an Instagram effect on the photo before printing it for the transfer.  After the photo transfer, I used Mod Podge Rub-On transfers to embellish the final canvas with text.

You will need:

  • Your photo printed on laser jet
  • Mod Podge Glossy Finish
  • Mod Podge Antique Finish
  • Mod Podge Rub on transfers
  • Foam brush or other paint brush
  • Canvas to fit your print (the print used here is 11×14)
  • Bowl of water
  • Dry towel
  • Mod Podge brayer or squeegee
  • Mod Podge Silicone mat, or other non stick work surface

Follow the instructions I showed you previously, using your photo.  I used these free Photoshop actions by Daniel Box to edit my photos with Instagram effects in PS before having them laser printed at my local Office Depot.

Instructions:

  • Cut Photo to fit canvas, and coat canvas and photo with generous layer of glossy Mod Podge.
  • Flip image (print side down) over onto canvas, making sure to center it where you want it before placing, and smooth out any air bubbles with Mod Podge brayer, squeegee or with your hand from the center out.

Transfer instagram photo to canvas

Let that dry for a minimum of 2 hours.  I let mine dry overnight.

Mod Podge Image Transfer

  • You will may need to re-wet with a mister or sponge brush and continue rubbing away paper backing until you are satisfied with the image.  It doesn’t need to be perfect.  You are going for a vintage feel, and you are going to use Mod Podge Antique and rub-ons on top,  so a distressed look is ok.  Just try not to remove too much of your image when you are rubbing away the back.
  • Once you are happy with your image, Coat with Mod Podge Antique, as many coats as you need to get the antiqued effect you desire.  Let dry 30 min between each coat. I applied my the text after the first coat of Mod Podge Antique, then coated twice more to lessen the contrast between the rub-on transfers and the image.  Apply Mod Podge rub on transfers per package instructions.

These are fantastic.  They come in phrases for family, love, seasons, holiday, and pretty much anything you can think of.  I used the love theme for the image of my husband and I.  The Father’s Day theme was perfect for the picture of my husband with his father and son.  Application was easy with the included craft stick.

Mod Podge Image Transfer

Mod Podge Image Transfer

Mod Podge Image Transfer

  • Here you can see the image for the Father’s Day Gift I used is slightly smaller than the canvas, giving a white border in my finished piece.  I wanted that look, and I brushed around the edges with white acrylic paint.

Here are all of the projects I have done with the new Mod Podge line, and which product I used in each (click images to go to full photo tutorials):

Mod Podge Dad Keychain Using Podgeable Paper and Shapes

PODGEABLE PAPERS AND ACRYLIC SHAPES

MOD PODGE DIMENSIONAL MAGIC

MOD PODGE RUB-ON TRANSFERS

MOD PODGE GLOSS

MOD PODGE GLOSSY

MOD PODGE ANTIQUE

MOD PODGE TRACEABLE SHAPE TEMPLATES

MOD PODGE GLOSSY

MOD PODGE ANTIQUE

MOD PODGE PEARLIZED ACRYLIC SEALER

I am so excited about this line.  Everything I have used has been wonderful.  It is no secret I love me some scrapbook paper jewelry, and the Podgeable Papers are scaled to fit those clear acrylic Podgeable Shapes perfectly.  I have big plans there.  My favorite new product is the Mod Podge Antique.  I love the effect, and that it is produced by a product that also seals. These products are now available at your Michael’s Craft Stores.

If you want to learn step by step how to use all of these different formulations, and be inspired by over 40 how to photo tutorials, make sure you check out Mod Podge Rocks, the book  It is a steal on Amazon.  I have it, love it, refer to it often, and reviewed it here.

Mod Podge Rocks, the book

Join me in keeping up with the exciting products and projects using them by following Plaid Crafts:

Plaid Crafts on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/plaidcrafts
Plaid on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InspiredByPlaid
Plaid on Twitter: http://twitter.com/plaidcrafts/

Disclosure:  I received product and payment for this post.  All opinions expressed in this post are honest and mine.

Check out these amazing projects using this rockin’ line of Mod Podge products!



Make Scallop Wall Art With Your Circle Punch

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Frugal Wall Decor DIY

I love a good paper punch project, especially one that results in beautiful wall art for next to no cost.  That is why I had to share this beautiful piece from You Are My Fave.  Make sure you visit and check out how you can make your own DIY scallop wall art!

DIY Patriotic Mason Jar Lanterns

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Mason Jar Lantern Tutorial

I received a box of Plaid Craft goodies and a $25 Walmart gift card to buy something to embellish with my new supplies.  Oh boy!  Strolling the aisles pondering what I could do with item after item, I couldn’t decide on just one thing.  That is why I have done multiple crafts using items purchased from Walmart and my Plaid Craft products, which you will be seeing over several posts.  Today’s project happens to be my favorite.  You are going to love it!  These lanterns are super easy to make.  Grab your Mod Podge and glitter and let’s get all Patriotic, mason jar style!

Here is the box of Supplies from Plaid Crafts:

Plaid crafts at Walmart

I bought white contact paper for this project at Walmart:

I love this stuff because it is way way way cheaper than buying white vinyl designed for die cut machines, and it is the same thing for my purposes.  You get a gigantic roll of it for a few dollars.  Never ever buy white vinyl again!

I found the mason jars at Walmart too:

Click to CONTINUE TO NEXT STEP

Mod Podge Lampshade Makeover

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Lamphade makeover

One of the easiest ways to change the feel of a room is to change the accent colors.  When I get tired of my color scheme, or want to have my home decor coordinate with the seasons, I start with accessories.  Today I am sharing a lamp makeover that is part of my living room color scheme transition.  This project shows that some Mod Podge, spray paint and tissue paper can go a long way in updating accents to transform a room’s style.  The best part?  Save considerable cash by working with what you have instead of buying all new home decor.

Here is how I took a red lamp with a plain canvas drum shade and gave it an aqua base, old handwriting script lampshade makeover:

Decoupage lampshade
Sooo much better now…

Lampshade makeover

How to Makeover Lampshade

It goes great with the spray paint mirror revamp I showed you over the weekend:

More decoupage to come… tomorrow.  You don’t want to miss it!

Washi Tape Cross Revamp

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Washi Tape Craft

I have had this cross for years, and have never displayed it.  I decided to make it pop more, and better fit my decor by covering it with washi tape.  This is a super fast and easy way to create an entirely new look.  Washi tape comes in gorgeous prints, and is inexpensive.  It is simple to apply, and quite forgiving (repositionable).  I found mine at Target in the office supply section, and Michael’s.

Here is how I did it:

Washi Tape Decor

Before finishing with Mod Podge Pearlized Glaze, I inked over the tape with Ranger Antique linen distress ink and dried with heat tool.

I applied 2 coats of the glaze.  I LOVE this stuff.  The pics don’t really do it justice since you can’t get the full effect of the pearl-iness.  If you are thinking, “Hey, I have never seen that stuff”, you are right.  It is brand spankin’ new.  You will be seeing a lot of cool new Mod Podge products over the next couple of weeks.  Be very excited!

Washi Tape Revamp

I decided the cross was too plain, so I made this scallop rectangle frame using sizzix, and stamped “LOVE”.  I added decorative buttons and stuck it to the cross with glue dots.

Washi Tape Revamp

Washi Tape Ideas

Be on the look out for more decoupage here at SBLC, and everywhere.

In case you missed it:

Budget Friendly Craft Room Storage Solutions

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Wood Pallet Storage DIY

This post has been a long time coming.  I originally shared it with It’s So Very Cheri a few weeks back.  I have been dying to show you ever since I started the project.  Here it is, dear readers.  Today, I am going to reveal part of my craft room organization – the pallet organizers!  This project was so rewarding because my creative space was in desperate need of help. 

You may have seen this picture in my post where I admitted I had a serious problem…

Craft room organizing

Something needed to happen, am I right?!  Storage solutions are abundant, but can be expensive when purchased in big box stores.  I was determined to get creative and come up with some budget friendly ways to get it together.

I decided it was time to go vertical and make use of the abundant wall space. While driving around and looking for garage I spied a huge pile of pallets at a local Brewery.  They were happy to part with 2 of them, which I loaded into my truck and brought home. 

I cleaned them with the hose, let them dry, then I spray painted them black with Krylon Dual (paint and primer in one). 

Next I mounted them onto my wall and attached various racks/shelves I picked up at various thrift stores.  There was not much planning here.  I just spray painted the racks so everything was black, and attached them to the pallets like I would attach them to the wall.  That way, the only wall holes are the ones for the pallet.  Everything else hangs on the pallet, and is adjustable. 

Pallet Crafts

Wood Pallet Craft

I got the white horizontal tubs at the hardware store for $1.50 each.  They are great for fabric. 

Once you get the pallets hung, you can customize them to fit your needs.  Here are some examples…

Wood Pallet Projects

I am super happy with my pallet storage units.  The only holes in the wall are where I hung the pallets. Best of all… free!  Yeah, it took some time and effort, but it was well worth it. 

DIY Wood Pallet Crafts

Wanna see how I made that handy dandy hanging marker storage up there on the left?  Click the following image…

How about some free, stylish book storage?  Click the image below…

And here is a quick and easy dollar store 3 tiered organizer DIY:

Finally, for some more fun ideas to use those pallets, check out my 50+ pallet project roundup;

I hope you got some good ideas here today.  Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

 

Aqua Mirror Spray Paint Makeover

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How to Spray Paint a Mirror

Updating my decor with a touch of spray paint is a definite favorite of mine.  It is a way to completely change the look of a room without laying out loads of cash on new furniture and accessories.  Slowly but surely , I have been transitioning my living room from reds and neutrals to aqua and orange.  This mirror in our entryway is my most recent stop on the path to color bliss.

Here it is before…

How to Spray Paint Furniture

I used Martha Stewart’s Spray Paint Kit, which allows you to turn acrylic paint into spray paint.  It was a part of a box of crafts I received last summer when her new craft paint line debuted at Michael’s.  The kit is great in that it opens the color possibilities in spray form to include any of the numerous colors of the line’s acrylic paint.  It is more expensive than buying a can of spray paint, but if you just have to have a certain color, it is your go to tool.  I actually used a Folk Art acrylic paint mixture of white and aqua to get the shade I was going for.  The kit is made for the acrylic paint in the line, but it worked fine with Folk Art.

Martha Stewart Spray Paint Kit

Following the instructions on the kit, I mixed equal parts acrylic paint (mixture of white and aqua) with the spray paint medium, attached this to spray can and used like I would any spray paint.  It went on easily with great coverage and no running.

Martha Stewart Spray Paint Mirror Revamp

I love this color for all seasons.  It can be wintery or summery with the right coordinating accessories.

Sooooo much better than the boring before version, don’t you think?

Martha Stewart Spray Paint Mirror Revamp

Remember last year’s spray paint mirror revamp?

These ornate oval mirrors are fabulous.  I look for them every time I go junkin’.

60+ Projects to Make With Old Magazines

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60 Magazine Page Crafts

If you have been around here long, you know that I am a fanatic about recycled magazine crafts.  You will see a lot of my projects in this collection, as well as those that have inspired me along the way.  These projects are time consuming, but so gratifying.  There is great joy in creating something beautiful and useful from what most people throw away or toss in the recycling.  I always find a series on Netflix and get roll/fold while watching.  Enlist family members to fold strips with you.  They are surprisingly willing, especially once they set their eyes on a finished project.  I hope you love these as much as I do.  Enjoy!



Patriotic Washi Tape Felt Flower Wreath

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Washi Tape Patriotic Wreath DIY

This is the first time I have used washi tape, and now I understand the hype surrounding it.  It is very forgiving and re-positionable, comes in tons of prints and colors, and is inexpensive.  I found the tape used in this wreath in the office supply section at Target, where it costs $4 for a pack with four rolls of coordinating tape.

Here is how I did it:

Washi Tape Crafts

I wrapped the wreath form (which I will never purchase again now that I know about the pool noodle option) with navy blue and polka dot tape as shown.

Washi Tape Wreath DIY

I cut the flowers from felt using my best friend, Sizzix.  Pearl ball straight pins hold them in place.

I wrapped bakers twine around a small segment of the wreath and taped the ends on the back side.

The USA bunting was an add on, since it need a little something more.  See…

Summer Wreath Ideas

I used a sizzix to die cut the trianges and letters.

Now with “USA”…

Make a Patriotic Wreath

Washi Tape Wreath DIY

I love it!

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