Monday, August 30, 2010

Transforming an old tin container

Simple decoupage techniques turn a used milk tin into a stylish storage container



Supplies needed:


1. Used tin/food container
2. White craft glue
3. 2 small containers (one for glue, one for water)
4. A paintbrush
5. Decorative paper or images
6. Scissors
7. Rag/cleaning cloth


STEPS:
1. Started by cutting out the shapes and placing the cut-outs in water to soften the paper
(this step isn't neccesary if you're using thin paper)

2. Mixed white craft glue with some water and spread the mixture  on the container

3. Started placing the cut-outs on the container

4. Layered the cut-outs around the tin

5. Continued step 4 until the container was fully covered, then left it to dry
6. When it was completely dry, I cut off the overlapping paper with an xacto knife
as close to the top of the tin as possible



7. Snip off extra paper on the bottom as well, and that's it!


A pretty new storage container for my craft supplies. 


Friday, August 27, 2010

5-MINUTE DIY

New to blogging and posting, so want to do something quick and easy to test the waters :). This 5-minute DIY is all about up-cycling. While clearing out a drawer the other day, I came across this black see-through sleeve - the packaging of a watch I bought ages ago. I figured it would make a nice mini wallet, and decided to jazz it up and make it more fun to look at. So with some trimming, a hot glue gun and a large flat-back stone, here's what I did:

STEPS:
1. Cut the trim down to the size of the sleeve, 2 pieces - one for the front, one for the back.
2. Got the hot glue gun, and applied a generous amount to the back of the trim.
3. Glued it on.
4. Repeated steps 2 & 3 for the other side.
5. Added a flat-back jewel on one side, for a little more bling.

The sleeve


Gold and black Mesh trim


Trim cut to size


Glue on the backside


Trim securely glued on


Purple diamond shaped jewel (also hot-glued on)


Close-up


Finished product

Voila, all done!

It's the perfect size for my blackberry, some money and my business cards.

Cute, quick and super-easy!