Saturday, January 24, 2026

Upcycled Star Cluster Wreath

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Hello and welcome to our first "Do It Over Designers" Blog Hop of the new year! The "Do It Over Designers" is a group of creative bloggers who love to recycle/upcycle/ DIY, hosted by  Anne @The Apple Street Cottage. It happens the 4th Saturday of every other month and it's all about taking something old and/or unused and 'doing it over' into something new. But this month Ann decided to have a theme of Out of the Recycle Bin for us to create anything from the recycle bin!


I often look online at upscale stores to see what's new and exciting and to get ideas! I love looking at the Terrain site (an offshoot of Anthropologie) where it is deeply rooted in nature, offering inspired seasonal solutions for creative living. That being said, I came across this Aged Iron Star Wreath there and really got inspired to make something similar!


Imagine transforming discarded materials like soda cans and an old clothes hanger into stars on a round wire base to achieve an upcycled star cluster wreath!  This DIY upcycle project not only allows you to repurpose old materials you may already have but also provides an opportunity to unleash your creativity and add a personal touch to your decor. You won't believe how easy it is to transform an old coat hanger and soda cans into a beautiful wreath that will become a focal point in your home. One that offers a year round appeal - versatile for lots of looks! From rustic, modern and farmhouse for an instant show stopping look! Perfect anytime when you want a decoration that's the "star" attraction! Bringing a festive, whimsical vibe to your home that shines year round! 

Materials Used:

  • Wire coat hanger
  • Nylon Jaw Pliers
  • Wire Cutters (heavy duty)
  • Stock pot
  • Clothes pins for clamping
  • Hot glue/Quick Hold glue
  • Soda Cans
  • Craft/X-acto knife
  • Gloves
  • Old craft scissors
  • Star pattern/card stock/pencil
  • Sponge brush
  • Metallic silver paint
  • Ribbon strip or cording for hanging
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, this post may contain links. I may receive a very small commission at no cost to you! Plus Google Adsense provides a platform for me to monetize my content by hosting ads from Google's network of advertisers. The money I earn helps pay my crafting expenses. Thanks so much for your support!

How To:

Step One:  How to Make a Wreath Frame from a Wire Coat Hanger

First, untwist the neck portion of the hanger hook to open the hanger.
Then use your hands and a nylon jaw pliers to straighten the wire around as much as possible.
Cut off the curly section of the neck portion using heavy duty wire cutters.

 Once you've straighten the wire out as much as possible, wrap the wire around a stock pot - one pot large or small enough for the hanger wire to fit and bend into a circle.  Use clothespins to clamp and hold the wire around the pot into a circular shape to make the wreath form.

Secure the wire ends together .  .  .
First adding hot glue for a temporary seal then .  .  .
seal with Quick Hold (from the makers of E6000) for a super strong bond and faster set time. Let dry!
Step Two:  While the glue is drying on the wire ring, gather your clean, rinsed out, dry soda cans to make the Stars! 
Using a craft or x-acto knife, make a slice near the slanted rim of the soda can big enough for a scissor blade. Then, using craft or old scissors, cut around top to remove.
*CAUTION:  Be very careful handling the sharp edges of cut cans. You may want to wear gloves for this!
 Once the top is removed, cut through the length of the can to .  .  .
remove the remaining end. Finish sides by cutting off any slivers or jagged edges.
Smooth out the curve of the can by rolling on the edge of a table or countertop. 

I found two different star patterns online and printed them out on cardstock to trace the outline of the larger star template first and then the smaller star (not shown) with a pencil .  .  .                                   

to cut out.

Once all the stars are cut out, sponge paint the front side (wording) of the cut-out stars with a metallic silver color. The silver paint creates a "wow factor" by reflecting light, which can simulate a star's sparkle or add brilliance to a room that makes the wreath stand out!
You may need a couple of coats to cover the print.

The metallic silver paint matches the inside color of the cans - so no need to paint that side - only if you want to!


Once you have all the stars painted, it's time to glue them onto the round coat hanger base - attaching the larger stars first .  .  .





 then smaller ones, layering them to create a celestial cluster!


And finally, add a sparkling ribbon to tie on at the spot where the wire wreath comes together to hang!


I hope you love how this upcycled star cluster wreath adds a festive and personal touch to decor whether it's on the door, wall, mantel or anywhere in your home!

Before you leave, don't forget this is a blog hop and all of the designers have some amazing Out of the Recycle Bin projects to share with you.

Be sure to visit all of this month's creative projects by the 
 "Do It Over Designers"  listed below:

 

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

No Sew Zipper Crossbody Bag

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Get your craft on with this no-sew zipper crossbody bag project! Hi! I'm back with another way to make a no-sew shoulder bag! It's a fun way to make a super simple, chic looking no sew zipper faux leather crossbody bag! Faux leather comes in an array of colors and designs and so easy to work with! Imagine the beauty of a stitch-free design! It's also an inexpensive and fashionable alternative to ones you can buy!  And who doesn't love having lots of bags to switch up and wear - especially a DIY custom shoulder bag without stitching? You can check out my other bags here and here.

But before we get to my tutorial, let me just say that this is our very first Creative Craft Blog Hop in 2026! It's co-hosted by Sara @Birdz of a Feather  and Donna @Modern on  Monticello  who take turns every other month! The lovely and creative Sara is our host for January! 

Welcome everyone! If you're visiting from Sara's blog, wasn't her crochet earrings gorgeous?  She always make the coolest items! 


So let's get started!!!

Materials for this no-sew crossbody:

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, this post may contain links. I may receive a very small commission at no cost to you! Plus Google Adsense provides a platform for me to monetize my content by hosting ads from Google's network of advertisers. The money I earn helps pay my crafting expenses. Thanks so much for your support!

How To:

Start by applying a line of fabric glue to one side of the zipper edge.


Then lay the wrong side edge of the faux leather on the glued edge of the zipper and firmly press the fabric edge down along the zipper glued edge. 

Repeat the same steps on the other side of the zipper edge.


Let the glue dry 30-60 minutes.

Then open the zipper at least half way.

Time to create tabs to attach a shoulder chain strap. Cut two 2 1/4" X 1 1/2"rectangular pieces from another sheet of faux leather fabric. 
Add a line of glue on the long edges and fold the sides of each rectangle inward so the edges meet in the middle. 

 Clamp in place and .  .  .
wait until the glue is dry. Note: Never use pins on faux leather. They will leave marks! Use sewing clips instead!

When dry, fold each tab in half and loop it through a D-ring or wire ring. Secure the folded end together with a generous amount of glue.  Clamp the glued ends of the tabs together 1/2" from the top edge of the faux leather until they are completely dry and secure.
                                                                                            
  
To glue all the sides together, apply a line of glue along the right edge, 
bottom and left edges of the faux leather design side.

Make sure the zipper is open half way and fold over the top faux leather sheet onto the bottom portion, lining up all the edges evenly. Use sewing clamps to secure all glued edges until they are completely dry and bonded. 

Once dry, remove the clamps and turn the bag inside out.

And finally, attach shoulder strap chain to side tabs. 
Can you believe how sharp and stylish this looks?
Can't wait to wear it!!!
If you crave simplicity or looking for a personal style, why not give this DIY No Sew Zipper Faux Leather Crossbody Bag a try!!

Up next is  Carol @BlueskyatHome   sharing her beautiful Valentine's Napkin Rings!            


And be sure to check out all of our super talented bloggers and their amazing creations listed below:









Friday, December 19, 2025

How to Make an Adorable Goody Basket With Ribbon and Bow

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With the holidays and entertaining upon us, here's a fun and easy way to turn a plastic cup into an adorable goody basket with ribbon and bow! Handmade goody baskets that doubles as beautiful table favors you can easily make yourself! And the best part, any occasion is a good reason to make them - especially when done in Purple, lol! So let's get started!

Supplies:

How to:
First, using a box cutter, cut off the top area of the plastic cup where the indentations are. 


   Then cut off the top ring which .  .  .

will become the handle!

Now think of a clock, and lightly make marks on the cup top with a marker in the 12, 6, 3, 9, positions first, then in between for a total of eight marks.

Start at the 12 o'clock position and add a diagonal line of quick hold glue . . .
placing a strip of 3/8" ribbon over the glue and smoothing the ribbon out.
Continue adding glue on all the top marks equally on the diagonal to add the strips of ribbon. Once all the ribbon strips are dry, cut off the excess ribbon ends on the top and bottom.


  
Next, run a line of glue from the top of a ribbon strip down across the strip to the left all the way to the bottom of the next strip.  Apply a ribbon strip on top of the glue for a criss-cross look.  Do this for all the eight strips of ribbon.
  
                                            

 Cut off excess ribbon ends on top and bottom

 
Finish the look by gluing on strips of ribbon around the top of the plastic cup  .  . .

and around the bottom.


Attach the handle by cutting open the plastic ring and applying glue to the inside of the cup at the 3 and 9 marks.
Use clamps to hold the ends of the handle in place until dry.



To add a decorative bow, cut an 18" piece of Bowdabra bow wire, and fold it in half. Lay the folded bow wire in the Mini Bowdabra, tucking loop and ends under. Take an 8″ strip of 1.5" ribbon, pinching the ribbon in the middle and . . .

inserting it down into the Mini Bowdabra for the bow tails.  

Leave the ribbon on the roll and pinching the end and placing it down into the Mini Bowdabra. Then fold over the ribbon making a 2" loop, twisting the ribbon down into the Mini Bowdabra. 

                                       

Then, fold over the ribbon creating a 2" loop, twisting the ribbon down into the Mini Bowdabra on the opposite side. 


Use the Mini Bowdabra wand to crunch down the the center of the bow and  cutting off excess ribbon.                                           
While the bow is still in the Mini Bowdabra, thread the two loose ends of the bow wire through the loop, pulling tightly while gently pulling the bow out. Tie bow wire around to the back cutting off excess wire. Then fluff and straighten the bow!

 Dovetail the ends by folding the ends together and cutting at an angle from the fold down to the opposite end.
Attach the gorgeous bow to the top center of the goody basket using quick dry glue.  Have fun creating beautiful goody basket table favors filled with small treats or gifts.


Thanks for stopping by

and take a little time to enjoy,

Happy Crafting!