Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Upcycle Plastic Container Into Basket


If you're like me, you probably have bags full of different types of recycled containers. You just never know when you might need one for a project. Well the time has come when I do need one for a project for our Creative Craft Hop hosted this month by Donna @ Modern on MonticelloWelcome All! We are so glad you're here! Looks like I'm starting the hop off sharing my Upcycled BasketPlease don't forget to check out all of the stunning creative craft projects listed at the bottom of my post!

                                       
So I started looking at some of the containers that I have accumulated. I came across a good size clear plastic one - about seven inches tall and seven inches wide. It didn't have a top and I haven't a clue what was in it before. I just know it was nice and clean. And had a reflective look as if it was glass. But it wasn't. It was all clear plastic! So I decided to make a pretty basket - one for everyday use where I can store whatnots and catchalls! But I must say that it turned out rather pretty so it goes perfect with my decor, too!

                 

Materials Used:
  • Utility knife
  • Snips
  • Measuring tape, ruler
  • Chalk pen
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Twine - 3mm 109yds
  • Fabri-Tac Glue
  • Clamps
  • Plastic top (flat, large)
  • Plate (template)

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! The affiliate money I earn helps pay my crafting expenses. Thanks so much for your support!

And who doesn't love transforming trash into something useful and beautiful! So let's get started by removing the rim around the plastic container using a utility knife.
The plastic rim was quite difficult to remove. But I finally did it after the hubs saw me struggling with it - he recommended using a pair of snips which really got the job done.
               
Next, I used a tape measure to mark off the container in 1/2" increments using a chalk pen.
Then used a ruler to draw lines on the container every 1/2" to cut out 1/2" strips ending with an odd number of strips. Having odd number of strips helps to make the weaving even.
The strips were a bit hard to cut, too, but thank goodness for the snips! 
Once all of the strips are cut, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off all of the chalk marks.
Once done, turn the container upside down to begin the weaving process.
Attach the end of the twine just inside of one of the strips at the bottom using Fabri-Tac glue or any quick grab and dry glue. I am not a fan of using hot glue on plastic. With the twine still attached to the roll, start weaving it over and under each plastic strip. 
Continue going over one strip, under the next, over, under, over, under and so on, working your way around the container .  .  . 
pushing the twine together for a neat and uniform look .  .  .

until you have nearly reached the top. Then cut the twine off on the backside of a strip, adding glue to the end and sealing it to the strip.
Using a clamp, braid three pieces of twine 1.5+ times the length around the container to attach the braided twine to the top of the container. 
Once the strips are braided, glue on in increments using clamps to hold in place until dry. Be sure to cut off excess braiding to use later for the lid.
Now it's time to cover the plastic bottom!
Place a large dab of glue in the center of the plastic on the bottom. There was already an indentation there so it was not hard to find the center.
Then begin coiling the twine around in a circle on top of the glue .  .  .
adding more glue around on the plastic as you coil the twine .  .  .
coiling and gluing round and round until .  .  .
reaching the end.
How cool to see the coiling and weave when looking down into the 
clear container!

To Make the Lid:
Use a small plate, just the size that would cover the opening to draw a circle using a chalk pen on a plastic top for the lid. Cut out. 
Then begin coiling the twine on glue starting in the center of the plastic lid.
Continue coiling the twine, adding glue as you coil until .  .  .
the lid is completely covered with twine.
Then braid another strip of twine to glue around the edge of the lid.
Use the excess braiding twine to make a loop handle by gluing the ends together for the basket lid.
To attach the loop to the lid, place a large dab of glue in the center .  .  . 
and around the base of the loop on top of the lid. Add twine to base of the loop and begin coiling it around. Continue adding glue and coiling the twine until the loop until satisfied with the look to secure in place. 

What a lovely upcycle craft!

A basket .  .  .

for storage or .  .  .

 decor!

I hope you've been inspired to upcycle your trash to something you will treasure! 


Up next is Sara, @Birdz of a Feather, who happens to be one of our fabulous co-hosts! Sara is a very talented artist and today she is sharing her Dinosaur Wall Art which is amazing! And be sure to check out all of the talented bloggers sharing their awesome creations below:   

Upcycle Plastic Container Into Basket -  Gail @ Purple Hues and Me

Dinosaur Wall Art  - Sara @ Birdz of a Feather 

A Wine Bottle Gets a New Life - Ann @ The Apple Street Cottage

Embroidery Hoop Pocket Wreath - Niki @ Life as a Leo Wife

Paper Mache Bowl DIY - Terri @ Decorate and More with Tip

Hammered Flower Art Gift - Rachel @ Tea and Forget Me Nots

DIY Cooking Utensils - Tammy @ Patina and Paint



Special Occasion Blooming Wine Glass - Jenna @ The Painted Apron

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Vibrant Volume Decoupage Flowers DIY


As a crafter I love making faux flowers. And I've made a variety of faux flowers that you can see herehere, here, here, here, here and here - plus many more! I love making flowers! Faux flowers such as the above vibrant volume or 3D decoupage flowers offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to fresh flowers that can provide the same aesthetic benefits without harming the environment. I know, we all love fresh flowers! Who can resist them! But these volume decoupage flowers don't require any water or energy for growing and harvesting. They also don't need any fertilizers or other chemicals which can harm the environment.  Plus, you can enjoy your beautifully hand crafted faux flowers for a long time without worrying about them wilting or dying - making them cost-effective for sustainable home décor! 

Welcome to this month's Sustainable Craft Challenge Blog Hop hosted by Julie @Sum of their Stories! This month's theme is VIBRANT!

The vibrant volume decoupage flowers is my version of a Sospeso technique using printed transparent film invented and patented many years ago by Italian artist Monica Allegro. For this Vibrant theme, I decoupaged flower fabric onto clear transparent plastic film turning them into gorgeous three dimensional or volume decoupage flowers using heat and embossing tools. Sounds like fun and amazing? Well it is! 

Here's what I used:

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! The affiliate money I earn helps pay my crafting expenses. Thanks so much for your support!

How to:

I'm not sure of the type of fabric I'm using. I've had it in my stash for a few years, but it feels like a blend of polyester. And it has large vibrant, colorful flowers in it!


The first step is to paint a layer of Mod Podge on one side of the clear transparent film.

Then immediately lay it on top of the fabric showing a selected group of fabric flowers you want to use.
Next, take a sheet of parchment paper and cover the film sheet, smoothing out the fabric and removing any wrinkles. 
Remove the parchment paper and let the fabric dry completely. Drying may take a few hours. When dry, the flowers on the fabric should look nice and clear. 
I covered four clear transparent film with Mod Podge and then smoothed them out on top of the flower fabric to dry. The decoupaged fabric flowers look nice and even more vibrant with the shiny or glossy appearance from the film!
Next, cut out the individual film sheets .  .  .

and start cutting out the individual flowers you want to use.


How cool does this cut out flower look!

Continue to cut out the individual and parts of the flowers you want to use. Remember you will be adding layers or parts of flowers for volume. Be sure to cut toward the center of the flower to emphasize the petals. If you're not sure of a petal, make one by cutting toward the center of the flower for shaping when heated. 
Then light the candle and .  .  .
and hold the flower over the candle to feel the heat and not the flame. You want the petals to curl and not burn. It was easier for me to warm up the individual petals to curl. Once the petal begins to curl  .  .  .

immediately grab your embossing tool and move the flower to the foam pad, running the embossing tool around the petal.


Continue heating and embossing the petals. Emboss the center of the flower for curvature by embossing the right side of the flower, being careful not to scratch the flower finish 

Build the flower volume by embossing a second or third layer of a flower.

And finally, glue the layers together using a quick dry glue to .  .  .


create a gorgeous, vibrant flower!

Time to heat and emboss more flowers to .  .  .

decorate this awesome thriftstore candleholder!
First, glue on large volume decoupage flowers, using hot glue, around the candle base - you can go back after the hot glue dries to add a more permanent glue, such as the ceramic glue and then .  .  . 


glue on smaller volume decoupage flowers around the decorative column .  .  .

for a vibrant, gorgeous look!




I hope you enjoyed how I made my Vibrant Volume Decoupage Flowers - a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to fresh flowers!

Welcome to our monthly Sustainable Craft Challenge! As I mentioned before, this months' theme is VIBRANTThe challenge is all about sustainable crafting with a different theme each month!  The projects must have some sort of a sustainable element to them. This could be an upcycling or recycling element, or something that reduces waste, uses leftovers, etc. 

                                 

Be sure to check out all the creative VIBRANT Sustainable Craft projects from my fellow crafters listed below:

Julie @Sum of Their Stories  - How to Paint Your Own Vibrant Fabric

Gail @Purple Hues and Me - Vibrant Volume Decoupage Flowers DIY

Christine @Christine's Crafts - Transform an Old Plastic Bangle into a Stylish Bangle Bracelet

Terri @Our Good Life -  Painting Vibrant Loose Watercolor Birds

Marci @Old Rock Farmhouse - Growing a Garden Gnome

Mel @Decor Craft Design - Upcycled Spring Sign from Bottle Caps