Showing posts with label Recycle/Upcycle Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recycle/Upcycle Challenge. Show all posts

Monday, March 13, 2023

Milk Jug Vase Knockoff

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Are you like me and browse online stores for inspiration? Doing this is one of my favorite pastimes! So you can imagine how excited I was to see milk jug vases in various colors at West Elm! Just take a look:
To me, the cool thing about these vases is that #1 - I have a milk jug in my refrigerator that looks very similar and #2 - the vases show what looks like imperfections! My kind of upcycle crafts, lol! Just in time for this month's Monthly Blog Hop Challenge!

So let's get started with gathering the materials used:
  • Milk jug
  • Acetone/nail polish remover/cotton ball
  • Mod Podge (matt) brush/sponge
  • Parchment paper/paper towels
  • Plaster of Paris/bowl/stirring spoons/measuring cup
  • Water
  • Spreading tools
  • Sandpaper
  • Acrylic Paint/brush

First, make sure the milk jug is clean both inside and out, removing all labels, tabs and .  .  . 

markings. Use a cotton ball soaked with acetone or nail polish to remove the lettering and any sticky residue on the jug. 

I wasn't quite sure if Plaster of Paris would adhere to plastic so I thought I would apply a layer of mod podge and tissue paper first. 
But that seemed like an unnecessary messy chore so I washed it off before I added more.

And applied a layer of Mod Podge as a sealant instead and let that dry.
 
Following the Plaster of Paris directions, mixed two parts (cups) of plaster with one part (cup) of water .  .  .
stirring together until reaching a smooth consistency.
Applied over jug, smoothing out with spoon or spreading tools.


I probably could have smooth the plaster out a bit better, but . .  .
this was the best I could do. It took about 30 minutes for the plaster to set But needs twenty-four hours to dry completely before .  .  .
sanding. After that, I applied another layer of Mod Podge to seal the plaster before .  .  .
painting.

The West Elm description mentioned that it was a one of a kind vase .  .  .
and I tend to agree! Especially done in purple, lol!
For this project, I've joined a group of creative bloggers each month to bring you a themed blog hop challenge on the 2nd Monday of the month, hosted by Beverly @Across the Blvd. This month, it's all about creating a project/craft using items that you have upcycled, repurposed, or made-over!
Be sure to check out all the awesome bloggers and their projects listed below:




Monday, April 8, 2019

Thrift Store Tray Re-Make

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Hey there! It's that time again for our 
Monthly Challenge Blog Hop!
I've joined a group of creative bloggers to bring you a monthly challenge blog hop. On the 2nd Monday of each month we share our themed creations for the month. 
 
The theme for April is Thrift Store Find Makeover Challenge where we upcycle/repurpose an item we found at the thrift store for twenty dollars or less!
You can never have too many trays, so it was a no-brainer when I found this one at the Goodwill for $3. Almost everyone loves to use trays in their decor including me!

Let's begin by removing any stickers, cleaning off dirt and residue using a mild cleaner like liquid Dawn dish soap mixed with water and a rag. Gently rub while removing debris and do not soak the wood. Let dry.

I had a wood stain in my stash that I've wanted to use for a while now called Rust-oleum Sun Bleach.  I had to go outside to paint it on the tray because of the smell.  Thank goodness it was a nice day!  

 I don't know if the stain was too old or what, but I was surprised how thick it went on and how long it took to dry!  I should have dry brushed it on. So, once it did dry, I sanded the wood to expose some of the darker areas a bit.
Then I found a free floral image online, sized it to fit the inside tray and printed it out using a laser printer. 
Next, applied a heavy coat of Matte Mod Podge to the inside bottom .  .  .
smoothing out the paper design and let dry. Applied another coat of Mod Podge and let dry, again.  You can also apply a sealer to protect the paper and design if you plan on using the tray a lot.
And there you have it!
 A unique and inexpensive decorative tray to use just about any where in your home! 


 Meet this month's co-hosts!

Sum of Their Stories | Sew Crafty Crochet

Be sure to check out all of our hosts creations, ideas and inspirations for this month's Thrift Store Makeover Theme!

See you next month for our Upcycle Challenge using Cardboard, Paper or Wood!

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