Altering and Upcycling with Kraft Cardstock

Hello, Crafty Friends!! I'm back this week kicking off this month with the Cut'n'boss team! And for today's project I will be upcycling/ recycling frappuccino glass bottles. I've done some similar projects before but this time I wanted to minimize the amount of supplies needed to make this project and make it relatively simple to make.

Supplies Used

Cut'n'boss (Craftwell)

Teresa Collins Pocket Dies (Craftwell)

Kraft Paper Stack (DCWV Inc.)

Brads

Hole Punch

Hot Glue and Glue Sticks

Twine

Glass Bottle (Cleaned)

I started by cutting my 12"x12" sheet of kraft cardstock into 2- 6"x12" pieces. I laid them on top of one another and placed my dies (blade side down) onto the cardstock using the following platform combination:

From Bottom to Top

D PLATE

B PLATE

A PLATE

PAPER

DIE

A PLATE

I did this multiple times, removing the die-cuts after each run. I rotated and moved around the dies to make the most of my paper.

For each 6pt flower I used 4 cut-outs and for each wavy edged flower I used 5 cut-outs.

 To start off each flower, I stacked them and cut a slit toward the centers (about 1/4" long). Really just a little snip.

Next, I pinched each petal down the center.

Then, punched a hole through the center of each and inserted a metal brad.

Then, staggered the petals so they were not just laying on top of one another.

For this flower, I repeated the first couple steps from the 6 pt flower.

 Cut a slit then stacked them, punched a hole and inserted a brad.

The next step differs a little... 

 I created a bud in the center. I did this by first pinching my petals, on the top flower, in half. I folded them over each other creating a bud, and secured them together with hot glue. 

I did this to only the top flower. For the rest of the petals of the remaining flowers I just folded them in half, like I did in the 6pt flower, and then folded them toward the bud. Wrapping them around the the bud but not securing them with glue. 

The result... a rose. So pretty!!

I wanted to attach my flowers and leaves to my bottle but I wanted to dress up the neck and give the glue something to grip onto. I did this with a bit of hemp twine wound around the neck and secured in place by a simple double knot.

Then anchored my leaves onto the twine and my flowers onto the leaves with more hot glue.

And here is my finished bottle...

Makes for gorgeous "On Display" starage...

OR

a lovely EVERYDAY flower vase.

I very budget friendly option for household needs.

I hope you enjoyed today's project! 

See what you can do with your next glass bottle of coffee!!

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~ Mitsy

Deep Red Stamps and Xyron Designer Blog Hop

Hello, Crafty Friends!! Welcome to the 3rd day of the Deep Red + Xyron Designer Blog Hop!!

I am so excite that you dropped by because I have an amazing project for you today repurposing old/ used Frappuccino bottles!

And if you are not already excited... here is a little motivation for ya... the awesome people from Deep Red and letting me give away a $25 in stamps to one lucky person!! WOOHOO!!! How AMAZING is that??!!

And...

I'm not the only gal giving away a gift certificate...

13 other talented crafters will be joining the fun!!! Each participating blog in our hop will EACH be giving away $25 !!

You can find the complete line-up and addition details HERE!

Aaaaaaaaannnnnd....

As a special treat, Deep Red is also giving away another bonus prize at the end of the week!!

WOOT WOOT !!

All you have to do is:

1. Follow my blog (I will use this as a means to contact you)

2. Leave a comment below (So I know you were here, each comment will count as an entry)

And, don't forget to visit 

Deep Red 

&

Xyron

on Facebook and like their pages!! It's not mandatory to "Like" their page but it sure is appreciated!! Make sure to tell them I sent ya!!

***Disclaimer***

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated with Facebook, Any and all information collected is for the sole purpose of contacting the winner.

And now to even more FUN STUFF...

How to make your very own recycle/upcycled 

Milk Bottle Vases

Supplies Used

Glass Frappuccino Bottles (Washed and Cleaned)

French Perfume Label Rubber Stamp (Deep Red)

Creative Station Lite with 5" Permanent Adhesive Refill (Xyron)

Gray striped Paper- Seaside Yacht Stack (DCWV)

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)

Stamp-a-majig (EK Success)

Wooden Plank Whitewash (Mix The Media)

    1-1/2" Split Ring Hangers x 3

3/8"x 1" Hex Bolts x 3

Metal Washers x 6 (optional)

Drill with 3/8" Drill Bit

Phillips Screwdriver

I really like the look of antique Parisian and French country chic...  and these gorgeous stamps from Deep Red are just perfect for both!! And today, I am going to show you how to make wall vases that will work for either!

I started by stamping my image using The French Perfume Label, from Deep Red Stamp,  onto this soft gray striped patterned paper from DCWV's Seaside Yacht Stack. I used Versafine Onyx Black ink... the images come out crisp and clear and the ink when dried is permanent. Which means no smudging if it gets wet... YAY!!

 I want the stripes on my paper to run evenly with the words... but there are no images on the backside of the stamp... No problem. I have an easy fix.I used a Stamp position tool. 

First, I stamped my image on the plastic sheet included, lining the sheet flush against the side and corner of the tool. Then I too my plastic sheet and positioned it over my patterned paper, lining it up to where I felt it was "straight".

Keeping the plastic sheet in position, I placed the tool back flushed against the side of the sheet. 

Then slide my stamp down the wall of my tool using it as a guide to stamp.

 This tool is awesome... I can also fix some of my stamping faux pas... like the sunflower from the image on the left. All I have to do is line place the plastic sheet back down and line up the two images until they become one. place my tool back down and re-stamp again!! 

 Tah-dah!!! No mistake!!

I hand cut each label, leaving a small border around the image.

Then I gave all of my labels a quick run through my Xyron Creative Station Lite. I want these labels to stay put so I used a permanent adhesive refill cartridge inside my machine.

 Now that my labels are done it's time to stick them onto my would be vases.

I love the shape and size of the Frappuccino coffee drinks. They kind of remind me of old fashioned milk bottles. And I always have a ton of them laying around my house.

Just soak them in hot water and wash them up. The hot water make the labels easier to get off. I use Goo-gone to remove any leftover adhesive residue then give them another wash to get off that "industrial/petroleum" smell. 

Once dried, I add my labels. To make them line up evenly with each other I lay them next to one another and apply the labels to the next glass using the previous glass as a guide.

 For my backboard... I found this wooden plank and drilled 3 holes. Well, I should have stated this at the beginning of the project... Make sure your drill is fully charged!!! Mine wasn't... but luckily I have an awesome neighbor is really handy and he hooked me up!

 I tried to space them out as evenly as possible. These holes are meant to screw in my split ring hangers. One bolt screws in from behind and two screws are up front to hold the neck of the glass bottle in place.

I used a 1-1/2 " Split Ring Hanger for my bottles and it fits these bottles perfectly. The threading that screws the hanger in place takes a 3/8" hex bolt. So I used (3) 3/8" x 1" hex bolts. This was just right right length to get through my planks and screw securely in. The bolts DO NOT come with the hangers so you'll have to purchase them in addition to the hangers.

To get the bottles into each hanger, just undo the screws up front insert bottle, and rescrew. These screws in the front of the hanger ARE included... so , there is no need to buy any or play the guessing game on what size fits those tiny holes.

Mount as desired.

And now you can add your flowers!!

Here is my finished project...

And a closer peek...

I hope you loved my project!!

I really love how this recycled /upcycled project turned out!!

And I really enjoyed you joining us along our Designer Hop!!

Hope you all have a fabulously crafty day!!

~ Mitsy

Don't forget

FOLLOW MY BLOG 

and 

LEAVE A COMMENT

To enter to WIN $25 in Deep Red Stamps

Good Luck Crafty Friends!!!

You Deserve a Treat

Hello, Crafty Friends!! I've a new toy to play with!! I've been dying to try this tool for a while. I've seen it on TV, on youtube, and every other social media outlet out there. I'm a sucker for cool new toys! And though, it not brand new it is still cool none the less! Yup, I got bit by the Fuse bug!! And I love it!!

I thought I 'd take this puppy for a spin and make one of my favorite things to make... shaker cards. When you first start using a new tool it's always good to do a test run and get familiar with it.
And, what better way to test out than to make something I am very familiar and comfortable with... shaker cards!!

I think I can make a shaker card blindfolded! So today's project I'm making a shake, shake, shaker!!

Supplies Used

Becky Higgins- Project Life Fuse Tool

Pocket Sleeve or Baseball Card Holder

Teresa Collins Cut'n'boss (Craftwell)

Die-Namics LLD Cool Cup Dies (My Favorite Things)

LLD Stay Cool Stamps (My Favorite Things)

Die-Namics Fishtail Flag Stax (My Favorite Things)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

3" Sticker Maker (Xyron)

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Imagine Crafts/ Tsukineko)

Classy Copper Stack(DCWV)

White Cardstock (Bazzill Basics)

Heavy Duty Vellum

 Sequins (Assorted)
3D Dots (EK Success)
Pink Raffia
Button
PITT Artist Pen (Faber-Castell) - *Optional*
Blue Painter's Tape - *Optional*

 I started by cutting out a piece 4"x5.5" piece of cardstock . I used this patterned paper from DCWV's Classy Copper Stack.

Then, using my blue painter's tape and the cup die from MFT's Cool Cup set, I cut a window from the middle of the my cardstock. It looked a little plain so I die cut it again, this time using a stitched die from my Pick and Main Stitched Rectangles set. I felt it really finished the edges.

I also cut out the whipped cream topping form plain white cardstock and the dome lid from heavy duty vellum. Then ran both pieces through my Xyron sticker maker and attached it to the top of my window cut-out.

 For the shaker part of my card, I pre-heated my Fuse tool. While that was heating up, I took a plastic pocket sleeve and cut out one of the pockets.

When my Fuse was heated, I sealed one of the open ends of my pocket. I left the top portion open so I could fill it. I added a variety of brown, gold, and star sequins.

I also die-cut two paper straws using the die included with the MFT Cool Cup set. I inserted one straw into the pocket with the sequins. I left the end hanging out of the pocket.Then I fused my opening closed, sealing the sequins and straw into place. sealing the plastic over the straw insured that the straw wouldn't shift.

With the other straw, I cut off a 1/2" piece and tucked it behind my whipped cream and dome, to give the appearance of it coming out of the top of the cup.

To keep my sequins free and loose, and to prevent them from being "squished" I added 3D foam adhesive to the back of the card front.

For my sentiment I used the matching stamp set to the Cool Cup dies, called Stay Cool. I thought this phrase was super "sweet"! LOL Pun, totally intended...  I know I'm a dork!

I stamped it in VersaFine Onyx Black ink onto plain white cardstock. Then, I used a Fishtail Flag die to cut out a little banner. I didn't have a double ended fishtail so I made my own by cutting it twice, flipping the the fishtail to the other end the second time.

The letters/ sentiments in this set have a distressed look to them... I wanted my letters to be dark and bold. So, I took my PITT Artist Pen and colored in the letters.

I remeber seeing little blocks of words and decorative panels in my paper stack... I cut out one of the tiny ones into a little flag and added it to the top of my straw.

For a final touch, I added pink raffia, tied a bow, and topped it with a button.

And here is my finished shaker!!

I think this is a great start to my "Fuse-ing" adventures!! Now, I gotta see what else I can fuse!! LOL

I will also be entering this card in My Favorite Things' Sketch Challenge #279!!

To find out how you can join in on MFT's challenge and upload your own project, click here!

Hope you all enjoyed this project!

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~Mitsy

My Favorite Things & Xyron Blog Hop

Hi Crafty Friends!! Welcome to fabulous day #2 of the MFT & Xyron Blog Hop!! We have some exciting projects from 2 amazing teams!! And IF you missed day #1, that's ok... there is still more awesome projects to see today and tomorrow. And... Do you want to hear more amazing news?! Xyron will be giving away one $50 Gift Certificate each day of the hop (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) to the My Favorite Things website. 

How freaking cool is that??!! Eeeeek!!!

Visit the Xyron Facebook page and leave a comment on any of the amazing MFT/ Xyron Hop Featured Posts... and Xyron will randomly choose a visitor/commenter to win. Yup, it's that simple!!

Now onto the crafty inspiration...

When I saw MFT Cool Cup die I knew I just had to get it!! I am a coffee lover and I absolutely am head over heals in love with frosty ones!! Maybe because it more closer to a dessert at that point! MMMMmmmm, they are so super yummy!! I don't care!! It's still coffee and so so delish! So I figured I'd indulge myself by making coffee themed projects!LOL 

Supplies Used

Xyron Creative Station Lite

Xyron Mega Runner

My Favorite Things Die-Namics Blueprints 18

My Favorite Things Pierced Traditional Tag Stax

My Favorite Things Die-Namics LLD Cool Cup

My Favorite Things LLD Stay Cool

DCWV Mini Album Stack & Stencil Projects Stack

Cut'n'boss (Craftwell)

eBrush (Craftwell)

Spectrum Noir Markers- GB9, EB3, JG5

White Cardstock (Bazzill Basics)

Heavy Vellum

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink Pad (Tsukineko)

2Way Glue Pen (EK Success)

1.5" Circle punch (EK Success)

Hemp Twine

3D Lacquer

I started by using my Cool Cup die to cut out all the cup pieces in white. The I ran it through again just cutting out the dome piece out of vellum.

Here I used my eBrush to airbrush my cup with a Spectrum Noir GB9 and the whipped cream with EB3 markers. Then ultimately decided I like the plain white better so I cut out a new topping and just left it white.

For the straw I went right over the top and colored it with a Spectrum Noir marker in JG5. This made it look like it came from a certain coffee house that is so popular.

Then I used my glue pen an attached my pieces together and added the dome

Then I ran my completed piece through my Creative Station Lite machine.

For my card base I standing A2 (4.25"x5.5") sized card made from craft cardstock.

Then I die-cut the tag from MFT's  Pierced Traditional Tags set. The double stitched circle and star is from the Blueprints 18 die set.

I used my Mega Runner to attach all my components to my card base. I used the Stay Cool stamp set and stamped my sentiment in Versafine Onyx Black Ink. Next, I attached a hemp bow  onto my card front.... And, for a cute little touch I hand drew stitch lines and highlights with a white gel pen.

For the coffee caddy ... All I did was used the box that came with my coffees and traced around it to make a template. Then I traced & cut my templates out. Then I ran all my panels through my Xyron Creative Station Lite. 

For the front of the caddy I mimic the same look of the card. Die cut a circle and star in coordinating patterned papers and attached with my Xyron Mega Runner. 

For the caps I didn't do much. I really like the taupe color but did cover up the coffee brand/ logo. I used a 1.5" circle paper punch. It was enough to cover the dark green of the logo but not enough to bury the taupe color I like! AWESOME!!

For the thin green strip I used the long thin rectangle die in the Blueprints 18 set an cut it out in coordinating paper. Again attaching with my Mega Runner then trimming off any excess.

Lastly, I wrapped twine around the handle and tied it into a bow.

And here is my Coffee Caddy and Matching Card!!! I hope you enjoyed this project!!

Don't forget to stop by the Xyron Facebook page HERE...for a chance to win that awesome $50 Gift Certificate from My Favorite Things!! **

Also, hop on over the MFT page HERE as well... For even more awe inspiring projects and maybe even a couple surprise too!! Share some love too and tell them that Mitsy form the Xyron Team sent ya!!

Hope you all continue to have a wonderful day!!

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~ Mitsy