Crafts

The world of recycled crafts

Leave a Comment / Art, Cardboard Art, Crafts, creativity, Family fun, Multimedia Art, Recycled crafts / admin

We visited recycled crafts briefly before Christmas, and you can read that post here. But if you’re interested in diving into the world of recycled crafts, it’s a great way to reduce waste, and it’s also incredibly satisfying to transform something old into something new and beautiful. Let’s walk through how you can start making crafts with recycled items, and I’ll share some cool project ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Getting Started with Recycled Crafts

First things first, you’ll want to gather your materials. This is the treasure hunt phase, and honestly, it’s half the fun. Look around your home for items that you’re no longer using. Think old newspapers, jars, cans, fabric scraps, or even broken electronics. The idea is to see potential in these everyday items that are often overlooked.

Choosing Your Craft

Now, what can you make with these items? The possibilities are pretty much endless, but let’s narrow it down to a few ideas to get you started:

Newspaper Weaving: Old newspapers can be rolled or folded into strips and woven to create baskets, coasters, or even a chic clutch purse. It’s a simple technique with stunning results.
Jar Lanterns: Have some empty jars? Clean them out and get creative. You can paint them, wrap them in twine or fabric, or even fill them with fairy lights to make cozy lanterns for your home.
Fabric Scrap Quilting: If you’ve got a collection of fabric scraps, quilting is a fantastic way to use them up. You don’t need to make a full quilt; start with something small, like a pillow cover or a tote bag.
Can Planters: Empty cans can be cleaned, painted, and transformed into cute planters for your succulents or herbs. It’s a great way to add some green to your space.

Tips for Successful Recycled Crafting

Clean Your Materials: Make sure everything is clean before you start. This will help your crafts look more finished and professional.
Be Open to Experimentation: Not every project will turn out perfectly, and that’s okay! The beauty of working with recycled materials is that each piece is unique.
Use What You Have: The goal is to reduce waste, so try to use existing materials and tools from around your house before buying new.
Think Outside the Box: The best recycled crafts come from thinking creatively. An old ladder could become a bookshelf, or a broken picture frame could turn into an earring holder.

Why Bother with Recycled Crafts?

Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, crafting with recycled materials can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a way to challenge your creativity, save money, and make something truly unique. Plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter. Imagine the compliments you’ll get when your friends find out your chic new vase used to be a pasta sauce jar!

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into your recycling bin and see what treasures you can find. Whether you’re making a gift, adding a personal touch to your home, or simply enjoying a creative afternoon, recycled crafting is a wonderful way to make something meaningful. Happy crafting!

Here are some other resources about recycled crafts to try:

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Making Clay Jewelry with Different Types of Clay

Leave a Comment / Art, Crafts, creativity, Making Jewelry / admin

Welcome to the world of clay jewelry making! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, the versatility of clay offers endless possibilities to unleash your creativity. In this post, we’ll explore various types of clay and guide you through the process of crafting your own exquisite jewelry pieces. Although we have talked before about making jewelry at home here, this post goes into more detail about using clay as the medium.

Types of Clay for Jewelry Making:

Polymer Clay: Known for its durability and ease of use, polymer clay is a popular choice for jewelry makers. It comes in a variety of colors and can be easily molded and baked in a home oven. Brands like Sculpey and Fimo are great options.
Air-Dry Clay: If you prefer not to use an oven, air-dry clay is a fantastic alternative. It’s lightweight and perfect for making larger statement pieces. However, it’s less durable than polymer clay and more suitable for occasional wear.
Metal Clay: A unique form of clay that contains metal particles, metal clay can be shaped like traditional clay. After firing, it turns into pure metal jewelry, perfect for creating fine and intricate designs.
Epoxy Clay: This is a self-hardening clay known for its adhesive properties and strength. It’s ideal for creating mixed-media jewelry and embedding objects.

Basic Tools and Materials:

Clay (your choice)
Rolling pin or pasta machine
Shape cutters or knives

Oven (for polymer and metal clays)
Kiln (for metal clay, if preferred)
Sandpaper
Jewelry findings (earring hooks, necklace chains, jump rings)
Glaze or varnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Designing Your Piece: Start by sketching your design. Consider the size, shape, and how it will be worn.
Conditioning the Clay: For polymer and epoxy clays, knead the clay until it’s soft and pliable. This makes it easier to work with.
Shaping: Roll out your clay to an even thickness. Use cutters or a knife to cut out your design. For beads, roll the clay into balls or other shapes.
Adding Texture and Details: Use stamps, textures, or tools to add details to your clay pieces. This is where you can get really creative!
Curing the Clay: For polymer and metal clays, bake according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Air-dry clay will harden at room temperature.
Sanding and Finishing: Once your pieces are cured and cooled, sand any rough edges. You can apply a glaze or varnish for a glossy finish.
Assembling the Jewelry: Attach your clay pieces to jewelry findings using strong adhesive or jump rings.
Final Touches: Add any additional elements, like beads or stones, to complete your piece.

Making your own clay jewelry is not just a craft; it’s an expression of your unique style and creativity. Each type of clay offers a different experience and finish, allowing you to experiment and find your favorite medium. Share your creations with us in the comments below, or tag us on social media. Happy crafting!

Extra reading for your information:

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Articulated Paper Dolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

1 Comment / Art, Crafts, creativity, Family fun, Therapeutic benefits of art / admin

Today, we’re diving into the whimsical world of articulated paper dolls. These charming creations are not just a throwback to simpler times; they’re a fantastic way to spark imagination, exercise your artistic skills, and create something truly unique. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, making articulated paper dolls is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Occassionally, we may experience a blockage in making our art, and when that happens, this little craft is the perfect answer. Make a few of these, and your block will be gone. Let’s explore why this craft is so captivating and how you can create your very own paper doll.

Why Articulated Paper Dolls?

Articulated paper dolls stand out in the digital age as a hands-on, tactile form of art. They encourage us to step away from screens and engage in the physical act of creating. The process of designing, cutting, and assembling these dolls is not only therapeutic but also a fantastic way to enhance fine motor skills and attention to detail. Moreover, they offer endless possibilities

for customization, making each doll a unique piece of art that reflects your personal style and creativity.

Materials Needed:

Cardstock or thick paper
Pencil and eraser
Fine-tip markers or paints
Scissors
Mini brads or split pins
A single-hole punch (optional)
Your imagination!

Step-by-Step Guide:

Design Your Doll:

Start by sketching your doll on cardstock. You can create a human figure, an animal, or any character that sparks your interest. Remember to draw separate parts for the head, torso, arms, and legs. Keep in mind that these parts will need to move, so consider how they’ll connect. If that is not what you want to do, there are many templates for dolls available online. You could start out using one of these and then get creative and make your own with the next one.

Add Details and Colors:

Once your basic outline is ready, it’s time to bring your character to life. Use fine-tip markers, colored pencils, or even paint to add details like facial features, clothing, and accessories. This is where your creativity really shines—the sky’s the limit! Break out all your craft and art supplies and go wild!

Cut Out the Parts:

With a steady hand, carefully cut out the doll’s parts. Precision is key, so take your time. If you’re working with younger artists, adult supervision is recommended for this step.

Create Joints:

Use a single-hole punch or carefully poke holes at the joints (shoulders, hips, knees, etc.). Make sure the holes are not too close to the edges to prevent tearing.

Assemble with Brads:

Align the limbs with the corresponding parts of the torso, and insert mini brads or split pins through the holes. Secure them at the back, but ensure they’re loose enough to allow movement.

Final Touches:

Once assembled, give your doll a final check. You might want to add more details or even create a background or props for your new creation.

Creating an articulated paper doll is more than just a crafting activity; it’s a journey into the realms of imagination and creativity. Each doll tells a story, reflects a mood, or captures a moment, making them not just toys but pieces of art. This activity is perfect for artists of all ages and skill levels, offering a delightful break from the digital world and a chance to engage in something tangibly creative.

So, grab your materials and let your creativity flow. We can’t wait to see the incredible characters you’ll bring to life. Share your creations with us and inspire others in our art community. Remember, in the world of articulated paper dolls, every cut, color, and joint is a reflection of your unique artistic journey. Happy crafting! 🎨🖌️📏

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Cardboard Really is Versatile for Crafting

Leave a Comment / Art, Art mediums, Cardboard Art, Crafts / admin

It seems that every time I turn around, I am getting something in a cardboard box. This could create a huge pile of mess; however, I have recently discovered the joy of crafting with cardboard. Now I see that stack of flattened boxes as a medium for crafts and art. I love that I can keep most of these boxes out of the landfill and turn them into reused articles so they get a new life. That, to me, is very satisfying. So, if you are like me, here is an entire post about the wonders of using these boxes for making things you can use.

It isn’t just for packaging; it’s a versatile, accessible, and often free material that can spark creativity in art and crafts. From DIY projects to intricate sculptures, cardboard offers endless possibilities for those willing to explore its potential.

Did you know that you can even make sturdy end tables out of cardboard? Watch this to see how: https://youtu.be/GoXanGfXsgc?si=Ia4LIJX1nzqUVlJv

One of the simplest yet most creative uses of this medium is in making decorative items like DIY cardboard cacti. These charming creations are not only easy to make, but they also add a unique touch to any space. Imagine transforming everyday packaging from cereal boxes or Amazon packages into adorable cacti that never need watering!

For those who enjoy weaving, cardboard offers a fantastic base for circle weaving projects. This activity is not only fun for adults but also a great way for kids to develop their fine motor skills. The result? Beautiful wall hangings that add a personal touch to your home decor.

Book lovers can appreciate the practicality of the medium in making DIY triangle bookends. This project is not only functional but also adds a stylish element to your bookshelves. And the best part? It’s an eco-friendly way to repurpose cardboard that might otherwise end up in the recycling bin.

If you’re into decoupage, cardboard trays can be transformed into beautiful pieces of art. By applying decorative napkins using the decoupage technique, you can create stunning trays that are perfect for gifting or adding a touch of elegance to your home.

For those with a knack for organization, this medium can be used to create cute storage boxes. This is particularly useful for repurposing diaper boxes or other large cardboard containers. Not only do you get organized, but you also get to do it in style!

How about making beautiful African masks to adorn your walls? You can easily do this with cardboard. Pinterest has many examples for you to look at if you decide to make these.

One of the most surprising uses of the medium is in creating faux metal letters for home decor. With the right painting techniques, it can be made to look like metal, offering a chic and inexpensive way to decorate your space.

For those who enjoy paper crafts, making beautiful paper from waste cardboard is a fulfilling project. This process involves creating a pulp from shredded cardboard and then forming it into sheets of paper. It’s a fantastic way to recycle and create something both beautiful and useful.

And for the sculptors out there, cardboard can serve as an excellent base for paper-mache clay sculptures. This method involves creating a clay-like substance that can be molded over a cardboard armature. Once dry, these sculptures are strong and can be painted or decorated as desired.

We touched on using cardboard before, and in case you missed that, you can find that post here.

In conclusion, cardboard is much more than just a packaging material. It’s a canvas for creativity, a foundation for functional art, and a medium for sustainable crafting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, there’s a cardboard project that’s perfect for you. So next time you’re about to throw away that cardboard box, think again—it could be your next great art project!

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Easy and Fun Christmas Crafts using recycled materials

1 Comment / Cardboard Art, Crafts, creativity, Family fun / admin

Christmas is not very far off. Why not make some Christmas crafts today? Some have already decorated for the holiday, but there are still some that have not. If you are looking for a way to make your home festive without breaking the bank, these options will be right up your alley. I absolutely love getting something pretty from a piece of paper or cardboard I would be throwing in the recycle bin. To me, it’s a win-win situation all around.

Here is a round-up of several sites

These are really good crafts for you to think about or to try. I do hope you try them out and have fun doing it!

DIY Christmas Tree Made From Cardboard

Create a stunning Christmas tree from cardboard with this innovative idea. It’s a great way to recycle and add a unique touch to your holiday decor.
Watch the tutorial on YouTube
Christmas DIY Crafts Using Cardboard

This tutorial offers various exciting Christmas craft ideas using cardboard, perfect for adding a personalized and eco-friendly touch to your festive decorations.
Explore the crafts on YouTube
Christmas Decoration Idea with Cardboard

Learn how to make affordable and charming Christmas decorations using simple cardboard. This tutorial is perfect for those looking for budget-friendly crafting ideas.
Watch the tutorial on YouTube
27 Easy Repurposed Cardboard Christmas Crafts

Pillar Box Blue offers a collection of 27 cardboard Christmas crafts and decorations made from cardboard boxes. These crafts are both affordable and eco-friendly, utilizing materials you likely already have at home.
Read more at Pillar Box Blue
45 Christmas Craft Ideas Using Paper

Unfold the magic of the festive season with these fantastic DIY Christmas paper crafts. These projects are easy to make and add a bespoke touch to your holiday season.
Explore the ideas at Pillar Box Blue

These tutorials offer a range of innovative and environmentally friendly ways to decorate for Christmas using paper and cardboard. They’re perfect for adding a unique and personal touch to your holiday season. For even more ideas, check out this older blog post. Here is another older post that is perfect for making with children.

Most of these are also appropriate to do with children, so why not settle in for an evening with the kids and make a memory as well as an ornament?

I have a video up about this same issue with six really nice ideas you might enjoy:

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Making Jewelry at Home

1 Comment / Art, Crafts, Making Jewelry / admin

Here on this blog, I try to balance fine art education, exploring mediums, and crafting. We talked about using cardboard for art here, and we talked about homemade Christmas cards here. So I think it might be time to explore another craft, and this time I want to talk about making jewelry. Making jewelry is not only easy, but it is fun and relieves stress. The physical act of using your hands helps to calm the mind and gives it space to think and just be.

Have you ever looked at a beautiful piece of jewelry and thought, “I wish I could make something like that”? Well, I’m here to tell you that you absolutely can! Jewelry making isn’t just for the pros; it’s a super fun hobby that anyone can dive into. It’s all about letting your creativity flow, enjoying yourself, and expressing who you are through unique, wearable art.

Why Jewelry Making is Awesome for Everyone:

You know what’s great about jewelry-making? You don’t need to be an expert or have any fancy skills to start. It’s all about using what you’ve got lying around—maybe some old necklaces that could use a new life, a handful of beads, or even cool stuff you find in nature, like stones and shells. And the best part? You can make anything from earrings to bracelets—your imagination’s the limit!

Getting Started:

So, how do you jump into this? First, just gather some basic stuff like wire, beads, clasps, and maybe a pair of pliers. Then, look around for some inspiration. It could be anything—a walk in the park, flipping through a fashion magazine, or scrolling through Instagram. And don’t worry about the how-to; there are tons of free online tutorials that’ll show you the basics, like how to string beads or make simple loops with wire.

One of my very favorite items for making jewelry is paper. I love rolled beads made of paper, I love layered thick paper, and I love using paper to accent your jewelry. Paper is available to you everywhere. You don’t even need to look far to find a beautiful piece to use.

Tips for a Fun Jewelry Making Experience:

Here’s my advice: start with something easy, like a beaded necklace or cute drop earrings. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and try different materials and styles. And hey, why not join an online community or a local class? It’s a great way to meet people who love making jewelry just as much as you do.

The Joy of Creating:

The real magic of making jewelry is in the making part—using your hands to create something gorgeous. It’s so therapeutic and rewarding. You get to boost your creativity and end up with this amazing sense of achievement.

Jewelry-making is a hobby that’s open to everyone. It’s not about being perfect or having professional skills; it’s about having a blast and enjoying the creative process. So, why not grab some beads and wire and see where your creativity takes you? The next piece of jewelry you fall in love with might just be one you’ve made with your own two hands!

Resources:

Top 5 Ways to Make Jewelry for Beginners