Upcycle

Upcycled Decorative Jar Lamp: Take Three

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Upcycled Decorative Jar Lamp

 

It all started with a spaghetti Jar, a broken lamp and a upcycle idea.  I found myself making a third decorative fabric covered glass jar lamp tonight.  (See Decorative Lamp # 1 and #2 to read tutorials on how I make these jar lamps.) I enjoy making these because each one turns out unique and the style possibilities are endless when it comes to the different fabrics you can use.

I also had the chance to work on a few smaller projects and organizing my craft space.  I decided to use the same sheet  I used for Cloth Covered Galvanized Bucket.  The Lamp is being displayed in a built-in vanity in our hallway that displays a special family blue vase.  The light this lamp omits illuminates the vase nicely and it is pleasing to the eye as you walk up our stairs.  Upon further inspection today, on a trip up to our attic, I stumbled across more of these “nightlight bulb lights”  These certainly will come in handy for future luminary crafts!

Upcycled Decorative Jar Lamp Reflection

 

 

Fabulous Fabric: Little White Wall Shelf Restyle

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Old white flip shelf

While I was going through our spare bedroom and it’s contents in the attempt to make way for a crafting space, I discovered this little, white, framed wall shelf.  I remember purchasing this from a department store many years ago.  It came in a set of three and the frames where various sizes.  I used this shelf in our bathroom for quite sometime.  This shelf was the largest among them.  I did not find the two other, smaller shelves, and I  was unsure of their whereabouts.  I am hoping I come across them again.

Although these frames functioned well, I thought they lacked style  and were rather plain.  That is when I got an idea.  I decided to upholstery staple some fabric to the back of the shelf frame.  I spread a large piece of this spare fabric snuggly over the back of the shelf with the design facing outward,  I stapled the fabric to the wooden shelf about every inch around,  I then trimmed the fabric with a pair of scissors.

upholstery stapler

When I turned the shelf around I noticed a few scratches and minor chips on the shelf area.  In order to conceal this, I used black acrylic paint and applied two coats allowing the paint to dry between coats.  Once the paint was completely dry, I applied a coat of Mod Podge to seal the paint and prevent any further chipping.

Shelf restyle, paint fabric and Mod Podge

Now that is more like it!  I love the difference the fabric makes in this piece.

Fabric and Mod Podge Shelf

I decided to display our Willow Tree figurine we were given as a gift when our daughter was born.  It hangs below our family photo canvas and I think it fits in nicely!

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Materials:

Framed Wall Shelf

Fabric of choice

Acrylic Paint

Mod Podge

Scissors

Upholstery Stapler

A Perfect Pair: Fabric Decoupage Book Ends

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I found these ordinary bookends in the housewares aisle at a thrift shop near home.  It was the only item I felt compelled to buy on this day, and they were priced right at $1.99.  Lately, I have made it a goal to begin to organize my crafting space, and these little book ends would help alleviate some of “the bookcase overload” this room is experiencing. Of course they were in need of a little restyling flare. Right now the craft room is more of a storage room, so these book ends are a very small step in the right direction, but  I am determined.  Stay tuned!

Fabric Decoupage Book Ends

 

Materials:

Fabric of choice cut and traced to size

Pair of bookends

Mod Podge

Scissors, Black Marker

OOPS! Not Pictured

Foam Craft Brush, Paint Brush

Black Acrylic paint

I had fabric that I did not use from another project that I thought would look lovely on this project.  I traced the book ends on the back of the fabric.  I used scissors to carefully cut along the traced line.  I set aside while I applied Mod Podge to the inside and outside of the book ends.  I carefully applied the fabric to the bookends smoothing out and wrinkles with my hands.  I then painted the edges where the fabric did not cover with black acrylic paint.  I allowed the bookends to dry.  Once dry, I applied 2 coats of Mod Podge to seal them.  Now, A close up of a finished one of the finished book ends! A great beginner Mod Podge project!

Fabric Decoupage Book Ends (2)

 

 

Upcycled Spaghetti Jar Decorative Lamp

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I was upstairs in the attic last night searching for a lost box of crafting materials, when I came across a box of light bases that were at one time,  miniature decorative table lamps. The glassware that was originally attached to them had broken.  I had forgotten I had kept these items.  I am sure at the time, I was thinking I may be able to utilize them in the future in some way. and then I thought to myself, the future is now!

One in particular caught my eye.  It was a black, metal, pedestal light base that utilized a night-light bulb. My initial idea was to utilize a glass jar to replace the broken glass. but several different glass items could be modified to use for this project. Ball jars, glass vases from the dollar store etc.  I just happened to have an old Spaghetti sauce jar in the recycle bin.  I happily removed it cleaning it with hot soapy water.  I placed it in a bucket of hot water to remove the jar label.

Broken Lamp and Glass Jar

Materials:

Mod Podge

Light Base

Fabric

Foam Craft Brush, Scissors

fine tipped marker

I had some great fabric left over from Ugly Accent Table Makeover.  If you are looking for something more colorful you can try holding  different fabrics up to the light.  That way, you can tell what the finished lamp will look like when the light illuminates it.  I took the fabric, and wrapped it around the glass jar so I knew how much fabric I would need.  I measured and cut and placed aside.  I wanted to also add fabric to the “bottom” of the jar, which would be the “top” of the lamp. I traced the jar onto the back of the fabric and carefully cut it out with scissors.  I cut inside the tracing to factor in the edges of the glass, so the fabric would not hang over.    I then applied  Mod Podge with a foam craft brush to the glass.  I applied and smoothed out the fabric, adhering it to the glass.  I applied another coat of Mod Podge over the top of the fabric.  In this case I applied a total of two coats allowing to dry throughly in between.  I couldn’t be more happy with the result!  A true upcycle and a great decorative lamp for a fraction of the cost!

Upcycled Spaghetti Jar Decorative Lamp

Spaghetti Jar Lamp Made with fabric and Mod Podge

It’s a Good Night To Be A Doll : Upcycled Wooden Doll Bed

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I saw this nice little wooden doll bed propped up against a thrift store wall, and found myself compulsively reaching out, and placing it in my cart.  It was priced at only $2.99, and I am a total sucker when it comes to children and doll furniture.  It looked like it was lovingly hand crafted and bore the battle scars of previous use.  It had charm, and for these reasons I couldn’t resist it.

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I decided to go with scrapbook paper for the decoupage.  I picked these sheets up at Joann Fabric for a mere $.59 cents each.  The biggest challenge was cutting out the paper to fit around the tiny spindles.  I probably could have done this more cleanly in retrospect.  I decided to square them off and I filled in any bare spots with brown paint. Once the paper was trimmed to fit, I used Mod Podge to slowly glue the paper to the wood smoothing out any air bubbles in the process.  I allowed to dry and then applied another coat of Mod Podge over top of the paper and waited until the area was dry to begin painting.  I decided to go with the bright pink and brown color scheme.  I used two coats of pink and brown acrylic paint to paint the entire piece.  Once the paint was completely dry, I applied another coat of Mod Podge over the entire piece to seal it.  My plan is to add a doll pillow and an old receiving blanket for doll bedding. I would like to make one myself, but sewing is not one of my crafting strong points.

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Now, my a little girl’s dolls have a stylish place to rest when in the world of my daughter’s imagination.

Materials:

Wooden Doll Bed

Mod Podge

Three sheets of scrapbook paper

Foam Craft Brush (to apply Mod Podge)

Pen/Scissors/paint brushes

Acrylic Bright Pink and dark brown paint

Old Timey Decoupage Lemonade Dispenser

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We have been in the middle of an extreme heat wave for the past week. temperatures have reached 100 degrees and over.  Most people search for ways to beat the heat, and this made me think about a cold beverage I love : Lemonade. There is also nothing sweeter then a child’s lemonade stand. Someday, I hope to help my daughter build and run a stand when she is old enough.

I had a glass beverage dispenser that was in great shape, but was a little plain.  I have seen these in thrift stores for only a few dollars.

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I searched the internet for vintage lemonade images.  When I found the images I wanted to use, I printed them out on my color printer.  I also found some great lemon slice clip art to decoupage on the back of the dispenser.

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I cut out the images, and I decided to use Outdoor Mod Podge for this project.  Since this is a beverage dispenser, I wanted to use Mod Podge that was more water proof on the outside for when the dispenser needs rinsing or when condensation occurs.  I used a brush to apply the Mod Podge and applied the images to the outside of the glass.  I applied the lemon slices to the glass double-sided so the image would appear on the inside of the glass.  Once dry, I applied 2 coats over the images to seal them to the glass.  Now I have a great piece with a more vintage feel.

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Ugly Accent Table Upcycle-A Little Fabric Goes A Long Way!

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We have all seen these tables at various discount stores.  Made from wood and particle board, They are functional as an accent table/side table, but that is probably the only positive selling point (other than price.)  I would call this piece of furniture an”entry level” piece for those just starting out.  A new table sells for about $9.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond I think it is amusing that they describe this table as “decorative” I see nothing decorative about it!

Round Wooden Table

I picked up one of these tables at Goodwill, priced nicely at $2.99.  This table was screaming for a makeover.  Since the table is plain un lacquered wood and particle board, no priming or sanding is needed before you get started, so it is also a great first furniture upcycle project that can be completed during the course of an evening.

Materials:

Round Wooden Table

Mod Podge Matte Finish

Fabric of choice

Black and White Acrylic Paint

Scissors and a black fine tipped marker

Table Top

This table comes apart easily which is a definite plus.  I unscrewed the legs and put them aside. I traced the table top on to the fabric with a black, fine tipped marker (the side without the design)   I generously applied the Mod Podge to the table surface and carefully applied the fabric to the table top allowing about an extra inch of fabric to fall over the sides of the table.  I applied more Mod Podge to the top of the fabric to seal it. I placed the table top aside and allowed to dry under a stand up fan. I then painted the legs white with acrylic paint.  I love adding the black paint to the bottom portion of the legs to add additional “color pop” which I love.  Once the paint was dry, I covered the entire table with another layer of Mod Podge to seal it.

Now that’s what I would call decorative!

Restyled Side Table made with cloth and Mod Podge

 

 

Before and After:

Cheap wooden accent table upcycle before and after

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So Happy Together! 1960’s Mod Style Coffee Table And Mini Toy Box.

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So Happy Together! 1960's Mod Style Coffee Table And Mini Toy Box.

I spent most of the day today getting our daughters playroom together, running errands and trying to sort through a craft room that consists of more junk than crafts. I am hoping one day it will be pretty enough to share with you, but my guess is that is a bit farther into the future. Needless to say, I didn’t have much time to craft today, but I wanted to share this snap shot of my daughter’s playroom coffee table and toy box. I love how the bright fabric brings color and “pop” into our red family room. I have a new appreciation of fabrics and textiles and how much they can bring to a space.  The Coffee table surface is also holding up nicely and I use a baby wipe to clean it and it works great.

 

To Upcycle or not to Upcycle. That is the question.

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I’ll admit when I go thrifting I am attracted to certain items, but not for the reasons you may think.  Sure everyone dreams about finding the picture frame with a copy of the original US constitution in it resulting in the big “pay day”, but I am not always in it for what something is worth. I still have a lot to learn when it comes to determining what has the most value. More often than not, my choices are simply based on what I like.  I love anything retro, furniture, and fabric. I love to think outside the box when it comes to how I utilize these materials.

It was on one of many trips to the Goodwill that I came across this kids rocking chair:

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I saw it from a far and I didn’t waste anytime making my way over to it.  In my cart it went without hesitation. I didn’t even check the price at first.  Anytime I see kids furniture, I can restyle I buy it. Looking down at the tag I couldn’t believe my eyes.  I could tell it was a well made chair and it was only $5.99! I flipped the chair over and saw this:

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When I got the chair home, I did a little internet research on it and the company that made the chair. The Dixie Seating Company was founded in 1930’s and are known for making quality chairs and furniture for kids and adults. Most of these chairs are going for $76-$200 per chair online! I paid $5.99.  Except for some minor wear, the chair is in excellent condition.

After taking this all into consideration, I have put away the primer and I am instead taking out the Murphy’s oil soap. I am rethinking the upcycle and my decision is to leave the chair in it’s original state.

What do you think?  Have you ever decided not to upcycle an item because you were concerned  a redesign could effect value?  I would love to hear what others think on this.  Do you all think I made the right decision?

I e-mailed the company to try to gain more info on the chair including when the chair was made. They have not  have responded. The company started in 1934, but has changed owners a few times, and they had no information on this serial #.  They said best guess early 50’s. I believe the chair is at least  30 years old.  If anyone out there can offer any additional info on this chair, I would greatly appreciate and would love to hear from you!

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What is it? The 50 Cent Wooden Mini Pallet Makeover

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Buy now ask questions later! The price was certainly right, only 50 cents, but what was this item and what was it’s original use?  It looked like a miniature pallet, but felt a little like a tray. Whatever it was didn’t really matter. I loved the fact that it was a fresh unstyled piece and I was determined to give it a new look. After searching the Goodwill shelves a bit more and leaving disappointed, I took a trip down the fabric aisle and found a nice old bed skirt with a triangular pattern that would be a perfect restyle fabric.

I gathered the materials I would need. Firstly, I traced the pallet slats onto the fabric with a black sharpie marker. I repeated this a total of 3 times once for each slat.  I then cut the fabric out with scissors.

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I applied the Mod Podge to each slat with a foam brush and glued down the fabric smoothing it out gently with my hand.  I used black acrylic to paint the non decoupaged areas. Once the piece was completely dry, I applied Mod Podge over the entire tray to seal it.  Not bad for 50 cents!

Before/After:

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