~ S.C.R.A.P. ~ Scraps Creatively Reused and Recycled Art Projects

Create Artist Cards Using Playing Cards

2013-05-02T04:43:00.001-07:00

(card on left is being created using sharpie markers)

These artist cards were painted (all but one that she was using sharpies on) by my 16 year-old daughter. She used acrylic paints. Her art class project was to take playing cards, and paint them into beautiful pieces of artwork.

When you have playing cards that have missing cards, don't toss them in the trash. Stash them away for art projects like these.

Tip: Crochet a frame for these, and hang in small rooms, campers or other rooms for a lighter weight decoration. Make a collage or frame them individually. And of course, these make fun artist trading cards, if you participate in an exchange with other artists.

For Framing Ideas:

Whirly Picture Frame Crochet Pattern (Red Heart)

Lacey Crochet Picture Frame (Caron International Free Project)

Polka-Dot Bread Tag Earrings

2013-03-26T04:51:00.000-07:00

Take your Basic Bread Tag Earrings, double them up, and add polka-dots.

Use the instructions on the Basic earrings, and add the following:

Items needed: two different colored bread tags, but of the same size and shape (and use all other items listed on the basic earrings instruction)

1. Heat versa-tool on safe surface, and melt tiny holes in one color (this will be on top of the other color, so it's your preference). Do not melt the hole for the jump ring yet.

Note: After melting the holes, there is a tiny rim (melted plastic) that comes off easily by using the open edge of your scissors, and slicing it over the hole to remove it (carefully).

2. Holding the two colors together, melt the hole for the jump ring. By doing this, the plastic melts together, holding the two pieces of bread tags together. If you prefer, you can always add a tiny dab of strong glue between them, at the bottom.

Note: I inserted my heated versa-tool tip, from the darker colored side. This will prevent your tool from bringing the the darker color to the front side (we used the black on the back, and white on the front, to create the black polka-dots).

3. Proceed in attaching jump rings and earring piece.

Scrap Art Earrings ~ Using Plastic Bread Tags

2013-03-25T05:18:00.002-07:00

Basic Bread Tag Earrings

(Pierced Ears)

Make these for yourself, for gifting, or sell them. My daughter is selling these handmade earrings at this year's Farmer's Market.

Items you need:

~one plastic bread tag
~sharp scissors
~two jump rings (your preference)
~earrings of your choice (fishhook, lever back, or other)
~jewelry pliers
~versa-tool and safe work surface

1. Cut the bread tag in half as shown, using sharp scissors

2. Heat your versa tool, and carefully melt a tiny hole in the top of each cut bread tag.

3. When bread tags have cooled, gently remove any melted plastic from the edge of the hole you just melted (if needed).

4. Using your jewelry pliers, bend your jump rings open, attach one to the bread tag, attach a second ring (we used a smaller jump ring), then attach to your earring piece. This also depends on the top of earring piece you use.

Note: There are so many tutorials on attaching jump rings, that I did not repeat those here. For more information enter "attach jump rings" in your search box. Jewelry supplies can be purchased in most craft aisles of larger stores, in hobby/craft stores, and on-line.

St. Patrick's Day Table Decor/Treat Container

2013-03-17T06:14:00.002-07:00

We made these cute table decorations/treat containers from empty, plastic pudding containers.

Simply wash and dry the container. Paint it green (acrylic paint), and allow it to dry. Cut a belt and buckle from black and yellow construction paper, and shape a shamrock, using green chenille stem. We used white tacky glue to attach our items.

For a treat container, simply turn upside down, fill with treats, and cover the top with a cut piece of black construction paper (using glue to attach the "cover").

Treat containers are a fun way to extend school class parties, offer adults a small guest gift as they leave a party, or simply use them for an inexpensive treat for anyone.

Clothespin Bag ~ Quick Repair

2013-03-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

I found a quick repair solution to my broken clothespin bag. The tab of material and hook came loose. I repaired it two times, and in a pinch, I used a plastic clothing hanger.

These types of hangers (from stores) are not accepted at any recycling centers in our area. I typically ask the sales clerk to keep them.

I used a clothing hanger that was straight, for hanging pants, and simply inserted it inside the clothespin bag.

Recycled Denim Jeans ~ Crocheted Rag Rug

2013-03-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

I crocheted a rag rug using strips of old denim jeans. For this rug, I used a variety of jeans material, and different colors.

I used the pattern that is in this book: Not Your Mama's Crochet, by Amy Swenson.

This is the page, with the photo from the above book. Other than my jeans being more faded, it turned out pretty close to the one in the book.

Although, I was not impressed with the finished size (using the pattern), it was perfect to put in front of my bathtub. However, in the future, I will be adding more to the rug, by extending the rounds of the pattern.

Two tips: Cutting jeans is messy, and you will have bits of it all over as you cut and crochet. If you don't have any old jeans to cut up, you can find inexpensive denim clothing at thrift stores.

There are many crochet patterns in this book, including jewelry and a purse crocheted from recycled plastic shopping bags.

Book Highlight

2013-02-26T08:30:00.001-08:00

Author Maya Donenfeld, presents a versatile book for sewing recycled, and reusable items into useable items. If you enjoy utilizing old and vintage materials for your "upcycled" product, you will enjoy this book.

Learn how to sew your own Traveling Hamper, sew wool trivets, sew a Little Forager skirt, make a Reversible Summer Sling, sew a Little River Rug (made from recycled denim jeans), an Inspiration Board (made from a recycled burlap coffee sack, scraps of linens, lace and doilies), and a lot more.

These projects would be great for homemade gifts for an occasion as well as for home use.

Book Information:

Reinvention

Written by Maya Donenfeld

"Sewing with Rescued Materials"

ISBN: 978-1-118-07753-5

$24.99 US/$29.99 CAN

Horse Sculpture

2013-02-20T10:48:00.001-08:00

I want to share a sculpture that my oldest daughter made for her college art class. It's made from packaging foam (base), scrap chicken wire, and scraps of denim jeans. She straightened out the wire for a horse tail.

Easy Bookmark ~ Weaving Scraps of Embroidery Floss

2013-02-15T13:25:00.002-08:00

You can easily use embroidery floss scraps to hand weave a fun bookmark.

I happened to pick up a few bags of embroidery floss (on spools, in skeins, and scraps on cardboard) at a thrift store, and used it to make a bookmark.

There are simple instructions, on how to hand weave your bookmark, at: Handwoven Bookmark Craft Project

Instead of using worsted weight yarn, I chose to use the thinner string, such as embroidery floss. I felt it would make a more suitable bookmark (not so bulky). I used a tapestry needle to weave the thread. I used scrap crochet thread for the basic starting threads. You can typically find small scrap amounts at thrift stores or ask any folks who use such items.

The cardboard was cut from a box that I was about to take to the recycling center. Use thicker cardboard for easier weaving.

Tip: Variegated thread/yarn will make a very colorful bookmark.

Braided Rag Rug

2013-02-07T04:38:00.001-08:00

There are many tutorials on the Internet, to help guide anyone with making a braided rag rug. And there are many books that are also helpful (listed at the end of this post).

This particular rug that I made, measures about 26 inches by 19 inches, and contains 60 feet of 1/2 inch wide braid.

Items Needed:

~ old bed sheets, pillow cases (see tips below)
~ quilting thread
~ scissors
~ needle
~ optional: duct tape to get you started
~ optional: sewing machine and thread

The traditional rugs were made from rags, but if you are not a patient person, you could spend the extra money and buy other fabric.

1. Cut your fabric into 2 1/2 - 3 inches strips.

2. Sew shorter strips together using a straight stitch on your sewing machine (or by hand), or using the no-sew method.

a. Lay your ends at shown, right sides together, and sew at a diagonal.

b. Fold the fabric so that it is straight again, and continue braiding.

The no-sew method:

3. Roll the strips into rag balls. Don't make these too large, or you will have a difficult time braiding.

4. Chose 3 rag balls. Sew all the ends together using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, or hand stitch them together.

(photo from when I started this on Feb. 11 2012)

5. I used a piece of duct tape to hold the fabric in place, so that I could start braiding.

Braid the fabric, and continue by sewing new rag balls into the strips as you go. I used a wooden clothespin to hold my braid when I was not working on it (see tips below on tri-folding your fabric).

6. Use quilting thread and sew, on the backside, catching the braids on both sides as you go. Contine until you have the size rug you wish to have. You can make these rugs oval or round.

There are different ways to do this, according to the books that are available on making these.

More Tips:

This was my first braided rag rug. I have made crocheted rag rugs, but not a braided one. After making this, my tips are -

1. Cut the strips at the larger size width to keep your braid at a nice width. My rag balls were cut at about 2 inches, as I had been crocheting my rag rugs.

(source: Handmade Rugs from practically anything, by Jean Ray Laury and Joyce Aiken)

I was not able to tri-fold as most books suggested, so I simply folded my material once, while braiding. There are also tools you can purchase called "braid aids" that help beginners keep their fabric tri-folded. You can simply type in the name of the tool, in your internet search engine, and you will be able to see many sites that sell this tool, and see photos of it.

2. Don't make your rag balls too big. If you want a more colorful pattern in your rug, and want a smaller center color, you will want smaller rag balls. You will want larger ones for the larger rings in your rug.

3. When hand sewing your braid together be careful not to sew too tightly, or your rug will buckle up and will not be flat.

4. Start sewing your braid together as you braid more. You can gauge your rug much better than by how many feet you braided.

5. Use a thimble. I had a very sore finger from pushing the needle into the braid, so I do suggest this.

6. Use a woolen material if you wish to have your rug last longer. According to "Braiding Rugs" by Nancy Bubel, cotton is stiffer to work with and wears out faster. I did not know this until I was finished. However, I do like the way my rug turned out.

Books that you will find helpful:
~ Braiding Rugs, by Nancy Bubel (A Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin)

~Handmade Rugs from practically anything, by Jean Ray Laury and Joyce Aiken, © 1971). Those hula hoop rugs you read about on the Internet are not a new pattern.

(photo from the book)

This book has photos and instructions on making those hoop rugs.

Sites that you will find helpful:

More: Braided Rugs - Mother Earth News

Handmade Braided Rugs - Mother Earth News

Making More with Braids:
~seat covers
~stair step covers
~cat mats
~pot holders
~mug rugs (coasters)
~placemats
~use as a doily (under lamps, plant pots, etc)

More notes: As I was sewing my rug together, one of our cats started "baking bread" on it and simply plopped onto it. I do think cats would enjoy these in the beds. I know our dogs enjoy any rug I put on the floor. I don't think I'd use these to place under the food/water bowls, as they would get wet and possibly mold, if not dried out.

Here is a photo of a rag rug I crocheted, using strips of old t-shirts:

You may also be interested in this one. I crocheted it with strips cut from old sheets, pillow cases and an old apron:

Click "Here" to read about it.

Handmade Hay Net for a Horse

2013-01-22T04:45:00.001-08:00

Horse hay nets can be handmade, using plastic or nylon twine from hay bales. Twine comes in handy for so many projects and uses.

My photos are not too good (photos updated 1/26/13), as the temperatures here are below zero, and my camera was not cooperating with those temperatures. If we get a break in weather, I will re-take these photos, so you can see the net better.

I found the instructions on how to make these, at EQUISEARCH on-line, but there are other patterns on other sites as well. I found this easy to make as well.

Grandma's Egg Carton Jewelry ~ Depression Era

2013-01-12T14:33:00.001-08:00

This creative idea, was one of my Grandmother's. She lived through the Depression, and made items she could sell. The items she made were from other people's trash.

As hard as I looked for my own that she made me (as a child) I could not find it. So, I started punching away, and re-created her jewelry as best as I could. I still have holes punched from her also.

These pieces of jewelry are fun to make, and are very light weight. So in honor of one of my grandmother's, here it is:

Items needed:

~styrofoam egg cartons of different colors
~scissors
~one-hole, hole punch
~recycled containers to store punched holes
~dental floss (for the sake of her original idea), or other jewelry string
~needle, thin enough to string through small beads, but also easy enough to thread the dental floss onto.
~bracelet and necklace clasps
~jewelry making hand tools (pliers etc.)
~small beads to coordinate color of styrofoam
~optional: earring hoops or stud pieces to create matching earrings, along with eye posts and jewelry tools

1. Cut the egg carton top from the bottom, using scissors, and cutting the fold that connects them. Save bottom for another use (note: we'll be sharing some of those ideas later as well).

2. Using the one-hole punch, punch out as many solid circles as possible. The top of the carton provides thicker pieces.

3. Once you have enough holes punched, cut a piece of dental floss, long enough for a bracelet or necklace. Do not knot the end, and start stringing on the egg carton punches along with beads, carefully keeping them on the string. Be sure to leave enough extra dental floss at each end, to knot onto clasp pieces.

To the best of my knowledge, my grandmother used 2 punched holes of one color, then one of a contrasting color, followed by two of the first color used. She typically had only one gold or silver bead in between the egg carton punched holes. For ours, we used some fun multi-colored seed beads.

You can mix and match in any order, but wanted to share the original idea she had. We also used more seed beads to finish off the necklace, and simply use the egg carton pieces for what portion of the necklace can be seen from the front.

4. Keep measuring your string to your wrist or necklace, and when you have enough on the string, you will be adding the clasp at one end and the ring at the other. Tie the dental floss after the jewelry pieces are tied, then using a needle, string the extra down into the beads and cut off the extra.

Earrings:

If you would like to make a matching bracelet, simply knot the dental floss as the appropriate length and tie on clasps.

For earrings, I used eye posts, but these do not pierce the punched circles of egg carton. Simply use a needle to pierce a hole first, then add on the beads and circles to your preference.

Use jewelry wire cutters to trim off the wire, using our round ended tool to bend a loop, and use the pliers to assist. You can also use dental floss to string the earrings as well. I added a jump ring to the earring and attached it to the post.

Jewelry supplies can be found at most larger hobby and craft stores.

Use all types of colors to create fun, extreme jewelry.

Update on the above necklace: My grandmother's original design, was to continue the egg carton punches all the way around to the clasp. For a different look, we did the above design, with the extra seed beads. After my daughter wore this necklace for an entire day, we decided it had too many seed beads. The weight of the beads caused the necklace to turn, and the clasp was always at the front.

So...for future necklaces, you will want to simply continue the pattern of the egg carton punches, filled in between with beads, for the entire necklace. If you do add more seed beads (or small beads at the ends, keep it to a small amount.

Thanks for stopping in, and enjoy your stay!

Golf Tee Santa Ornament

2013-01-01T09:11:00.002-08:00

As promised, here is the Santa Golf Tee ornament I made several years ago. I used a red golf tee, and painted the black belt onto it.

I will see if I can locate the book for this ornament, which contains the templates for the beard, mustache and hat.

Bobby Pin Holder

2013-01-01T05:25:00.001-08:00

Simply reuse an empty Tic Tac container to store bobby pins in.

My oldest daughter is the creative one who came up with this idea. If you have many girls in your house, this idea is wonderful to keep them organized.

Teens may want to wrap a decorative piece of duct tape around the container too.

This is a great way to travel with bobby pins as well.

Thrifty Plastic Bag Holder

2012-12-30T12:29:00.001-08:00

What you need:

~empty tissue box
~extra plastic grocery bags

I give all the credit, of this recycling idea, to my youngest brother. We were over at his house for a Christmas gathering, and I was helping with the trash.

I noticed he recycles his grocery plastic bags for trash bags, and keeps them stored in the inside of an empty tissue (kleenex) box. How clever is that?

Let kids decorate the box, tuck one in your camper, barn work area, in your vehicle, or under your kitchen sink. Or send one with your college kids for their dorm or apartment.

Scrap Fabric Yo-Yo Christmas Tree Ornament

2012-12-27T13:56:00.001-08:00

What you need:

~scraps of fabric (cotton works best)
~large canning lid (wide)
~pen to trace with
~scissors
~white thread and sewing needle
~buttons
~tiny fabric scraps
~scrap ribbon or twine (or other string) for a hanger

1. Using the wide canning lid, trace circles onto several different patterns of fabric. One tree ornament will require six circles.

2. Sew each circle into a yo-yo. For this ornament I folded the edge down about 1/4 inch and ran my thread through as shown, then pulled it tight, and created my yo-yo. To see how to sew a yo-yo, you can search tutorials on YouTube or other sites on-line.

3. Arrange the yo-yo's to form a tree, with one, then two underneath that, and then another three underneath (see very top photo).

4. Sew yo-yo's together, from the backsides, of where they touch.

5. Cut a piece of scrap material about 1 1/2 inches wide by 4 inches long. Turn right sides together, by folding cut ends at one end and a fold at the other. Using a straight stitch on a sewing machine, or hand sew, the right and left side (referring to the above photo). Leave the top open. Turn inside out. This is your tree trunk.

6. Fill the tree truck with the tiny scraps you cannot do anything else with.

7. Gently fold down the inside about 1/4 inch and sew to the back of the bottom middle yo-yo.

8. This is the point in which I recommend taking an iron and gently iron the back and front to shape the ornament.

9. Sew a button to the middle (front) of the top yo-yo, but catch the thread through the bottom of whatever you use for the hanger, on the backside. Here we used scrap ribbon. You could use anything that you can sew onto the ornament (scrap twine etc.)

10. Sew a button onto the remainder of the yo-yo's by bringing the thread in from the backside, and knotting on the backside.

Front View

Back view

Note: Make these a bit smaller by using a regular size canning lid for a template.

This ornament will measure about 4 3/4 inches by 3 3/4 inches.

See How to Make A Canning Lid Template for more recycling fun!

Seashell Candle Holder ~ Using Plastic Lids

2012-12-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

What you need:

~plastic lid (I used a plastic lid from a large peanut canister)
~seashells
~strong glue (I used E6000)

1. Simply turn the lid upside down.

2. Glue seashells around the outer edge. Allow to dry. I found it easier to start with larger shells, and fill it the spaces with smaller shells.

3. Place a candle in the center when the glue has dried completely.

Note: This was a gift to my mother one year, and she still tells me it's one of her favorite gifts.

Simple Rope Heart Ornament

2012-12-17T05:49:00.004-08:00

Here is yet another ornament I made several years ago. It's simply made with rope and ribbon. You also, may have seen this posted on my other blog last Christmas.

If you have a few scraps of rope, try making a creative ornament.

For this we used rope that was about 1/4 inch in diameter. We cut 2 eight inch pieces, and tied 1/4 inch ribbon around both ends, creating the shape of a heart. You may have to work with the rope to get it to hold this shape.

The hanger portion (green ribbon) is 1/8 inch wide ribbon.

You never know what we'll create for next Christmas, so be sure to sign up as a follower, if you haven't already.

Ways to Recycle a Plastic or Glass Peanut Butter Container

2012-12-12T10:42:00.002-08:00

In some areas, your plastic peanut butter container (the bottom) is accepted at your local recycling center. However, the lids are usually not. Why not find another use for the entire container? Save yourself money, and keep the Earth healthy. Here are few ways our family found new uses for cleaned and washed peanut butter containers:

1. Make a Button Jar. Fill it with buttons and add to your child's hope chest. Use it to store buttons in your home for sewing needs and craft uses. For an added touch, drill 4 holes in the lid and smooth away sharp edges. On the underside run scrap rope, string or twine (thick) to make the appearance of a button hole. Collect all those extra buttons you receive attached to new clothing and fill the container over time.

2. Wash and dry them to use for gift giving homemade treats. Be sure to wrap your items before placing inside the container. Attach a gift card, tie on a ribbon and add a bow on top.

3. Store beads or other craft supplies.

4. Store nails, screws, or other hardware supplies.

5. Drill small air holes in the lid and let the kits catch bugs.

6. Flip the lid upside down for a candle holder or a container to hold small office supplies.

7. Use the bottom half for a pencil holder, or decoupage for a small flower vase.

8. Fill it with water, place the lid back on, and take it on the go for painting projects.

9. When the jar is down to the last bit, fill the jar with cut pieces of celery and take it camping or hiking.

10. Use the lid for a craft template.

11. Use the lid in the kitchen for cutting biscuits or cookie dough.

12. Store crayons or small colored pencils for taking kids projects on the go.

13. Use them to store dry cereal or other dry ingredients for home, for camping or other traveling. We crack eggs, pour them into jars and keep them in our ice cooler when camping.

14. . . . .will add more as we develop uses for them.

Golf Tee Snowman Ornament

2012-12-12T05:53:00.001-08:00

Here is another easy handmade Christmas ornament. It's made from one white golf tee, a wooden bead painted white and glued to the golf tea, scrap rick rack, and a plastic top hat.

Note: Having a scrap piece of styrofoam around, while making these, helps in the painting and gluing process. Simply press the pointed end of the golf tee into the styrofoam.

I'm not sure if you will able to locate the same top hats that I did, but there are so many possibilities of creating a hat for these cute ornaments (button and pony bead, scrap craft foam or other scraps).

I also made a Santa ornament using a golf tee. I'll post a photo of that one soon.

These are fun for everyone, especially someone who loves to play golf.

Elf Clothespin Ornament

2012-12-09T05:43:00.002-08:00

I'm sharing yet another clothespin ornament I made. I only made one of these, as they are detailed and a bit time consuming.

I have found the patterns I used, but I am searching for the original book in which this craft is from. I will post it as soon as I locate it.

Until then, I used a non-spring clothespin for this ornament, acrylic paints, mini pom poms, and felt. The arms are chenille stems.

I painted the head a natural color of paint, the middle red, and bottom green (with red feet).

Please check back often to see if I have located the book for this clothespin ornament.

Candy Apple Christmas Tree Ornament

2012-12-07T09:19:00.001-08:00

Many of you may have seen me post this ornament on my other blog, but I'm posting it here with directions.

What you need:
~small plastic apple ornaments (I found these at the Dollar Tree, with leaves and hangers already attached)

~wooden skewer

~scissors to cut skewer (or small hand saw)

~bird seed

~white glue

~paint brush

~mini muffin liners that are silver

~awl or other tool to pierce hole in the apple

1. Cut a piece of one wooden food skewer to make a stick for the candy apple.

2. Pierce a small hole into the top of the apple, and using glue, gently press the skewer into the apple. Allow the glue to dry.

3. Apply glue to the inside of the mini muffin liner (bottom and sides). Set aside for next step.

4. Using a paint brush, apply a layer of glue to the bottom half of the apple. Dip the glued area into the bird seed and cover evenly.

5. Gently place the bird seed covered apple into the mini liner and allow to dry.

Note: I was able to by a package of small apples for $1.00. It also contained 6 apples, so this was a very frugal ornament to make.

Tip: Watch for end of summer sales for wooden skewers. I found an entire package for $.17. Also check your local dollar stores for skewers.

Toilet Paper Tube Drum Ornament

2012-12-07T06:54:00.003-08:00

I love finding creative ornament patterns that use recycled materials.

I gave many of these fun, handmade ornaments for gifts one year.

For directions, go to Toilet Paper Drum Ornament Craft, and make one yourself.

Creative Clothespin Ornament ~ Angel

2012-12-05T08:27:00.001-08:00

Here is a photo of a recent ornament my 10 year-old daughter created. She used the beginning instructions regarding the Clothespin Snowman Ornament, and created an angel.

She used scrap white fabric to cover the arms, feathers for wings, add glitter, and a bead for a crown.

Creative Clothespin Ornament ~ "Farm Girl" Ornament

2012-12-05T08:12:00.001-08:00

Using the same beginning instructions as the Snowman Clothespin Ornament, my 13 year-old daughter made this "farmgirl" ornament. She used scrap ribbon, fabric, button (inside the farmgirl purse), and scrap doll hair.