Marlene's Craft Studio - Recycled Craft Projects with Free Instructions

Recycle cut bottles and jars into a decorative plant stand

2011-03-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

You can create your own Home decor pieces with old bottles, jars and garage sale finds.

This unique sculpture was created by cutting off the top of a pickle jar and a wine bottle. The bottom piece is a chip and dip bowl I found at a garage sale - glued on top of it is a pickle jar with the top cut off - next up a wine bottle and the top piece is a cake stand also found at a garage sale.

This makes an attractive plant stand but you could turn it over and use as a chip and dip holder for a party or place a round glass on top to make an end table.

The sculpture was glued together with 5 minute epoxy and then sprayed with black enamel.

Chartpak Gold falling Leaves rub on transfers were added for the finishing touch.

Armour Bottle Cutter Kit and Qwik Cure Epoxy are available on my open stock page.

Beautiful Designer Table made from bottles

2011-03-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

It's easy to create this beautiful accent table with the Armour bottle and jar cutter and Pinata Paints!

Using the Bottle and Jar cutter, you can create some beautiful and unique decorator pieces for your home that will be one of a kind.

For this table. I cut off three wine bottles at different heights and glued them together to form the stand. The bottom piece is a glass cake stand turned upside down. I then sprayed the stand with Krylon webbing spray.

For the table top, I Purchased a 24” round glass table top at Target store. Piñata paints were used to paint the table top. A very quick and easy project!

The Bottle Cutter and Pinata Paints can be found on my Open Stock page.

Recycle cereal boxes into great gift boxes

2010-06-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Another fun way to recycle is to use your empty cereal boxes or any empty food boxes and make a box in any size you need for gifts for any occasion.So easy and fast to make the perfect size box.

You could personalize the box by gluing on photos, special awards, fabric, or a childs drawing for a Grandparents special gift.

The Boxmakers can be purchased at MarleneWatson.com

Large Boxmaker $17.00
Measures 7 3/4" X 10 1/2". Makes boxes of any length and width up to 6 1/2" deep in 1/2" increments.

Mini Boxmaker $12.00

Measures 6" X 4". Makes boxes of any length and width up to 4 1/4" deep in 1/4" increments
.
Curved Boxmaker $14.00
Has 12 different sizes of curves to use with the large or Mini Boxmakers to make pillow boxes.

Best deal - ( Trio ) All three Boxmakers $35.00

Each Box Maker comes with a instruction booklet showing how to make boxes of many types and styles.

Wine Bottle Table

2010-03-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

I love to make accent pieces for home decor out of bottles and jars. Sometimes I cut them off and glue different sizes of bottles together to get the height I want.

This table was made for my grandson who works for a winery. The center bottle is very long so I used it alone and didn’t need to cut it off.

I purchased 2 inexpensive glass cake stands at Target and turned one upside down and glued it to the bottom of the bottle. The second cake stand is glued to the top of the bottle.

Be sure to use 2 part epoxy glue to glue the glass pieces together.

The stand was then painted with “Fleck Stone Faux granite” Spray paint

I purchased a 1/2” X 16” round beveled edge glass table top that sits on top.

The glass top could be left plain. I used “Piñata” paint to create a stain glass appearance.

Pinata Paints available on my web site at www.MarleneWatson.com"

recycle Gocco flash bulbs into adorable ornaments

2009-12-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

For any one who uses the great Gocco printer and wondered what to do with the used flash bulbs. My students love to make Christmas ornaments out of them. They make cute little package decorations also.

Grandkids are wonderful

2009-08-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

A little off my usual recycle ideas. My Great Grandsons liam and Noah spent the afternoon here. Liam loves Dinosaurs so I bought this Dino suit for him and he looka so cute in it, Just had to share a picture.

Recycle bottles into pretty glassware

2009-08-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Recycling is so important today and cutting bottles to make into decorative accent pieces for your home or for that special gift is very rewarding.

I’ve combined Armour Bottle Cutting Kit, Armour Morning glory Stencil and Etching Cream and Rub On Transfers to create this one-of-a-kind glass

I hope you enjoy my designs and continue to seek your own creativity!

Many Chartpak Rub On Transfers,Bottle Cutting kit, Armour etch kit available at www.MarleneWatson.com

Record/CD clock

2009-08-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Phonograph Record Clock

This is a fun way to recycle a 33 phonograph record and a CD and turn it into a one of a kind clock. So easy and a quick project!

Here’s How:

1. Using a make up sponge, apply the paint to both sides of the record. If you are using two colors of paint the sponge dipped in both colors at once will give a nice marbled look. Let dry and apply a coat of spray sealer on both sides.

2. Print the desired designs onto the Shrink Plastic. Cut out and shrink in a oven or toaster oven following manufacturer instructions. Spray each shrunk shape with spray sealer.

3. Glue CD in center of record with label side down. Referring to photo, glue shapes on record. with Bear shapes at the 3 - 6 - 9

Shrink Plastic and CD. with designs shown available at www.MarleneWatson.com

4. Insert clock works and you are FINISHED!!!

Egg Paper weight

2009-08-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

A little different recycle idea

These paper weights are so much fun and so quick and easy to create.

I used a large goose egg although you can use any size egg you have.

Cut off the bottom of the egg so it will sit flat ( a Dremel tool works great to cut the egg ). Trace around the egg on poster board and cut out the circle to be used when finished.

Use any colors of Piñata paints you like and cover the egg. Let colors run together to achieve the stained glass look. Let dry. Spray with several coats of high gloss clear spray to seal the colors.

Pinata Paints available at www.MarleneWatson.com

Fill the egg with sand. Glue the poster board circle to the bottom. Glue braid around the bottom edge to decorate.

The Pinata Paints can be found on my Open Stock page.

Lighted Wine Bottle

2009-08-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

A lighted wine bottle makes a unique gift and is a beautiful night light for any time of the year.

You can leave the label on if the bottle was for a special occasion and write the date on the label or remove the label and apply Rub On Transfers as I have done on this bottle.

Materials Needed:

Wine bottle, washed
Drill or drill press with 1/4” carbide bit
Duct tape and electricians tape
WD40
Miniature light string with 50 lights
Wire cutter, wire stripper, twist wire caps
Rub On Transfers.

( special price for some Chartpak Run on Transfers at www.MarleneWatson.com

Here's How:

1. Wash wine bottle and remove label. Place a piece of duct tape on the area to be drilled.

2. Drill slowly and spray the area you are drilling with WD40 to keep bottle from shattering. Rinse bottle to remove any glass particles.

3. Cut wire off light string about 3” from light closest to plug. Insert end off wire with plug through drilled hole and out top of bottle.

4. Strip cord from ends of wire about 1” and also from ends of wire with lights. Twist wires back together again and screw a twist wire cap on the wires to firmly secure and make connection.

5. Stuff the lights into the bottle. You may need to use a dowel stick to distribute the lights evenly into the bottle.

6. Apply Rub On Transfers of your choice to decorate the bottle.

frog Pond water fountain

2009-08-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

This Frog Pond Table Fountain is made from jars cut at different heights and glued together on top of Terra Cotta saucers.

The Armour Jar & Bottle Cutter Kit can be found on my Open Stock page. www.MarleneWatson .com

More recycle crafts

2009-07-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

Turn Lunch Bags Into Unique Vases with the Print Gocco and Envirotex Pour On Coating, both available from www,MarleneWatson.com

A great way to personalize a gift or use the Print Gocco to print a special design onto the lunch bag such as Happy Birthday, Anniversary or give a bag of cookies or other treats.

Fold the top down about 2” to form a cuff.

The inside was then coated with Envirotex and allowed to dry overnight. Then turn the bag over and place over a bottle to hold it up off the table and coat the outside with Envirotex. Apply two coats to the outside if the vase will be holding water.

You could place a bouquet of fresh flowers inside or an arrangement of silk flowers, or use this pretty vase as a package to put a gift inside.

Print Gocco, Envirotex coating available at wwwMarlenewatson.com

Recycle bottles and jars into special accents for your home.

2009-07-10T10:05:00.001-07:00

Recycled Bottles and jars plant stand.

Here is another way to recycle bottles and jars and create a lovely Plant stand that will be a unique decorative item for your home.

Materials you will need:

Armour Jar and bottle cutter ( available at www.Marlenewatson.com )

Tall wine bottle and round jar. The one in the photo was a pickle jar.

Glass cake stand.

Krylon black and white webbing spray.

Quick- Cure 5-minute epoxy

Instructions:

Cut top off of round jar just below the rounded top.

Turn cake stand upside down. Glue jar on top of bottom of stand.

Cut wine bottle off just below top of curve.

Glue wine bottle on top of round jar. Allow glue to dry overnight.

Spray entire stand with Krylon Webbing paint or your choice of paint.

Set your plant on top for .

You could also glue a plate to top to set the plant on.

Note: to make stand heavier, fill wine bottle with sand before gluing pieces together.

Make the stand as tall as desired by gluing more cut jars together.

Soda Can Cuties

2009-07-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Soda cans are shown in the photo but you can use juice cans to make smaller animals.

Wash and dry cans. Remove tabs.

Place thumbs at front of can 1” from top. Press in until top of can faces inward slightly Don’t push too far or can won’t sit.

For Bear, Spray paint can with” Make it Suede Buckskin” color from Krylon co.

For front legs, Glue a 1” tan pom pom at each side of point of bend on front. Placing them about 1” apart. For lower legs glue pom poms at lower edge of front of can.

Glue one pom pom in back for tail.

For face, glue two 1/2” pom poms above opening to make his muzzle. Glue plastic bear nose in center where pom poms come together.
Glue a small package between paws.

Glue moving eyes above nose.

For Santa hat for bear.

Glue a small package between paws.

Place a styrofoam cup on baking sheet. Please in 325˚ Oven for about one minute. It will shrink quickly so watch carefully. remove when desired size is reached. Paint hat red, leaving brim unpainted. Glue small holly leaf and red berries to decorate.

For Rabbit, follow above steps using white spray paint and pom poms. Use a small pink pom pom for nose. Cut ear shape from white felt and glue on top of head. or you can buy a miniature straw hat.

Form the carrot from sculpy or you can use clay. Follow manufacturers instructions todry.

These make great table favors for a family dinner or party Fill with small jelly beans.

Garden Gazing Ball Stand

2009-07-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

Here is another way to recycle bottles and jars and create a lovely gazing ball stand for your yard or garden.

Materials you will need:

Armour Jar and bottle cutter (available at www. Marlenewatson.com)

Gazing ball. Available at craft stores and garden nurseries.

Tall wine bottle and 2 jars such as mayonnaise
Metal candle base
Silver metallic spray paint or any paint of your choice and color
Quick-Cure 5-minute Epoxy

Instructions:

1. Cut top off of mayonnaise jars just below the rounded top.

2. Glue one cut jar onto metal base. Glue wine bottle on top of jar. At top of wine bottle glue on second jar.

3. Spray entire stand with metallic or other paint/s.

4. Set gazing ball on top.

Note: to make stand heavier, fill wine bottle with sand before gluing pieces together.

If desired you can decorate the wine bottle. I have used a stencil on this one and applied decorating paste from Deco Art enterprises.

You can make the stand as tall as desired by gluing more cut jars together.

Egg Shell Table Top - Make it Mosaic!

2009-07-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

Don’t throw away those egg shells after you fix that omelet! Recycle them into a beautiful designer looking table top.

Supplies needed:

30 egg shells were used on this table.
Tilt top table was purchased from Wayne’s Wooden Ware catalog
Acrylic Paint (your choice of colors)
Wax paper, brayer or rolling pin
Tacky glue
White grout
Damp sponge
Satin Varnish

How to:

1. Wash egg shells and let dry. Peel off any remaining membrane inside.

2. Paint table with your choice of acrylic paint.

3. Working in a small area of a time, apply tacky glue and spread evenly.
Lay a piece of egg shell right side up on the glue and press down. Repeat until entire top of table is covered with shells. Occasionally as you work, lay a piece of wax paper over the shells and use the brayer or rolling pin to even the shells. Don’t let the spaces between shells be too wide. Dry overnight.

4. Trace whatever design you are using on the table top over the shells. Paint design with acrylic paints. Don’t try to paint between shells. Let dry.

5. Apply grout filling in spaces between shells. Let set a few minutes then wipe off top of panted design with a damp sponge.

6. Apply several coats of varnish to the dry table top.

Hanging Bottles for Your Patio or Porch!

2009-07-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

Recycle these bottles to hang on your patio with candles or even a collection of shells from the seashore or momentos from a vacation!

Materials needed:

Jar and Bottle cutter available at www.MarleneWatson.com.

Quik- Cure 5 minute epoxy.

Teflon sheet (do not use one that is used for baking) available at www.MarleneWatson.com.

18 ga. wire.

Liquid Illusion.

Key chain rings or heavy jump rings.

How To -

1. Wash and dry bottles. Cut bottles at different heights. Sand edges.

2. Mix epoxy glue and apply to edge of bottles and set on a teflon sheet. Fill inside neck of bottle with glue. Let dry. This will make a seal at the bottle opening.

3. Wrap wire around the neck of the bottle and knot around a key chain ring to hang it by.

4. Place candle inside of bottle to make a soft patio light or place rocks, seashells or a small plant inside.

The one on the left in the photo had pretty rocks inside and then I poured Liquid Illusion over the rocks to make them look wet.

Recycle bottles and jars into special accents for your home.

2009-06-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

It's easy to create this beautiful accent table with the Armour bottle and jar cutter and Pinata Paints!

Using the Bottle and Jar cutter, you can create some beautiful and unique decorator pieces for your home that will be one of a kind.

For this table. I cut off three wine bottles at different heights and glued them together to form the stand. The bottom piece is a glass cake stand turned upside down. I then sprayed the stand with Krylon webbing spray.

For the table top, I Purchased a 24” round glass table top at Target store. Piñata paints were used to paint the table top. A very quick and easy project!

The Bottle Cutter and Pinata Paints can be found on the Open Stock page of MarleneWatson.com.

recycle empty cereal boxes into special gift boxes

2009-06-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Recycle your empty cereal boxes into an exciting and inexpensive way to create a special box in the size and shape you want.

Using cereal boxes, poster board or the cardboard pieces that come inside clothing, you can find many things to use for the box blanks.

All you need to create boxes is the Box Making tool available from http://www.boxcrafting.com/.

You can recycle just about anything into a great box. Turn a special greeting card into an elegant keepsake box and transform a cereal box into a fun gift for a child.

You can cover the box blank with fabric, decoupage paper, napkins, wrapping paper or even paint your personal design to make a box that is unique and one of a kind.

Create a wedding cake design for a wedding reception table by Making 5 or 6 boxes in graduated sizes and glue together in a stack. Place a pretty bow on top or cut a slit in the top to insert cards.

Crafting and recycling

2009-06-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Crafting has always been a big part of my life and I love to recycle products into useful and decorative projects.

One of my favorite products to recycle are brown grocery bags.

Cut the bags apart to make each one flat. Then glue several layers together. If you glue enough layers together you can create a sturdy piece much like a piece of wood. I've found that the best glue to use is Aleene's Tacky glue. Let the glued together bags dry over night. Now you can trace patterns onto the dried bags and paint them like you would paint a piece of wood. Cut the design out with scissors. Paint with acrylics or oil paints and apply a finish over the dry paint.

Check out the patterns section of my web site, MarleneWatson.com, to see a completed seascape set I made for my bathroom. Have fun!