Upcycled Jars

A few weeks ago I posted a photo of some jars that I had painted.  I keep all my jars after we have used them because they can always be reused.  My son loves eating Mighty Mite very simular to Vegemite so I have had so many jars in the cupboard.

 

 

 

Over the last couple of weeks I have been  making a candlelabra out of these jars.  I am quite happy with the finished result.  The piece of wood looks amazing.  Since it is buy nothing new October I didn't go out and by a wood stain from the hardware.  Instead I used Rosehip tea and Red Clay and painted it on the wood a few times.  After I got the desired look I wanted I added a clear lacquer which I had in the cupboard.  Anyway see for yourself.  This will look amazing over the table outside and will definitely be a talking point.

 



Do you recycle/upcycle things as well.  I love turning things into masterpieces.  I now have a box of old records at home.  I know how to make bowls from them and have recently turned the record covers into little boxes but I am going to try making a handbag over the coming weeks.  Stay tuned.

 

 

Let me know your ideas.  Have a great week everyone.  BTW haven't blogged about my diet last week but did lose just over a kilo.

 

 

Sue x

Buy nothing new Month.

Today is not only the first day of October it is also the start of Buy Nothing New Month. I have taken the pledge and believe it is very achievable to do.  I love to recycle and upcycle things so hoping to be a great month.  But if I get stuck I will be begging and bartering with my family or friends. 

 

 

I truly love heading out to check out the second hand shops in the area.  I have over the years picked up some amazing things and since I am now dieting I believe they will be my best friend for quite awhile.  Plus I know I am helping out a charity.  After my spring clean over this weekend I have 6 bags of goodies heading to the local charity bin to be recycled.

 

 

Would love to see others join me on this quest.  It is only for a month.  Lets look at it and see how easy it is.  This does not include essential items like food, medicines, hygiene things.  During this month when you need to buy a non essential item think "Do I really need this"and if you do "Can I buy this second hand".  Most times you can.  We have many websites available.  Ebay and Gum Tree come to mind.  I know in my region at the tip we have the recycling centre plus we have some great shops in the region like Reverse Garbage.  Salvo's have massive shops.

 

Come join me.  Think of the money you could save and how many items you stop from going into landfill.

 

 

 

Have a great week everyone.

 

 

Sue x

Recycling Jars Tutorial

I always have so many jars around.  I either use them for preserving, jam making, storing items in.  Over the last few weeks I have decided to pretty them up.  This is a great way to spend an afternoon crafting with the children.

You will need clean dry  jars with the label removed.  It doesn't matter on the size or shape even though working with a smooth round jar is easier the hexagon jars.

 

 

You will also need to purchase a few items from the shop.  Some Epsom salts.  A box of this is about $6 at the supermarket.  Food colouring to colour the salts. Mod Podge and a clear sealant that you can pick up at any good craft supplier.  I have a Riot store at North Lakes Westfield which is fairly close by or Spotlight will have them.

 

 



If you have some disposable cups these are great to store your salts in.  To colour your salts all you need to do is put some salts in a cup and add a few drops of colour and then mix the colour in.  So simple.   

Pour some Mod Podge on a old plate.  Roll your jar in the glue making sure the surface is fully covered.  Don't worry about under the jar.  

Pour your coloured salts on another old plate in any pattern you choose.  You may only want one colour or you may do a rainbow effect.  Your choice.

Roll your jar into the salt making sure the jar is covered.

 

 

Set aside for it to dry.  Once dry spray with clear sealant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am turning my salt art jars into candle jars.   The painted jars are really easy as well.  Make sure you have acrylic paints.  Pour a colour inside the bottom of the jar and roll it around so the excess is covering the glass.  Slowly pour more paint inside and repeat the rolling of the jar.  Use as many colours as you like.  Set aside to dry.  This will take up to a couple of days.  Once dry spray the inside with the sealant.

 

 

All these jars will look beautiful on display.   Most of all have fun.