Sunday, March 31, 2013

Tutorial: Upcycled Cardboard Boxes







I found a metal wire rack a long time ago to organize the bathroom counter.  I searched far and wide for bins or baskets that fit each section perfectly.  I never found them. I finally decided to make my own.  





After I collect some cardboard boxes, I cut them open along their seams.  I measured and cut them to fit the sections of the metal rack.  









I taped of the edges with painter's tape and formed the box.  I made four of the exact same boxes. 








I covered each box with white scrap paper since the boxes had bright prints on them.  I brushed on a thick layer of my modge podge then added the paper.  Then I brushed on another layer on the white paper.  I let it dry over night.  





Most online bloggers create their modge podge solution with 50% water and 50% white liquid glue.  I bought my glue from the dollar store, so it had more water than glue to begin with.  I think that's why my boxes look warped.  I add more glue to my solution to about 65% glue to 35% water.  





I picked a light teal colored pattern paper that matched the decor in my bathroom. I covered the boxes with the improved glue solution, added the paper and then brushed on the final sealing coat of glue.  

The final outcome wasn't too bad.  The boxes fit the rack perfectly.  Once I filled the containers, the warped edges weren't as noticeable.  

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Ribbon Wrapped Gift

I recently made some hand poured soy candles as gifts for my cousin's birthday.  During Christmas time, I made lavender scented soy candles.  I felt that I was successful, so I ordered some more soy wax flakes and essential oils.  Sorry, no pictures! It has been hectic!
For my cousin, I made soy candles with the following scents: lavender (lavender ribbon), eucalyptus + peppermint (mint ribbon), and lemon + peppermint (yellow ribbon).   I wrapped each jar inside with the ribbons.  Then I weaved the ribbon around the kraft paper for a simple, but bright contrasting effect.