Cardboard Shamrock Art Journal

Hello everyone, Cyndi here.  It is my turn to be the guest blogger.  I thought I would share with you today a cardboard shamrock journal that I created. I have just finished the "bones" of the project, but I'm sure you can see what a great start it would be for a fun, holiday-themed art journal.

This art journal is a great way to recycle cardboard boxes you may have laying around the house.  I also adore the texture that can be achieved when you cut away the top layer of the cardboard.  There are a LOT of artsy possibilities here.

You can leave the pages brown and decorate with ink sprays, stamps, etc.  You can also paint the pages as I have here, or add decorative paper or fabric. We would love to see your versions of the project.  You can share your efforts on our Facebook page.

You can see more of this journal, along with a tutorial at: Still Life With Stilettos. 

Upcycled Books!

Good morning! leslierahye here to share with you one of my favorite types of arting : Upcycling!
This is one of my upcycled books made from a lunch sack [from take out], envelopes from junk mail and bills, and old book paper.  After trimming the ends and edges of envelopes [leaving some as pockets and some as pages], I punched holes in the middle with my Japanese screw punch and then stitched the pages together and to the paper sack cover. The bottom of the sack was cut on 3 sides leaving a hinged "flap" to make a wrap-around cover. The flap was covered with book paper to provide stability. 

This type of handmade book is great for arting or journaling and fun to give as a gift. Thinner books are great additions to altered books providing artists with extra art space.  They can be glued in on the stitched edge.

Products used in the creation of this journal page : 

all upcycled items : paper sack, junk mail, books

More on tip ins and the ultimate in upcycling--Altered Books--NEXT MONTH as Altered Arts Magazine Blog takes on Altered Books!

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my project!

WINTER WREATH

I made this wreath for for the Winter 2014 issue of Altered Arts Magazine.  The theme was "All that Glitters".  This wreath was sprayed with glitter like crazy!  I also used glass glitter and glitter glue.  This wreath is a great recycling project because it is made with paper towel and toilet paper rolls. 

I used about 14 TP rolls and 5 PT rolls for this project. The first thing I did was run them through my Cuttlebug to flatten them.  Then, I cut them into 1" sections.  Because they are flattened, they make an oval shape.  I used a hoop that I've had for years as my shape to hot glue the ovals to.

 I glued them diagonally, and glued the end to the oval in front of it.  Here is the first row.

Then, you glue the ovals on the inside of the hoop in the same manner as the first row.  The outside second row is glued in between each oval but the end isn't glued down.  

I added yet another layer of ovals around he top and left side.  When all the ovals are on the hoop, spray paint your wreath.  It is the easiest way to color the rolls.  I finished the wreath with rolled paper flowers with tons of glitter on them and some gauze.  The buttons, resin pieces and hanger are from Melissa Frances

My wreath is proudly displayed on my front door.  When people come to the door they always tell me how pretty it is, and ask where I got it.  When I tell them it is made with toilet paper and paper towel rolls they are amazed!  I hope this inspires you to make something amazing!!

xxDaniella

Altered Napkin Collage

Hi, Lea here, bringing you new altered inspirations!  This post will explore the wondrous world of upcycling.

Upcycling is a term for reusing boxes and items normally one would throw away.  Reusing, recycling - important for our planet.   The project below is created using an old wood bangle, napkins, collage adhesive, and other elements.  

 The wood bangle was painted with paint before collaging the separated napkins to the surface.  Napkins are easily separated using painter's tape.  Rip the napkins into usable pieces and collage to wood bracelet.  The beautiful hues of the paint ( I used a mica paint for shimmer) will show through slightly.  Once dry, add beads, a flower, and rhinestone.

TIP:  If you do not have napkins laying around, stamped tissue paper will work as well!  Stampendous! and Stamps On Fire  are great choices for images to use.  I have designed with Stampendous! stamps for many years and they constantly update their images to match the trends happening.

Look before you throw out or add something to the recycle bin.  Think and envision ways you can make art and upcycle items into new things!

I will be posting on the 10th and 24th of each month, bringing you ideas and inspiration!  I hope you find these useful as you travel along your artistic journey.

Cre8tivelea Yours - Lea