Upcycling: Weathered Nautical cans

It’s not too late to get that beachy coastal look for summer and here’s a simple diy recycling project to add a nautical touch to your décor.

Sew and Tell: old sweater ~ new storage

I’m sure you’ve seen many, many beautiful “old sweater” projects. Sweaters can be used to make pillows, vases, cozies and more. Every time I visit a thrift store I check for cable knit sweaters or other pretty knits to make some of the beautiful items I’ve seen on Pinterest and on other creative blogs.

Upcycling: holiday packaging pencil cans

I did some of my holiday shopping online and got a bonus in one of the boxes. This cool brown packing paper was wrapped around some mugs from Crate & Barrel.

Upcycling: cookie tin to coffee bin

I’ve been saving this cookie tin for the longest time. 

Originally it was filled with Swedish Gingersnaps and the design on the tin is so pretty. 

The only problem was the nutrition information that was printed on the back of the tin. The only way to cover it without it looking out of place was to use the area as a label.

I went with the oh-so-popular chalkboard paint label. I’ve learned from experience that using chalkboard paint on metal can be problematic. Press too hard with the chalk and you scratch the paint off. As an option you can buy chalkboard vinyl but I decided to make my own.

All you need is a label or contact paper. Cut out your label shape and paint it with several coats of chalkboard paint. Every other coat you’ll want to paint in the opposite direction – up and down then across – until you have a nice coat of paint with no streaks.



The tin needed a little handle and I found this old drawer handle that I glued on. A knob would have looked cute too. In fact, I had a hard time deciding – knob or handle, knob or handle…



I’ll store coffee beans in a plastic bag inside the tine since it will be difficult to completely wash the tin with the chalkboard label.

Time to grind some beans and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Thanks for visiting.

Carolyn

I link at the wonderful parties listed here and 

 

Upcycling: copper can planter

I’ve been saving this metal hanger to use on a project. The hanger originally wrapped around a votive holder.

The glass votive is long gone but the hanger has been waiting outside, aging and rusting and waiting for a new purpose.

 

This humble tin can fit perfectly in the holder so I gave it a few coats of copper metallic paint.

A plastic baggie filled with dirt holds the succulent clippings that will hopefully root.

I'll leave this little planter outside and see what happens. I'm hoping it will begin to rust and age but keep most of the copper paint. If not, I can always start over with another can.

Thanks for visiting.

Carolyn 

.....................................................................................................

This post is sponsored by

 

Here's some fun news. The Petunia Pickle Bottom Spring 2012 collection has arrived at Layla Grayce, featuring all new prints in their popular diaper bags, totes, coordinating travel bags, cell phone cases, baby carriers, slings, layette sets and more. It’s a brand that style conscious new moms crave!

Not to mention, Layla Grayce is offering Free shipping on Petunia Pickle Bottom orders over $50. Don't miss out on this amazing offer because this brand is extremely popular on baby registries and wish lists. Layla Grayce also offers free gift wrap on all Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags and accessories. Additionally, if you spend over $250 in Petunia Pickle Bottom products you can receive a coupon for $25 that can be used towards your next Layla Grayce purchase. Check out the Petunia Pickle Bottom collection at Layla Grayce.

Upcycling: white faux rust tin cans

A few months ago I posted a project with faux patina on tin cans. I used a texture image from this site and chose rusty blue images.

I love the cans but lately I’ve been gravitating toward muted shades and especially white.

Here are my new faux rust white tin cans.

  

I found the white paint with rust image here. And the white peeling paint image here.

I used the same technique as the original cans I made.

• Wash your cans and remove any label residue with Goo Gone or other similar product.
• Download the image and print out on printer paper. The paper needs to be thin enough to adhere to the ridges in the can and I found regular multi-purpose printer paper words great.
• Cut your paper to fit around the can.
• Mod Podge your paper to the can.
• Tip: Mod Podge small sections at a time and press the paper down into the ridges. Don’t press too hard or your paper will rip.

I opted to not put a coat of Mod Podge over the paper because even the matte finish Mod Podge gives it a slight sheen.

Let dry and enjoy your instant rusty cans.



..............................................................................

This project is linked at the following:

        
      


And other link parties here.