DIY: Recycled Bottle Centerpieces

Good morning, friends!

A whiiile back I shared a post that will make you feel like a badass DIY diva for completing. It's called DIY: Breaking Bottles with Fire. Now just imagine all the possibilities of broken bottles (that sounds strange).

I used various shades of blue and green bottles for my wedding table centerpieces. They fit the peacock theme perfectly :)

Materials/supplies
- broken bottles
- fabric
- ribbon
- glue (tacky or hot glue)

Putting It Together
Measure the diameter of the bottle and cut 1 1/2 inch thick fabric. Glue from the outside and over to the inner part of the bottle to create a finished-look. Then tie on a pretty ribbon to complete the decoration.

Start saving up those wine bottles, ladies, and get crafty!

What would YOU do with these bottles?

Linking up with lovely Nicole with Treat Yo' Self :)

DIY: Up-cycled Plastic Bags

Goodday sunshine! Today is already great because I'm stoked to share my second DIY vlog. [If you missed the first one, you can see here] 

I first did this project with a friend who found the wonderful idea. And I think it´s great and so simple, so I wanted to share. To up-cycle a bunch of plastic bags into a new creation...

Here´s what you´ll need:

•  scissors
• iron
• 2-4 plastic bags (different colors, too!)
• string or things for decorating
• wax paper is best (or white paper, like I used)

What do you think? Any questions or comments, I´d love to see those comments! 

DIY: Tin Can Lanterns

So I'm on such a recycled art kick, it's not even funny. This new project is inspired as wedding DIY #2 for lighting and decor. I saw the idea of tin can lanterns at a friends house and started browsing some tutorials and blogs. I found a tutorial by Erin at Rookie, with a great description and photos. Above is how some of ours turned out. Now go make your own!

Materials:

- hammer

- tin cans

- nails (different sizes)

- towel

- freezer

- water

Here's how!

1.  Cut off tops of cans and clean out really well (with hot water).

2. Make sure the edges are smooth and bent in.

3. Soak in hot water for a few moments and peel off label.

4. Fill with water and set in freezer overnight.

5. Now your ready to hammer away! Use different size nails for your designs. And you can work and kneel on the towel. 

6. Defrost or melt the ice from the cans.

7. Light your candles and enjoy your homemade lantern.

Tips:

- The more holes, the more light will shine out. My favorites were the ones with lots of holes.

- I also like Erin's idea to wear gloves :)

- You can design your pattern beforehand by making a template, like show at Inhabitat.

Optional additional steps:

- Create handles for your lanterns. First hammer 2 holes across from each other at the top of the cans. Then cut a hanger or wire as long as you'd like your lantern to hang. Attach wire through holes and bend the ends using pliers.  

- Paint the outside of the lanterns to add another element of decoration. 

I hope you enjoy this project. It was really fun hammering and making these with friends (and keeping my boyfriend up at night). Thanks for tuning in!

Here's another tin can lantern project I want to try :

Photo from My Upcycled Life

DIY: Recycled Crafty Wallet

I first saw this recycled project in Peru, where it seems to be a common thing. I´ve been making a bunch because I love the idea - fun, recycled, and easy! Here´s a little DIY so you can make your own. I hope it helps and you enjoy.

Materials

-1 litre milk/juice/wine carton

-paper/collage items (paint, brushes, markers, magazines, leaves, etc)

-scissors

-large, clear tape

-ruler

-thin elastic (between 0.5-1cm)

-pin (or something to make hole)

Ok....now you´re ready to go!

Step 1: Paint, collage, or decorate your paper. Or my friends like to use the original box if it has a neat pattern (like Gato wine). You can measure 26.5cm to cover one side of the box and both sides. Remember, if you have a design it should be planned out, as the folding will affect how it shows up. 

Step 2:

Cut the top and bottom off of the box.

 

Step 3:

Fold the sides in and crease.

 

Step 4: 

Cover box with designed paper and tape, sealing all corners. 

Step 5: 

Fold the carton off center by about 3-4cm. 

Then fold the longer side over again to create a flap. 

Step 6: 

Cut off the inner folded layers of the 

flap so that only the designed outside if left.

Step 7: Make a hole in the middle of the flap crease.

Step 8: Insert both endsof elastic and adjust to fit around the wallet.

 

Step 9: Double knot the ends together and cut extra elastic.

Step 10: Tape inside creases together on both sides.

  

Ta-daaa, that´s it!

Now you have your own unique, practical, and recycled wallet. 

There are lots of ways and techniques to use when making these. 

For example, you can also play with other methods of holding 

the wallet together (maybe a button or bead). 

Stay tuned for more DIY crafts.