Flowers From Old Books (Revamped Lamps)

 I found an old, tattered book, and it begged me to give it new life. I took it to my office, and it almost shouted out to a couple of lamps. The lamps were a snooze fest. They were boring and unrelated to one another. I decided to cut out flower shapes from the book pages. An Ellison die cut machine made quick work of my project.

(Not the actual book I used, but this could have been its twin.)

My short, plump lamp.

Yawn.

I used six die-cut pages per flower, and punched a tiny hole in the 

center of each shape.

Scrunch the first page around a brad. Be careful not to tear the hole, 

or the brad will fall out.

Continue to crumple pages onto the brad. I wadded the last two pages in my hand before adding them. This was to get a good shape without pulverizing the bud already formed on the brad.

The finished project. Cute, huh?

The last step was to use one of my favorite tools ever - a glue gun!

I have four glue guns, but I keep thinking I need another.

My tall, waif lamp.

Grandma!

I liked it much better after the lace and trim was removed.

It's even cuter with the flowers. I brushed a bit of pale pink onto the pages for this lamp.

Cuteness

I think these flowers could find a happy home in so many places. They would be super cute on a package or gift bag, or how about a bunch of them on stems for a bouquet? 

How would an old book spark your creativity? I'd love to hear your ideas.

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Instant, No Sew Apron

I saw a set of cute, simple valances at a thrift store. Since I have no need for a window treatment, I thought of other uses for the embroidered sweetness.

So I threaded a 2" ribbon through the rod pocket, and

voilà 

a cute, ruffled apron.

Of course you could make two or more with each panel, if you don't like the full, ruffled look. That would mean cutting and sewing, but it would still be simple.

Thanks for stopping by. If you like what you've seen, you can "like" my page creative confetti (website)  on Facebook, and subscribe on the right. Feel free to pin and share via the green widget to the left. I'd also love to hear from you, so leave a comment or send me an email.

Upcycle a Dollar Store Clock with Scrapbook Paper

I found an old, significantly inexpensive, plastic clock at my mom's house. My first instinct was to trash it, but then I remembered my sizable collection of scrapbook papers. I believe I have more scrapbook paper than any non-scrapbooker.

I knew I couldn't turn the clock into a nice masterpiece, but I was shooting for cute. It couldn't have gotten much worse. (Please excuse the towel in the pictures. The kitchen table has a glass top, and I grabbed the first thing I could to use as a back drop.)

Remember when speckled paint was in? 

The first order of business was to find a paint color for the frame. There happened to be just enough left in this can to do the job. Isn't this a great color!

Next up, I cut a couple of pieces of coordinating scrapbook paper. I used the original face to trace the solid color circle, then I found a plate a tad smaller to cut the patterned paper. The glittery paper is delicious!

The result is a cute, if slightly lopsided, clock. I think it is a definite improvement. Now it looks well enough for Mama to hang in her kitchen. (As soon as I straighten the paper face.) And did you notice the glittered dots at twelve, three, six, and nine? There's also one in the center on the seconds hand. 

I have to say that I really like how the little clock turned out. The best part is that I can switch out the paper when I please. I'm a big fan of scrapbook paper (and paper in general). My office is full of paper decorations. Remember this cute window treatment made from paper? 

There are many possibilities with paper, so before you toss something in the trash, give it a second look.

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Create an Instant Dressing Room

Ever need an instant dressing room? All it takes is a couple of hooks, a large piece of fabric, ribbon, and a couple of safety pins.

I got this set of hooks at TJ Maxx for $3. They hold hats and caps on the inside of my closet door, as you can see in the picture below.

I took a 99¢, ROCKING, AWESOME, vintage-y sheet from a thrift store and safety pinned grosgrain ribbon loops to go over the hooks. I decided to use pins because I want to make a super-sweet table cloth from the fabric of the sheet. It would also make a DHALING ruffle on an apron.

And SHAZAM! Instant dressing room! 

There is plenty of room to maneuver, and you can hang extra clothing on the hooks.

It also works on side by side closets...

and single closet doors. In the example above, I attached a 3M Command hook on the wall for easy removal later.

This is perfect for a girl's sleep over. Whether the girls want to play dress up with a dramatic reveal, or there is a shy girl in attendance, this is the a great addition to the party. And it isn't just for girls. Hang a sheet and create an instant fort or play area that any little boy or girl would love.

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Candelabra Cake Stand (tutorial)

Hi guys. It's time for another fun crafty craft, and in keeping with tradition it will be a thrifty project.

I found a simple, brass candelabra at a local thrift store. It was $2.99.

SCORE! 

Of course I couldn't leave it the way I found it. The first thing I did (after cleaning off the thrift store stickiness) was remove the
two candle holders from each arm. 

After unscrewing the cups, I glued the drip plates to the arm. They were previously held in place by the cups. Once again I use Beacon's Glass Metal and More (I love that stuff). Then I took one of the cups and added it to the middle holder for extra height.  

Now here's the part I don't like... at all. I had to wait for the glue to dry. 

I don't like waiting for glue to dry. As I've said before- that's what blow dryers are for. (If only a blow dryer could have worked on this project. It would have heated the metal and kept the glue melted.) The top candle holder cup was filled with glue, and when the extra cup was added it sealed out the air. That meant a drying time of about 47 years.

I lasted about four days before I came up with an alternative plan. I added a few drops of Gorilla Glue to hold the cup in place, and I put the whole thing in the fridge for a day. I had to take a shelf out of Matilda Maytag to make room, but  it worked. The brass got cold, and the glue finally set. 

Next I went to the garage to my box of mis-matched, thrift store plates. I decided on the adorable plates below and based my paint color on the design. I only had two, so I found a scalloped edged plate for the center.

These fabulous retro plates were 25¢ each. I think they are so swell! The design has uber-thin gray and yellow lines, so I decided to use some leftover yellow, Rustoleum spray paint. That brings my total to $3.74 plus tax!

And voilà. Here is the finished product all dressed up for Fall. And what could be better than a stack of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies? THREE stacks of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies!

In case you're wondering if the middle plate is crooked- it is. Have I mentioned that I hate waiting for glue to dry? Anyway, I took the cookies off after the photo so it wouldn't stay lop-sided.

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Vintage Chic but Modern Cheap (Antique Mirror Tutorial)

I've seen several tutorials about how to age a mirror or use clear glass to make an antique mirror. However, none of the sites I've seen have gone beyond treating the glass and hanging it on the wall, so I decided to take it a step further. I wanted a mirror with a some pizzazz.  

My solution was to use a vintage spoon as a hook to hang my mirror. I'm pleased with the outcome. What do you think?

Side view of spoon hook

Now let me tell you how to do this for yourself. The items I used are:

*   Frames from thrift store (they were 99¢ each)

*   Krylon Looking Glass Mirror-Like Paint (at discounts stores)

*   Vinegar water (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water)

*   2½" wide grosgrain ribbon (I LOVE grosgrain ribbon)

*   1 Silver plated serving spoon and 2 silver plated tablespoons

*   Drill with 3/32" cobalt bit 

    (it must be cobalt to drill through the metal)

*   Clamp

*   Screws & 2 washers

*   Jewelry connectors (in the findings section at hobby stores)

*   Spray paint

*   Glue gun

*   Bolt cutter

*   Whet stone (for sharpening knives)

Don't let that list intimidate you. It promise isn't that much stuff, and you probably have most of it around the house.

First, wipe down your frame and remove the glass. Paint the frame whatever color you desire. This is what one of my frames looked like before I began.

Here is the mirror paint and vinegar water. I only had apple cider vinegar, so it looks dark, but it worked the same.

Now you want to clean the glass well. Lay the glass on a drop cloth or newspaper and give it a spritz with the vinegar water. Immediately spray the mirror paint on the glass with the wet droplets. (Please follow all directions on the can.) It must be done with plenty of ventilation (i.e. outside, because breathing is vital to finishing this project). Allow the glass to dry completely and repeat the process several times. (I did it five times.) It doesn't take long to dry between coats.

I sprayed the first pieces of glass all over because I get a little excited with new projects. I was more selective with my spritzing on the last piece, concentrating on specific areas. I also took a soft cloth and gently rubbed a little of the silver paint off in a few areas. While you are waiting for your paint to dry you can work on your spoons.

 Clamp the spoon onto your drilling work surface. I suggest clamping it face down, because decorative spoons have embellishments on the top that can make your drill "walk" around.  Mark where you want to drill and go for it. (I forgot to photograph this step, so I had to recreate it with a plain spoon from the kitchen drawer. It was a necessary sacrifice.)

Once you have your hole drilled you will bend the spoon. Be sure to bend your spoon before you cut the head off because it gives you more to hold onto while bending. Turn the spoon over, and cover it with an old cloth to protect the design on the top. (Turn it over so the decorative part will be on the outside once you bend it.) Bend it over the edge of your work table.

I found it hard to make the second bend on the table, so I secured the spoon into the clamp and pressed it against concrete to get my U shape.

This is the U shaped spoon with the head cut off. I cut the spoon with a bolt cutter and smoothed the edges with a whet stone.

Screw your hooks onto your frame, and be sure to pre-drill your screw holes. I hot glued jewelry connectors to the corners for a little more interest. Now you are ready to hang your keys, aprons, or jewelry on your beautiful new accessory. (I have to grin here because I also made all the jewelry hanging on my mirror except for the pink Brighton bracelet.) 

I used the jewelry connectors on the black frame as well. I really like the look of this sweet mirror with its unique hanger.

My mom wanted a small mirror to sit on her antique secretary. I taped off the initial before I painted the glass then put a striped paper (that she picked) behind the mirror. (The photo doesn't show the reflection of the glass very well.)

Now you need to give it a go. It's fun and easy. Best of all, it's inexpensive! Have fun.

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Owl Key Chain Tutorial Giveaway

In the last couple of weeks, several friends and readers have been faithful to share my blog posts. You guys have also been busy pinning and re-pinning my tutorials and ideas on Pinterest. 

Thank you!

And to show my appreciation, I've come up with another tutorial that I think is super cute and super fun. The really fun part is that this tutorial comes with a giveaway. Scroll down for step by step instructions for an adorable owl key chain, and if you leave a comment I will put your name in a hat for a drawing to receive one of the cute little creations. I will be giving away five key chains on Saturday (7/28) at noon. I know it isn't a huge jackpot, but it's my first giveaway, and you have to start somewhere. If I get a good response, I may have to keep doing this with the prizes getting better each time. 

Fold a sticky note in half and draw half the owl shape. Fold over and press the design into the other side for

 symmetry then cut out.

Trace the sticky note pattern onto your fabric with a pencil,

 and pin pieces together.

Make a loop for the key ring and pin between the owl's ears. Make sure the loop end is on the inside of the owl's body.

Now here's a trick to make this easier than normal. SEW FIRST & CUT OUT SECOND. I know this goes against traditional sewing rules, but it is much easier to handle a larger scrap of fabric than it is a tiny cutout. Besides, I don't really know how to sew, so I can break as many rules as I want! 

And don't forget to leave an opening at the bottom big enough to stuff with fiber fill.

After you cut out your owl you can cover your edges with Fray Check if you wish. I would recommend putting it on the cut ribbon at the least. You can find Fray Check at Hobby Lobby and JoAnn. (Please forgive the horrendous picture quality.)

Stuff with fiber fill and sew up the little owl bottom.

Sew on button eyes and attach to a split ring and you're done! Easy schmeasy.

You can also stack buttons like I did on the black owl.

Get creative and have fun!

And don't forget to leave a comment if you would like to receive one of the cute owls in the large picture. The names and owls will be chosen at random and announced on the blog on Saturday. (If you leave an anonymous comment, please put your name in your comment, so I can include you in the drawing.)

- tauna marie

Thank you for visiting creative confetti!  Please take a moment to "like" creative confetti (website) on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter. And I'd love to hear from you via the comment section or the email option on my profile page!