Sunday, March 27, 2011

In Mint Condition


It's hip to recycle, right - therefore, it's hip to craft.  Let me explain:  Before there were craft stores where we can buy all the supplies we need to make something, we used to "make things" from supplies we had around the house.  I remember creating a whole ensemble of chorus line dolls made from wooden beads, scraps of lace, ribbon and pipe cleaners.  Since it's no longer hip to smoke a pipe, these are now known as chenille stems.  Cardboard tubes, fabric from old clothes, yarn and more was all fair game for making something and making something from nothing is the fun part of the game.  Let me show you what I mean.  We'll start with this:


You should definitely not throw these away because look what you can make:



Cover tins with scraps of paper, ribbon and embellishments for a fun gift tin.  The final look is determined by the paper and how it's decorated.  Sand the tin lightly then spread tacky glue over the surface.  Lay the paper onto each side; let dry thoroughly then trim away excess.



So, don't throw those tins away!  They'll always be in "mint" condition and will make great gifts, with or without the mints.  Y'all come back now......

Yours truly,
Julie  :)

BTW:  Don't forget we'll be announcing the next giveaway on 0404!!!

14 comments:

  1. I'm LOVING those! I have a load of these tins waiting for a great purpose in life (other than holding a wonderful supply of way too minty-mints!) I've seen and made ones covered with a bit of DSP but these are just fab!

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  2. Julie - I LOVE the tin that looks like luggage.

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  3. Julie,these are just darling! I have 6 of these tins that I have been saving to do something cute with. can't wait to play!

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  4. I just love what you did with these! I really love the vintage vibe one!!!

    Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeves next!!!

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  5. Love this craft...and I had to smile- we called the Pipe cleaners when I was a girl, too. : )

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  6. Wow, they look fantastic! Well done for being so creative.

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  7. This is so wonderful and unique! May I ask, what did you use for the metal studs? I'd love to recreate this for my girls! :)

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  8. So glad you like this! I have to admit I made it a number of years ago and it has been featured in a magazine and on Scrapbook Memores. I believe the 3 brads on the right were sticker studs. It was an older line that Rebecca Sower did for EK Success. I also "stole" the buckles from a ready made tag..... You could probably use brads if you can't find the stickers, but I seem to remember seeing something similar at Michels. To use brads, remove the prongs then glue the rounded top in place. I attached the ribbon handle on top with brads. To make it more sturdy I punch holes in the side of the tin then attached the ends of the ribbon with brads.

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    1. Hello am wondering where to buy the straps so I can make one for my daughters elf

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    2. I wish I could help. I've tried to find more too. You can use gros grain ribbon for the straps, but the small buckles are hard to find. Check in the notions dept at JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby and also doll making supplies. Silver and gold buckles can be colored with alcohol inks from the scrapbooking/rubber stamping area of the store. You could also try Dritz for Dolls.

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  9. thank you very much I enjoyed looking

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  10. I just LOVE this little suitcase, but I can't seem to find on this page the tutorial as stated in the title. I love your craft... I am now a follower.

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  11. Hi Carolann, Happy New Year! I glued (découpaged) scrapbook paper to the back and front of the tin and strips of the same paper around the sides. The "straps" are narrow gros grain ribbon, then I embellished it with 3D stickers from Jolee's boutique. Sorry I can't be more explicit, but hope this helps. Julie :)

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  12. This os so cute!! Thank you for sharing. I'm going to give it a try to make my wife for Easter. Yours are just adorable I love them.

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