Upcycle Week: Learn how to store your photos & twine in style!
Hello, G45ers!
Pull out your pretty papers, scissors, and glue and let's start creating! This post features two upcycled projects by our Design Team members. First, Kathy Clement gifts us a gorgeous Mixed Media Box filled with tags and photo mats all decorated with the new Vintage Hollywood collection. Plus, Kathy shares her genius tips on how you can create your own masterpiece. Second, Marina BlauKitchen shares a fantastic and simple way to repurpose a matchbox into a cord, twine or ribbon dispenser. So let's dive in and enjoy what can be crafted with Graphic 45 and a bit of leftover packaging.
Born to Be a Star Box by Kathy Clement
"My mom loved old black and white movies, and I can remember lazy Saturday afternoons spent watching them together. It was a special treat to eat lunch from TV trays in the living room while watching Tarzan and Jane, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, or Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn transport us far from our little house on top of the hill. The Vintage Hollywood collection brought back all those happy memories for me. I wanted to pay tribute to that incredible era of movie making by creating an “off the page” project complete with a movie reel and filmstrip elements. I hope you enjoy this homage to the glitz and glam of Vintage Hollywood." ~Kathy Clement
Tip #1
Turn trash into treasure! For this off the page project, I combined an empty ribbon spool and G45 Staples packaging tags with a square mixed media kraft box, a shabby chic ornate door plate, ATC policy envelopes and Vintage Hollywood papers. The end result is a glamorous photo storage box.
Tip #2
I love to use black chalk paint to alter surfaces. It is a drier paint, so it is less likely to warp paper, it goes on smoothly, and dries quickly. You don’t have to sand before painting, which is another big plus. I used it to paint my kraft mixed media box, the empty ribbon spool and my packaging tags. I also ran a black edge around each side of the kraft photo mount squares from the box. It provides a nice, crisp border for your photos.
Tip #3
Turn ATC Policy Envelopes into interactive elements! Cut a strip of cardstock to measure 2.5” long x 1” tall. Score down the middle at ½”. Crease with a bone folder. Glue one flap to the back of your ATC Policy envelope and the other to the bottom edge of your photo mount. Then use 3D foam adhesive (or waste chipboard) to add an image to the envelope front. You can add secret journaling, small souvenirs, or photos to the ATC pocket and mount large photos behind.
Tip #4
To create the movie reel “ribbon” I cut 1.5” widths of the film strip ribbon on the reverse side of the signature page. Mist the paper lightly with water and gently wrap around a pencil. The paper will curl, and while damp, can be easily twisted and glued onto your project.
Tip #5
To create the “bun” feet for the box, I glued together two 1” diameter wooden bingo chips. Then I wrapped them with Staples black/gold washi tape and hot glued onto the box base.
Tip #6
Use a felt applicator and Red Pepper and Terra Cotta Alcohol Inks to alter the Staples Metal Doorplate. Then tap black chalk paint around the raised edges to provide contrast.
Graphic 45 Supplies:
- Vintage Hollywood 12x12 Collection: Star Studded, Spotlight, Vintage Hollywood
- Vintage Hollywood 8x8 collection: Glitz and Glamour, Tinseltown
- Vintage Hollywood 12x12 Patterns and Solids
- Vintage Hollywood Tags and Pockets Cardstock Die Cuts
- Vintage Hollywood Decorative and Journaling Chipboard
- Vintage Hollywood Sticker Sheet
- Red ATC Policy Envelopes
- 5x5 Kraft Mixed Media Box with Cardstock Photo Mats
- Staples Washi Tape
- Shabby Chic Door Plate & Knob
- Staples Metal Packaging Tags
Other Supplies:
- Empty Ribbon Spool
- Black Chalk Paint
- Petaloo Red Anemones, Black Botanical Blooms
- Gold Delicate Stitched Satin Ribbon
- 1” diameter Bingo Chips for Bun feet (you will need 8)
- Metal stars
- Red Pepper, Terra Cotta Alcohol Ink to alter door plate
- Tarnished Brass Distress Paint
- Black Cardstock, Glue, Double Sided Tape, Glue Gun, Foam Dimensionals
Upcycle Cord Dispenser Box Cityscapes Tutorial by Marina Blaukitchen
"I love to recycle and give new life to an object that could have ended up in the trash. In this case, a small box containing Christmas chocolates has become a very practical cord dispenser for when packaging gifts." ~Marina Blaukitchen
Tip:
Do not throw anything away that makes you think that maybe you can turn it into something nice, unique and different. You may not do it immediately but surely the moment arises when that little box has its utility. Study the structure of the piece, and think how you can make the most of it and how you can paste the paper and other elements to make it perfect
Graphic 45 Supplies:
City Scapes
City Scapes Street of Dreams
City Scapes Chipboard 1
Other Supplies:
A matchbox type box
Cord
One eyelet
One brad
Some ribbon
This week we are giving out a $40+ prize package that includes an Off to the Races 8x8 paper pad, 6x6 Patterns and Solids pad, Decorative Chipboard, Ephemera Cards, ATC Black Book Box, and Shabby Chic Drawer Pulls. Wow! To enter to win, just leave a comment here on our blog and/or Facebook page. The winner will be announced here on the blog on Friday, April 21st, 2017.
Thank you for following along on our creative journey. We love to see what people are creating, to keep the great ideas going full circle. Be sure to share your ideas below in the comments and photos of your work on Instagram and Facebook using the #Graphic45 hashtag. In the words of Albert Einstein, "Creativity is contagious, pass it on."
Happy Papercrafting!
Visit your LSS or order online today! Looking for Graphic 45 products? Store Locator
Great projects as usual - particularly love the string box. My string is always so tangled, so this will keep it all safe & tidy. Thank you
Posted by: Sue MacFall | April 20, 2017 at 05:14 AM
Great tips - another reason to love Graphic 45!!!
Posted by: Diane Barnett | April 20, 2017 at 05:20 AM
Love the Vintage Hollywood project...great idea with the ribbon spool! And what a practical way to keep that twine untangled!! TFS!
Posted by: Donna Leutloff | April 20, 2017 at 06:09 AM
Awesome!!!
Posted by: Dorothy McCarthy | April 20, 2017 at 06:10 AM
Love, love, love todays upcycles!! Great tips and awesome tutorials on how to create all of the element on these projects. Graphic 45 your products rock!!
Posted by: Kath White | April 20, 2017 at 06:43 AM
Great presentation by both DT members. Going to the store to buy some black chalk ink/paint
Posted by: ava gavloski | April 20, 2017 at 07:04 AM
Love the cord dispenser box.
Goes from utilitarian to gorgeous - and
it's still useful.
Great projects.
thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mary Holshouser | April 20, 2017 at 07:10 AM
Wow--the first project is fabulous--so many great details. Love the practical cord dispenser box.
Posted by: Sue LD | April 20, 2017 at 07:16 AM
GREAT tips and inspiration!!!
Posted by: Caitlin Rebecca | April 20, 2017 at 07:49 AM
Marvellous!
Posted by: fusiafscrapping | April 20, 2017 at 08:24 AM
Kathy's box is so pretty! And I love the clever dispenser box from Marina!
Posted by: Vanessa LeClear | April 20, 2017 at 09:04 AM
Such a great idea for a string box Marina! And Kathy, your project is stunning! Love them both!
Posted by: Sandy Trefger | April 20, 2017 at 09:09 AM
I love the cord dispencer box ,what a great idea.Kathy's creation is inspiring as well.I very much appreciate the great tips from both ladies.
Thanks G45 for a chance to win.
Posted by: Mathilde S. | April 20, 2017 at 09:21 AM
Great idea for a beautiful memory box and Vintage Hollywood is the perfect collection. More reasons I love Graphic 45. It brings back wonderful childhood memories and gives me beautiful paper to recreate them for my kids and grandkids to enjoy! I'm loving the card dispenser box! I tend to want to hoard those great, sturdy little boxes and this gives me a very beautiful and practical use for them!
Posted by: Glenda Buster | April 20, 2017 at 09:41 AM
I love this!!! Beautiful!!
Posted by: Shanta Newby | April 20, 2017 at 12:02 PM
Upcycling is a test of our creative abilities...and just look at the terrific results!
Posted by: Martie Rollin | April 20, 2017 at 12:26 PM
Fabulous projects,
wonderful upgrades.
Carla from Utah
Posted by: Carla Hundley | April 20, 2017 at 12:27 PM
I just saw that you are bringing back French Country and I am so excited! (I know this post wasn't about that, but I am just thrilled). Now, I just need to plan a trip to France to go with it :)
Posted by: Louise | April 20, 2017 at 12:55 PM
Spectacular Projects! Oh I am so in love with the French Country Collection! I can't wait!
Posted by: Tina M | April 20, 2017 at 01:28 PM
Wow! Design team members are so clever! Both projects are super!
Posted by: Pat Ford | April 20, 2017 at 02:24 PM
Both projects are eye candy. I'm very interested in the cord dispenser box. Wow that's all from me today.
Posted by: Michelle Nettleton | April 20, 2017 at 02:48 PM
I'm so happy to find these projects just love these papers
Posted by: luclle Martin | April 20, 2017 at 04:15 PM
LOVE, love, love the photo box!! It's absolutely gorgeous! Love all the details!! Its fabulous. The Vintage Hollywood paper is perfect for this project! Thanks for the inspiration 0n both boxes!
Posted by: Joya Bohman | April 20, 2017 at 04:52 PM
Love all the details and the paper is fantastic!!! Great job!!!
Posted by: Lisa Kubin | April 20, 2017 at 04:54 PM
Pretty awesome box!! Thank you, Graphic 45!
Posted by: Laurie Bradshaw | April 20, 2017 at 05:52 PM
Love the creativity, all the designers are so talented. And thank you Graphic 45 for producing beautiful paper and staples!
Posted by: Elaine W. | April 20, 2017 at 07:12 PM
Such a lovely tribute to honour the time you and your Mom shared! Delightful! And what a treat to find such a sweet twine dispenser box! G45 continues to excel with their papers and designers!
Posted by: Cyndi B | April 20, 2017 at 10:16 PM
Love both of these projects! Good examples of how simple or how "complicated" you can go when upcycling. That Vintage Hollywood box is amazing, love the filmstrip & reel & the photo pages. And the matchbox cord dispenser, I can see on my desk. I think I have a box that will work & I am going to use "Raining Cats & Dogs", so fun! I will use it to dispense Baker's Twine. Thanks G45!
Posted by: Karen Martin | April 20, 2017 at 10:23 PM
How cute are these!?!
Posted by: Deborah Cox | April 21, 2017 at 12:33 AM
Fabulous projects!
Posted by: Kirsty Vittetoe | April 21, 2017 at 04:01 AM
Was so glad to read about the chalk paint. I've been curious about it and will purchase some to try. Good info to know. Thanks.
Love the twine dispenser...very clever.
Great post again....TFS
Posted by: Jan D., FL | April 21, 2017 at 04:18 AM
These, as all your design team's projects, are amazing.have you thought to make kits from some of these projectS?
Posted by: Debby L | April 21, 2017 at 04:38 AM
love the projects thanks for sharing
Posted by: Frances Perkins | April 21, 2017 at 06:44 AM
I'm so glad I found this blog!! I'm excited about all the inspiration that I know I'll get from all your posts!!
Posted by: Sue Davis | April 21, 2017 at 06:50 AM
Love these Upcycle projects. So clever! I especially thoght the film reel and film were wonderful.
Posted by: Sandy Carroll | April 21, 2017 at 12:57 PM
Love the matchbox idea, in fact I just created one..adorable. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Deb Whitehouse | April 22, 2017 at 01:23 PM
beautiful project is stunning!
Posted by: Amante del Papel | April 23, 2017 at 08:10 AM