Friday, April 24, 2020

Cardboard Clay - Upcycled DIY

So many cardboard boxes piling up right now, and though I love turning them into funky postcards, I thought it might be more fun to figure out a cardboard clay recipe.  It took a while and some tinkering around, but I finally did it!  The first batch had too much glue, the 2nd batch didn't dry right, the third batch was just right and dried hard as a rock!  So far I've just filled silicone molds with it, but I'll get around to making a bowl or covering an armature eventually.  Until then, why don't you whip up a batch and see what you come up with?  Have fun, upcycle and don't forget to
Make Your Mark!
 My colorful cardboard clay pins!
 Never bored with cardboard!
STUFF I USED
My molds: https://amzn.to/39P7v4U Americana Acrylics: https://amzn.to/2UFQwgQ E6000 Plus: https://amzn.to/30GJc4P Pin Backs: https://amzn.to/3dWSnp4 Triple Thick Gloss Glaze: https://amzn.to/2UIrD4e
Watch how to make CARDBOARD CLAY here!
Or watch it on YouTube HERE!
The sacred hearts are my favorite! 
 I think these would make an awesome necklace, too!
From boxes to brooches!

Thursday, April 23, 2020

The Easiest Paper Beads - Upcycled DIY

I STILL get a phone book every 6 months and when I see it on my doorstep, it's like being zapped back in time!  Still, I immediately grab it because I love making stuff with the thin, translucent paper!  These paper beads could easily be made with newspaper, too, but a phone book just seemed so much fun and I had one on hand.  By using several coats of paint, starting with black, you can get an amazing raw turquoise look.  Add a little Triple Thick Gloss Glaze from DecoArt and you'll have a strand of beads worthy of a chic gallery opening!  Like I always say,  use what you have
and always Make Your Mark!
I'm moving to Florida so I can wear these with a huge caftan!
Paint them any color...add gold flakes!
STUFF I USED
Americana Acrylics: https://amzn.to/2UFQwgQ Triple Thick Gloss Glaze: https://amzn.to/2UIrD4e
Watch how to make them here!

Giving these a strand-ing ovation!
Bead-utiful!

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Secret Bottle Boxes - Upcycled DIY

I love to hide things. In fact, I'm still finding crap that I put in a "safe place" from years ago!  If you like to hide things, too, these secret bottle boxes might just be the ticket.  You all know I've been tinkering around with my bottle cutter for over a year now and I really enjoy figuring out fun things to make.  This was a great way to use the entire bottle for a project and then try out some simple mixed media techniques.  You could fill them with change, wishes, journal entries, or an extra set of car keys and no one would know that they're actually boxes!  Think outside the box, my amazing friends, and don't forget to MAKE YOUR MARK!



Watch how to make them here!

Images I used.  Just drag to your desktop and print to size!







Wishes, secrets and memories

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Black Light Neon Spin Art DIY

When I was a kid I REALLY wanted a black light but my parents thought it would ruin my eyes...Not sure where they got that idea, but once they said "NO", that was that.  Well, guess what mom!  I have 2 black lights now and they're awesome...Especially when I use the new BLACK LIGHT NEON PAINTS from DecoArt!  Honestly, I didn't know what to do with these paints since my black light phase, well, phased out a loooooonnng time ago.  But, once I started toying around with my homemade spin art machine, it came to me.  Even without UV light this paint is fantastically neon and it's even more amazing under UV light!  Get your 70s groove on, my fab friends, 
and don't forget to MAKE YOUR MARK!
Photographed under a black light! 
LIST OF PRODUCTS I USED:
DecoArt Black Light Neon Paints: https://amzn.to/2PRHD0Q Coolest Black Light: https://amzn.to/2PRHD0Q Black Canvas Boards: https://amzn.to/39iBthc

Watch how to make this funky art here!
OR watch it on YouTube HERE!
Splat! 
You spin me right round baby!

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Electric Bracelets - Upcycled Cardboard Craft

This project harkens back to 2nd grade art class (FYI, my favorite class ever) where we took yarn and tinfoil to make awesome works of art to adorn every fridge in my hometown.  Well, at least until the turkey hand project took over.  I kicked this one up a notch for my fresh and funky fashion friends and used aluminum tape and gorgeous Marabu Alcohol Inks which come in fantabulous colors.  The best part about this project, for me, is that I get to upcycle cardboard and make them in all different wrist sizes!  Your waste bin is the best place to find craft supplies, my resourceful friends!  Now get out there and Make Your Mark!
 Serious colorful fun!
 For a fantastic, fashion-y night out!
EVERYTHING I USED FOR THIS PROJECT:
Marabu Alcohol Inks: https://bit.ly/3dcKlrR
SUREBONDER DETAIL GLUE GUN: https://amzn.to/2tJxueL
ALL the SUREBONDER PRODUCTS: https://amzn.to/2Rw5kNt
Aluminum Tape: https://amzn.to/38XjQ6n
DuraClear Gloss Varnish: https://amzn.to/2U0CVkb
Watch how to make them here!
Try using just one or two colors!
 I used stripes, but you could use any design!
I love the nightlife! I like to boogie!

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Floating Nature Prints

Two things I love...LARGE certificate frames from the 99c store and sprigs of trees and plants, snipped and arranged after my morning walk.  I finally decided to see if I could get some impressions of this beautiful morning-walk-foliage on my Gel Press and WOW was I happy with the results.  They made such beautiful pieces of art!  Using two large frames I was able to create a floating effect for very little money.  Use that amazing world of beauty right in your backyard, my creative friends!  Have fun, be safe and always Make Your Mark!
My beautiful floating nature art!
I loved using the different shades color on my Gel Press
THINGS I USED FOR THIS PROJECT:
Awesome Gel Press Products: https://amzn.to/364hn95 E6000 Glue: bit.ly/2PCo4s8 Americana Premium Tube Acrylics: https://bit.ly/3aJ5pnY Antique Brass Filigree Pieces: https://amzn.to/2Q5W2a3
Watch how to make them here!
Nature-ally beautiful!

Make Art!