upcycled pot holder tutorial

While I do TONS of cooking, it dawned on me over the weekend that the only pot holder we have in the house is a tacky snowman pot holder! I decided this was unacceptable and I had to fix the problem immediately. So I set out to create a cute and unique set of pot holders made from things I had on hand.

After looking through my fabric scraps and the "donate pile", I though the best upcycled material to use for my pot holders was an old pair of jeans- I wanted to use the color blue, the denim is nice and thick and I didn't have to break into any of my new fabric or canvas- which is reserved for more important projects right now!

I started by cutting out squares for the front and back and I made sure to hold onto the pockets to use on one side to slip my hands into.

I also used some scraps of white fabric and painted polka dots and stripes with yellow dye-I love pairing blue and yellow together :)

If you are not up for creating your own fabric with paint or dye- cut up an old shirt, table cloth, sheet or dig through your scrap fabric pile to keep from spending $$

The inside of the front pockets of my jeans had really cute floral fabric so I utilized the fabric and cut out circles. I layered the floral circles on top of the yellow polka dots.

I stacked everything on top of a piece of batting and stitched the surface with lots and lots of circles.

I added more stitching with turquoise thread.

I added another piece of batting to the back of the denim square and then sewed the polka dot fabric to the denim square.

And I added straight stitches along the sides of square.

I set aside the front squares of the pot holder and got to work on the back squares.

I didn't want the pockets to look so much like pockets of jeans so I used some of the striped fabric and a few extra blue strips to make a little patch (in the shape of the pocket) to cover the top of the denim pocket.

I stacked everything on top of batting...

and sewed the strips down with lots of stitches.

After the patches were finished, I stitched them by hand onto the top of the denim pocket.

The last step was to sew the front and back together.

I added another piece of batting in between the two sides and sewed them together.

optional- add a loop for hanging

And there you have it- one of a kind pot holders with no money spent!

Love Everyday Wreath Tutorial

Last year I revealed that I don't like Valentines Day (at all!!) I am one of those people who thinks it is a commercial holiday where we all feel pressure to participate and spend money on gifts and dinner! But with that said, I love hearts, the colors red and pink, love notes, dinner out on the town, romance and celebrating love- I just prefer to celebrate it everyday! I decided this year to dedicate a series of tutorials in the next few weeks to heart projects that could be used everyday of the year- not just for Valentines Day! The first is a simple flower wreath made from junk mail.

I love using junk mail as much as I can and the easiest way to transform it is to paint over everything with colorful acrylic paint.

Start by painting 2-4 pieces of junk mail in different shades of pink and red or your favorite colors.

Once the junk mail is dry, quickly journal, doodle or even scribble all over the surface.

I wrote all sorts of little love notes- to myself and to my husband.

Cut up the paper into different sized circles and stack 2-3 circles on top of each other.

Scrunch up until it looks like an abstract flower.

Use hot glue applied to the back of the flower...

and attach to a heart or round styrofoam wreath.

Build up lots of layers of flowers along the entire surface of the wreath.

Go back and add beads or even buttons to the center of the flowers with hot glue.

The end result is a delicate and vintage looking wreath (MADE FROM TRASH!) to hang on the wall year round to remind you to love everyday!

Recycled Tribal Necklace

I love the tribal trend in fashion and accessories- it is colorful, interesting, whimsical and bohemian. In my daily work I have pulled lots of tribal inspiration into my fabric and surface design and today when I made my "weekly dig" through our recycling bin, I all of a sudden thought of yet one more way to use recycled cardboard rolls- to create a chunky tribal necklace!

Start by painting a cardboard roll with bright colorful paint- experiment with different sizes of cardboard rolls.

Once it is dry, cut into sections.

Paint each section with colorful, tribal inspired designs.

Once you are satisfied with the painted designs, use several layers of gel medium (in either a matte or gloss) and let dry.

Use a braided ribbon, a piece of twine or even a chain and string to string your cardboard beads.

Recycled Tag Tutorial

I have never EVER purchased gift tags- once again why buy when you can create! I have been recycling clothing and merchandise tags for a while now and the holidays are the perfect time for this simple project.

I keep a stash of recycled tags on hand in my studio ( I always save tags in fun shapes and unique sizes!)

Simply paint over tags- I painted mine with simple white acrylic paint for a clean slate and then started creating!

I stitched...

I beaded....

I dripped....

I collaged.... my way to an entire collection of unique tags for all of my holiday gifts!

Last Minute Recycled Place Card Tutorial

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only two days away?! While I am not entertaining for the weekend this does mark the beginning a month full of cooking and entertaining for me! A simple set of handmade place cards is the perfect way to personalize your holidays table!

Here is a simple, quick, easy and recycled project for creating place cards for entertaining!

Start with a recycled cereal or food box.

Cover the surface with paint (two colors) blend lightly on the surface- I picked a fall palette.

Please note I am using Claudine Hellmuth's fabulous Studio Line acrylic paint- LOVE all the colors!!!!

Once you surface is dry, use stamps to add pattern (use a contrasting color that will pop!)

Use a permanent marker to quickly outline the stamped images for more contrast and dimension.

Add one more layer of stamps in another contrasting color.

Once your cardboard is dry, cut into desired shapes and sizes.

Add a piece of paper or fabric- I am using (once again) one of my most favorite supplies- Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Line Sticky Back Canvas.

Cut out strips to fit on the folded place card.

Attach the strips to the surface of the place card- I simple peeled off the back and stuck them to the surface!

Instead of using a pen, try using watered down black paint for pretty lettering on each of the cards.

The result is personal, colorful and handmade place cards for your holiday table!