RePurpose and ReUse Shopping Bags

Step by step instructions on how to create this:

from this:

Don't throw away shopping bags just because they have the store name on them. Repurpose and Reuse! This bag has great colors of Red and Hot Pink. I picked out scrapbook paper that had similar shades, only a different design. I like to pair a large print (stripe), with a smaller print.

Cut a strip wide enough to cover the store logo.

Turn the paper to it's back side, lay bag on top, and trace down the excess paper using the bag as your template. 

Trim off excess, by cutting along the inside of the line. 

Glue the paper to the bag by laying a thin strip of glue around the edge of the paper, and a few dots in the center. The key is not to use a lot of glue as the front side will look bumpy. If you do get a little too much glue, don't worry, it will dry flatter then it not wet. Stick glue will work, but over time, can detach from glossy paper. 

Next, you are going to pick trims to cover the edges of the scrapbook paper.  You can buy narrow foot long stickers, or sticker backed ribbon from the scrapbook department, or venture into the sewing department for a variety of trims that can be glued down.  

  

I chose a strip of hot pink rhinestone stickers, and rose colored velvet ribbon. Just about anything can be glued down, except satin ribbon, as the glue will show through.

Next, dip into your old, hardly every used jewelry, or take a trip to the second hand store and find an accent piece for your gift bag. Repurposing old jewelry will literally cost quarters. I chose a lavender colored drop, and some faux pearls, added them to a snippet of velvet ribbon, and glued it on.

If the store logo is on both sides of the bag, don't forget to cover it! However, you don't have to use jewelry accents on both sides, unless you want.

Voila, a bag for you to ReUse for gift giving.

 

Blessings, Ele  

olio board

 http://www.olioboard.com is an amazing design site that allows you to create an inspiration board, and lets you know where you can purchase the items.

 

I'm seriously in love.
I recently spent an afternoon in a furniture store aimlessly wandering the aisles for bedroom inspiration. I found little, and the massive bedroom sets (although pretty) provided little in the way of softness and mismatched  look I want to achieve. 

Oilio Board to my rescue!  

I love mismatched. It gets my attention, so the above Olio Board is the bedroom "look" I would like to achieve.

1. I started with basic pieces: luscious tufted headboard, mirrored side table, neutral chair, and large barn wood colored dresser. 

2. I like mixing silver and gold, of which the mirrored table has both. I added the gorgeous gold shimmery chandy, the great London silver clock, the mirror, (which also has silver and gold), and the silver lamp with a neutral shade. 

3. I believe in neutrals, (YES I admit). Boring, boring, boring nuetrals, so the bedding, the rug (nice design), and laundry basket were added next. At this point, I could add more neutrals with lots of texture for a shabby french look, or I could add color. 

4. Since I'm not the only one who resides in this room, I chose to add a little color: purple velvet pillows (which I already have, yay!),  a lime green pillow, a lime tufted footstool that reflects the headboard and has great chocolate legs. With a neutral base, any color would work in this space. And, in the future the pops of color can be changed!

Have fun playing with Olio Board!
Ele

Let Your Heart Soar

Most likely, my last heart collage of the season! Wherever your heart is this Valentines Day; with friends, family, or someone special. Let it Soar!

Hugs and Blessings,

Ele

Heart Collage

February has arrived, and tis the season for hearts.   

My latest collage includes layers of paper. Vintage wallpaper layered with music paper, lace, and pattern pieces.    

      

 

The sheen on this piece is really pretty and doesn't show up well on the pictures. I also like the way lace turns out when brushed with modge podge. It adds a whole new texture to a piece.

Don't forget to start making your Valentine list. It's only a week away. My family is already buzzing with ideas for gifts, or cards. Remember it's a great time to make someone feel special, and the perfect time to spread a little of God's love. 

Blessings,

Ele

She Loves Fashion

She Loves Fashion.

I made this collage for my passionately creative girl.

A little bit of her, and a message from me, "I love you" discretely positioned in the lower right corner.

I miss my pink girl, as she persues her dreams,
far, far away. 

Blessings, Ele