Pringles Tube Lighthouse

In previous posts, I showed you how to create a postbox and a mailbox out of an empty Pringles tube. I seem to be finding more and more ways of upcycling these versatile cardboard tubes, and so this time, I am going to show you how to turn one into a lighthouse.

Upcycled Christmas Card Baubles

Happy New Year!

My first upcycling project of 2020 has begun, and I am using all of my old Christmas cards, and a used Advent calendar, to create some super cute Christmas card baubles!

Aren't they fabulous!?

They are so easy to make, and the best thing is you can use any materials left over from Christmas to decorate them.

To make one, you will need:

• used Christmas cards / old Advent calendar / glittery card crackers
• circle punch (I used a 1.5" scalloped edge craft punch)
• pencil
• ruler
• scissors
• strong craft glue
• thread, string, ribbon or wool for hanging

Envelope Tote Bag

There are so many different tutorials showing how to make a paper tote bag, but I am going to show you how to make one using an old envelope. As you know, I love to upcycle whenever I can, and these little bags are so cute and so easy to make, they are perfect for last minute favour bags!

Altered Tin Design

This was a challenge: what could I create using the remains of some Christmas crackers?

They were too beautifully patterned to throw away, so I started thinking, and decided to try another altered tin design.

And here is the result!

With the addition of some paper flowers, a small key, a paper doily, some small faux pearls and a printed image of a pocket watch, the theme I was trying to go for was Victorian Music Hall. 

I was particularly inspired by this image from City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds.

It would be lovely to use this tin to keep theatre tickets in.

The card was quite thick so I had to separate the layers, and because the top layer was already coated it didn't tear.

I love the shine on the finished item. The coating on the card was already quite shiny, but with the addition of several layers of PVA glue it really sparkles now!

Butterfly Altered Tin

This is my latest altered tin design, and I absolutely love it!

I chose to make the butterfly in the centre a vivid shade of blue to enhance the blue spots on the tin. The two butterflies on either side are slightly faded so that they don't distract from the one in the centre.

 I inked the edges of the spotty paper slightly to give it an aged, vinatge look...

and I continued with the same spotty paper inside the tin (no ink this time).

The little silver feet on the base of the tin are small beads, which complement the silver bottle cap on the lid.

Altered Tin Designs

Continuing with the paper flower theme, here are two more of my altered tin designs. I have really enjoyed creating these, especially reusing materials from other items.

And here are the three tins together:

Altered Tin Design

Over the last few months, I've been making a collection of small (throat pastille) tins - not wanting to throw them away, but not really knowing what to do with them. 

After spending some time on Pinterest recently, I found myself suddenly immersed into the world of altered tin designs, and I knew what I had to do!

I couldn't wait to get started! This is my first one, combining steampunk and vintage design.

I used a textured paper to cover the outside of the tin, and after inking the edges, I applied a little antique gold Rub n Buff to enhance the detail.

All of the other materials I used are repurposed, having been taken off of something else.

I am thrilled with the result, particularly the little silver (bead) feet on the base.

I can't wait to start making more of these - the design possiblities are endless!