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How to upcycle a paper shopping back with chalkboard paint

January 30, 2014 by Stefanie Girard

IMG_1052It never ceases to amaze me what crafty peeps come up with to cover with chalkboard paint. Over at the blog Muslin and Merlot there is a fun tutorial on how to paint paper shopping bags with chalkboard paint to give them a new and crafty look perfect for sharing a bit of art or a good quote.

Why should you make your own shopping bags or totes?  Plastic bags are from the same source as all plastic: crude oil. So what is wrong with crude oil? The manufacturing process emits considerable amounts of pollution, and the product is not biodegradable. On land, plastic bags are one of the most common types of litter worldwide. As plastic bags are lightweight and float easily, this means they can travel long distances when picked up by the wind this includes landing in the ocean. Then wildlife gets tangled or ingests the bags, both in the sea and on land.  Make a difference and make your own shopping grocery bags.  Have plastic bags you need to re-use? Consider making these DIY upcycled plastic bag crafts.

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Comments

  1. azteclady says

    January 30, 2014 at 4:01 pm

    I confess that some of the recycling/upcycling posts leave me cold–this one, though? a GREAT idea!

    Even someone who rarely shops has tons of these bags stashed somewhere. What a great way to give them a second life!

    Thank you for sharing the post.

  2. Heidi Kay says

    January 30, 2014 at 7:31 pm

    Thanks for the feature, Stefanie! There’s so much that can be improved with a coat of chalkboard paint :-).

Have you read?

Upcycled Writing Desk to Cocktail Cabinet

Cassie Fairy’s transformation of a vintage writing bureau into a glamorous cocktail cabinet is both innovative and inspiring. By repurposing a second-hand piece, she demonstrates how creativity and a bit of elbow grease can breathe new life into old furniture.

The makeover features a striking contrast between a deep indigo exterior and a metallic copper interior, evoking a Great Gatsby-esque elegance. The addition of mirrored backboards and a custom ‘BAR’ sign enhances the cabinet’s festive appeal, making it a standout piece for entertaining guests.?

Cassie’s step-by-step guide is thorough, covering everything from surface preparation to painting techniques. Her approach is accessible, requiring no power tools, which makes this project suitable for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels.?

This upcycled cocktail cabinet not only serves as a functional bar but also as a conversation starter, showcasing the potential of sustainable design. For those interested in undertaking this project, Cassie provides detailed instructions and tips on her blog.?

Explore the full tutorial here: DIY Project: How to Upcycle a Writing Desk into a Classy Cocktail Cabinet.

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