Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Book Review- Artful Halloween:31 Frightfully Elegant Projects

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I don’t know about you but Halloween crafting has got to be some of the best! And the new book Artful Halloween: 31 Frightfully Elegant Projects is just the ticket to get your scissors and glue gun in action! It got my wire cutters and needle nose pliers out of moth balls! I had to make something practically instantly I was so inspired. See the wicked cool bead and button spiders I made using the awesome tutorial that Lark books are known for over at Sweater Surgery. And If you love making Halloween decorations I bet you will love Artful Halloween: 31 Frightfully Elegant Projects as much as I do.  The projects are, as the title states, elegant but not too fussy or time-consuming which is just the way I like my holiday crafts.

More about the book from the publisher Lark Crafts:

Artful Halloween: 31 Frightfully Elegant Projects

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Susan Wasinger

“These 30+ costume, pumpkin, and home-decorating ideas are not just beautiful–they are scary beautiful. From unique pumpkin decorations to a “blood”-splashed dinner-party centerpiece to a Yard Specter made from two poles, a string of lights, and torn, draped fabric, these creepy but stylish Halloween projects will give your home a spooky, sophisticated look . . . with gothic flair!

Susan Wasinger designs houses, products, books, and magazines. Her work has been featured in Metropolitan Home, Stitch, Natural Home, and Piecework magazines, as well as on HGTV. She is the author of several books, including The Feisty  Stitcher (Lark, 2010). She  lives in Boulder, CO.“

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How to Paint Melamine Furniture

Recently, we received an email from Jenny, one of our readers, asking for some advice on painting melamine furniture. Jenny was looking to refresh an old dresser but wasn’t sure about the right way to tackle the project. Well, we’ve got just the thing! After some digging, we came across a fantastic article on Spraypaint Blog titled How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture, which walks you through the process step-by-step.

Why This Article is Perfect for Jenny (and You!)

This guide is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything you need to know about painting melamine—an often tricky material to work with. Melamine is known for its smooth, glossy surface, which can be tough to paint without the right preparation. But with the tips from this article, you’ll learn how to properly prep your melamine pieces, choose the right paint, and achieve a professional-looking finish.

The article also dives into the importance of sanding and priming the surface to ensure that the paint adheres well. With these steps, Jenny (and anyone else trying this project) can be sure that their painted melamine furniture will not only look great but last for years to come.

Jenny, we hope this article gives you all the info you need to tackle your melamine furniture project! It’s clear from the tutorial that a little prep work goes a long way, and with the right products, even melamine can be transformed into a beautiful, personalized piece.

For anyone else curious about painting melamine, check out the full article on Spraypaint Blog for all the tips and techniques: How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture. Happy painting!

My Tips for Painting Melamine Furniture

Hey Jenny (and anyone else planning a melamine project), here are my top tips to help you get the best results when painting melamine furniture:

Prep is Key
Clean the surface well, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to give the primer something to grip onto. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Prime Like a Pro
Don’t skip the primer! Use a bonding primer that’s made for glossy surfaces or melamine. It’ll make sure your paint sticks and lasts.

Pick the Right Paint
Go for a good enamel or acrylic paint. I use a foam roller for a smooth finish—no brushstrokes! Apply a few thin coats, letting each one dry in between.

Topcoat for Durability
Once the paint’s dry, apply a protective topcoat (polyurethane or polycrylic) to help it stay scratch-free.

Give It Time
Let the paint cure for at least 48 hours before using the furniture—longer is even better! It’ll help the finish hold up over time.

Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to try fun colors or finishes! Melamine is perfect for getting a bit adventurous.