Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- Crafting With Mason Jars book

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Giveaway- Crafting With Mason Jars and other Glass Containers: Over 35 simple and beautiful upcycling projects

Leave a comment in today’s post by May 12th, 2016 and you are in the running for this pretty book filled with great ideas and tutorials on how to transform jars into all sorts of great things.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

“Upcycle your glass jars and other vessels into useful and lovely objects. Follow Hester van Overbeek’s easy steps to make a fresh flower-decorated tea-light votive for a garden party, store all your grains and pasta in large jars with vibrantly painted lids, or why not surprise a friend with the colorful “birthday in a jar”? There are lots of quick ideas that take no time at all, such as vacation memories in a jar, the table-setting jars, or the floral centerpiece that will charm all your guests. Some are elegant, some are homespun, but all make use of natural materials such as wood, shells, flowers, and leather–to give an original but sophisticated feel to your home and garden. Once you are confident in making the simpler crafts, there are more intricate projects to try, using basic DIY techniques: make a fabulous drink dispenser, a desk lamp, or a rustic vase display by attaching jars to a weathered piece of wood. All the projects have clear step-by-step instructions and hand-drawn illustrations to guide you, so all you need to do is pick the project you want to make first!”

 

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Comments

  1. I would love to win this book! I have played with different uses for mason jars and would like more options.

  4. I so want this. I am always looking for interesting ways to deliver gifts or make my space have more flair. Thanks for having the contest.
    Terri

  5. Well i couldnt resist leaving a comment since i have been collecting mason jars since i was a kid. They are all over my home as decorations as well as used for food! I hope having my birthday near will bring me luck.

  8. I would love to win this book! I’m always looking for more ideas that use mason jars.

  14. I’m always looking for ways to upcycle my mason and other jars. This is a beautiful book, thanks for hosting the giveaway.

  15. I love, love Mason jars and am always looking for different ways to used/decorate them. Thanks for the chance to win this lovely book.

  16. This would be so great to win! I’m trying to redo my decor in all recycled things I already have! Eventually if love to redo my entire home so everything is recycled!!

  18. This is great! I’ve been looking for variations on the mason jar theme, and this would fit the bill. Would love to win it!

  19. I have so many mason jars just waiting to be used in these projects! I hope I win 🙂

Have you read?

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.