Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- Handmade Christmas: Over 35 step-by-step projects and inspirational ideas for the festive season

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Giveaway- Handmade Christmas: Over 35 step-by-step projects and inspirational ideas for the festive season

Leave a comment in today’s post by December 11th, 2015 and you are in the running for a copy of this book filled with a great collection of classic Christmas crafts.

Open to U.S. residents only please.

More about the book from the publisher Cico Books:

“Make the holiday season really special by making your own cards, gifts, and decorations. Save money and have fun with this beautiful collection of Christmas makes. There are three chapters covering a wide range of different crafting techniques–from papercutting and collage to embroidery and sugarcraft with projects, which take inspiration from different festive cultures and traditions. Start with Decorations, where you will find delightful ideas such as a traditional advent calendar and colorful embroidered Christmas stockings, brighten up your dinner table with tin candle holders that will glimmer and shine, and welcome carol-singers with a pretty wreath for your door. There’s nothing so satisfying as making your own cards, and Cards and Gift Wrap also has inspired ways to present your gifts, such as goody bags and labels in the shape of gingerbread men, and why not get the kids involved with making the potato print star gift wrap? In Handmade Gifts, there is something to please everyone, including tasty edible treats such as button bites, chocolate coins, and traditional German lebkuchen. Every project comes with clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations, most of the projects require no specialist equipment, and many can be made in an afternoon, so you can get started right away.”

 

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Comments

  2. This is absolutely my favorite thing to do…. embroider on felt!!! Thanks so much for the opportunity!

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.