Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway: Playing With Surface Design book and set of 24 recycled colored pencils from Tombow

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surface design book recycled color pencils tombow I had no idea there were colored pencils made out of recycled material. How cool is that? Another thing that is really cool, the new book:

Playing With Surface Design: Modern Techniques for Painting, Stamping and More by Courtney Cerruti.

You can enter to win a copy of Playing With Surface Design and set of  24 Tombow colored pencils by leaving a comment in today’s post by May 8th, 2015.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

Want another chance to win a copy of Playing With Surface Design and a set of Tombow Dual Brush markers along with a tutorial on a scribble art word decoration pop on over to Craftside.

And to see a whole bunch of great projects pop on over to Tombow’s Tips and projects site.

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Comments

  1. PLEASE include me in your GENEROUS and CREATIVE giveaway!! I would use it to create decorative “backgrounds” for products…………Thanks for this opportunity! 🙂

  3. Please count me in! I’d like to expand my knowledge of surface design.

  4. I love the look of colored pencils, but I don’t know how to use them on anything besides paper. I would love for this book to widen my artsy ideas.

  5. I received a sample pack (red, blue, and silver) recently at NAEA. I am in love with how smooth and vibrant they are. It would make my life to win a whole set!

  9. I love colored pencils and these sound great to try plus they are made of recycled wood big plus.

  10. These would be lovely- just in time for warm weather and drawing outside! thank you for opportunity and a push to have some creative play.

  13. Love the idea of recycled pencils! This looks like it would be so much fun to play with 🙂

  15. My father has been in the hospital for over a month. I would use the materials and design book for personalized cards to thank the many people who have given him amazing care. Support staff is way too under recognized!

  16. I am an art teacher, and would love to bring this set into my classroom for my advanced artists to experiment with.

  17. I have been trying to blend my sketching/drawing novice skills with scrapbooking. I think this set would help to nicely blend the two a little better.

  18. I am rediscovering colored pencils and would love to see what these can do once in my hands!

  20. Colored pencils from recycled material? How fun! Thank you for hosting such an awesome giveaway. I love Courtney’s books, and I am excited for a chance to win her latest one!

  22. Oh, yes, please include me in the running for these wonderful prizes! Thank you so much for the chance to win!

  24. Our Zentangle teacher is using those pencils with amazing results! I would love to win them ..hope, hope.

  25. What a great birthday gift, for ME! Since I won’t spend any $$ on myself! But a great give away of something I’d buy… what a great thought! Thank you for including me 🙂

Have you read?

DIY Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers with Rustic Stems – Upcycled Farmhouse Decor

If you love sunflowers but wish they could last longer than a week in a vase, I have just the project for you. With a handful of thrifted mason jar lids, a little paint, and a dash of creativity, you can make your own DIY Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers with rustic stems — the kind that brighten your home all year long.

This project blends farmhouse charm with eco-friendly upcycling, making it perfect for crafters who love to give old materials a new life. Whether you display them in a vase, turn them into a wreath, or pop them into potted plants, these handmade sunflowers bring sunshine into any space.

Why You’ll Love This Sunflower Craft

  • Budget-friendly: Most supplies can be thrifted, recycled, or found at home. 
  • Customisable: Change the petal colour, stem style, or centre texture to suit your décor. 
  • Durable décor: Unlike fresh flowers, these won’t wilt or fade. 
  • Eco-conscious: A clever way to upcycle mason jar lids and scrap fabric. 

Supplies You’ll Need

To make your own mason jar lid sunflowers, gather these simple materials:

  • Mason jar rings (any size – thrifted or recycled) 
  • Yellow spray paint or acrylic craft paint 
  • Brown felt, burlap, or textured fabric for the flower centres 
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks 
  • Wooden dowels, sticks, or recycled chopsticks for stems 
  • Green floral tape or green craft paint 
  • Optional: raffia, ribbon, faux greenery, grapevine wreath form 

Step-by-Step: How to Make DIY Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers with Rustic Stems

Step 1: Prep Your Mason Jar Lids

Wash and dry the lids thoroughly. If they have rust spots, give them a quick sanding for a smooth surface. This will help your paint adhere better.

Step 2: Paint the Petals

Lay out your lids on newspaper or cardboard. Spray paint them in a bright sunflower yellow. Two light coats give the best coverage.
 Tip: For a more natural, layered look, dry-brush with mustard or orange tones after the base coat dries.

Step 3: Create the Sunflower Centre

Cut a circle of brown felt, burlap, or textured fabric slightly larger than the inner opening of the lid.
 For extra detail, glue on small black buttons, beads, or seeds for a realistic sunflower centre.

Step 4: Assemble the Flower

Flip the lid over and hot glue the centre fabric to the back so it fills the ring’s opening.
 Press firmly to make sure it’s secure — especially if you’re making these for a wreath or outdoor display.

Step 5: Add the Stem

Glue a wooden dowel, twig, or recycled chopstick to the back of the lid.
 Wrap the stem in green floral tape for a smooth, finished look — or leave a twig unwrapped for a more rustic, natural style.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Tie a bow of raffia or ribbon around the stem. Glue on a couple of faux leaves for extra charm.
 If you’re making a bouquet, vary the stem lengths for a more natural arrangement.

Creative Ways to Use Your Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers

  • Rustic Vase Display: Arrange several sunflowers in a ceramic jug or glass mason jar. 
  • Farmhouse Wreath: Glue the flowers to a grapevine wreath form and hang on your front door. 
  • Garden Accents: Seal with an outdoor spray and stake in flower beds or planters. 
  • Gift Toppers: Make mini sunflowers for wrapping embellishments or party favours. 

 Tips for the Best Results

  • Use different jar ring sizes for varied petal shapes in your bouquet. 
  • Dry-brush the petal edges with orange paint for added depth and realism. 
  • Mix in a few “wild” stems with curled raffia or greenery for a fuller, more natural look. 

The Beauty of Upcycling

This DIY mason jar lid sunflower craft is proof that everyday items — even something as humble as a jar lid — can become something extraordinary.
 It’s not just about making something pretty; it’s about crafting something with a story, saving materials from the bin, and adding a burst of joy to your home.

So next time you spot a box of old jar lids at a thrift store, don’t pass them by. Pick them up and turn them into sunshine that never fades.