Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway: Upcycle With Sizzix: Techniques and Ideas for using Sizzix Die-Cutting and Embossing Machines

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Upcycle with sizzix, die cutting, how to, recycled crafts

Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of Upcycle With Sizzix: Techniques and Ideas for using Sizzix Die-Cutting and Embossing Machines by leaving a comment in today’s post by  January 30th, 2015 and you will be in the running for this awesome book filled with so many pretty and innovative ideas for using recycled elements with Sizzix die cuts. This book happens to be one of my current faves and will surely go on my bookshelf in the, “when I’m stuck and need some inspiration” section! To see a bunch of projects I have already made inspired by this book pop on over to Craftside.

More about the CPi book:

With the Sizzix die cutting machines, there are thousands of fun and useful applications. These machines cut shapes from paper or fabric, and they also emboss designs into paper. Uses include:

Scrapbook or photo album designs and embellishments

Handcrafted greeting cards and decorative envelopes

Invitations & decorations for weddings, parties, events, etc.

Frames, signs, banners, calendars, accents, and other home decor

Customize your next holiday: Christmas ornaments, Valentine’s cards, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Easter decorations, Birthday Party, Baby Shower, and Wedding/Reception embellishments

Home decor for kitchens, living rooms, gardens, home offices, and family rooms

Add some flair to quilts, blankets, hair pins/clips/ties, clothes, jackets, backpacks, purses or handbags

For the kids: add a flourish to school projects, arts & crafts, dioramas, posters, etc.

Decorative art, collages, papercrafting, and other crafts projects

Upcycle with Sizzix offers detailed instructions on how to use a Sizzix die cutting machine to create projects from recycled papers, fabrics, and other materials. Learn how to upcycle found materials in all sorts of crafty projects like collages, banners, gift-giving, and small home decor items, with a new project on nearly every page. Each project includes a detailed materials list and walks crafters through any special techniques that are needed.

Packed with photos, illustrations and ideas, Upcycle with Sizzix will have crafters creating amazing elements in no time. And by using “found materials” including music sheet paper, magazine pages, leather, aluminum, old greeting cards, wrapping paper, and lightweight cardboard packaging, they’ll feel great about the green projects that are created.

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Comments

  1. It would be great to get more use out of my sizzix machine; and maybe make a little money too!

  3. I have been doing a lot of re-purposing recently. This book would offer some wonderful ideas and inspirations to continue exploring the possibilities

  7. I do a lot of crafting but have never tried embossing or die cutting. It is one of my goals for this year. I book would give me some new ideas. Love this site.

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.