Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- Washi Tape and how to make a recycled container mobile

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Go Washi Tape

Giveaway- 3 Packages of GoWashi.com Washi Tape

Leave a comment in today’s post by Feb. 25, 2016 and you are entered to win:

1 Pack Victoria

1 Pack Sewing

1 Pack Photograph

of Designers Choice GoWashi tape.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

GoWashi tape recycled container mobile

Using washi tape to cover recycled containers is a great way to transform them into stylish home decor items. That’s just what I’ve done to a cardboard container. Simply by slicing it up and covering with washi tape I have made a fun mobile perfect to display fun little figurines.

how to make a cylinder mobile

The first step is to slice the container into sections.

First I cut the metal part off the top.

how to cut a cardboard cylinder

I used a seam gauge to mark 1 3/4 inch sections with a pencil.

how to cut a carboard container Dremel

I used a combination of an X-Acto knife and a Dremel.

sand cardboard edge with nail file

To make the edges smooth I used the high-tech tool, a nail file (emery board). I also pealed the paper label off as much as would come off easy and then sanded sown the rest with the emery board.

Alton Go washi tape mobile

These packs of Washi tape from GoWashi come with cutting edge on the dispenser. How cool! You can see all the different packs and more washi tape projects at their site.

Go washi tape cutting tip

Cover each section with strips of washi tape. I like to cut the tape from the back side so the edge of the scissors is flush to the edge of the cardboard. This makes a perfect flush cut.

On the last piece of washi tape I put on the cylinder I slipped one end of button thread under it with a bit of white glue to secure.

Once the glue is dry tie the other end of the thread to an embroidery hoop and use a bit more thread to hang the hoop.

I plan on switching out what I display in the mobile. The variety of prints on the washi tape will allow me to mix up my decorations throughout the year.

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Comments

  12. Love washi tape and what you made with these. I appreciate when they have different widths of tape in the same package.

  18. I have a friend who puts this tape on all kinds of things to dress them up. I’ve been wanting to try it. Thanks for the post!

  32. These are so cute and I love the recycling aspect! I often keep empty tp rolls on hand to make favor containers and that would be another fun use for washi tape!

  33. I love these cute washi tape designs and the creative recycled project. My two little girls would love trying this project out and they would be able to manage the washi tape just perfectly!

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.