Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

The Naughty Secretary Club Book – Review and Giveaway!

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I’m always on the lookout for craft books that emphasize reusing and recycling unique materials, so when Jennifer Perkins, not only the writer of Craft Artist Life here at Craft Gossip, but also owner of the Naughty Secretary Club shop, told the world that she’d written a book, I couldn’t wait for it to come out. I have to say, I was overwhelmed with how good it is!

From cover to cover, this book has not only great supply lists and directions on jewelry-making, it’s chock-full of ideas for re-purposing great everyday finds. Some of my favorite projects include using vintage neckties for both headbands and pins … I’ve got a huge obsession for vintage ties!

While Jennifer’s jewelry style is much bigger than mine (literally. I tend to wear teenie tiny pieces), the book has quickly taken up a prominent spot on my bookshelf because her jewelry-making instructions are some of the best I’ve read. She clearly and simply explains how to use found items in your baubles, making your accessories completely unique and easy to make!

And because I love it so much, I wanted to give you all a chance to love it to! So from now until September 10th at 5pm (CST), leave a comment here and I’ll randomly pick one person to win a copy of the Naught Secretary Club Book! Be sure to leave your name and e-mail address so I can contact you if you win!

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Comments

  1. I am really excited for this book, I went and looked at it at Borders and I am dying to get it!!!

  2. I am always looking for new ideas….I know this book would give a slew of new GREAT ideas!

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.