Upcycled Design Lab Blog

Upcycled Tin Cans - Faux Pewter Finish Jewelry Boxes

I went back to playing with my faux ceramic paste this week. This time I decided to try more of a metallic finish. The process is pretty much the same as my first faux ceramic finish which you can find here. For these tins I applied a slightly thicker layer to the outside top and bottom of the cans and allowed them to dry for at least 24 hours before painting with a primer coat and a top coat of silver metallic paint. For the antique finish I used the same technique as I did my paper bracelet here. The... Read more →

Last Minute No Sew Minnie Mouse Costume Made From House Hold Items

You might be wondering why I am making my Halloween costume in the middle of July. Let me assure you that I am not that organized and in truth I threw this costume together only days before I needed it. The reason for Minnie Mouse is an annual moonlight bike ride that the hubby and I have participated in for the last several years. Its quite a lot of fun with thousands of participants and an easy ten mile route. Not everyone wears costumes but many people do. We enjoy the silliness of it all. The hubby has been prepared... Read more →

Old Book - Bucket List Art Journal Page #2

Do you have a Bucket List? I made one for myself some years ago but I am ashamed to admit that I don't even know where it is. Truthfully I am pretty sure that I have made more than one. Would I be pleased or disappointed by what I have done compared to what I set out to do? Perhaps I will gather up the courage to seek out my lists and do a mental inventory. Perhaps I won't. I like the concept of a bucket list but not the idea of using it as some kind of scorecard. "I... Read more →

1/2 Hour - Favorite Shirt Save

Do you have a favorite t-shirt or pair of pant? You know the go to item in your closet that you choose for both comfort and style? Well I have a few such items in my closet and this top was one of them. I love the square neck line and the drape of the fabric and perhaps most importantly the way it disguises my middle age ever expanding waist line. But, as with all well loved clothing it was showing some wear in the form of the dreaded armpit stains that made it suitable only to wear as an... Read more →