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Recycled Accessories

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-920 -- More Projects »
Craft designer Elizabeth Dunn shows how to recycle plastic kitchen containers into unusual and wearable pieces of art.
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Plastic cocoa containers can become unique purses with the addition of artful papers and embellishments.
Purse

Materials:

empty cocoa powder box
sandpaper
acrylic craft paint (optional)
decorative paper or fabric
scissors
glue or double-stick tape
stickers, fabric trim and jewels for additional decoration
wire, raffia or ribbon for the handle(s)

Steps:


  1. Take the label off an empty cocoa powder box.

  2. Rub the sides with sandpaper to rough it up a bit. If desired, paint with acrylic craft paint.

  3. Choose decorative paper--gift wrap, wallpaper, art paper or magazines--and cut it to fit around the can. You can also use fabric.

  4. Wrap the can with the paper and secure with glue or double-stick tape.

  5. Embellish with things like stickers, fabric trim and jewels.

  6. Make handles from wire, raffia or ribbon.
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These small, lightweight hands-free purses are perfect for carrying essentials such as keys and a credit card.
Hands-free Purse

Materials:

manila folder
credit card
pencil
ruler
craft knife
collage of papers
collage sealer
strap in fabric or material of choice

Steps:


  1. Lay a manila folder open on a flat surface. Use a credit card for marking off dimensions of the purse. Draw lines with a ruler across the entire length and width of the folder, using the four sides (plus just a bit--maybe 1/8 inch) of the credit card for a guide.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
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Figure E
  • Use the ruler to create the width of the box (figure A). Lay the ruler just under the lines drawn around the credit card and mark the entire length and width of the folder, as before.

  • Measure on all four sides. You should end up with two full-size rectangles with ruler widths on each side of the folder, plus some partial rectangles you will ignore.

  • Cut off the right edge at the first line with a craft knife.

  • Cut off the areas marked with Xs on the top and bottom (figure B). You will be left with a template (figure C). Cut the legs to enable them to move freely (figure D).

  • Score all the lines with a craft knife for easy folding, then fold. It will be obvious how the piece goes together.

  • Cover the cutout with a collage of papers, using a collage sealer instead of glue to apply. The sealer will adhere the paper to the folder and leave a finished surface. Leave the legs and inside flaps undecorated (figure E).

  • Score the edges again so that the decorative paper will bend better.

  • Fold and seal the flaps into place.

  • Make small holes on either side of the box and add a strap.
    • PHOTO

    Use empty tea crates to create unusual storage.
    Tea Boxes

    Cover old tea boxes with a variety of decorative papers to make unique storage containers. Simply glue a collage of papers on with glue or sealer. Add decorative feet, if desired, using dice, wooden balls or any other uniform-sized objects.

    Guests
    Elizabeth Dunn
    Mixed Media Artist
    Website: www.elizabethjdunn.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-920
    •Recycled Accessories
    •Bike Tuneups
    •Microwave Lasagna
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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