Sunday, April 16, 2017

Believe


 I want to wish each of you who celebrate it, a very joyous Easter.

I hope today's project conveys the true spirit of this joyous day.

Remember the cheese cracker boxes I deconstructed recently?  There was a second side to the boxes, so today I'm going to recycle the second side.

Materials (from top left clockwise):
Craft paint, your choice
Crop-a-dile *
Scraps of vintage sheet music
Cheese cracker box, one side

*CJ asked what a Crop-a-dile was and why you would need one.  They are totally worth the money (mine was a gift, but I know it cost $30.00 USD) if you have problems with grip.  They are for cutting holes in just about everything, including items far too heavy for your regular hole punch.  I've used mine on those laminate counter top samples they used to give free at big box home improvement stores in the U.S.  There are two hole sizes along the two sides (1/8" and 3/16"), and you can adjust the distance from the top or edge you want for the hole via the precision sliding guide.   But that's not all.  There is a movable piece on one side in the center that allows you to set small and large eyelets, snaps, or washers.  One side is not movable, but you can twist the square to get the right setting for the part you want to set.

I hope I haven't confused anyone.  If so, please ask, because I can visualize what I want to explain, but it's easier to show than tell.  If you use one, please tell why or if you like yours.  No, I'm not getting paid to ask!

These are the colors of paint I used.  You can see one of the hole punches on the Crop-a-dile.   Please don't ask where the name comes from, because I think it's silly.  I would have called it a multi-hole punch and setter.

You might be able to see this was last night when I started painting the background.

For some reason, I thought I had taken a photo of the paint before I added the colorful stickers, but obviously I didn't.

Next I added two flowers gifted me by my dear friend Valerie.  Since I only had two, I chose a coordinated polymer clay heart for the third element.  I adhered everything using E-6000.

I made a problem for myself when I forgot to add the sheet music to the back until after the front was completed.  I got a few bubbles I couldn't get out that were along areas where I couldn't press the glued paper hard enough to ensure a good bond.

Next it was time to punch holes using my Crop-a-dile, but I was unable to use my universal hole guide because I positioned the heart directly in the path of the hole.

I turned the piece over and "eyeballed" the two holes.  I should have measured, but I'm not known for measuring when it comes to art.

It took forever to tie the fiber through the hole. 

I love this fiber, but I don't think I'll be stringing it through any more holes.

Here are a couple of random shots.


For Day 16 of 22, I recycled a cheese cracker box, repurposed two gifted flowers, added stickers, fibers, and a polymer clay heart left over from a previous project.

I'm so grateful you have stuck with me through this month of recycling, reusing, repurposing, and reimagining.  And I LOVE your comments, because they keep me going.  And I hope your (Easter) Sunday is a glorious one!

20 thoughtful remarks:

chrissie said...

Happy Easter to you dear Elizabeth

A very beautiful hanging from humble beginnings I love the colours and the bold letters

Chrissie xx

Valerie-Jael said...

Love the pretty hanging, and glad you were able to use the flowers. I know what you mean about poking fibres through small holes, I had the same problem yesterday while making a tag. I have a larger crop-a-dile, which is also wonderful to use, and was well worth the money. Happy Easter to you and your 2 4 legged companions. Hugs, Valerie

kaybee said...

I too have a crop-a-dile, and it is extremely useful! Fabulous project from simple stuff. Loving all your recycled projects - an inspiration. Happy Easter.

Neet said...

Just popping by to wish the three of you a very Happy Easter. Have a wonderful day today.
Hugs, Neet xx
ps love your recylcing

nanskidrewski said...

That's interesting on the crop-a-dile..Another tool I must add to my arsenal. I do want to get into book making. Is that what you primarily use for your books! I like the template idea. Could you have used the blue needle thing to pull the fiber through? That's another tool I think I need.😉 I love the way you have repurposed the pieces to create something pretty. Happy Easter!

Birgit said...

Great way to use the cereal box and I love the colours you placed on it. The word is perfect and the hanging area is fun!

Krisha said...

Happy Easter!
Beautiful hanging.

Jeanie said...

Lovely, Elizabeth! Happy Easter!

Sami said...

A quick visit around all the blogs I follow...so just wishing you a Happy Easter.
You're always busy reinventing something Elizabeth.

CJ Kennedy said...

thanks for explaining the crop-a-dile. Might have to be on the look out for that one. Such a lovely wallhanging. A great idea to make gifts for the worthy. Happy Easter to you and the kitties.

kathyinozarks said...

Happy Easter Elizabeth, loving your new art piece
Kathy

Divers and Sundry said...

Happy Easter! Your hanging is perfect for the season :)

froebelsternchen said...

What a lovely project!
Happy Easter dear Elizabeth!
♥♥♥
Susi

pearshapedcrafting said...

This does look fabulous Elizabeth! Happy Easter! Chrisxx

Meggymay said...

This is so beautiful and made with left over from a box, Wow. You have so many fantastic ideas.
Hope you are having a lovely Easter weekend.
Yvonne xx

My name is Erika. said...

Nice project for this wonderful day. The flowers make them especially perfect for Easter too. Did you have fun out yesterday? And hopefully a wonderful Easter too. I'm with you about the Cropidile too. Hugs-Erika

Sandy said...

You really are creative Elizabeth!
Sandy xx

Cindy McMath said...

This is so bright and fun Elizabeth! I love the variety in your work. I've just made ten postcards from recycled box-board. I love it for acrylics. And not that I would throw it in the trash (we have a pretty good recylcling program here) but it does save it from needing to be picked up and recycled commercially.

Sandra Cox said...

This is so nice, Elizabeth. I hope you had a joyous Easter.

Cappuccinoandartjournal.blogspot.com said...

I totally agree with you about the Crop-O-Dile. The are great.