Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Spring decor

 

I'm sure some of you who visit my blog are not paper artists.  That's why I thought I would branch out today and share how you can spruce up your home, while still recycling.

I've created this mini-tutorial, hoping you won't make the same mistakes I made.

There are really only four supplies for this project:
Plastic straws *
Tin can
Glue gun
Glue sticks**

*Alternately you can use sticks, twigs, or even bamboo
**Alternately you can use E6000 or any strong fast acting glue
 
I have no idea where I originally got these plastic straws, but they must be kept out of the landfill and out of reach of birds.  You can't throw them in the ocean or lakes because fish latch onto them and swallow them, which can kill them.  That's why I'm going to use mine in art and throw the off-cuts in a bag for later use.

Plug in your glue gun and cut the straws to the height you prefer.  I chose 5 1/2 inches, but the choice is yours.

Select a design you like and adhere the straws to the can.  I alternated blue and green with red, because I had more red than any other color.  When I started, I ran a bead of hot glue the entire length of the can.  Soon I had used so much glue, I feared I would run out of the small glue sticks.  That's when I realized all I had to do was run the bead along the top and bottom of the can.  Be sure you position the straws before you adhere them to the glue.  Once down, the can cools so quickly, you will never get the straws to move again.

Now it's time to spruce up an area with flowers.  You can add a ribbon around the can, but I chose to leave mine plain.  I may spruce it up later when the tulips die and I find a different use for it.



Although I've chosen to use mine to hold tulips, you could place pencils, art brushes, make-up brushes, or any number of items in these cans.

For Day 14 of 22, I recycled a tin can and plastic drink straws that must be kept out of the environment.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  I am truly delighted you stopped by. 

18 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

That's a fun idea for a decoration. Plastic straws have now been forbidden here, as well as plastic plates etc. Plastic is so dangerous for the environment! Valerie

Elephant's Child said...

Clever - and fun. It is probably even simple enough for me to complete too. Thank you.

Mia said...

What a fun idea, Elizabeth! Enjoy your new vase!

nwilliams6 said...

Very fun can recycle. Love the look of the straws, Elizabeth. Cute! Hugz

Mae Travels said...

Happily, I have no plastic straws. That means I can’t follow your directions, but also means I don’t have any straws to deal with. Your confidence in your readers’ ability is inspiring: glue is one substance I avoid because I always have some kind of mishap when I use it. Crafty people just can’t imagine what a mess we less talented folk can make!

be safe... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

aussie aNNie said...

Such a beautiful and cheery post, so clever. xxx

Divers and Sundry said...

That makes a sweet spring case!

DVArtist said...

Very cool. Have a nice day.

craftytrog said...

A cool vase for those beautiful tulips! xx

Jeanie said...

That's really cute, Elizabeth!

Thanks for coming by my blog, too. What a great comment. There are some good books there -- Maybe your library can put them on a waitlist. If you have used bookstores in your area, you might find some there. Once your vaxes kick in, used bookstores are reasonably safe spots -- not too many people. Bring your rubber gloves and you're good to go!

CJ Kennedy said...

A very cute idea. Plastic straws like these were Ink's favorite toy to play with.

Lowcarb team member said...

A very nice vase for your tulips.

All the best Jan

Rita said...

Cute! A little extra glue never hurts. ;)

My name is Erika. said...

Sorry I didn't make it by yesterday. I had an early appointment with the allergist. It threw off my day. But I must say this is the best use of straws. I like the playful colorful result. A nice recency idea for certain. Hope all is well. Hugs-Erika

Birgit said...

This is very inventive and colourful. Great look with the tulips

Sami said...

A great recycling project with the straws Elizabeth.
They are no longer used in Australia, now we get paper straws.

Annie said...

This is such a clever idea that can be spruced up and altered in any number of ways that would make each and every one of these look different. I can see that these straws will have us all looking around for what else can be crafted in a similar way. I’m jealous that you have tulips already. Great recycling, Elizabeth!

pearshapedcrafting said...

Who would have thought that plastic straws would make such a lovely container! What a great idea to use your surplus straws Elizabeth. Hugs, Chrisx