Four Dots Designs » upcycle

A simple transformation

guisi — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 19:56:13 +0000

A large mailing tube, some twine or rope, a glue gun and some ribbon to finish it up!! A cute decorative vase for the living room!!

Handmade Tape Wallet – Dario’s Comic Book Wallet

guisi — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:44:00 +0000

A while back I found this tutorial on Craftster and based on that I’ve made a few wallets before. For the first one, I followed the instructions to the tee but after that I’ve made some changes here and there. These are just wallets made using paper and packaging tape and they are very durable. My first one lived for a few years before it finally fell apart.

My nephew, Dario, is 5 years old he’s been obsessed with the Post Office lately and wanted to receive something with “his name on it” so my sister asked if I could mail him a letter. I wanted to send him something a little more fun than a simple letter but light enough to mail to Ecuador and that it wouldn’t cost me a small fortune.

That’s where the wallet came in: fun, small, you can still mail it flat…perfect! And I even threw in some cash and a few fake credit cards for him! Can you say, “Best Aunt Ever”??

It was made with pages from a comic book that I got free from work. I made another super cute wallet for Isaiah using the same book but I made it at work so I couldn’t take pictures of that one. Maybe I’ll take my camera with me one of these days and I’ll take a picture.

Anyway, I think it’s time to stop talking and show you Dario’s wallet, even if it’s only a couple images.

Handmade Upcycled Magazine Envelopes

guisi — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:24:00 +0000

From a previous post you can see the massive amount of magazines I’ve accumulated so I’m always trying to find projects that can give them a second life.

This is a fairly simple one. Start out by gathering your supplies.

- Cutting mat
- Scissors, X-acto or utility knife (they all work just fine)
- Pencil
- Envelope template
- Adhesive (not pictured)
- Assorted papers (I’m using magazines for the larger envelopes and some scrap paper for mini envelopes but almost anything can be used)

Go through your magazines and find pages with interesting images, fun text or anything else you like and cut them all out. I prefer to find all my pages first and then make my envelopes all at once.

Once you’ve made your selection, use your pencil to carefully outline the template onto one of the papers.

Although this image is not very clear this is what you should have so far. Repeat as many times as you want to save paper.

Use one of you cutting tools to cut your envelope. Remember to use your cutting mat when using the X-acto or utility knife, it runs a lot smoother and you won’t ruin your table!!

Finally, fold all four sides and use some glue or double sided tape to finish up your envelope leaving the top flap open.

A few more envelopes cut with the larger template, ready to be finished.

All done.

File Cabinet Revamp

guisi — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:17:00 +0000

Before

One of the drawers

Both drawers together

Almost ready but no handles yet!

This is how the top looks, and now with handles!

TADA!!! The finished product!

Craftster Challenge No.1

guisi — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:29:00 +0000

These are two projects are created for the first Craftster Challenge.
The idea was to use items from the dollar store and make them into something new. And you were only allowed to spend $5.00
Here’s a link to the post:
Craftster Challenge

Frame to Bulletin Board

Before

After

Chopsticks to Candle Holder

Before

After

After…with lit candle

THE WALLET

guisi — Tue, 31 May 2005 05:04:00 +0000

Front Closed

Back Closed

Front

Inside

Wallet – Inside with cards

Money pocket

Wallet made with packaging tape and cutouts from magazines.

Envelope Art

guisi — Mon, 25 Apr 2005 01:15:00 +0000

in progress…

Still in progress…but getting there