Up-cycling & March Madness.

Who doesn't like up-cycling? Whether it be looking through old craft magazines or social media to see what projects other people have done or attempting it yourself. I just love making something new from objects that would normally be thrown away, or put into the recycling bag. It makes sense to me to make something yourself rather than spending out on mass produced products. 

The project I'm doing this time is a tin can holder. These are so versatile. So much can be done with them.  The possibilities are truly endless. I am going to show you how to make some useful pot containers out of them. Useful for keeping everyday objects organised - such as pens, brushes and scissors.  
I think we could all do with an extra pen pot in our lives!

Firstly you need to collect and thoroughly clean and dry some tins cans. I have used the most popular size - this is the  most functional size - but obviously choose your size depending on your need. There are some tiny cute ones around and of course the huge bigger ones.  


Firstly gather your tools. Glue, scissors, twine, buttons , paper , wallpaper and of course gorgeous ribbon. Decoupage is also a good idea with some amazing results that can be achieved. 

Then plan what materials you would like to use to decorate your can with. The green one I first glued some off cuts of material I had left over and then added coordinating ribbon.

 If you wanted to turn it into a small container for maybe holding your sewing bits this could easily be done by glueing small pockets around the outside. This could hold small scissors, needles, cottons, pins and a tape measure. As you can see I have added one pocket on to show you. I like this idea as it adds more places to stash stuff!

Firstly design the layout of how you would like the finished article to look like. Play about with different colours and fabrics, maybe adding a ribbon. Experiment with different buttons. See if the colours and textures match and are pleasing to the eye. 

When you have decided on what you are going to put onto your can lay them all out ready to go.


 Firstly put the main piece of fabric, or paper onto the can. I've found the best product to use is pva glue. This works effectively. If you have a glue gun then you can also use that. 

Carefully and neatly place the base product onto the can and glue into place. You may have to hold it for a few minutes so it doesn't slip out of place. 


Then add the next layer. On this pink pot I used Hessian material as the main product and then some bright pink ribbon both top and bottom.  Again carefully glue into place.

The finishing touches come now. I have used a simple piece of dark pink flower shaped ribbon. These are very versatile flowers and can be quite effective. I kept this pot quite simple.

With my next pot I changed the colour scheme round. I had a look through some bright yellow and green bits I have. The good thing about this project is that you don't have to use all new things if you don't want. Even the decorating can be up-cycled bits. One of the pieces of the ribbon shown is from a parcel I had a few years ago, and the large buttons have been saved from an old cardigan I threw away. Keeping odd bits and bobs like this really does pay off. 

Hessian was again used for this container. Firstly glued onto the can. The two different types of contrasting yellow ribbon was used. The larger yellow ribbon glued round then the smaller polka dot ribbon literally tied round. If you just tie it rather than glue it if needed it can be changed to a different ribbon, or different colour.  I've used this container for holding napkins - probably for in the garden. I feel it looks quite rustic.

 A simple yet effective make can be achieved by putting some funky wallpaper or wrapping paper around the outside. This really is a cheap and stunning way to add a  coordinating feature to your room - especially if you use the same wallpaper design.  As a painter I of course like to paint them. As you can see from the blue can this is a very basic design. But it can be made as bold and exciting as you need!

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Mad March Hares. 

What a sight to behold! Wonderful creatures with their long hind legs and their proud faces 'boxing' in a British countryside field. This is part of their ritual.  Many  have been photographed as the morning dew gently floats away. It must be quite a magical view. I've never been lucky enough to see this but am working on it. March is of course the start of the mating season for hares and for many marks the fact that spring truly is starting. They are fast creatures and can reach a speed of up to 45mph - this makes them Britains' fastest land animal. 



Some of my countryside creatures that I have painted in the past have been hares. These have been very popular when printed onto cards and actual prints.  Featured here is the rather crazy looking Eric. He has an unhinged look which I feel is becoming to him.  Quite apt for Mad March!

From mad March hares to mad March zoomies. All dog owners will know the meaning of this word. It can be described as a dog running around the home like crazy jumping on the couch, running up and down the stairs and generally all over the house. Usually ending up with them falling to the floor panting like crazy and of course having to take a nap!   It is both annoying and entertaining.  My two are both culprits for the zoomies. My boy lurcher in particular.There is a part of the local field that we often go to where there is a little embankment where he loves to zoom. For some reason running like crazy up and down the hill is the best thing ever! Even more fun apparently is running through muddy puddles en route. 

Hope you have enjoyed this creative BLOG. As ever feedback appreciated so I can continue to improve - and write about lovely subjects such as nature, crafts, painting and my dogs! 

Vicky:-)

Mother Nature has the power to please, to comfort , to calm and to nurture your soul.