Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Cereal Box Journals

These turned out very nice.

Simply cut the front and back of a large cereal box, and trace an 8 1/2 x 11 inch rectangle.  I used a piece of sturdy card stock to track these.  When you cut them out, cut outside your tracing line, to make the cover and back slightly larger than the paper you will include. 

We used 100% recycled copy paper, and took them to a copy center.  The plastic binding was attached for less than $5.00 (USD).  You can fill your journals with any recycled paper, but pages must all be the same size, and flat.  Ask you copy center for prices and thickness of bindings.  We made these about 3/4 inch thick.  Now, each of my kids wants a cereal box journal.

These are great gifts for kids, adults, teachers, and groups.  Journaling is fun and these blank pages allow for more creativity.


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Upcycling ~ Garden Hose Keychains


While cleaning out the barn, we found an unused, old garden hose.  We re-purposed it to make keychains, and other uses. 

To make one, simply cut a portion of the hose with sharp cutting shears, create a hole at the top (I placed one on each side) by piercing it with a sharp ended tool, or versa-tool (on a safe surface, with safety equipment).  

Using pliers, slide a key ring or large sturdy slip ring into one hole, and then onto the hole on the opposite side.  Add another larger key ring to the one you use attached.

Adding the first ring can be difficult, however these make fun keychains for lawn mowers, sheds, and other outdoor equipment. 

Friday, April 1, 2011

Make it with Bottle Caps

Bottle Cap Keychains

To make these, you will need a very small drill bit, and a drill.  Drill a hole into the top inside rim, on a safe surface.  I use a scrap piece of wood.  Attach a jump ring, you may need 2 of them if your attachment (Keychain) does not have one.  These types of attachments can be purchased at most craft stores.  These are fun to make, great gifts for kids getting their license and make nice gifts for sending "fun" mail to someone.

Bottle Cap Magnets

To make these, simple wash and dry metal bottle caps from beverages, apply a dab of strong glue to the backside, place a strong round magnet on the glue and allow it to completely dry.  For our magnets, we purchased round magnets at the discount store, applied glue on top of the one magnet, and applied a second magnet.  This creates a heavier and stronger magnet.  We love giving these as gifts, using them around the homestead, and more.  The kids love using them in their lockers at school.   The also make nice thank you gifts, teacher gifts, and more.

I have also seen jewelery, such as earrings and necklaces made from bottle caps.  I just may have to make a few of those too.  Although, it's getting harder to find beverages sold in glass bottles.  Most beverages are now produced in plastic bottles, with plastic lids (which are very difficult to recycle).  There is one place that does recycle plastic caps:  Aveda Salons.