Recycled Greeting Card Boxes

I'm always tinkering with quick and easy craft projects, but it seems that every year around this time, they take over my work area. Sometimes it's because I feel like I haven't accomplished anything all summer and I'm in a rush to make a lot of things, but usually it's because I'm already thinking ahead to all the fun stuff I want to make for the holidays. Today, I amused myself with these greeting card boxes. These are fun and easy to make, and they cost absolutely nothing! This is a great way to recycle all those greeting cards you receive for birthdays and holidays. They can be used for party favors, tree ornaments, or gift boxes. You can also keep your favorites and use them, as I often do, to store small things in your studio. Once you make a few of these, you'll start examining all the cards you receive for their box potential. I'll post directions as soon as I have a chance to take some step-by-step photos.

Covered Button Thumbtacks

I've been making things with covered buttons for a while, including these cool and colorful thumbtacks, which I've been seeing all over the place lately. It seems that I'm not the only one who likes to spruce up her workspace with something other than ordinary office supplies.



These are so easy to make, and they can be addictive! You need to be picky about the brand of buttons you buy, or you may end up with a messy, puckered edge. Avoid those that have the little teeth on the back to grab fabric -- these are rarely smooth along the edges when you're done. I like Maxant buttons because there are no teeth and they include a "pusher and holder" assembly tool (pictured below). You can also buy refill packages that don't include the tool. I prefer to use upholstery fabric for these, because the fabric is pulled so tightly that sometimes the shiny button will show through thinner material.




Start by cutting out small circles of fabric, sized according to the template on the package. Remove the shank from the button back with sturdy pliers, then assemble the button according to package directions. For detailed instructions and photos on assembling the button, go to this post. Hot glue a regular flathead thumbtack to the back, and you're done. You'll make these so quickly, you'll run out of supplies long before you run out of time.

(Edit - 11/13/08: I now use E-6000 glue for a durable, transparent bond. Hot glue will not hold for long when you're handling your thumbtack.)

Marble Magnet Tutorial

Well, maybe it isn't real art, but when I'm short on time, or I just can't get myself going with my usual art materials and I'm feeling the need for some instant gratification, I work on a quick and easy crafting project. Besides, there's nothing wrong with dressing up your workspace a little bit, and if you have a metal surface in your studio that you use for posting bits of inspiration, then these little magnets are both practical and fun.

Supplies:

- clear mosaic marbles from the craft store (These have a flat side and a domed side.)

- small round magnets (need to be a little smaller than your marbles)

- Mod Podge or other craft glue/sealer that dries clear (Edit - 11/13/08: I now use E-6000 glue for a durable, transparent bond.)

- scraps of decorative paper or magazine pages (most of mine come from catalogs or magazines)

- Sharp scissors or a round hole punch that's slightly smaller than your marble

- Circle template (optional)

Directions:

- After collecting your scraps of paper, cut them to fit the back of your marble. You can use a circle template from an office supply store, if you have one, to draw your shapes. Or, use an appropriately sized hole punch -- it's easier and a lot faster.

- Apply Mod Podge to the back of your marble (flat side) and place your tiny circle of paper on this, right side down. You want to be sure your image shows through the front side of your marble, so be careful you don't apply it backwards. Also make sure the entire front surface of your image is stuck to the marble - no loose edges.

- Carefully smooth the paper against the marble to get out any air bubbles.

- Apply more Mod Podge to the back of your image (again, covering it completely), then press a magnet onto this, being careful to keep everything centered.

- Press all layers together to squeeze out any excess glue.

- Set aside, magnet side down, to dry. The image beneath the glass may appear milky at first, but the milkiness should go away when the glue is completely dry.