More Pretty Little Containers

If you're looking for something a little more durable than paper covered canisters, why not try covering jar lids with polymer clay? It's really not hard and it will be a bit more long-lasting than other methods. Once you try it though, you might find yourself a bit obsessed. Polymer clay comes in so many colors and is so easy to work with that it's hard not to have fun with it.

To make this covered lid I used:

• polymer clay
• Sculpey Bake N Bond
• an empty veggie jar that I washed out
• acrylic paint
• clear glaze

After conditioning the clay, I started by cutting flowers of assorted sizes out the various colors of clay I used. I dabbed the Bake N Bond on the back of the flowers and began layering them on the jar lid. Once the lid was covered, I baked it according to the directions on the package. Then I cut out the leaf shapes and attached them using the Bake N Bond and baked again, this time turning the lid upside down so that none of the leaves were misshapen. Once it was cool, I used acrylic paint to add the yellow flower centers. I let the paint dry and gave the whole thing a nice coat of clear glaze.

Obviously, you can cover the lid in whatever style you like. Use cutters like I did or just sculpt whatever you'd like. It may take some experimenting to get it exactly right, but that's part of the fun. And, until you bake the clay, you can always start over!

Tuesday Tips and Tidbits: Upcycling Produce Bags

I'm sure we're all familiar with those pesky plastic mesh bags that many places sell onions and other produce in. If you wad one up into a ball or tie it into a large knot, it makes a great little scrubby for your harder cleaning jobs. It's soft enough that it won't scratch (most surfaces anyway, always test if you're not sure), but it will give you a little extra power for some of those stubborn stains, especially in sinks or tubs. If you're super crafty and ambitious you can make this crocheted scrubby from Mrs. Greene.

Pretty Little Containers

So, I always have an abundance of empty containers lying around. I always think I'm going to do some wonderfully creative and amazing project with them. This time, I actually did! Crazy, I know. I made them into donation jars for some of my breast cancer 3-Day fundraising, but you could use them for storage or even as gift wrap.

Just get yourself some scrapbooking paper that strikes your fancy (or fabric or wrapping paper or an especially fun paper bag).  Cut it to fit and glue it on your chosen container. Oatmeal or baby formula cans work really well, but you could use just about any container you have. It's super simple and the possibilities are endless! I'm especially excited to try using some of them as gift boxes.


**Posted at Skip to My Lou Made by You Monday**