Friday, December 4, 2009

Upcycled tags


I love to turn junk into treasures.  Some people call it recycling but I figure since I'm changing the original piece into a higher and better use that I will call my process "upcyling."  Awhile back I snagged an entire string of Formica plastic laminate samples from one of the architects at work and didn't want to throw them away so decided to upcycle them into gift tags for the holidays.  What a fun process.....first I put a base coat of gesso over the entire tag (front and back); let it dry then cover with a thin coat of acrylic paint.  Once the paint dries I loosely smear another color(s) on; let dry; then start gluing photos; feathers; beads; buttons; magnetic words and other "found objects" onto the tag.  I use Elmer's Glue for the paper products and E6000 glue for everything else.  I let everything dry overnight then come in and add my accents -- oil pastels; tiny dots; Sharpie pens; etc.  The backs are left blank so you can write on them if you want or use them for ornaments; wine tags; or funky pendants.  Last night I made 24 tags and will be bringing them into the studio to sell for 2nd Saturday.  My next project -- upcycled keys and my fun "Key People" aka "Alter Egos!" 

2 comments:

  1. Love these Anne

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  2. You have been involved in the most amazing things !

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