Mason Jar Upcycle

What's up with the popularity of Mason Jars?  

You can't help but love them.  

These jars are so beautiful in their own quirky way.  

It was high time to put one to the test to help me get organized.

I started my project with this vintage notepad board 

that I picked up at the flea market.  

I painted both the board and a pint-size Mason jar with ASCP Old White, 

then lightly distressed both pieces.

Using a plumber's clamp, I attached the jar to the wood.  

I've seen this done a lot on Pinterest, and it was so easy.

I painted the jar lid red for a pop of color 

(and because Valentine's Day is soon).  

Then added rub-on transfers and attached a mini red photo holder.

The most difficult part of this project is where to hang it!

In the laundry room?

In the kitchen?

Or in my craft room?

No matter where it ends up, it will come in handy for office supplies.

I might just also use it for fresh flowers come spring.

Yesterday, I purchased several more plumber's clamps, 

and I have a few more ideas brewing 

with the other Mason jars just waiting to be upcycled.

For recent projects and more creative inspiration,
please visit me at 

https://alteredartworks.wordpress.com 

or just click 

AlteredArtworks 

to see new altered artwork projects and tutorials on a brand new web site.  

Of course, you can still visit this blog anytime to catch up on 

all my previous projects and tutorials

You might like these posts:

Grow Your Own Place Cards & Table Centerpieces

You might find me at these parties

as well as
Vintage Charm
Funky Junk Interiors
Answer is Chocolate
My Repurposed Life

New Year: New Calendar

Happy New Year! Let's ring in the new, and throw out the old. No, wait! Don't throw out the old. Instead, "upcycle" it.

As I near the age matching the year I was born (mid-50's), I find this creative phrase a metaphor for life. Instead of grumbling about all those things that we mid-50 year old women find astonishing (like hairs on the upper lip, a body in need of toning, and grumpy teenage children, just to name a few), it is time to upcycle ourselves: limit the sugar and white flour, exercise for life, share a smile more often, and stop being so hard on ourselves. The super-Mom syndrome of the past few decades is no longer acceptable. Instead, it is time to find a gentle balance on our continuing journey called life. That being said, here are my Top 10 resolutions for 2011:

 1. Donate un-used craft items to Girl Scouts.
 2. (Continue to) volunteer at senior centers.
 3. Organize (i.e., toss out) expired coupons, old receipts, and newspaper clippings that I saved to read (but didn't).
 4. Spend more time reading novels and non-fiction.
 5. Take a class to expand my computer knowledge (which will benefit my blog).
 6. Take vitamins regularly.
 7. Add a day of tennis to my bi-weekly tennis schedule.
 8. Hide the chocolate--from me (i.e., don't buy the stuff anymore).*
 9. Enjoy spending time (instead of arguing) with our younger daughter for the next eight months before she goes off to college .
10.Think outside the box (i.e., my comfort zone) and expand my crafting repertoire.

*This is going to be tough!

Let's start with Resolution #10: expanding my crafting repertoire; thus, I present my first altered art project for the new year:

Calendar & Photo Canvas

Material List:

9" x 12" and 6 x 8" canvas panels

coordinating scrapbook paper cut 8-1/2" x 11-1/2" and 5-1/2" x 7-1/2"

acrylic paint & foam brushes

Mod Podge (glossy)

Binder clips

Buttons

Spiral paper clip

Hemp cord

Calendar, cut to fit smaller canvas (I found these for 50 cents at Michael's)

metal label holder & brads

4" x 6" acrylic flat photo frame

photo (which is interchangeable)

double-sided foam tape

assorted ribbon & ric-rac

silk flower (cut from stem and backing)

number stickers

hot glue gun

If you would like a tutorial, leave me a comment and I will be happy to email it to you.  Also, if you like this bright color combination, click here to see the matching mail & note holder I made last year.

Now onto Resolution #9:  enjoying my 17-year old--that is, after she yells at me for waking her...Happy New Year!

Editor's Note:  This is a repost of my 2011 calendar.  Time to update it for the new year!

Doreen

Linking to these fabulous party blogs:

Wake Up Wednesday
Silly Pearl Project Inspire(d)
A Dose of Paige Create & Share
Project Parade Link-Up
Domesblissity