Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Recycling at Jingle Belles

Mmmm, fresh-cleaned teeth from the dentist...and can I just say, I have the best hygienist? Not a single nick of the gums. My super-sparkly teeth are perfect to go with my super-sparkly cards for the current jingle belles challenge (for the next 4 hrs or so), to use something recycled. My favourite thing to recycle is old card fronts - of course most of the cards we receive aren't handmade, but the illustrations are too precious!  I've got two here.

Supplies: red cardstock; Sakura black glaze pen; iridescent glitter fabric paint; K&Co die-cut; red card stock


I have had this same bottle of iridescent glitter fabric paint for at least 5 years. Finally, today, it bit the dust. I managed to scoop out enough for this card with a toothpick, but besides being nearly empty the container's allowed enough air in to dry up almost all that was left. Super chunky! Luckily that worked here. The only 'pre-glittered' element is the date die-cut piece. I added some black Glaze pen to his hat, eyes, mouth, and buttons for a little extra shine.


Supplies: Making Memories epoxy sticker; Colorbok silver glitter paper

This card uses one of my favourite techniques when recycling a card - cutting apart the illustration. I thought strips might be fun for a change - usually I cut it into tiles - but I think I'll probably skip the staggering next time around. Not all that happy with this one.


It's difficult to see, but the original card has debossed silver snowflake dots over the trees. Very pretty :)

Back to the Mother's Day crafting spree now - where the heck did April go? YIKES!
xoxo,
Jessi





17 comments:

Marie said...

There you go again being thrifty and creative with those recycled cards. Personally I LOVE the tree card! Since I am waiting for warm weather...is it kinda hard for me to create winter cards...you go girl!

Annette Allen said...

oh so do not like the dentist.. It hurts when they nick your gums.. lucky you it was a good experience.. always good to have nice and clean teeth..

lovely cards..

walchowDesign said...

I don't like my dentist as he always thinks that he always right! I wish I have a kind dentist like yours, Jessi! I missed my dentist from Singapore!

Back to your glittery cards - beautiful!

lauren bergold said...

ooooooooooh! and AHHHHHHHHHHHH! and oh ♥WOW♥ even!!! these are the PERFECT use of recycled xmas cards... and they are just altered ENOUGH to be brand new things... w/o losing their lovely original designs! BRILLAINT!!! (i love that "strips" one espeically, i have to try that!!!) ♥♥♥

ps: i have a MASSIVE dental phobia so am trying desperately to ignore paragraph one... lalala... LALALALA... lala... :) :) :0

jimlynn said...

Both of these just SHINE!!! So pretty and great recycling!
Lynn

Lindsey said...

Perfect recycling! These are definitely both better than when they were brand new. :)

~amy~ said...

Awesome up cycling! Love the glitz!

SmilynStef said...

Love adding the bits of embellishment to a fabulous card illustration ... but I really LOVE that strip technique to take the design to a whole new level ... so very glad you celebrated earth day with us at jingle belles.

yyam said...

Clever upcycling. Love the added glitz! Glitter makes everything look good!

Jenny said...

Recycling old cards has to be the oldest form of card-making and tags too..... we used to love being let loose with the pinking shears!! Lol
I love how you changed up these recycled cards especially slicing up the image. great idea :0)
Jenny x

Darnell said...

Oh, I'm so impressed with you, Jessi, working on your Christmas cards and upcycling, to boot! Ask me who was going to make a Christmas card a week starting January first? Ask what date it will be next Wednesday and how many weeks' worth I've done? Don't you dare ask me!!

Hey, thank you for putting that button on your blog about "no-reply bloggers!" This has been a burr under my saddle from day one and I had no idea this lovely lady wrote about it ages ago, so thank you for spreading the word, which I'm now doing, too!!

Unknown said...

genius way to recycle store bought cards! i love the staggered effect...so don't ditch it! pretty cards. love your work chica!

Emily Keaton said...

I hear ya on the "where did April go?" bit!! I have got to get my butt in gear on Mother's Day cards, too. Why do holidays always seem to sneak up on me? I mean, I've got calendars and all . . .

LOVED seeing all the sparkle and shine on this pair of sweet holiday cards, Jessi!

Oh, and yes, yes, let's do call it "washi-piecing"!! That's a fine idea ;)

Chris Dring said...

Cool beans! Love that you repurposed old Christmas cards! I've saved some, and have them...somewhere. Someday when I happen upon them in the craft cave, maybe I'll finally reuse them! LOL!

Lisa Arana said...

seriously cool! you can make a store bought card look homemade. fabulous cards.

lostinpaper said...

You really are so clever and upcycling is just sooo now!

Angela said...

Great recycling...these are both beautiful and I am loving the glittery sparkle!