How Have I Never Blogged About These?

I cannot believe I neglected to mention these. Several months ago (maybe even a year prior) a friend had a birthday. Low on budget, but wanting to bring a gift, I made one of my first jewelry revamps. I also made really cute wrapping (and protective packaging) out of a nice pill package, two pieces of decorative paper and some left over tissue. (You have to love a festive upcycle).

The greatest upcycle trick is all the wonderful things you can do with scraps. Look at the "bow" I made with them. In the bottom picture, you can check out the gift tag I made with a larger scrap. Just punch a whole in it, write your message, and use a metallic twist tie.

As for the bracelet, you can find the tutorial here.

First Reader Submission

An earring holder made out of a bookend and wash tape.

Pardon my use of exclamation points. I know they are not proper; I avoid them even in casual blog writing, but I cannot contain my excitement. I have received my first reader submission! (See, if you have to do something inappropriate, do it at the most appropriate time. I believe I have done so).

Made from a bookend, Ashley's earring holder truly captures the spirt of "reuse, revamp, upcycle." I love it. Check out Ashley's adventures in craftiness and travel.

At the Risk of Encouraging Hoarding...

One day I'm going to get a good camera so I can take clearer pics..
 Until then... 

Save everything–my latest creation was inspired by the leftover scraps of a doily. I kid you not.

 I stared at the gold foil doilies for weeks at the craft store. There was just something which made them call out to me. I knew ideas were sure to pop up.

Cut to last week. I was finally inspired. I used a doily in a project which will be revealed after my friend receives her gift (I just hate to ruin a surprise). There was enough left that I could not bring myself to throw it out. I was sure there was something I could use the scraps for later. If not, I resolved I would throw them out.

A couple of days passed. I looked at the leftover doily and ideas flowed. I cut out a small circle from the pattern. It all came together from there. 

Filling your room with 1980s collectables, like a swimming pool with water, is probably not a great idea. But, if you have a significant enough amount of material left, hang onto it. You never know where it may lead you.