Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

DIY Recycling Inspiration: Vintage Coke Bottle With M&Ms

Yesterday Adam came home with a handful of vintage soda bottles.  After cleaning them up we researched their value.  Today I took a few to the shop in Galena, IL.  Quite a few people commented on the 32 oz. Coke Bottles.  They came out in the 70’s and are no longer in production.  Due to all the feedback I was getting over them I had to pull one off the shelf to take home.  This happens a lot.
I told myself that the only way I can keep it is to find a use for it.  Only way!  What fun is it to collect something and then pack it away in a box where you can’t see it? 
On my way home from work I stopped and purchased 31.80 oz of M&Ms.  One large and one medium bag.  It was actually kind of funny.  I was trying to figure out what I wanted to put in the bottle as I was looking at everything in the store.  Hello?  M&Ms are my candy of choice.  So there I was adding the ounces on each bag to total what the jar could hold.  
That’s all this project required.  One 32 oz. Vintage Coke bottle and 31.80 oz. of M&Ms.  I even have a handful left to munch on later.  
The bottle has a new home in the corner of my desk.  It makes a good paper weight.  I’m looking for a cork to place over the top.  The original cap was missing so I need something to seal it with due to the dogs sniffing their noses up at it.
Crazy idea eh?  I just couldn’t bear the fact that the customers were giddy over the bottles and I didn’t keep one for myself.  Praying that the heat wave is over or I may have to place it in the frig.
You could also use red hots to fill the bottle.  How about using it for a guessing game for bridal showers?  A great way to display your marble/button collection.  They make an interesting centerpiece for the table.  If you chose to use the M&Ms you could always rotate them out with their holiday colored bags they sell.  Secret Santa gift?  House warming gift for Coke fans?  Just Because gift?  Endless possibilities.
My only cost was the M&Ms.  I told Adam that he’s donating this bottle for the office decor. 
Tomorrow starts another crazy work week and I need rest.
I’m a bit sad to see the Olympics ending today.  What am I going to watch on tv now?
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

DIY Inspiration: Recycling Vintage Frames

I love to recycle vintage frames that I find at the flea markets and thrift stores.  It’s amazing what a can of spray paint can do.
This is my second project using the frames.  I’m exploring different options of displaying the photos in them.
This frame is plastic.  All the others have been wood.  Not knowing how to attach any hardware to the sides to create a clothesline, I had to come up with a different idea.
After spray painting the frame red I used a piece of jute twine to make a loop to serve as the hanger.
With a red frame I decided on using a black and white (my favorite) photo for the insert.  I attached the photo a piece of heavy white cardstock and then layered on a piece of black metallic paper.
There is no glass with this frame, so in order to protect the image I attached a sheet of transparency paper with brads to the cardstock frame I made.  A few small pieces of mounting putty to attach the photo inside of the frame and that’s it!
An easy project that can be completed in a couple of hours, depending on how long it takes your paint to dry.
Next, I’ll try a frame inside of a frame.  More colorful cans of spray paint and dog photos of course.  The frame inspiration came from Pinterest, the rest from my own head of ideas.
Did you miss my first project with the frames?  I’ll make it easy for you, click here and enjoy.
What fun, DIY projects are you working on?  Feel free to leave links in the comment section below.
And so a new week continues…
Until the next word…
~Jennifer  

No Pleasure Should Feel Guilty

How about that one white sprinkle?
Realized this morning that I haven’t had any chocolate in the past week.  
Someone please take my temperature!

That all changed today.
And as the title reads, no pleasure should feel guilty.  Agree?
More recycling Pinterest inspired projects coming this week.  And I’ve got a few ideas for recycling silverware into wall art.  
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Recycled DIY Project: Vintage Bakewear

I try to find a use for “everything” weather it be in the kitchen, living room, my office, or in the garden.  My kitchen walls went bare for several years after I moved in.  I was unclear as to what I wanted to put up for decoration.  A couple of months ago I gave the walls a fresh coat of paint.  Please excuse the paint marks on the cabinets.  I don’t use painters tape.  A good washing with some Murphy’s Oil and they’ll come clean.
I pulled out these pans that I got a long time ago.  When I first saw them at the thrift store they were sitting on the table together like they had a purpose in life.  I asked myself, “How can I use these?”  Some people put their collectible plates above their counters, I put pans in that space. Plus, one of them had a red base so that color goes with the kitchen.  Four was just the right amount for the space I had.  I used gorilla glue to attach the hardware and up they went.  I thought about decoupaging something inside of them to give some additional character to them.  Any suggestions?  
I’ve got a few oddities on the other wall along with some additional space to work with.  More recycled projects are on the drawing table.  I seem to be on a roll lately.  Did you see the recycled beadboard project I did a couple of weeks ago?  That piece also hangs in the kitchen.  If you missed that post, click here.  
You’ll get to know me and the way that I decorate in my house.  I have a hard time matching colors and themes, so if it looks good it stays.  Kind of rubs off with my card making as well.  I call it having an eclectic style.
Enjoy your Sunday evening.
~Jennifer

Recycled Vintage Wall Art

Here’s my latest project I’ve been working on.  Remember the sneak peek I gave you earlier this week?
I used the original 1967 vintage flash cards, some card stock, and a frame.  The box came with 144 words to work with.  I was going to sell the box of cards as is, but as I got looking through them I was coming up with all sorts of phrases.  My mom convinced me to frame some.  A few will go in the shop in Galena, IL, some on Etsy, one will be for a gift, and a couple in my house. 
Here’s a flash card that I got from a set my mom has.  Having a house full of four-legged ones I felt it fits most appropriately on my office wall.
Until the next project……have a funday Monday!
~Jennifer