Recycling Jars Into Glittery Accessories

This is nothing new by any means, but I finally got around to purchasing some Washi tape and having my share of the fun.

I like to save my used glass jars for future purposes instead of just tossing them in the recycling bin.  It does become a slight hoarding-type problem when they build up (and sometimes I just have to learn to let go and toss them into the recycling,) but that's why I like to find any reason I can to re-purpose them.

I was already using a couple to contain the writing utensils on our desk.  I knew they needed a little spiffing up, but I hadn't really gotten to that yet.

Until I found this super pretty gold glitter Washi tape in the dollar section at Target.

I love how much this upgrades a plain glass jar compared to how amazingly simple and quick (and cheap) this little craft is.  A little glitter goes a long way!

I started out by using a cotton ball doused in rubbing alcohol to wipe down the sides of the jars where I would stick the tape.  This was just an extra precaution to make sure it sticks good and none of my greasy finger prints are in the way.

Then I just wrapped the tape around the jar to see how much length I would need and cut.  Remove the backing and stick it around the jar wherever you please!  Make sure you keep it level all the way around, if you're going for the even look.  It is very forgiving so I was able to lift it back up a bit and re-place it if it started to look a bit wobbly.

I also put some around this little acrylic box that I keep my paper clips in.  It's just the container that I saved from buying push pins, but it looks so intentional when I dress it up with the Washi tape.  These are great little boxes to save.  They look good anywhere and keep your tiny things organized.  I would even like to save a few for jewelry storage.

I tried a slightly different technique with the tape here.  I didn't cut it beforehand.  I just peeled the backing off as I went and stuck it all the way around.  When I got to where I started, I overlapped the tape a bit and then just sliced down the overlapped part with my craft knife.

Both ways worked just as well, but overlapping and then using my craft knife made for slightly cleaner cut edges where the two ends meet.

Ta-Da!  Matching set.

I added some glitter to my makeup brush jar as well.  This time I decided to go for a slightly different look by cutting the Washi tape into unequal portions and sticking them on my jar spaced apart.

I did try using a bit of tape to keep it from moving around while I used my craft knife and ruler to cut it into thin strips, but it ended up doing more harm than good.  The tape didn't seem to want to move as much as I had anticipated and when I removed the tape, it took off some of the gold coloring leaving silvery glitter.  So that was pretty much pointless.

It's cool with me, but next time I would skip taping it down.

   

I love how it turned out!

Ah, I love a good upgrade...

Especially when it only costs me $1.

Now I'm off to go hunt down more crap to cover in glittery tape.

Trash to Treasure

Isn't this a gorgeous little box shelf??

You wouldn't believe that it started out as a banged up drawer to some long-forgotten, unknown piece of furniture.

Oh, and that it has been sitting on the dining room floor shoved under the pew collecting animal hair and bags of old silverware.

What?  You would believe that?  Okay, I see we're getting to know eachother...

Gallery Wall Inspiration

My desktop computer decided to take the day off today.  We're all entitled to a little me-time, right?  So I'm working from my lap top today.  Sucks though because the desktop computer is the one that I use to upload all my photos onto and edit them.  We have that one set up with much more storage space.

I was going to reveal the new state of our home office/craft room today, but since that isn't panning out I'll share with you some great inspiration photos for the gallery wall that I am slowly building onto in there.

One of the major thoughts behind the whole thing is that I want it to strongly reflect Shaun's tastes as well as my love for, well...cohesive, eye-pleasing loveliness.  It is just a fact that my crap fills up a good 90% of the house.  Think of this as my attempt to even out the score.  Just a bit.

Shaun, if you're reading this that doesn't mean dirty socks on the floors and Nerf guns on the walls.

Commence inspirational photos!

http://www.desertdomicile.com/2013/07/7-gallery-wall-tips-tricks.html

This first one is from Caitlin of Desert Domicile and it's just great.  The things I love about it are the pops of color among the black and white and the use of not only framed pictures but the mirror, signs, and items like the keys and license plate.  She also gives a few a her tips on putting together your own gallery wall so check it out!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/298715387753995227/

I'm in love with this one featured in Elle Decor!  Given, it is mainly due to the space itself with it's sloped ceiling and all, but still.  I do love how they filled up every inch of the wall.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/twin-beds-styled-for-all-ages-small-spaces-187014

This gallery wall, featured on Apartment Therapy, gives off a sense of symmetry that I know my obsessive tendencies will draw me towards in my own gallery.  It's got that eclectic, but not too eclectic vibe that I totally dig.

http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/2013/04/the-guest-room-gallery-wall.html

This wall done by Carmel over at Our Fifth House drew me in with the interesting items she included.  I love the hat and purses.  We have a couple of vintage hats of Shaun's that would be great for this.  And when he feels like wearing one, he can just grab it and go!

http://www.decortoadore.net/2012/12/glimmers-of-white-and-gold.html

Feelin' that symmetry vibe...

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/121949102383312493/

This one uses all different sized and shaped frames to form one tight square.

I think this project is going to be a lot of trial and error.  I'm really going to have to go with my gut on this one.  This can be a hard thing to do for an obsessive perfectionist-type, but I'm willing to give it a shot.  I do love that "collected over time" style that is so hard for me to grasp sometimes.  I find myself just having to take a step back or let a project like this sit for a while before I continue on with it.

Are you a perfectionist or does eclectic styling come naturally to you?  Any tips?  Thanks for reading, you guys!  Until next post...

And now for a little comic relief...

The dining room breaks off in two directions; one being what we call our home office these days.  Back then it was my sister's temporary bedroom.  So stylish.

BEFORE: