Monday 13 December 2010

Upcycling 'rubbish'

Have you got any of these lying around?   Well don't throw them out will you.

Take out the pattern

Add some stitching.
Slap on some gesso - as much or as little as you like.
Then you can cut it and sew it up as it is or.....

I decided to cover mine

Added some scraps of webbing

Added some handles

Hey presto - a bag.
It's surprisingly strong!
This one holds an A5 journal set with coloured pencils,
and sets of brushes.

If you would like to have a go at making some lovely bags out of paper - visit Roben-Marie's blog here - for lots of inspiration and a free mini workshop with all the instructions here

Mine is rubbish in comparison with her samples - but after visiting her blog late at night on Saturday, I just had to go into my craft room right away and have a go at one!

So in essence this was just a practice piece to see if I could make one - my head is now buzzing with lots of ideas on adapting the process to make all sorts of packages.

11 comments:

Roben-Marie said...

Oh, Lottie! This is so cute and I love your idea of covering the paper! The poppies are sweet!! They are pretty strong, eh?! I look forward to seeing more!! Have fun!

sam21ski said...

Well for a first go Lottie, this is stunning but I do agree with you, ditch those buttons!!!!!

Victoria said...

Your bag is beautiful!! I'm taking the class also, making my bags tonight and i hope they look half as nice as yours

Neet said...

What a fantastic idea - and so serviceable too.
You have made it look so pretty - love poppies at the best of times but on here they look brilliant.

Lorraine said...

what a fantastic bag and poppies are my favourite

Chris said...

Well, your advertising ploy worked Lottie as I've just signed up too. :) Your bag is lovely and those poppies are gorgeous.

Chris x

Createology said...

Lottie I love your bag out of sewing pattern tissue. I did see Roben-Marie's tutorial and you did a wonderful job of not just copying but being very creatively inspired to do even more. I agree the buttons overpower your poppies. Happy Holly Jolly Joy...

Magpie's Mumblings said...

What a great use for outdated pattern tissues! I often see boxes full of them at the thrift stores and feel so badly that nobody seems to want them.

Deb said...

Beautiful, beautiful bags, Lottie! I love the poppies and how original this is. Can't wait to see more.
Deborah--glisteninthesunshine.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

its not rubbish at all...amazingly good first attempt - if my 1st one turned out like that I'd be thrilled!

LazyKay said...

Inspiring! Unfortunagely, I sent a whole drawerful of patterns to the charity shop before the recycling fad got into the swing so I hope someone benefitted fromthem.

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