ART on the CHEAP

As much as I love buying new art supplies, and trust me I do, I also firmly believe in using things I have around the house and up cycling as much as possible.  So an old piece of mail might become background in a piece of art.

One thing you will see sold quite a bit in scrapbook stores are chipboard and scrapbook embellishments at a hefty price (compared to the cost of actual materials).  I decided to turn some food boxes (or water boxes) into some quick, cute embellishments ~ ready to go!

First take your old box.  I have used soda boxes, cereal boxes, etc.

Cut out the larger parts for bigger pieces or bookmarks.

Punch the scraps with your paper punches and make lots of cute shapes.

I painted all my pieces with gesso because I wasn't sure how I would dress them up.

Some I used washi tape on…. like this one below.

Here are some bookmark samples. I punched a hole in the top and added ribbon (not sure where THAT photo is) :)

I used some orange washi tape on this square embellishment.

Then I used Michelle Ward's Sphere Small stencil (from StencilGirl Products) and dabbed orange paint through.  Cute, huh?

Pull out your stash and dress up some "trash" to get that exact pop of color for your scrapbook page!

On these below, I used some of my stencils, wash tape and twine.  I tried to create varieties for a different feel and some dimension.

I found them to be GREAT add-ons for my  Project Life scrapbook cards.

Whatever you decide to do with them, you are probably more likely to take chances since it cost you nothing except for a bit of your time…so go PLAY!!

Be sure to follow me on Bloglovin or like my Facebook Page at Kirsten Reed Designs.  Have a great week!

A good read, leftover paint and bookmarks

This time of year I find myself reading books more than any other.  There is something comforting about  putting on warm flannel jammies and curling up next to a fire while it is cold and ugly outside and losing myself in a book.  Oh and a cup of coffee.

Two books I have read in the past couple weeks are While We Were Watching Downton Abbey ~ a fiction novel by Wendy Wax, and Summer at Tiffany ~ a memoir by Marjorie Hart.  Both were enjoyable reads and I would recommend for a "light" read.

Not sure what is next up on the docket as I have a huge pile to choose from but I welcome any suggestions! (my typical favorite genres are historical fiction and or mystery/suspense … in case you want to offer me any suggestions..hint hint!)

So while I was cleaning up my art studio today, I had blobs of leftover paint and I really hate to waste paint, but it wasn't a ton of paint.  What to do?

I grabbed some tags and threw paint and stamps on them to make these nifty little bookmarks.

I used this stamp from Hero Arts to add texture.

Then I stamped on a quote:

I then used a butterfly stamp in the top left corner for some balance.

My other two bookmarks I made with Maria McGuire's Stitch a Greek Border stencil from StencilGirl.

I took my blank tag and magenta dabbing through only part of the stencil.

 I stamped deli paper with turquoise and cut out pieces to add on to the bookmark.

I added in some yellow ochre with my finger around the blue and magenta.  I stamped butterflies  and a quote on to deli paper and adhered it to the bookmark and trimmed.

What are you reading and enjoying?…I always love new book suggestions!

If you are local, be sure to join me January 23rd at the Spring Hill Library at 5:30 p.m. where I will be doing a free demonstration and you will make a bookmark with me!