Monday, January 12, 2009

Upcycled Art

Remember back when chipboard was riding the first big wave of popularity and if we bought one package, two was better? (oh, you only bought one package? Well, bless your heart! I, on the other hand, had no self-control) And then, if you are anything like me, the chipboard either 1)got put away in a drawer only to be used intermittently because, at any moment, companies might halt all production of chipboard thereby leaving the world in the midst of a devastating chipboard shortage or 2)you forgot about it completely until your chipboard storage drawer would no longer open and when you finally yanked it free, you were rewarded with an avalanche of warped cardboard. I'll plead guilty on both counts.

I'm not making any no-buy declarations. I know myself. But I am making a concerted effort to use what I have this year on a far greater level than I have previously. So, I was staring at two packages of Basic Grey undressed chipboard recently. Just had to have them. Very rarely used them. In fact, one package is still sealed. Knowing that all things in life are better with bling and that an art supply would practically soar when dripping with bling, I spent a few minutes glittering the entire contents of my open package of chipboard.

Suddenly what had been non-descript pieces of cardboard turned into sparkling, tarnished silver pieces of possibility. Even the most basic shape is elevated with just a little something special. (if you aren't into glitter, I'm sorry. We can't be friends. No, no, I'm kidding. We can still be friends! I still love you! mostly)
Then, I was folding some old linens that I had bought at an auction. Most of them have nasty rust stains, holes, tears and seemed destined for the rag pile. Many of them are edged with pretty lace though and I hate to see anything go to waste. But...even with holes and stains I still cringe a bit whenever I think of taking scissors to something old and vintage. I feel like my Nana will walk through the door and lecture me on wastefulness while making me eat cinnamon squash (another story).
Eh, I got over it.
With my newly glittered chipboard loveliness and scraps of old dresser scarf, I'm working on these little notebooks. They'll help me out with my resolutions to be better about simplifying and making lists this year; just right for tucking into my pocketbook.



New Year, time to rotate some dishes? I love the Fireking Charm cup & saucers, but rarely pull them out. The Year of Color blog is focusing on blue and white for the month, so I'm sipping coffee, tea and hot chocolate from these for a few weeks. Nana would be proud. I bought them at a little antique shop in OK when I went to visit her and Papa a couple of summers ago.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

It's criminal that you post such eye candy on your blog! Those chipboards are beautiful, as are the linens, art & serveware.

I haven't forgotten your card, I'm just an uber procrastinator. :( I promise it w/ another one will be in the mail soon.

Have a great Monday!

Tasha said...

Glittering anything makes it better!

Back Through Time said...

I think I am permanently glitterfied, lol!~~That is a word from my private dictionary;-) I love your chipboard.
If you need to start a support group for those that have too much stuff, I will be right there with you!
hope you are off to a great week!
Michelle

Anonymous said...

nothings better then glitter and chipboard! hehe I love the chandiler below! so pretty! big mermaid hugs

toodles-
sarah

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Your little notebooks are adorable!
I'm proud as your Nana for you using those dishes :)

TJ said...

You are so talented! Your blog always inspires me.

Guess I should whip out my set of white coffee cups with turquoise lines for trim. They would fit right in. And the price for 20 cups? Free. No one purchased them at the church yard sale, and they are the most beautiful retro cup I could imagine.

Shauna said...

I'm new here! What a great blog :)

Anonymous said...

I MUST know - two things. First, what type of glitter did you use, and second, what technique did you use to cover the pieces? You know how OCD I can be when it comes to techniques. ;-) Please tell!

Unknown said...

I'm lovin' all the glitterati you've got goin' on here with you chipboard. I just stopped in to say thank you for entering my OWOH giveaway! Good luck to you. Thank you for sharing with me that your Grandma Rae tatted. That is sweet.