re-purposing packaging, part 2

After my last post about reusing packaging, I came across some new containers- I guess the proper term would be "clamshell" packaging. They are from BoBunny (a scrapbooking company) and they call their containers "party favors" instead. If you ever need to search for these, just google "BoBunny party favors" and you'll find them. They're available in either circle or heart shapes....the same packaging they use for their brads and button assortments:




I already have these brads, so I took them out to reuse the packaging. Perfect for a Valentine gift idea because of the heart- shaped container. I'll show how easy it is to do this project. Best of all....no adhesive is required to make this!

1. Here is what my brads look like-I just put them into a different storage container.

2. Open the packaging and take out the front insert. I washed the inside too, before filling with candy.

3. Use a scrap of Valentine-themed paper and put the insert on top. Take a pencil and trace the heart, top hole, and marks for trimming to size.

4. After tracing, trim to size. Then cut out heart shape and punch a hole at the top using a hole puncher. The corners are slightly rounded, so I used a Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper with the 1/4" setting.

5. Decorate the new insert as you wish. I used alpha stickers to spell out "be mine" and two pink self-adhesive jewels for a little sparkle.

6. Put the decorated insert in..it really just "pops" right in. Fill with candy, close up the container, and tie with ribbon....ready to give to your Valentine sweetie!

Stickles and dotted stamp idea

I was playing around with some Stickles and decided to make my own "bling" embellishment-similar to those self-adhesive rhinestone circles. It's pretty darn close! All you need is a basic dotted stamp design and some Stickles.

I used an old 7 gypsies dotted circle stamp because the dot pattern is uniform and makes it easy to apply the Stickles.

I cut a 2 1/4" circle out of some paper to demonstrate.


I centered the stamp over the circle and pressed down. This would be easier to center if using clear stamps.


Take the Stickles and start covering the black dots. It has a thick consistency, so it's very easy to apply.

Once you finish applying the Stickles, the dots look a little weird...raised and pointy. Set aside to dry.
Note: as they dry, the raised dots will go down...but will be slightly raised.


Here it is finished. IRL, it's much more vibrant and sparkly!

DIY: mini clipboard magnet

Looking for a fun craft project to make...or even to make for gifts? This mini clipboard magnet is simple to make and doesn't take very long to do. It's perfect for those mini school photos....I always have a few extra of those...and it's a great way to use those photos up by making a cute magnet/photo display for the fridge!

what you need:

chipboard- cut to size 2 1/2" x 3 3/4"
pattern paper- I used BoBunny Star Dust from the "Star Struck" line
hinge clip- I got this at an office supply store. It's 2" wide.
acrylic paint- optional
embellishments- just find something simple to coordinate with your paper. I used Am. Crafts "Playhouse" chipboard stars because they matched perfectly in color and star theme!
ribbon-I used 3/8" sheer
round magnet -with foam adhesive
adhesive- Tombow Mono Multi, Zig glue pen
Tools- exacto/craft knife, cutting mat, scissors

Instructions:
1. Cut chipboard to size, then paint along the sides and even the back, if you want to. Although, you don't really have to paint at all...I just think it looks a little more finished.


2. Apply adhesive to the unpainted (front) side and cover with paper. Smooth the paper out and cut around the sides with an exacto knife.


3. Attach the office clip to the top of the covered chipboard and add an embellishment to a bottom corner, with part of it off the clipboard. I glued two chipboard stars together and glued them to the clipboard with a zig glue pen. Mini glue dots would also work great.


4. Thread ribbon through the clip as shown in the picture and tie in a knot on the front. I used sheer ribbon because it's easier to get through the clip. Also, the ribbon helps hide the engraving on the front of the clip.


5. Turn clipboard over and attach magnet.


6. Add a photo, put on fridge, and you're done!

Notes: If you're using a mini school photo, you will have enough room to mat the photo and add a name, if you have some small alphas handy. You can also use a stronger magnet too, if you're concerned about the clipboard staying in place. If using the foam adhesive ones, one thing I've found is that the clipboard magnet needs to be perfectly straight on the fridge. If it tilts a little, the weight of the clip will turn it upside down. If it's straight, it will stay. It does have good holding power, though....mine have not fallen off the fridge at all.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!