Upcycled Bows and News from "t!m"

By now you know how pumped I am about upcycling and recycling and finding fun new uses for, well...trash. Or rather more delicately put, things that would otherwise end up in the landfill or in the recycle bin.

Today I found a link that I absolutely must share with you all. It's a website that shows how to make upcycled bows from magazines. Get directions from the website here: Upcycled Bows 

I've already made several of them today, just to check out the design; they go together quickly, and are super-easy to make. They'll look fabulous on all my newspaper wrapped holiday gifts! AND, once the presents have all been opened, they can STILL be recycled, unlike mylar, ribbon, or plastic store-bought bows.

After the first couple of tries, I made one or two changes to the design. First: the top layer of loops has only two of the twisted long components. I used three long loops there instead of the two that the directions specify, which made a slightly more symmetrical bow. Second, the directions call for glue dots in the final assembly. Glue dots are kind of expensive...I substituted double sided tape here.

What fun! In the past I've tried loads of techniques for making upcycled bows (at this point they're a family tradition...). I've made modular origami star-bows out of magazines and flyers, and tea bag folded bows. And I have a star shaped bow-maker tool that turns out a very impressive bow and is very easy to use, as long as you don't mind taping your paper strips together...which I don't. But these bows are great! No special orgami voodoo to learn, no messy adhesives, and no special tools needed! All you need are a paper trimmer (optional) a staple gun and some inexpensive double sided tape. Now that's magic. Check it out!

On another note, you may or may not know that Tim Holtz's rent-a-car was burglarized last week while out of town on business. Everything was stolen; computer, class samples, everything. And he was just devastated...who wouldn't be?

But, in typical Tim fashion he's dusted himself off, and to express his appreciation for all the support he's received, Tim has punched a hole in his busy holiday schedule to offer the "Twelve Tags of Christmas" again this year. With a twist! Starting Dec. 1st, Tim will be offering a HUGE giveaway daily, PLUS a special giveaway for those folk who make each of the twelve tags along with him! For details, visit his blog, here: Tim Holtz Blog, or click the link in the left sidebar of my blog under the heading "Blogs I Follow." What a great guy!

I have a bit of disappointing news, today. Do you remember how we were all keeping our fingers and toes crossed, hoping that my classes would be selected for Art Unraveled 2010? Well, yesterday I received the nicest "regrets" letter I have ever read. I totally understand not being selected; the producer receives some 400 proposals to fill 120 class slots, so it was a bit of a long shot, especially as I've never taught at that venue before. Will definitely try again next year, and meanwhile explore other venues.

That's all for today. I'm off to make a few more of those fun and fabulous bows, write more proposals to teach, AND begin working on another tutorial!

Do you have a fun upcycling project or craft you'd like to share? Drop me a line, or leave a comment!

Thanks for visiting. Come again soon.

Comments

[kelly]

Oh man, I feel for Tim.

I feel for YOU, too. So sorry that you didn't get in. Keep trying. Keep making art and being the wonderful you that you are!

[sharon]

thanks for your kind words, kelly. they mean so much. will just keep doing what i do and submitting proposals. moving on!

the queen's ink, just outside of d.c. has expressed interest in hosting me. at any rate, they've seen my website and asked if i would be available to come teach. same thing? t!m taught there a few weeks ago, so i'll make certain to wear my big brave shoes! lol!