First, I found this cute perpetual Advent Calender at the thrift store, but the colors are not me, at all!
The frame is black, the green is olive and the red is more rusty than red. Of course I want to redo this in a more vintagey look, I'm thinking a red frame and decoupage vintage images where the red is now and decoupage images on the magnets. I'm stuck though on what to do with the green portion! If i paint it, which I'd like to paint it turquoise, then I have to repaint the letters and I could never get them to look that good. Also, would you do anything on the white magnetic part?
Second, I have scads of these....
These tubes came off our large format printer at work. There are several sizes: 30, 36 & 42 inches long and all are 3-1/4" diameter. These tubes are really sturdy, you could jump on them and they wouldn't crush! I just know they can be used for something, so what would you do with them? This is what I have come up with so far:
1)Slice them into rings and make them into bangle bracelets: paint,decoupage images on them, add jewels etc. (not sure if they would be too big for this)
2) slice them into rings and make them into Christmas ornaments: paint, add glitter on flat outside surface, tinsel trim on edges and add vintage images in the center or little vintage figurines.
3) slice into rings and make into boxes: would need to figure out how to put a top and bottom on them.
I'm thinking the best way to cut these would be with a coping saw but if anyone else has any ideas, I would love to hear! I can't wait to hear what ya'll come up with, so don't let me down, LOL! xxoo Nan
Nan,
ReplyDeleteThis vintage countdown calender is cute! I agree, lots of decopaged vintage images, the tiles???? I would do steps one with the frame and two the backround and then you will know what to do with those....I personally love that vintage green "Countdown to Christmas: and maybe after you make the backround prettier it will fit right in.....what a fun project!
As far as the tubes go....I haven't a clue! LOL Think and pray for you and your family every day!!!!! Take care Nan! Sandy :)
For the calendar- paint the backgoround the color you want and then decoupage the words you want on it. You can either print them off or find them in old magazines or Christmas cards.
ReplyDeleteThe tubes into boxes- cut a bottom and a top- glue on an old cereal box circle- painted or decoupaged, make a hinge- either a real one or use a scrap of fabric.
Make snowman hats- use cereal boxes for top and bottom.
Make a trio of candles tied together at different heights, snowmen, santas, reindeer...what ever.
Lay on their side and stack and bind together for a wine rack, magazine rack, mail center...
Can't wait to see what you do with them.
Hugs- Tete
I love that calender. I also like the vintage green. I agree with Sandy that you might like it more after you decoupage the red part.
ReplyDeleteAs for those tubes. Have you seen the Inspire Co. winter magazine? There are the cutest elves made from toilet paper rolls by Mary Engelbreit. You could cut your tubes up and then your elves would be more substantial. Let me know if you need the link.
That is such a different Advent Calendar. I'm not very crafty but I'll be waiting to see what you and the others come up with.
ReplyDeleteCute Advent calendar. I think your idea of vintage images is great. It will be really cute. Lots of possibilities on the tubes. I like the bracelet idea. Good luck on both projects!
ReplyDeleteFor the tubes, I have cut them in various lengths before and used them for flexible gifts like scarves and mittens, posters, clothing, tea towels, aprons, etc. I then wrap them like a tootsie roll and use fun curly ribbons on the end. I have at least 1 of these every year to play with.
ReplyDeleteAnother idea: You could hot glue a flat sturdy piece of cardboard to the bottom and then dress them up to use when you are giving a wine bottle to a host or hostess.Perfect for the holidays.
The advent calendar is very neat. What a fun find.
You could paint the right side turquoise and then add white/clear fluffy snow all the way around the inside edge. I love red and turquoise together. What about using turquoise tissue paper over the left side circle so you could have the color you want and still see the lettering. You could always trace the lettering with a waterproof marker or paint.
Have fun! I can't wait to see what you come up with.
Hi Nan!
ReplyDeleteHere are my suggestions:
1) Give the calendar to me...it's PERFECT and just the right colors for my house as is! LOL
2) I think the bangle bracelet idea is genius...And using the rolls as containers for holiday goodies...you can fashion lids or find mason jar lids that will fit and hot glue them on!
Have fun!
One tube could be cut into holiday napkin rings of various types, purchase fabric and make napkins to match or pick up ready made at Walmart, Dollar store ect. Good gifts or sell on Etsy.
ReplyDeleteIf you're decoupaging the vintage images, why not slightly sand, and either apply crackly or a snowy glitter to the green part? It would tone down the green and give it more of an aged appearance to match the vintage pics. For the tubes, you could cut them into smaller circles and then cover each coordinating material, attach them together side by side (ooooooo) and embellish. You've got a sturdy garland that looks like ornaments, only unbreakable. Or for something a little more temporary, cover them with different scrapbooking papers but tuck a little piece of candy or trinket inside before sealing. On Christmas morning, or for a Christmas party, each person could then give a circle a little punch to open it up and find a treat. Those are my suggestions. If only I could think what to do with my things. It's always easier to be creative for someone else.
ReplyDeleteHi Nan,
ReplyDeleteSuch a great advent calendar you scored! I have never come across such a gem as that. I agree with Kelly Mac above, about how to handle the green part. As far as the sturdy tubes are concerned, a few years ago I used my thick poster tubes to make huge Thanksgiving People. You could adapt that idea to make Santa's or elves perhaps. Here is the link to what I made.
http://celestialcharms.blogspot.com/2008/11/thanksgiving-people.html
Have a wonderful day!
Maureen
Oh my gosh Nan could I ever use those tubes to store my son's theater lighting blueprints which are about that tall! I am giggling because your calendar is sooo cute and would fit perfectly into my home just as is; so if you're traveling this way I can take all of these off your hands!! LOL!!! Thank you so much Nan for joining my apron pocket tag swap. I am hereby restricting myself to two swaps a year from now on. This next year will be VDay and Halloween; so please, please count me in for a January swap or any other you host! Always such fun to visit here! Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteI am loving that calendar. Not much help with the crafty areas since I am brain dead lately, but I can't wait to see what you come up with!!
ReplyDelete