Upcycled Lantern with a Snowman Twist

November 4, 2025November 3, 2025Leave a comment

Merry & Bright: Upcycled Lantern with a Snowman Twist

This season, I set out to add a little extra sparkle to my holiday decor

by transforming a simple thrifted lantern into a merry winter wonderland.

While treasure hunting at Goodwill, this simple lantern caught my eye.

Its $2.99 price tag was too good to pass up, and ideas started swirling

in my mind the moment I picked it up.

To create the Upcycled Lantern with a Snowman Twist:

I used Silver Transparent Glitter Vinyl from StyleTechCraft to create a scene on the outside of the lantern.
I used a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine* and the “Let it Snow Quote” SVG file from The Silhouette Store to cut the design.
I was able to remove the piece of glass from the lantern, which made it easy to apply the vinyl.
Clean the glass with rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints.

Once the design has been cut, you’ll need to remove the excess vinyl in and around the design using a vinyl weeding tool* or craft pick*.
Lay StyleTechCraft Transfer Tape* over the design and gently rub over the letters with a vinyl scraper tool.

*Disclosure: This blog uses ads and affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Lift the design from the white protective liner and place it onto the glass.
Rub over the vinyl design with the scraper tool and remove the transfer tape.

The silver glitter vinyl creates a frosted effect, creating the appearance

of etched glass without the mess or commitment.

I had so much fun arranging a simple snowy scene inside the lantern,

complete with a cute little snowman and sparkling faux snow.

Here’s what I used inside the Lantern: (*affiliate links)

Directions:

Make a simple snowman using air-dry clay*.
Use the tips of painted bamboo skewers* for the arms of the snowman.
Once the air-dry clay has dried, draw on the face using fine-tip paint markers*.
Tie a thin ribbon around the neck of the snowman for the scarf.
I added a Small Wood Slice* to the bottom of the lantern to elevate the snowman.
If the lantern if going to be handled by children or curious adults, glue the snowman and Mini Bottle Brush Trees* to the Wood Slice*.
Finish off the look with a 1 1/2″ natural cotton red striped ribbon*.
Optional: Add Fairy Lights* to the inside of the lantern.

Thanks for following along with my latest holiday DIY.

Let your creativity shine, and don’t forget—the best decorations

are the ones that make you smile every time you see them.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

The First Rule of Picking…

June 29, 2024June 29, 2024Leave a comment

The First Rule of Picking

The First Unspoken Rule of a Picking a Great Curb Find is…

NEVER PICK FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS CURB!!!

At least, that’s what my daughter-in-law says.

(So, what do you do when you see something that screams to be saved?)

I live in a friendly neighborhood in a small town.

I have a few neighbors who don’t like to have garage sales.

They will put plants, gardening items, and even vegetables

on the curb to share with neighbors. I have great neighbors!

Plant Stand Make Over

The metal plant stand.

I had looked at this plant stand sitting by the curb for a couple of days.

The evening before garbage pickup, while my husband

and I were taking the dog on his evening walk, we decided to grab it.

(I double-checked with the neighbor the next day.)

Plant Stand Make Over

I didn’t mind it the way it was. I like a little chippy goodness.

The problem was every time you bumped it,

or the wind blew, you would see little flakes everywhere.

Plant Stand Make Over-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 5266

I figured it would be an easy-peasy project.

All I would need to make it look great would be a can of black spray paint*.

(and a little scraping)

I went to the home store and picked up a small wire brush* and

black Rustoleum spray paint*.

Plant Stand Make Over-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 5272

It seems that the metal stand was coated in plastic and not painted.

As flaky as it seems, I soon realized it would take much more elbow grease than I intended.

Not to shy away from a challenge, I tried the metal brush*, a metal scraper tool*,

a palm sander*, and steel wool*.

Plant Stand Make Over

I finally decided it was “good enough” and spray-painted it black

to match the black railing on my deck.

Plant Stand Make Over-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 5425

I really like it out there. (Dexter agrees.)

But now I think I need to find another one.

We are all a Work in Progress

April 3, 2024April 2, 2024Leave a comment

We are all a Work in Progress-How to Upcycle a promotional water bottle

How to Upcycle a promotional water bottle.

A few months ago, I joined a gym.

I did it for a couple of reasons.

The first was for my physical self.

And the second for my mental health.

What I didn’t expect was the community I would find

and the friends I would make.

And while I haven’t seen huge improvements in my waistline,

I have seen improvement in my ability to do more than I thought I could.

I’m still a work in Progress.

We are all a Work in Progress-How to Upcycle a promotional water bottle.

Wanting to be like the “cool kids” and help save the planet from plastic water bottles,

I told my husband I needed a metal water bottle to take to the gym.

“I have one at work you can have,” he said. (he knows I’m cheap)

His company had given them metal water bottles that included the company’s core values.

While the values are good and everything, I wanted something different.

I wanted something more inspirational, more personal.

Being a creative person, I brought out my favorite StyleTechCraft adhesive vinyl.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

We are all a Work in Progress-How to Upcycle a promotional water bottle

Here’s what I Used: (*affiliate links)

Promotional Metal Water Bottle (or plain water bottle*)
Always a Work in Progress SVG file from the Silhouette Store
Silhouette Cameo 4 Electronic Die Cutting Machine*
StyleTechCraft Rose Gold Craft Vinyl*
StyleTechCraft Matte Black Craft Vinyl*
StyleTechCraft Vinyl Tool Kit*
StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape*
Alcohol or Alcohol Wipe*

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

We are all a Work in Progress-How to Upcycle a promotional water bottle

Directions:

The first thing I did was measure the area I needed to cover.
I used my Silhouette Cameo 4 Electronic Die Cutting Machine* to size and cut a Matte Black Craft Vinyl* square that would cover the promotional design on the bottle. I also cut the “Always a work in progress” design using Rose Gold Craft Vinyl*.
To help the vinyl stick securely to the bottle, wipe the surface of the bottle with the alcohol wipe* to remove any oils.
Cut a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* slightly larger than the design. Place the transfer paper over the cut design and gently rub using the squeegee tool.

We are all a Work in Progress-How to Upcycle a promotional water bottle

Remove the vinyl design from the white liner and center the image onto the black square.
Gently rub over the Vinyl Transfer Tape* to make sure the image has transferred.
Slowly and carefully, place the design and black square onto the water bottle. Rub over the design to remove any air bubbles. Remove the transfer tape.
Allow the vinyl to cure on the bottle for a few days before use. (Hand Wash Only)

We are all a Work in Progress-How to Upcycle a promotional water bottle

For those of you who are considering joining a gym,

I suggest starting slow and giving it a try.

You might be able to do more than you think.

WE ARE ALL A WORK IN PROGRESS!

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

June 30, 2023June 29, 2024Leave a comment

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

I can’t seem to pass up a good bargain thrift store chair.

I found this one last year when visiting my daughter in Wisconsin.

My daughter loves thrifting even more than me,

so, whenever we’re together, we like to check out her favorite Thrift Store.

This particular store always seems to have great bargains,

especially on furniture.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

I wasn’t necessarily looking for another chair,

but when I saw the $1.50 price tag,

I immediately did the “sit and wiggle” test.

The chair was smaller in size but sturdy. (just like me)

There were four chairs in all, so I picked the best one.

In retrospect, I should have taken them all.

I may have if I didn’t have to travel so far with them.

Bargain Thrift Store Chair Make Over

The chair covering was an ugly, dingy green fabric.

The wood was also grimy from years of use.

After removing the seat from the chair,

I gave the wood a light cleaning using Murphy’s Oil Soap*

and a soft rag.

I was careful not to remove all the great old worn patina.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

After removing all the tack nails used to hold down the

fabric, I found this neat, brown patterned vinyl.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

After scrubbing the vinyl clean, I seriously contemplated

stopping at this point. The pattern wasn’t that bad.

But to match it with the other dining room chairs I was recovering,

I decided to go with the plain brown vinyl instead.

I purchased the brown vinyl with a 50% off coupon

at JoAnn Fabrics and foam on sale for 40% off.

It cost me under $5.00 for materials.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

If you were wondering…

I left the old vinyl underneath the new vinyl in case I ever change my mind.

I quickly covered it with the new vinyl using a

Staple Gun and Metal Staples*.

I love finding a little history when redoing a piece.

Underneath the chair in old handwriting, it says… “South end of the table.”

Makes you wonder why that bit of information was important.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

The chair currently sits next to the fireplace in the dining room.

It’s petite and easy to pull up when extra seating is needed.

Not a bad investment.

Amazon Prime Days are July 11-12th.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

June 28, 2023May 13, 2025Leave a comment

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

How to make a Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps.

I love a simple, easy, and inexpensive DIY project.

Add in a little recycling, and that makes me super happy.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

We recently had a new deck built using composite decking materials.

When I saw the leftover scraps, I asked them to save a few larger pieces

of the thick wood and composite fascia boards.

(FYI…Fascia boards are the large boards that go around the outside of the deck.)

I knew they would be perfect for a small bench or side table.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

The fascia board was the same width as the wood board.

So, I used the wood board scrap as it came.

I asked my husband to cut the fascia board the same length as the wood board.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

I stained the wood board using Varathane’s Carbon Grey Stain*

that I had left over from a previous project.

The wood is pretreated. So, I didn’t use a sealer on the wood.

I can always go back and do that later.

We screwed the composite fascia board onto the wood board using decking screws.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

I went to a couple of yard sales searching for table legs that I could use,

I wanted it to be a complete recycling project.

After no luck, I purchased these black hairpin legs from Amazon*.

I love how they look, and they go perfectly with the black railing on my new deck.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

After marking and measuring the placement of the legs,

we predrilled the screw holes before screwing them onto the wood.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

The table went together in a few minutes.

I love using scraps to make something useful.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

This table is the perfect side table between a couple of chairs.

A great place to set a drink down.

It’s also sturdy enough to be used as a small bench for one.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

Even after spending $20 on the legs,

I still have a very inexpensive custom table.

As my daughter-in-law reminded me,

“you can easily spend $20 or more for a small patio table”.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

FYI…I found my Solar Lantern at Homegoods, but you can

easily find other great Solar Lanterns on Amazon*.

Amazon Prime Days are July 11-12th.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

April 11, 2023April 11, 20231 Comment

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas is a satisfying Trash to Treasure Project.

Turn an unused/unwanted canvas into an easy DIY.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Several years ago, I got the opportunity to try Splatter Painting at a Trade Show.

As fun and exhilarating (and messy) as it was, abstract art is not my style.

While I would never typically do this with a painting,

this just-for-fun painting left me with no guilt. (splatter painting post here)

I have been using Lang Wall Calendars for years.

And every year, at the end of the year, I have a hard time throwing them away.

I combined the frame under the canvas with the calendar page

for some inexpensive framed art.

Reusing items around the house in new ways is fun for me.

I don’t have to get rid of things I love, and It’s a new way to enjoy them.

And if I change my mind, which I often do, I can always upcycle it again.

It’s super easy to do.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Here’s what I used: (*affiliate links)

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Use a small flat head screwdriver* to remove the staples from the back of the canvas.
FYI…Some frames will come with staples in the corner to hold them together instead of glue.
In that case, you have a decision to make. But because I wasn’t attached to the painting, I had nothing to lose.
Give the frame a light sanding with a sanding block*.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Paint or stain the wood to match your decor.
Rub the finished frame with a clear wax using a soft, clean rag.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Cut the calendar page a little larger than the inside of the frame.
To give the picture more stability and a finished look, I adhered it to a piece of chipboard before gluing it onto the back of the frame.
Glue the picture inside the frame using a strong adhesive. I like using Rapid Fuse Adhesive*. It is a quick-setting glue and very strong. It works well with paper.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

I put my “New” framed print on my mantel with a couple of old pots for a fun, fresh Spring look.

Paper Crafting Fall Home Décor

September 9, 2021February 27, 2024Leave a comment

Fall Paper Crafted Home Décor

A Simple Fall Paper Crafted Home Décor Project.

It’s so much fun to decorate for Fall with its vibrant and colorful hues.

I’d love Fall even more if it didn’t turn into Winter after it was all over.

For the framed dimensional pumpkin, I decided to use my paper crafting skills

to make a fun and easy Home Décor for Fall.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for The Maker’s Movement. I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Fall Paper Crafted Home Décor

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

M12654 Pumpkin Card Die Set
M12715 An Autumn Breeze 6″ x 6″ Paper Pack
MMT211 Double Sided Adhesive Craft Foam Sheets
Crossover II Fabric & Paper Cutting System*
Xyron Sticker Maker Mini*
6″ x 6″ Frame*
Ivory Spray Paint*
Green Cardstock

Fall Paper Crafted Home Décor

Directions:

Cut two pieces of Double-Sided Adhesive Foam 5″ x 6″ and 4″ x 5″.
Cut two pieces of orange plaid paper from the paper crafting paper the same size as the foam.
Remove the protective coating from one side of the foam and place the paper onto the adhesive.
Place pumpkin die outlines over the foam and die-cut the shape using the Crossover II Die-Cutting Machine*. You may need to run the die back and forth a couple of times through the machine to make sure all the layers have been cut.
Repeat the process with the die-cutting of the stem and leaves.

Fall Paper Crafted Home Decor

For the words used on the front of the pumpkin, run a small strip of striped paper through the Xyron Sticker Maker Mini*.
Place the word dies onto the paper and die-cut. (you may want to put a small piece of tape on the dies to keep them in place)

Fall Paper Crafted Home Décor

I have a weakness for old frames and I love to pick them up whenever I see a good deal. (I think this one was a quarter.) It now makes the project an Up-Cycled project which makes it extra special.
Remove the glass and the backing from the frame and spray with ivory spray paint.

Fall Paper Crafted Home Decor

The frame measures 7 1/4″ x 7 1/4″ with a 6″ x 6″ opening.
Replace the 90’s picture with a 6″ x 6″ piece of coordinating scrapbook paper. (I placed the glass behind the scrapbook paper to give the project more stability. Also, I will have it if I want to reuse the frame for another project later.)
Remove the adhesive from the back of the pumpkin pieces and place it inside the frame.

Paper Crafting Fall Home Décor

Cute, simple, and easy to make. My favorite kind of projects.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

May 25, 2021September 23, 20217 Comments

The Sweet Life Tiny Book

The Sweet Life Tiny Book.

The theme for Eileen Hull’s teams this month was “Crafting with Unconventional Materials”.

I do love a crafty challenge. I’ll admit this one stumped for a minute or two.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

This challenge had my waistline taking one for the team.

The mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were leftover from Easter.

I can’t think of a better way to use them up.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

Materials Used:

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

Directions:

Carefully unwrap the peanut butter cup wrappers. Smooth out the wrinkles using your fingernail.
Place the wrappers into the opening of the disposable sticker maker. Pull the wrappers through on the back of the machine, tear.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

Cut the wrappers into smaller strips and pieces.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

Carefully peel the wrappers from the adhesive backing and place them randomly onto a 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ piece of matboard.
Lay the matboard on the Sizzix Tiny Book Die facedown.
Run the die through the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine* to cut out the Tiny Book cover.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

Carefully fold the book on the score lines.
Cut two pieces of white cardstock 2 3/4″ x 11″. Score both pieces of cardstock every 2 1/8″ to create a long accordion piece. You will end up with a small tab at the end of both strips. Use the first tab to connect the strips. Cut the second tab off. Refold to make a long accordion strip.
Adhere both ends of the cardstock into the front and back cover.

Crafting with Candy Wrappers

To embellish the front of the album, I cut the words “The Sweet Life” using White Glossy Craft Vinyl* and a Silhouette Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*.

Dollar Store DIY-Washi Tape Holder

May 12, 20212 Comments

Dollar Store DIY-How to make a Washi Tape Holder

A Dollar Store DIY

Turn an inexpensive Dollar Tree wood tray* into a cute little washi tape holder.

Just add Mod Podge and Decorative Tissue Paper for a quick and easy project.

I found this cute little wood tray the other day at Dollar Tree and I thought it was

the perfect size to hold a small collection of Washi Tape.

(I’m so happy that Dollar Tree is bringing in more craft supplies.)

Mod Podged Washi Tape Holder

Materials Used:

Small Wood Tray from Dollar Tree*
Mod Podge*
Mod Podge Brushes*
Acrylic Paint: Dark Scarlet*, White Birch*
Patterned Tissue Paper
Scissors*
Sanding Block* and Small Emory Board*

Mod Podge on a Wood Tray

Directions:

Lightly sand the surface of the tray with the sanding block to smooth.
Paint the outside with white birch paint and the inside with dark scarlet.
Cut the tissue paper into 3″ strips. Working one side at a time, apply Mod Podge* to the side of the tray. Apply and gently smooth tissue paper. Apply tissue paper to all four sides. Allow Mod Podge* to dry.
Use a Sanding Block* on the edges of the tray to gently remove the extra tissue paper.
Use a Small Emory Board* to gently remove the extra tissue paper from the small opening.
Apply one or two coats of mod podge over the tissue paper to seal.

Dollar Store Crafting

With so many unique patterns of tissue paper available you should be able to easily

find the perfect pattern to decoupage your little tray.

Mod Podged Washi Tape Holder

The wood tray measures approximately 5″ x 7″ and can hold several rolls of Washi Tape.

Palm Springs Junk Journal

August 24, 2020April 21, 20244 Comments

How to make a small pocket-sized journal.

Whenever I travel to a new location, I like to keep memorabilia like brochures, maps, and ticket

stubs. As a scrapbooker, I never know when I’ll want to reference the information for journaling

or even add it to a layout.

The Palm Springs Junk Journal uses a combination of memorabilia and a little bit of recycling.

To Make the Junk Journal I used: (*affiliate link)

663635 Sizzix, Notebook Die by Eileen Hull*
Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*
Xyron Creative Station*
Xyron Tape Runner*
Washi Tape
Twine
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Vintage Photo*
Ink Applicator*
Recycled Box (or you could use Sizzix Little Sizzles Mat Board*)
Cardstock

*Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Directions:

For the front and inside cover of the journal, cut two 6″ x 8-1/2″ pieces from the brochure.
Lay the paper (design side up) on the Xyron Creative Station* crank the handle to run the paper through the machine. As it moves through the Xyron Creative Station, it adds adhesive to the backside of the paper. Easy to use and it doesn’t need any electricity.
Cut a piece of a thin recycled box the same size.
Adhere the decorative paper on each side of the cut box.

I like using the Xyron Creative Station…
when making mini books because you get complete coverage, no wrinkling, no bubbles!

Lay the covered cut piece from the box over the notebook die* sandwiched between two cutting plates.
Crank the handle of the Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*and run the die through the machine. The Big Shot will cut and score the box.

I thought I was “so smart” because I cut the map so, the words “Palm Springs Aerial Tramway” would be at the top of the journal. Being a little too confident, I didn’t measure my placement and “oops” I cut it too short.
To “fix” my mistake, I cut out a small picture of the tram with the words and adhered it to the front of my journal.

The inside if the journal.

I used an ink applicator and Vintage Photo Distress Ink to age the edges of my Junk Journal.

Add a strip of washi tape around the spine of the album for added interest.
Cut 5 cardstock pages using the notebook die.
Crease the cardstock on the center score lines.

Wrap the twine around the inside creases and around the outside of the book cover to secure the pages.
I did one page at a time tying the twine in a knot on the outside after each page.

After I had all my pages together, I tied the pieces of twine together in one knot on the spine and added a small metal tag charm that says the word journey.