Tuesday, June 18, 2013

WOYWW 211--Upcycling My Creativity

Happy What's-On-Your-Workdesk-Wednesday deskers! Lately, I have been having an absolute blast putting together an upcycled art journal! Isn't it funny how, when you're in the middle of a big project, you just live and breathe for it? This art journal project is the first thing I think of when I wake up! (that, and coffee, and knowing I have to get on the treadmill)


By the way...I know I was whining about the dentist last week. My dentist happens to be amazing, and he fixed me right up in minutes, no problem, not even a shot! So I'm good. He upcycled me...at least for this week.

So, the big mixed media item, laying there in the middle of my table, is the beginnings of the cover for my art journal. It all started with some ancient, really ugly file draw dividers! I have a huge stack of them. (so lucky to inherit such a thing!) So fun. These old file dividers have metal tabs and things, so I cut them into different sizes, and started painting them. It's going to be fun tying ribbons and strings in the grommet holes--some of them will become tags too. And the pages include things like a paper sack from Panera Bread (cause I LOVE Panera), pattern paper from an old Vogue pattern, coffee can lid liners I've embossed, deli paper, tea bag paper...you name it. And I'm really having fun embossing some of the papers, including just scraps and stash of scrapbook papers. What's really exciting is, I actually want to use the journal when I get it all put together. I can't wait. I'm keeping a list of all the materials I'm using, so I can share it later--the goal is not to buy one special thing for this project. It's all upcycling!

So while I'm using my trash and stash, I hope I get to visit your worktable--I think this is the most artspirational group on the blogosphere, even when you're not trying! 

Eat, Write, Dream, Stitch, Upcycle






21 comments:

  1. Love the idea of upcycling! And you will get a journal that exactly suits you. And you can use so many things to make it with. I'll have to come back and see what you do.
    RosA # 24

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  2. Great up cycling! Happy WOYWW! Nan G #3

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  3. Oh I see a bit of paper with Panera on it...... So love going there for a latte and bear claw or cinnamon roll.. And the steak and cheese panni is good to!!!! So miss it here in the uk we don't have them the up cycling is good
    Jackie 30

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  4. Well, that's a good use for the file dividers...bet they're happy to be up cycled in that way! There was an article in that Mollie a makes about using pre loved stuff, I think...hope you're enjoying it (and your daughter too!)
    I know what you mean about being absorbed in current projects...I'm mad for crochet at the moment, to the exclusion of all else! Even the sewing up at the end, which is something I normally detest, is proving to be quite enjoyable, I've got it bad.........!
    Hugs, LLJ 43 xx

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  5. Such a fun, busy, bursting with creativity desk! Great photos!
    Happy WOYWW and have a great week :)
    no. 32

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  6. What a superb project! Sooo inspiratonal and clever! Bravo! TFS!
    Anne #40

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  7. good luck with your up-cycling project, sounds fun! Helen 31

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  8. Great idea for a project, and I'm looking forward to seeing it take shape over the coming weeks. Glad you're still enjoying your new toy. MMx #70

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  9. Looking forward to seeing this project finished! It is going to be fantastic! What a great idea.

    I am planning on doing some upcycling myslef. I have an old table sitting outside that need a new top. Mosaic and old crockery or broken tiles jump to mind here....been thinking on doing it for a wee whle now so may just get on with it now while the idea is still 'fresh'!

    Thanks for sharing.

    Jackie x

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  10. That is one goodlooking machine you have there
    Bridget #1

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  11. Love you upcycling! Good idea of using file dividers, why should they just sit in a drawer huh! Happy WOYWW! ♥ Karen ♥ 94 x

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  12. Upcycling is brilliant fun. I love seeing what I can make out of "old rubbish". Can't wait to see the finished project. Hugs. Pam#38

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  13. Your enthusiasm is spilling from the page..how lovely to start on a project that really speaks to you. I love the vibrancy your putting into it..it shows. Glad the dentist was a hero!

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  14. Hi Sandy - o my gosh - old sewing patterns - why have I never thought of using them - I have a stash in my garage - I guess cos I have so much stuff some of it escapes my memory - loving your workspace.... Happy WOYWW... Mxx #110

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  15. Love your work space today. That journal sounds awesome. Love seeing what you have so far. Hope you make more progress today. Happy WOYWW! Tammy #118

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  16. Hi Sandy
    your desk is looking great today so much for us to see and your new journal that you are creating sounds like it is going to get loads of use I can't wait to see it finished
    Have a great WOYWW and enjoy the rest of your week
    Ria #47

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  17. your upcycled art journal looks great already. Can't wait to see the finished product.

    Have wonderful week, Happy WOYWW. xx

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  18. Love how you are cycling in your folders to art. Recycled products always seem so much more rewarding than bought. I agree once you start on a project obsession sets in a new ideas spin off in every direction

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  19. Brilliant! I love upcycling and you look like you're having so much creative fun with it! Love that brown paper bread bag. I always want to keep and use things like that - you've been an inspiration! Magical that you turn everyday, sometimes ugly things into beauty! Julie Ann xxx #68

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  20. I look forward to
    seeing that finished project, it looks really interesting. Don't you love it when you are so enthusiastic with a project you don't want to put it down, enjoy!
    Rosie x

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  21. I've been where you are on your journal. I know exactly what you mean, where you don't even stop to think about eating, just refill that coffee cup. I adore that cover. I can't wait to see the finished work of ART, Have a super WOYWW from #17

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