Q: I have a bunch of 'junk' CDs (from junk mail, old data CDs, etc.). Does anyone have ideas about any craft projects that use old CDs?A: I love recycling questions! How about making an earring cushion that looks like an old-fashioned hat? It' fun and so easy!
1. Cut a 6-1/2" circle and a 9" circle from a fabric of your choice.
2. Cut a Styrofoam? ball in half.
3. Lay the 9" fabric, wrong side up, on your work surface and put a CD in the center of it. Glue it in place by folding the top over first, then moving to the sides.
4. Use the smaller piece of fabric to cover the ball, making sure the flat side of the ball is up, and glue the fabric in place.
5. Generously coat the flat side of the ball with glue and center it on the CD. Add a ribbon to make a hatband and embellish it with a bow and a silk flower.
Q: I have a ton of old soda cans and want to recycle them into art. Any suggestions?
A: Absolutely, but remember: when working with aluminum or any metal, take special precautions -- you don’t want to cut your fingers.
1. Cut the soda can open (I use simple metal cutters to do this). You will need to cut off the top and the bottom so the can will lie flat.
2. Place something heavy on top of the aluminum, like a stack of books, to flatten it.
3. Decide on the shape of the aluminum -- maybe a star, circle or oval -- and find an image. (I suggest looking in stamping or pattern books for something you like.) Place the image on the inside part of the flattened can, trace with a ballpoint pen and carefully cut it out. Be sure to round the corners when cutting to prevent them from being sharp.
4. Using brads, attach the shape to a box to create a decorated storage box.
Q: I have a broken plate of my grandmother's and want to create a mosaic picture frame using the pieces. Can you tell me how to do this?
A: Creating a picture frame is the perfect way to preserve something that is very special.
1. Select a wooden frame and paint it in the color of your choice. Let it dry completely.
2. Break up the remaining pieces of your plate: Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. Place them in a plastic bag and hit them several times with a hammer. Tile nippers are great for breaking the pieces down even smaller.
3. Glue the pieces of the broken china in place. I use mosaic glue; white glue will work fine, but mosaic glue is tailor-made for the project.
4. While the pieces are drying, mix grout according to package instructions.
5. Apply the grout to the frame and wipe away any excess with a rag. Then use a soft cloth to polish away the haze. Let it dry, and your grandmother's china is preserved forever.
