Saturday, October 27, 2012

Shopping with an Owl Lover!



I went shopping the other day...no matter where I go, Owls find me! I just had to snap some photos of these wonderfully creative, super adorable owls. I must say...I'm definitely inspired and feel some owl projects coming on!  So grab your hot tea and join me on this whooty shopping spree!


Spooky Owls










Owls in the Woods






Owl Friends







Other Adorable Owls









Whoo Whoo!
~OvO~

If you enjoyed this post you might like...
          Shopping with an Owl Lover...Again!

Shopping with an Owl Lover...Again!





Is it me or are there a ton of gorgeous owls everywhere?  I think owls have become quite popular this year.  This particular collection was so captivating I had to take some photos.  You'll want to redecorate your living room into a Whooty Winter Wonderland after viewing this shopping spree!  So grab a hot cuppa coffee, season it with Pumpkin Spice, and have fun!
















This Christmas tree screams craft project! Doesn't that sound fun! ;0)


Whoo Whoo!
~OvO~

If you enjoyed this post you might enjoy...
          Shopping with an Owl Lover

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Definitions 4 Understanding

I've been asked, What is upcycling? I think it's easy to get a bit confused about what upcycling is specifically. Everyone knows what recycling is...we've all been doing it for years. But, the term upcycling is becoming more popular and with that, a better understanding is in order.  

Upcycling is taking something used, and usually something without any more use left in it, and turning it into something new and useful. Depending on the person doing the upcycling and depending on the opinions of others, the upcycled object is supposed to better than it was before. For instance, if I found an old bicycle tire rim that was rusty and not sturdy enough to be used as a bicycle tire rim, then it would be the perfect candidate for an upcycle. It's important to keep in mind that artistic interpretation has a key role in what one finds an object worthy of an upcycle.

Here's where it can get confusing. Remember when I said, the tire rim was not sturdy enough to be used as it was originally created for? This is a gray area. Let's say it was sturdy enough to be used as a tire rim but it was still used and rusty. Is it still a candidate for an upcycle? I think yes. The bottom line is if you take something used and then turn it into something new, useful and beautiful...and you're keeping it out of the landfills...then it's an upcycle!

If you're like me, you like clarity. Here are some green terms broken down that will help you better define your upcycle crafts in the future!

 

up·cy·cle

[uhp-sahy-kuhl] Show IPA verb, up·cy·cled, up·cy·cling, noun verb (used with object)
1. to process (used goods or waste material) so as to produce something that is often better than the original: I upcycled a stained tablecloth into curtains.

re·cy·cle

[ree-sahy-kuhl] Show IPA verb, re·cy·cled, re·cy·cling, noun verb (used with object)
1. to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse: recycling paper to save trees.
 
Happy purposeful crafting!


Whoo Whoo!
~OvO~

Monday, October 15, 2012

Book Trailer

The book trailer for 
Uppity Owl Upcycles a Brooch 
is ready for viewing! 
Enjoy and Share!



 
Whoo Whoo!
~OvO~

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Upcycle Craft - Uppity's Door

In Uppity Owl Upcycles a Brooch, Uppity finds a half-sunken popsicle stick boat in the pond he lives next to. What does Uppity do with it? Try this weekend craft to find out!



Materials:
9 Popsicle Sticks
1 Small Button
Stained Glass Window Gels
Diagonal Cutters
Toothpicks
Sissors
Pencil
Sandpaper

Tip: Go straight to step five because it will have to dry overnight.
 





Step 1: Measure the window on the inner 5 sticks using a ruler and pencil. 1 1/4in height, about 1/2" from the top.





Step 2: Use diagonal cutters to cut.






Step 3: Cut popsicle sticks to size for the back of the door. Glue onto the back of the door horizontally with hot glue gun. This will bind the popsicle sticks without having to glue them together individually. I used some thinner sticks I had but regular sticks will work just fine.








Step 4: Sand rough edges in the cut out window. Glue on button for the door knob.







 Step 5: Take your stained glass window gels/glue and transparency sheet to create the stained glass window. Let dry overnight.






Step 6: Cut toothpicks to fit inside of the window frame and paint them gold then use the hot glue gun to glue them in.











Step 7: Use another sheet of transparency to stick on the other side of the glass window. I didn't have to use any glue to get it to stick...it just adhered to the gel/glue. Measure the window to fit/cover the window area then cut. Finally, glue the stained glass window onto the back of the door with the hot glue gun.






Step 8: Enjoy your creation!
 


Careful, Uppity just might show up at your door. ;0)

Whoo Whoo!
~OvO~