13 October 2024

A Tin Box Decorated with Decoupage

It's so nice to see you today!

Indian enamelware, enamel home goods from India, Union Square Market NYC, floral crafts, handmade, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

There is a stall at the Union Square Holiday Market that I always love to visit. They sell all these gift items from India and I'm particularly attracted to the enamelware decorated with flowers. They are vibrant and remind me of folk art.

Kashmiri paper mâché crafts,Indian enamelware, enamel home goods from India, Union Square Market NYC, floral crafts, handmade, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

One of the things I bought from them is this lovely bangle.

Indian enamelware, enamel home goods from India, Union Square Market NYC, floral crafts, handmade, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

If I'm not mistaken, this style of decorating is called Kashmiri paper mâché.

I'm using this design as a launching point for today's craft.

tin container, how to recycle a tin container, decoupage, gift wrap, gift wrapping ideas, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

This used to be filled with chocolate covered coffee beans. It's now empty but I saved the tin container.
 
paint, paintbrush, tin container, Malagos chocolate covered cocoa beans, crafts, upcycle, recycle, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

After cleaning it inside and out, I painted it with several coats of plum-colored paint.

Once the paint was dry, I decorated the tin box this way:

decoupage, scissors, gift wrapper, floral paper, paper crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I found some floral gift wrap remnants that I cut into smaller shapes. 

glue, paint brush, decoupage, scissors, gift wrapper, floral paper, paper crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

With a paintbrush, I applied white glue on the backs of the gift wrap cutouts. The paintbrush helps spread the glue in an even layer and covers the surface until the very edges. 

how to recycle a tin container, decoupage, scissors, gift wrapper, floral paper, paper crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I attached the floral cutouts onto the tin container, a crafting style called decoupage

decoupage, scissors, gift wrapper, floral paper, paper crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, how to reuse a tin container

Here's what the tin box looks like after attaching the floral cutouts...TADA! 

We can leave it like this or add more flowers:



This is just one of the ways I turned a tin container from "blah to TADA!" 

If you like this idea, maybe you'll like this recipe box, paint palette, storage bin, trinket box or twine canister...all made from empty tin boxes.

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06 October 2024

Five Things for October

Autumn rites and spooky vibes...that's one way to define October energy!

pumpkins, pumpkin picking, nature, autumn traditions, fall traditions, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Plan a trip to the farm to pick some apples or pumpkins.

pumpkins, decorating pumpkins, skeletons, Halloween decorations, New York City, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Then paint the pumpkins and make them part of your Halloween decor...TADA!

Goldilocks, teddy bear, Halloween, Halloween costume, costume ideas, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

How cute is this Goldilocks and the Three Bears costume for a little girl? No need to buy...you can D.I.Y.! Find something similar in your girl's closet, make an easy apron, and add three teddy bears...TADA!

Trick or treat, Blow Pop, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, KitKat Chocolate, pumpkin, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Halloween candy isn't just for kids! Which one is your favorite? I'd pick Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and KitKats first...TADA!

Mari Andrew, fall, autumn, blah to TADA

Before October ends, I'll definitely spend time outdoors to marvel at the colorful autumn leaves. The way Mari Andrew describes fall is true poetry!

May October bring you lots of treats!