Monday, July 19, 2021

BBTB2 Recycle Challenge


I am so excited about the current challenge at Bitten By The Bug 2 (BBTB2) Cricut challenge site. The challenge theme is recycle. Now, I feel like I'm always recycling but then I realized, I don't think I'm actually recycling - I think I'm upcycling! 

So the way I understand it is that recycling is using something bound for the trash & using it a whole new way and upcycling is basically giving something an updo. Is that right? What's your opinion on this? Does it even really matter? LOL Either way, it's fun!

Well, it took awhile to figure out my recycling project for the current challenge and this is what I came up with:

I recycled a couple of old jars into super cool lanterns! I watched a YouTube video on the Plaid YouTube channel and was instantly inspired to make my own version.

Turning this:


Into these:

Aren't these fabulous! I know it's too early for Halloween, but you know it's just around the corner and I thought these will be perfect for my porch.

How I made them:
  • Remove the label from the jars
  • Create a mixture of Mod Podge & food coloring to get the color you want (I used gloss Mod Podge and red & yellow food coloring to make orange)
  • Pour the glue mixture into the jars and swirl around until you get full coverage
  • Turn the jars upside down to drip out the excess glue; let dry overnight
  • Once dry, use multiple Halloween images in Design Space* to create the pumpkin faces & words with black vinyl
  • Wipe the outside of the jars with alcohol before adding the vinyl
  • Decorate the jar rims with fabric scraps or twine like I did
  • Drop a battery operated tea light in & enjoy!
More photos:

Once they start drying, the glue mixture becomes transparent - so cool!


What are you going to recycle using your Cricut? Please link your project at the BBTB2 challenge site. Be sure to include how you used your Cricut to create your project.

*Happy Pumpkin Face Decal
Spooky
Bat
Spooky Face
Boo

5 comments:

  1. these are very cool! I wondered how you got that great transparent orange, I am going to watch that video.

    Alicia

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  2. Spook-tacular. Never too early for wonderful Halloween decor; especially of the pumpkin & light up variety. My daughter luvs Halloween. My hubby carves styrofoam pumpkins using his Dremmel tools. Pics of each pumpkin he has carved is on my blog right sidebar if you are interested in seeing.
    Melissa BBTB2 Design Team 2021
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"

    ReplyDelete
  3. How cool and I learned a new technique. I love the transparency of the orange.

    ReplyDelete
  4. OH WOW! I had no idea it would become transparent when dry. The jars look great! That is an idea that could be adapted for any season or event too!
    :)
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  5. These ARE fabulous! It is never too early to get ready for Halloween! Thanks for the great directions, too! I had no idea that you could mix Modge Podge with food coloring. I am going to have to try these!

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Thanks for visiting. I appreciate your comments. I love sharing my projects with you and hope to encourage you to create things on your own. Thanks again!