Recycling cardboard boxes & my laser . . .

I'm getting Valentine ready. Instead of wood, acrylic or leather, I will be using my laser to cut left over cardboards from Christmas. Amazon, Dremel & white shirt boxes were used for these particular projects.

You know what's great about crafting with cardboard boxes? It's so light in weight. That makes it great for hanging or placing in or on items without weighing it down. If it falls you don't have to worry about it breaking. Don't ask how I know. 😂

I opened up the boxes at the seams and then cut it down to a size that would fit in the bed of my laser. I used my heavy duty scissors to cut the cardboard. It's so easy with these scissors. They were a wonderful stocking stuffer from my husband, as was the Dremel. 😍

This is the backing to the lace hearts that were freshly cut on the laser.

For the top layer I used left over shirt boxes from Christmas. I liked using this because the boxes are white, so it made things go faster since I didn't have to paint them. I did paint one pink. But of course you can do what works for you.

A little glue was used to attach the white lace on top of the brown cardboard backing.

I only used the heart insert on one heart on the banner, but I can save them and use them for another project. They would make great gift tags and would also be great for journaling.

Amazon boxes were used to cut the pieces for this project.

Originally the 14 was going to be painted in an ombre effect, but then I changed my mind in the middle of it. I ended up using paper gold leaf foil instead.

I'm not sure why, but recycling boxes this way has been so much fun. The trick to not having a soggy cardboard when painting is to do very light layers. I use a make-up sponge to lightly dab on the first two coats.

Here is one coat of gesso plus paint mixed together and sponged on to the backer. I haven't finished this piece just yet. I'm hoping I have some time this weekend to work on it.

Here are a few close ups of my projects. I added some wood beads to some pink yarn I had to make a garland. I'm not finished with my mantel, but love how it's coming along.

Well, that's all I've got. Until next time, keep crafting and stay well!

-Maddie

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Halloween Ghost - Tic Tac Toe Game

What a fun classic game - Never gets old. This cute ghost game set can travel with you, or help time pass if you are waiting for an appointment with your special ones. Because come on, who doesn't love to play tic tac toe and silently compete? 😂 Using my Glowforge laser, this cute ghost was cut and engraved on baltic birch wood. Acrylic was used for the games pieces (ghosts/pumpkins). The ghost is approximately 5.12 w x 6.5 h. If you are interested in one, you can find it by clicking on this link: https://square.link/u/c8P7PpVi -or- by clicking on the SHOP tab listed above. Until next time, Maddie

Revisiting an older DIY post.

UPDATE: To an older DIY and post. I had added some paper to the inside of this cute metal envelope holder. You can find that post here: https://maddiemarrs.blogspot.com/2020/08/a-quick-and-simple-diy.html . Although it came out cute, something was off Something about the bronze was just not hitting me the way the way I wanted it to, so, I decided to paint it white - and now, I love it! You can see that in this photo I had already done a light sanding. I used white gesso for this project. Lots and lots of gesso. 😅 Oh my gosh, since it's metal, I can add magnets! How fun! I am going to leave it as is, but it would look great distressed. For now this will be on our mantel as part of our Valentine display. Afterwards, it will probably be hung in my studio and hold some yarn. I do love this, it screams happy. Until next time, Maddie

My Garage My Tools My Rules Sign Decor using my Glowforge Laser

This wood sign was made using my Glowforge laser, and is hand painted by me. This would make a great Father's Day gift. However, as I sit here typing this, I just thought of how fun this would be in pink, maybe some gold, maybe some glitter? I don't know, it sounds like it would be adorable. I may have to put that on the list of projects I'd like to get done. The sign is approximately 15 x 10.8 and sealed with a matte finish. If you are interested in this piece, please click on the SHOP tab above or click on this link: Garage Tool Rules Sign Thank you for stopping by and have a happy crafty day, Maddie

Maddie Marrs

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