Tami Loves Vintage

Creating Keepsakes With Vintage Treasures

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How to Make a Vintage Cup and Saucer Arrangement

April 30, 2024 by

Ah, spring! That magical season when the world shakes off its wintry slumber, and everything bursts into vibrant life once again. It’s the perfect time to infuse our homes with colors and warmth. And of course, vintage crafts! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a delightful project that combines the joy of spring with the charm of yesteryear – creating a vintage cup and saucer arrangement.

Many of us love old cups and saucers. That delicate porcelain, patterns that whisper tales from the past. And we can use them to cradle some tender greens and pretty blooms of spring. This isn’t just a decor piece; it’s a tiny, enchanting world you can hold in your hands. And the best part? It’s marvelously simple to create, plus, it’s a wonderful way to recycle those mismatched or slightly chipped sets that are too beautiful to discard.

I found this idea from Architecture Art Designs while scrolling Pinterest. I shared it with you all on Facebook and you loved it! Several of you asked me to show you how to make it. So thanks to Architecture Art Designs for the inspiration, this is just my take on it.

How to Make a Vintage Cup and Saucer Arrangement

In the video tutorial below, you will see that I made this arrangement for spring. I think that spring and teacups go hand in hand. But you could absolutely make an arrangement that works for any other season. Or one that fits in with your every day decor.

Christmas creations would be so fun to make. And the possibilities are endless for year round creations. Just swap out your eggs for florals and tiny vintage treasures that fit the theme you’re looking for.

How to Make a Vintage Cup and Saucer Arrangement  Supply List

  • Cup and saucer set
  • Cup and saucer stand
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun
  • Doily remnant (or other vintage fabric)
  • Moss and Spanish Moss
  • Small eggs (I used some I covered in old paper and others I had made with papier-mâché.)
  • Vintage flowers or paper flowers, whatever you find pretty!
  • Paper for stamping
  • Letter stamps
  • Pretty pin
  • Seam binding (mine is tea stained)

How to Make a Vintage Cup and Saucer Arrangement Instructions

  • First thing’s first, pick out your favorite vintage cup and saucer. This is where you get to show off your personal style. Whether you’re drawn to florals, geometric patterns, or classic white porcelain with gold trim, each set has its own story and character.
  • Next, cut a small piece of doily and use hot glue to attach it to the top rim of your teacup. Since it will be hanging on the stand, the “top” is where the handle is.
  • Then drizzle some hot glue into the bottom of the cup and add some Spanish moss to form a little nest. Cover the rough edges of your doily as you do this.
  • Now add some of the green moss on top of the Spanish moss, gluing it in place.
  • Next, decide where you want to put your eggs and flowers. Play around with it a little bit until you get the arrangement you like best. Then use the glue to secure everything in place.
  • The next thing to do is to stamp the word “spring” onto any paper you want to use. (I stamped mine on a brown card stock.) Now cut out your word in the shape of a banner. I dovetailed the ends of mine. Then bent it ever so slightly to make it look like a banner. Use hot glue to attach it to your doily.
  • Take a pretty pin and thread it through the banner. You can also add a little gold to the edges of your banner.
  • Finally, take your seam binding and tie a bow around the handle by the rim of your cup. Place your saucer in the stand then hang your pretty cup!

Finding the Perfect Spot

Your vintage cup and saucer arrangement is almost ready to make its debut. Place it where it’ll catch the eye and spark joy—perhaps on your kitchen windowsill, your coffee table, or even your bedside. It’s a lovely reminder of the beauty of spring and the timeless allure of vintage treasures.

Creating this arrangement is more than just a crafting project; it’s a way of bringing together the old and the new, celebrating history while welcoming the future. It’s about telling stories through objects, colors, and textures, and how, even in something as small as a teacup, there’s a world of beauty waiting to be discovered.

The Wrap Up

I hope this project inspires you to look at those vintage finds with new eyes and see the potential in blending them with spring treasures. It’s a testament to the fact that beauty, warmth, and a touch of whimsy are never out of season.

Isn’t it wonderful how a simple crafting idea can transform the feel of your space and the mood of your day? This project is a celebration of spring, storytelling, and the art of repurposing. I’m looking forward to hearing all about your creations and the stories they tell.

I would love to see how you use these cup and saucer arrangements in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! Remember, there’s no right or wrong in crafting – it’s all about having fun and letting your creativity shine.

Happy crafting, my fellow vintage lovers! Keep exploring, keep creating, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. And as always, I hope you love this project as much as I do!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

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Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: diy vintage crafts, diy vintage decor, doily craft ideas, Easter craft ideas

How to Make a Stuffed Paper Heart

January 30, 2024 by

Hi friends! I have a simple and fun Valentine’s Day project for you today. I am showing you how to make a stuffed paper heart, and the results are adorable! This project only needs a few supplies and a small amount of your time. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Ever been rummaging through your old stuff and come across a book that has seen better days? Or that embroidery floss or yarn you bought for a project but never got around to using?

Well, today we’re going to breathe new life into these forgotten items. We’ll be crafting stuffed paper hearts using old book pages and yarn! It’s a fun, sustainable, and utterly heartwarming project. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any day you want to spread some love!

How to Make a Stuffed Paper Heart

As with any crafting project, there is no wrong way to make a stuffed paper heart. While I was figuring out how to make these hearts, I came up with a few different ways to do them. You may come up with even more! The bottom line is, go with what you love and what you can do.

Stitching Options

If you know me, you know that sewing is my kryptonite. I love so many elements of crafting but sewing and I just never hit it off. So many of you loved the version of these that I found on Pinterest though and asked me how to make them. So I was determined to figure it out for you!

Blanket Stitch

The stitch that I really wanted to use was a blanket stitch. These stitches not only show from the front of the heart. They also give you a beautiful border around the heart.

I watched how to do it over and over on YouTube and I did end up getting the stitch right. But I just couldn’t figure out how to start it and make it look neat.

So if you have the skills, by all means use a blanket stitch on your hearts. But if you struggle like I do, here are a couple of other options to try…

Simple Stitch

How to Make a Stuffed Paper Heart

I have no idea what the stitch I used is called but it was simple enough for me to do. I just started where the two sides of my heart meet and inserted my needle through the back. Then I just looped around the hearts to tie them together. I tried to space my stitches evenly and remembered to come up through the back each time.

This method is simple but I think it turned out really cute!

Straight Stitch

Another option would be to draw a faint line inside the border of your heart and do a spaced straight stitch around it. I didn’t end up giving this a try but, again, I know many of you are much more skilled with a needle than I am.

If you do it this way you can leave your edges as is. Or you could make small slits all around to give your heart some paper fringe.

How to Make a Stuffed Paper Heart
Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

How to Make a Stuffed Paper Heart Supply List

  • Old book pages (I used an old dictionary this time)
  • Heart pattern
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Embroidery floss ( the floss worked best for me but you could also try yarn, twine, or string)
  • Polly fill
  • Hot glue gun
  • Red Stickles
  • Seed beads, glitter or both

How to Make a Stuffed Paper Heart Instructions

  • Start by tracing your hearts onto your old book pages using your pattern. They can be any size you want, just make sure they are big enough to stuff. You will need two for each heart you make. Cut them out and you’re ready to go.
  • Put your two hearts together then thread a needle with all six strands of embroidery floss. Double your floss up then tie a knot in the end to secure your tail.
  • Now for the sewing. As I said, if you are a pro with a needle then you could do a blanket stitch around your whole heart to really give it definition. I, however, am not. So I just loop sewed (not even sure that’s a real term, friends) around the outside of my hearts, starting from the back each time. Leave a little opening for your stuffing to go in.
  • Add your stuffing and then sew the rest of the heart closed. You can knot your thread at the end. Or just snip it and hot glue it like I did.
  • Now that your heart is stuffed and secure, it’s time to add those final touches.
  • Use the red Stickles to draw a heart a little bit inside your stitching. Then sprinkle your glitter or seed beads onto it.
  • Now find a word that you want to use (believe, love, forever, etc…). Cut it out and then gently rip around the edges to rough it up. If you don’t want to spend time doing this or can’t find a word you want, there are a couple of other options.
  • You can buy word books online that come with inspiring words by themselves for projects just like this. Or you can use a stamp and stamp the word you want onto part of the blank edge of one of your book pages.

The Wrap Up

And there you have it! A charming, handmade stuffed heart crafted from old book pages and thread. Not only have you created a beautiful decoration (or gift!), but you’ve also given new life to items that might otherwise have been thrown away or left in a box.

I would love to see how you use these stuffed paper hearts in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! Remember, there’s no right or wrong in crafting – it’s all about having fun and letting your creativity shine.

Happy crafting, my fellow vintage lovers! Keep exploring, keep creating, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. And as always, I hope you love this project as much as I do!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

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Filed Under: Valentine's Day Tagged With: book pages, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day craft

How to Make Vintage Fabric Wrapped Hearts

January 17, 2024 by

Hey there, craft lovers! It’s always a joy to be back here, sharing my latest crafting adventures with you all. Today, we’re going to create something truly special – vintage fabric wrapped hearts. They’re charming, they’re cute, and they’re the perfect way to add a dash of vintage flair to your home or gift to someone you love.

It’s always an absolute delight to connect with you all in this cozy little corner of the internet. And even more fun when we are crafting for holidays together. These hearts, wrapped in pieces from a beautiful vintage quilt, started as just a simple little project. But they ended up being a favorite addition to my Valentine’s Day decor!

So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of fabrics and hearts with me? Let’s get started!

How to Make Vintage Fabric Wrapped Hearts

Isn’t it a joy to create something with your own two hands? Especially when that something can add a touch of vintage charm to your home or make a heartfelt gift for someone special. These hearts wrapped in vintage fabric are a perfect example of that!

So today, I want to share a personal passion of mine that I believe many of you share too – the pure joy of crafting with vintage fabrics.

A Love Affair with Vintage Fabrics

You know that feeling when you stumble upon an old piece of fabric at a flea market or tucked away in grandma’s attic? The soft faded colors, the worn-in texture, the intricate patterns that echo stories from a past era… I simply can’t resist! Each piece of vintage fabric is like a page out of history, waiting to be woven into our own stories.

And let’s not forget that wonderful sense of sustainability that comes with reusing vintage fabrics. It’s crafting with a conscience, and isn’t that something to feel good about?

Crafting Adventures with Vintage Fabrics

Now, every fabric holds a potential project for me. Vintage tablecloths? Perfect for a chic tote bag. A vintage scarf? It’s begging to be transformed into something wonderful. And don’t even get me started on old laces – they’re a goldmine of crafting possibilities!

One of my favorite vintage fabrics is the old feather stitched quilt that I used for this project. The velvets are beautiful with their colors and texture. And the stitching adds the perfect touch for the eye. I have used this quilt in other projects in the past. And I love how well it worked for these hearts!

A Community Connected by Threads

What I love most about crafting, especially with vintage fabrics, is the sense of community it creates. When we share our creations, we’re not just sharing a simple crafted item; we’re sharing a part of ourselves, our history, our creativity.

I still remember the joy when I first started sharing my projects on my page. The comments, the shared memories, the stories… it was heartwarming! It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this crafting community so much.

Your Turn to Craft a Story

I encourage you all to explore the world of vintage fabrics in your next crafting project. Not only will you create something beautiful and unique, but you’ll also be preserving a piece of history in your craft. And who knows? Maybe that vintage fabric will inspire your best creation yet!

Remember, crafting is not just about the end product; it’s about the journey, the story, the joy that comes from creating something with your own hands. So, pick up that vintage fabric, let your creativity flow, and don’t forget to share your journey with us. After all, we’re in this together, one stitch at a time!

Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

Fabric Wrapped Heart Supply List

Before we begin, let’s talk about what we’ll need. I’m a big fan of reusing and repurposing, so you may already have some of these items lying around at home:

  • Wooden hearts
  • Vintage fabric ((I love using old fabrics. Each one holds a story, don’t they? I used an old quilt with feather stitches for my hearts.)
  • Lace (vintage if you have it)
  • Spray adhesive (I use Super 77)
  • Scissors
  • Glue gun

Fabric Wrapped Heart Instructions

  • Start by laying out your fabric and cutting a piece shaped like your heart but a bit larger.
  • Then coat the back of your fabric with spray adhesive.
  • Next press your fabric onto the heart.
  • Now use scissors and a glue gun to snip and tack the fabric in place.
  • Once your heart is covered, trim the excess fabric along the edges.
  • Next use a running stitch to ruche your lace. Then use hot glue to attach the lace around the back edges of your heart.

The Wrap Up

So, here’s to crafting with vintage fabrics – the joys, the stories, the community. Can’t wait to hear about your vintage fabric adventures!

Remember, crafting isn’t about perfection; it’s about expression. So don’t worry if your hearts aren’t “perfect”. They are unique, they are creative, and most importantly, they are YOU. And isn’t that the best kind of perfection?

I would love to see how you use these vintage fabric wrapped hearts in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! Remember, there’s no right or wrong in crafting – it’s all about having fun and letting your creativity shine.

Happy crafting, my fellow vintage lovers! Keep exploring, keep creating, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. And as always, I hope you love this project as much as I do!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

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Filed Under: Valentine's Day Tagged With: hearts, Valentine's Day

How to Make a Vintage Photo Album

January 11, 2024 by

Hello, my dear crafters! I hope you’re all having a wonderful day and are ready to dive into another exciting crafting adventure with me. Today, we’re going to explore the heartwarming world of vintage photo albums, and I’m about to share how I created one using some truly charming vintage materials.

I originally showed you hot to make a vintage photo album  as part of the Gratefully Inspired page hop put on by  Michelle of The Vintage Daisy. So many of you loved it that I wanted to put together a whole tutorial post for you.

The thing that I love most about this project is that each vintage photo album will be as unique and beautiful as the crafter who makes it. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!

How to Make a Vintage Photo Album

There’s something incredibly magical about vintage items, isn’t there? They carry stories from the past, a sense of nostalgia, and a charm that’s hard to replicate. When it comes to photo albums, going vintage adds an extra layer of sentimentality. It transforms our precious memories into timeless treasures.

A vintage photo album is like a time capsule, transporting us back to those golden days with just a glance. It can make a lovely gift for loved ones or a unique keepsake for ourselves.

How I Created My Vintage Photo Album

Now, let’s get into the fun part – the crafting process! I found a treasure trove of vintage fabric and lace, along with some adorable vintage buttons and ribbons. These became the core materials for my album.

The Cover: A Story in Itself

For the cover, I used a piece of vintage fabric as the base. Its faded colors and worn-out charm were perfect for setting the vintage tone right from the start. Then, I embellished it with layers of old lace which added depth and texture. Isn’t it amazing how these elements, each with a history of its own, came together to create something new yet nostalgic?

The vintage buttons and ribbons were like the cherry on top, adding that extra flair and finishing touch. But the real showstopper was a photo of a woman who I imagined was contemplating all she was grateful for. Framed by an old handkerchief, I placed right at the center. This became the focal point of my cover, instantly drawing attention and tugging at the heartstrings.

Inside Pages: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Inside, I filled the pages with photos, each one a cherished memory. To maintain the vintage theme, you could use more lace and ribbons to decorate the borders of the photos. Every page turned into a walk down memory lane, infused with the charm of yesteryears.

How to Make a Vintage Photo Album
Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

How to Make a Vintage Photo Album Supply List

  • Any hardback book
  • Spray adhesive (I use Super 77)
  • Warm and Natural batting
  • Large piece of lace (vintage if you have it but new works too!)
  • Mod Podge
  • Paint brush
  • Vintage book and/or music pages
  • Scissors
  • Exacto knife or box cutter is handy to have too
  • Hole punch
  • Muslin shreds (or seam binding, ribbon, or sari silk)
  • Old book and music pages (optional)
  • Scrapbook tags (optional)
  • Family photos (optional)
  • Decorative lace or ribbon
  • Small vintage treasures (metal tags, buttons, skeleton keys, etc)

How to Make a Vintage Photo Album Instructions

  • Start by cutting a piece of batting that is large enough to cover your whole book, with a little extra for it to fold over the front and back edge of the cover.
  • Lay the batting flat on your work surface and spray it with the adhesive. Then find the center and place the spine of your book there. Next fold the batting up and tuck it inside the back cover of the book, smoothing the batting down. Repeat the same process with the front of the book.
  • Now take a piece of lace that is large enough to cover your book. Use the spray adhesive and add your lace just like you did the batting. Then use scissors to trim the edges of the lace if you need to.
  • Once your book is covered, it is time to work on your journal pages. Grab about 10 pages in the front of your book and punch 2 holes through them, in different places.
  • Then use a pencil to feed a muslin shred through the hole and tie it in a knot. Trim the ends if you need to. It is easier to start with a longer shred and trim it then it is to tie a short shred.
  • Gather the next 10ish pages and punch a couple of holes this time. Tie them both with shreds. Continue on through the book, punching 1-3 holes through 10 page sections and tying them with the muslin shreds.
  • When your pages are all tied, it is time to add your page details. Use Mod Podge to add pieces of book pages and scrapbook-like tags. I used my computer to make my own labels for my photo album. But you can use premade ones or skip them all together. I went with grandparents, parents, siblings, family, pets, children, and grandchildren and used Mod Podge to adhere them.
  • You don’t have to do this step, but I was able to find illustrations in my books that fit the theme of each page so I added them in too.

Decorating Your Photo Album Cover

  • Now that our photo album pages are done, let’s decorate the cover! I started by choosing an old photo for the center of my cover. Since it is a black and white image, I used a 2 inch black ribbon and added it to the front and back of my album. I used spray adhesive and a little bit of hot glue to keep it in place.
  • Now for this next step, I got really lucky. I had a gorgeous piece of laced fabric that perfectly fit the binding of my book. Complete with ruffles on both sides. So that’s what I used for the spine. But each of these journals will be unique. We work with what we have and decide how to use it best. Just choose some laces or fabrics that you love and use spray adhesive to attach them.
  • Before I added my photo to the cover of the journal, I attached it to an old handkerchief. I used hot glue at the top two corners of the photo to keep it in place. Then I drew a line of hot glue between the dots. Next I gathered the material as I pressed it down to give it a rouched edge. I continued this process around the edges of the photo until it was complete.
  • Next I used hot glue to attached the framed photo to my book cover.
  • Then I just added more details until I felt my photo album was complete. Like I said, this will look different for all of us. But you can see the pretties I chose in the video tutorial above!
  • Finally, choose the pictures you want to display and use Mod Podge to adhere them.

The Wrap Up

Crafting this vintage photo album was a journey of love, nostalgia, and creativity. And you can embark on this journey, too! So, why not dust off those old fabric pieces and laces, find some vintage buttons and ribbons, and start crafting your own vintage photo album?

I would love to see how you use these vintage photo albums in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! Remember, there’s no right or wrong in crafting – it’s all about having fun and letting your creativity shine.

Happy crafting, my fellow vintage lovers! Keep exploring, keep creating, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. And as always, I hope you love this project as much as I do!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

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Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: book crafts, photo album

How to Make Vintage Valentine Hearts

January 8, 2024 by

Hello, dear crafters! Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into another fun-filled DIY project? I’m thrilled to walk you through this nostalgic crafting journey. We’re going to create something truly special today, just in time for Valentine’s Day. I’m showing you how to craft some beautiful vintage hearts using old book pages and small vintage treasures.

There is something inherently romantic about vintage items and decor. And that makes the season of love the perfect time to showcase our vintage favorites. In the video below, I show you how to make vintage Valentine hearts that are the perfect addition to your holiday decor. So grab your Mod Podge and your glue gun, and let’s get crafting!

How to Make Vintage Valentine Hearts

How to Make Vintage Valentine Hearts

There’s something profoundly enchanting about vintage pieces, isn’t there? Each one carries a story, a whisper from the past, that adds a layer of depth and character to our homes. It’s like stepping into a time machine, where every item has a tale to tell, a love story to share.

Vintage décor is romantic, not just in the traditional sense, but in its ability to evoke nostalgia, curiosity, and a connection to the past.

Creating a home with  a focus on the vintage is like crafting a love letter to the past, a nod to the stories that have shaped us. It’s a gentle reminder that our homes, like us, are beautifully layered with history and memories.

With this fun Valentine’s Day project we get to bring our own vintage treasures and creativity into the mix. I hope you love these hearts as much as I do!

Vintage Hearts Tips and Tricks

These pretty hearts are very simple to make but I do have a couple of tips to make your project even easier. I like to use a variety of different book and music pages in my projects. This adds interest and beauty in simple ways. However, not all paper is created equal. Which means that you will run into different thicknesses and levels of deterioration.

So, while you are choosing your pages, make sure that they will be strong enough to hold up to the Mod Podge. On the flip side, if you find pages that are super thick, you don’t need to skip using them, but they will take a little more care. The reason for this is that the thick paper will take awhile to absorb the glue and become malleable. It is also trickier to get it to lay down flat. There is a simple trick for this though!

Working with Thicker Paper

Just dampen the paper slightly with a fine mist of water. This will start the absorption process for you. That way you aren’t using and ton of glue that could make your project look messy. And you aren’t having to avoid those pretty pages that happen to be on thick paper.

Another trick for working with rounded surfaces like these hearts is to use smaller chunks of paper. This will let you round those edges and not have to worry about your paper creasing and bending.

The last thing that I want to mention is to take extra care with any handwritten pages that you have. These are some of my favorite pieces to use because you can picture the actual person at the other end of the pen in a way you can’t with typed pages. I love that connection and the uniqueness it brings to my projects.

That being said, handwritten ink and Mod Podge are not the best of friends. The glue can smear ink and make a mess of your unique treasure. To avoid this, I make sure that I add my handwritten bits at the very end of my project. Once I have given the whole heart a layer of glue, then I go back and gently glue my handwriting pieces on. This way I won’t smear the ink and loose the beauty.

How to Make Vintage Valentine Hearts
Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

How to Make Vintage Valentine Hearts Supply List

  • Blank hearts (paper mache, wooden blanks, cardboard, etc..)
  • Mod Podge
  • Paint brush
  • Old book pages and sheet music
  • Glue gun
  • Small vintage treasures
  • Seam binding and vintage lace

How to Make Vintage Valentine Hearts Instructions

  • Start by choosing your favorite book pages. Look for pages with interesting text or illustrations that will add a unique touch to your hearts. Tear out these pages carefully. I like to take my pages from a variety of old books. That way I have a good mix of different fonts, content, paper colors, and images.
  • One thing that I always do when working with book or music pages is to tear off the edges. That blank space around the edges can be distracting to the eye when we add it onto a project. This step is totally optional! I just prefer not to use those large areas of blank space. Instead, I get to fill the space with more varieties of text.
  • Now grab your Mod Podge and paint brush. Start to tear bits of your pages and add them to your heart, one at a time. To do this, brush the glue onto your heart. Then place your book page piece. Next, brush the glue over the paper.
  • Continue adding paper scraps this way until your whole heart is covered. Once it is well covered, add a coat of glue to the whole heart. Then allow the Mod Podge to dry.
  • Time to bring in those small vintage treasures! Arrange them on your heart in a way that pleases your eye. Once you’re happy with the arrangement, hot glue them down.
  • I start with my seam binding and vintage lace. I add them in at the top and in other places. Then I go back in with items like jewels, tags, and keys.

The Wrap Up

So, are you ready to fall in love with vintage décor? I hope this post has inspired you to explore the romance of vintage style in your Valentine decor.

I would love to see how you use these vintage Valentine hearts in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! Remember, there’s no right or wrong in crafting – it’s all about having fun and letting your creativity shine.

Happy crafting, my fellow vintage lovers! Keep exploring, keep creating, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. And as always, I hope you love this project as much as I do!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

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Filed Under: Valentine's Day Tagged With: hearts, Valentine's Day

Making Bells from Antique Light Fixtures

November 28, 2023 by

Hello, my fellow crafting enthusiasts! I hope this post finds you well and brimming with creative energy. Today, I’m going to share with you a delightful little project that combines two of my favorite things – the holiday season and antique light fixtures!

Yes, you read that right! We’re transforming old, beautiful light fixtures into charming holiday bells. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, put on your favorite festive tunes, and let’s dive into the world of creative upcycling together.

Together, we’ll explore how to transform old, forgotten items into delightful works of art that tell a story. All by making bells from antique light fixtures!

Making Bells from Antique Light Fixtures

 

Making Bells from Antique Light Fixtures

There’s just something about vintage items that tugs at the heartstrings. Maybe it’s the charm of a bygone era or the stories these items could tell if they could talk. For me, it’s like each object is whispering its history, waiting for someone to listen and breathe new life into it. And who better to do that than us, the crafting aficionados?

Why Antique Light Fixtures?

Well, if you’re anything like me, you’ve got a soft spot for all things vintage. There’s something magical about taking an object with history and giving it a new life. Plus, antique light fixtures often have unique shapes and intricate designs that make them perfect for our holiday bells project!

What I looked for when I was choosing which pieces to use for this project was shape and interest. For the main portion of my bells I looked for parts of light fixtures that had a natural bell shape. These can be the part of a fixture that attaches to the wall or ceiling. It could also be part of a lamp. Anything that looks like a bell will work for you!

The next thing I did was find vintage items that I could use for the top of my bells. I chose a pretty spindle for one and made a hand bell. For another I used a gorgeous old gas spigot. Anything that will fit in to the top of your “bell” that you find interesting will work for this!

The Thrill of the Hunt

Part of the joy of crafting with vintage items is the thrill of the hunt. Whether it’s rummaging through the attic, exploring thrift stores, or trawling garage sales and vintage markets, every find feels like unearthing a hidden treasure. Sometimes, I feel like an archaeologist discovering an ancient artifact, except my discoveries are old typewriters, worn-out suitcases, and rusty kitchen utensils.

When you watch the video below, you will see some of the fabulous vintage items that I used for my bells. My hope is that watching my process will inspire you for your next vintage treasure hunts. When we keep an open mind and think outside the box, suddenly those trips become even more fun.

Just keep an eye out for fixtures and hardware that you find interesting! Then bring them home and turn them into something wonderful like these holiday bells!

Making Bells from Antique Light Fixtures

How to Assemble Your Bell

Once you have chosen your light fixture and hardware pieces, it’s time to put them together. Since you are probably working with metal, I would leave the glue gun to the side for this and go with a strong adhesive. My go to for this type of project is E6000, but you can use any similar glue you have.

If you pieces fit together nicely, your gluing should be simple. But if your hardware needs a little extra stability, try using an old washer and some wire to secure your pieces together.

 

Making Bells from Antique Light Fixtures
Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

Making Bells from Antique Light Fixtures Supply List

  • Antique light fixtures and/or other hardware
  • Greenery
  • E6000 adhesive
  • Wire cutters
  • Hot glue gun
  • Scissors
  • Seam binding (any color that you love )

Making Bells from Antique Light Fixtures

Making Bells from Antique Light Fixtures Instructions

  • Start by choosing your light fixture and hardware pieces like we talked about above. Then use your E6000 or similar adhesive to assemble your bell.
  • Next use a glue gun to start attaching your greenery. Look for different shades and textures to add interest to your bell.
  • Then use your seam biding to make a bow and attach it to your bell.
  • You can stop here or add any little vintage treasures that you want to. You know I had to add some old keys to mine!

Sharing the Joy

The best part about crafting, in my opinion, is sharing the joy with others. Whether it’s gifting a handmade item to a loved one or hosting a crafting party with friends, there’s something incredibly satisfying about sharing your passion.

Remember, my crafty compadres, crafting isn’t just about creating beautiful items. It’s about the journey—the thrill of the hunt, the transformation of old to new, and the joy of sharing. It’s about taking something ordinary, adding a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of love, and creating something extraordinary.

Making Bells from Antique Light Fixtures

The Wrap Up

There you have it, my craft-loving friends! Antique light fixtures turned into beautiful holiday bells. It’s amazing what a little creativity can do, isn’t it?

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do this project. The joy of crafting comes from making something uniquely yours. So feel free to experiment with different fixtures, strings, and bells.

I would love to see how you use these holiday bells in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! Remember, there’s no right or wrong in crafting – it’s all about having fun and letting your creativity shine.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crafting tools, put on your explorer hat, and let’s dive into the marvelous world of vintage crafting together!

I would love to see how you use these holiday bells in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!

Making Bells from Antique Light Fixtures

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

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Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: christmas craft ideas, vintage christmas crafts

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees

November 21, 2023 by

Hello there, vintage craft enthusiasts! It’s that time of the year again. The air is getting colder, holiday tunes are playing on repeat, and the crafting bug has officially bitten us.. Today, we’re diving into a fun and festive project – bleaching bottle brush trees for our vintage Christmas crafts.

Now, you might be thinking, “Bleaching? That sounds like a chore!” But trust me, this is one quick chore that’s brimming with holiday cheer. So, grab your favorite hot beverage, cozy up, and let’s get started! I hope this tutorial helps you add a little extra sparkle to your holiday season.

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees

 

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees

Today, we’re going to chat about one of my personal favorite festive elements – bottle brush trees, and how to incorporate them into your vintage Christmas crafts.

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about vintage Christmas decor, isn’t there? It’s like each piece holds a story, a whisper of Christmases past. And bottle brush trees? They’re the cherry on top of this nostalgic sundae. These miniature, bristly beauties have a charming, old-world feel that can transport you back to simpler times.

But we can’t always get our hands on the vintage trees that we love. What do we do then? Thanks to the interwebs, I have a solution! We snag up some new bottle brush trees and we bleach them. I was blown away by the results of this simple process! I got so many great shades of trees that look beautiful and legitimately aged. In the video below, and step by step instructions, I explain exactly how to make this happen. It’s so simple and I love how they turn out!

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees

How to Use Your Aged Trees

Now, let’s talk about some of the ways you can use these adorable trees in your vintage Christmas crafts.

1. Retro Christmas Village: Remember those enchanting little Christmas villages that used to grace grandma’s mantelpiece? You can recreate that magic with your bottle brush trees. Whether you pair them with old-fashioned ceramic houses or handmade wooden cabins, they’re sure to add a touch of nostalgia.

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees

2. Vintage Ornaments: With a bit of string, your bottle brush trees can become unique, vintage-inspired ornaments. Imagine a tree full of these – it’s like a forest within a forest!

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees

3. Table Centerpieces: Arrange your bottle brush trees at varying heights on a silver platter, sprinkle some faux snow, and voila! You’ve got yourself a vintage Christmas centerpiece that’s sure to be the talk of your holiday dinner.

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees

4. Unique Christmas Crafts: My favorite way to use these bottle brush trees is in my Christmas creations. I use an old spice tin or Jell-O mold as a base. Then I combine different vintage elements to create something beautiful and unique for the holiday season. For more pictures and to learn how to make them, check out my Facebook and YouTube pages.

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees
Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees Supply List

  • 1/2 cup bleach
  • 1 cup warm water
  • Bowl
  • Bowl of water for rinsing
  • Bottle brush Christmas trees

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees Instructions

Step 1: Start by filling a container with a mixture of water and bleach. The ratio varies depending on how white you want your trees. A common recommendation is 1 part water to 2 parts bleach.

Step 2: Next, submerge your trees in the mixture. Sounds simple, right? Well, it is! But remember, safety first. You may want to wear gloves when handling bleach.

Step 3: Now, the waiting game begins. This could take a few seconds or a few minutes. Keep and eye on your trees because some will change almost instantly. When your trees reach the color you want take them out of the bleach and pop them in bowl of water to stop the bleaching process.

Step 4: Once they’re done soaking, carefully remove them from the bleach solution. Rinse them under cold water, and let them dry completely.

And voila! You have transformed your bottle brush trees into a beautiful spectacle, ready to be the star of your Christmas crafts.

How to Bleach New Bottle Brush Trees

The Wrap Up

And that’s it! It is so quick and simple to take your new bottle brush trees and transform them into ones that look aged and vintage.

And, as we wrap up, I want to remind you of one important thing – crafting isn’t just about the end product. It’s about the joy of creating, the thrill of seeing an idea come to life, and the warmth of sharing that with others. So whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, I hope this post sparks some festive inspiration in your heart.

I would love to see how you use these bleached bottle brush trees in your own holiday crafting. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! Remember, there’s no right or wrong in crafting – it’s all about having fun and letting your creativity shine.

Happy crafting, my fellow vintage lovers! Keep exploring, keep creating, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. And as always, I hope you love this project as much as I do!

I would love to see how you use these… in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

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Filed Under: Christmas

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe

October 20, 2023 by

It’s no secret that I have a love of vintage treasures. There’s something about old, pre-loved pieces that hold a story of their own, a mystery, a whisper from the past, and I find it absolutely captivating. Don’t you agree?

So, on one of my many treasure hunts, I stumbled upon a charming vintage wooden shoe last. It was a little worn, but that’s where its charm lay. And immediately, my DIY senses started tingling. I thought, why not turn this into a decor piece? A project was born!

I shared some of my decorated shoes with you and so many of you love them as much as I do! Since you all can’t seem to get enough of them, I am lucky to be able to keep making more. It’s such a fun project and I wanted to share the process with you! 

If you’ve found a similar gem or are simply intrigued by the idea, let’s embark on this creative journey together. Here’s how you can decorate a vintage wooden shoe and give it a beautiful new lease on life.

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe

Before we start I want to clear up any semantic confusion. I use the words shoe, shoe last, and shoe form interchangeably. The proper name for these pretties is a shoe last. But sometimes people don’t know what I mean when I say it. And it’s much easier to just say “shoe” when I need to mention it mannnny times during a tutorial, hehehe.

So, while I often say “shoe”, what I am actually working with is a shoe last. Now you may be wondering, “what the heck is a shoe last then?” So here is what I have learned about them so far…

What is a Shoe Last?

A shoe last is essentially a form, traditionally made from wood, that shoemakers use as a mold to construct shoes. It’s shaped like a simplified version of a foot and comes in different sizes to match the variety in human feet. It’s the unsung hero in the shoe-making process, providing the shape and structure we see in the final product.

Now, imagine this tool of craftsmanship, aged with time, carrying countless stories of shoes it helped create – that’s what a vintage shoe last is! They’re often found in antique shops or flea markets, showcasing their charmingly worn wood, and sometimes even bearing the shoemaker’s markings. These pieces not only hold historical value but also offer a unique aesthetic that can add a rustic touch to your decor.

And, just like our previous DIY projects with vintage items, these shoe lasts can be creatively repurposed too! You can use them as bookends, doorstops, or even turn them into an intriguing centerpiece. The possibilities are endless when you let your creativity take the lead!

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe

You Can Design your Old Shoe for any Season

Speaking of endless possibilities, you can decorate your vintage shoe to suit any holiday or season. Whether it’s spring blossoms, summer sunshine, autumn leaves, or winter snowflakes, your old shoe lift will always be in step with the season!

Spring Awakening 

Ah, spring! It’s all about renewal and fresh beginnings. Why not reflect this in your shoes? Think pastel shades, floral patterns, and maybe even a touch of lace for that romantic vibe. I once stumbled upon a pair of mossy wooden shoes that were used as wall art – a delightful spring decor idea that could easily translate onto old shoes too!

Summer Fun

Summer calls for bright, bold colors and fun motifs. Try adding vibrant colors and florals to your vintage shoes. You could even add some sparkle with sequins or rhinestones for that extra glam factor. Soften it up a bit with some delicate ribbons and lace and you have a gorgeous shoe lift for summer.

Autumn Elegance

As the leaves change color, so can your shoes. Warm hues of orange, red, and brown can create a beautiful autumnal palette. A leaf motif or even a subtle plaid pattern can add a cozy touch to your vintage footwear.

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe

Winter Wonderland

Winter gives us the perfect excuse to add some plush elements to our shoes. Think faux fur trimmings, velvet ribbons, or even some crystal embellishments to mimic the look of icicles. A pair of vintage shoes adorned with faux greenery and crystal twigs could even double up as a unique Christmas ornament!

The beauty of this DIY project is that it allows you to express your creativity and personal style in a way that’s completely unique!

 

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe
Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

 

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe Supply List

  • Vintage shoe last/form/or actual wooden shoe (or a new one 
  • Hemp oil and paper towel or clean cloth 
  • Decorative florals and greenery
  • Vintage treasures to dress up your shoe last
  • Hot glue gun

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe Instructions

  • First things first, clean your shoe thoroughly. Use a slightly damp cloth to remove any dust or grime. Remember, we want to preserve its vintage charm, so be gentle.
  • Next rub hemp oil onto it with a paper towel or clean cloth. Then go back and wipe it off. The process is the same as when you are using wax or shining things. Wipe on, wipe off! The oil will restore the natural beauty of the shoe last. The difference is unbelievable and seeing the shoe come back to life is so satisfying. 
  • Now you can watch the video below and follow along as I attach all of my adornments with hot glue. Play around with your supplies and decide what you want to place where. I don’t like to cover up the unique markings on the shoe so I plan my design around leaving them visible. But you can do yours however feels right to you! 
  • Remember, there’s no right or wrong in crafting – it’s all about having fun and letting your creativity shine. 🌟Happy crafting, my fellow vintage lovers! Keep exploring, keep creating, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. Until next time!

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe

The Wrap Up

And voila! You’ve just turned an old wooden shoe into a piece of art. Isn’t it fascinating how with a little imagination and creativity, we can transform something ordinary into extraordinary? 

Who knew something as utilitarian as a shoe last could have such artistic potential, right? That’s the beauty of vintage items – they carry a past life, a character, and an irresistible charm that can inspire us in the most unexpected ways.

So, next time you spot a vintage shoe last, don’t hesitate to pick it up! Who knows, it might just be the star of your next DIY project. 🌟

Happy treasure hunting, my creative friends! And remember, in the world of crafting, every object has a story to tell and a new life waiting to be imagined. Can’t wait to hear about your next vintage find!

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe

 
I would love to see how you use these decorated vintage shoes in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! Remember, there’s no right or wrong in crafting – it’s all about having fun and letting your creativity shine.
 
Happy crafting, my fellow vintage lovers! Keep exploring, keep creating, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. And as always, I hope you love this project as much as I do!

How to Decorate a Vintage Wooden Shoe

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

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Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: diy vintage, diy vintage crafts, old shoe

How to Make Vintage Wooden Acorns

October 13, 2023 by

Hello, friends! Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you a delightful DIY project that’s close to my heart. It’s one that brings back fond memories of my childhood, when I’d spend hours exploring the woods, collecting acorns for my collection.

And, as an adult and a crafter, I still collect them when I can so I can use the in my decor or craft project. Now, we’re going to recreate those precious keepsakes, but with a twist – we’re making vintage wooden acorns!

Let me tell you, there’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own decorative pieces. It’s not just about creating something beautiful, but also about immersing yourself in the process, letting your creativity flow, and feeling a sense of accomplishment when you see the final product. And trust me, these vintage wooden acorns are going to be a fantastic addition to your fall home decor.

So grab some old papers, Rub and Buff, and your Stickles and let’s get crafting!

How to Make Wooden Vintage Acorns

I love a little bling with my rusty and crusty. So for me, the gold tops and glitter accents are the perfect combination with my old book pages. If you prefer a more muted look you can absolutely swap some things out!

You could start by painting your acorns in a base color of your choice. Like a rich brown as it gives that authentic, earthy feel. Then leave it to dry or lightly brush over with some gold to give it that classic, vintage feel. Remember, it’s all in the details!

Another option would be to leave the glitter off and tie twine where your book pages meet the tops of your acorn. This would still give you a rustic look without going too bling. The possibilities are truly endless. So just go with what you love and what feels right to you!

Tips for Using Rub and Buff

Rub and Buff is a fabulous product to adding a metallic or aged look to your craft projects. It comes in a tube like a paint. But it is actually more like a metallic wax. It is great for adding details to your projects. Or as a substitute for spray paint in your smaller creations.

The thing that I use Rub and Buff for the most is to add detail to raised surfaces like filigree on decorative frames. It ages more modern pieces to fit my vintage decor. And also adds great accents to make those designs really pop!

The first thing to know is that a little bit of this stuff goes a lonnng way. That tiny tube will last you quite awhile. So start with the tiniest bit, especially if you have never used it before. You can always add more if you need to. But you don’t want to be wiping it off and wasting it.

The easiest way that I have found to apply it is with my finger. I get a tiny bit on my finger and then rub it onto my surface. It dries very quickly which is nice for keeping our projects going. You don’t have to buff it after you apply it. But I love the sheen that comes from a little bit of buffing. You can either use your finger to buff it out, or a dry cloth.

Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

How to Make Wooden Vintage Acorns Supply List

  • Small wooden acorns
  • Gold Rub and Buff
  • Old book pages (thin but not brittle)
  • Mod Podge
  • Scissors
  • Stickles Glitter Glue (Gold is what I used)

How to Make Wooden Vintage Acorns Instructions

  • First, grab a rectangle of a book page. Cover the bottom of your acorn with Mod Podge and then wrap the book page piece around it.
  • Now use your scissors to cut slits at the bottom of the page so it will start to lay down better.
  • Get some Mod Podge in and on the paper and start squishing it down to cover the bottom of the acorn.
  • Then use your scissors to lop of any big excesses of paper. Continue to add more Mod Podge if you need to and smooth that paper down. Remember, no two acorns are exactly alike in nature, so don’t worry about getting them perfectly symmetrical.
  • Next, using your finger tip or a dry cloth, apply a tiny bit of the Rub and Buff to the top of your wooden acorn. Then use your finger or cloth to buff it out and get an even finish.
  • Once your gold is dry, use the Stickles to add a line of glitter to where your acorn meets its top. Only do half of the acorn so you can allow it to dry without letting the Stickle hit your table top and smear.
  • After the first half of the Stickle dries, go back and do the other half. And that’s it! Your acorns are done and ready to hang out together in a dough bowl or other fun vintage container.

The Wrap Up

I hope you enjoyed this little journey into the past as much as I did. Crafting these vintage wooden acorns brought back a wave of nostalgia, and I can’t wait to see how yours turn out! Remember, every piece you create tells a story, and I’m sure your vintage wooden acorns will have a beautiful one to tell.

I would love to see how you use these adorable wooden acorns in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!

Make sure you never miss a Live or discount for my website! Sign up here to receive texts and I’ll let you know when fun things are happening! https://my.community.com/tamilovesvintage

Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial! If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

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Filed Under: Inspiration

How to Make a Vintage Keepsake Tissue Box

September 20, 2023 by

I friends! I am back with another fabulous vintage themed craft project for you today. I am showing you how to make a vintage keepsake tissue box cover that you will be able to treasure for years to come!

In the video below you’ll see the tutorial that I did in the Crafting Creators Group for an event with the theme “Don’t Box Me In”. I showed everyone how to make a vintage keepsake tissue box and the results are beautiful!

If you haven’t heard of the Crafting Creators Group, it is a free crafting group with lots of great events that you can watch for crafting inspiration. So you can head over there and check out more crafting fun if you’d like to. But for now, let’s grab our glue guns and some old book pages and get crafting!

Build or Buy Your Tissue Box Cover

First up is to decide if you want to build or buy your tissue box cover. I have made my own tissue boxes in the past out of poster board. I got the idea from the Shabby Tree and they turned out well. There are a couple of ways that you can do this. Just make sure that your keepsake tissue box is slightly larger than your actual one. That way you can easily slide it on and off as you replace your disposable tissue boxes.

The first option is to measure a tissue box that you have and then use a ruler to draw straight lines that are just slightly bigger than your measurements. Then tape the pieces together.

Or you could just trace a tissue box, adding a tiny bit of length. Then cut out your pieces, and put them together with hot glue or tape.

You can also save time and purchase plain paper mache tissue boxes. I found some on Factory Decor Direct and snagged some there.

How to Choose your Old Pages

I know that many of you love crafting with old book pages and you already know the tips and tricks of which ones to put together for a project. But for those of you who don’t have a lot of experience with them yet, I wanted to share my process of page selection.

The biggest thing for me is to not use just one type of page. So I wouldn’t grab just one old book and get all of my pages from that. I like to use a mix of colors, fonts, and content. The variety looks so much more appealing to me. And it adds a lot of interest.

For example, I will grab pages in lighter and darker shades of aging. The contrast between them really makes each them pop. I go for a mix of different fonts or type faces. Again, the differences between them help you to notice each one and gives the eye variety.

I also use a mix of pages from books, as well as old sheet music. Sometimes I will also use the illustrations. But that depends on what the image is, and what type of project I am doing.

I hope that helps you get the look you want while you are getting the hang of working with old book and music pages. Once you’ve done a few projects with them, it will become second nature. And really, when it comes down to it, just go with your gut and choose what you love!

To save you the time that it takes to find and curate old book and music pages, I have done it for you! You can purchase either a small or large vintage paper packet here on my website.

Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

How to Make a Vintage Keepsake Tissue Box Cover Supply List

  • A plain tissue box that you have either made or purchased
  • Mod Podge and brush to apply it
  • Scissors
  • Old book and/or music pages
  • Some vintage baubles (buttons, jewels, keys whatever you have and love)
  • Vintage lace
  • Seam binding
  • Rhinestone trim
  • Spray adhesive
  • Glue gun

How to Make a Vintage Keepsake Tissue Box Cover Instructions

  • Once you have made or purchased your tissue box cover, get it covered in paper! Grab your old papers and your Mod Podge and start wrapping your box. I start from the bottom up. You want the edges of your paper that will go along the bottom edge of your tissue box to be straight. So use your scissors to make one side of your paper straight.
  • Use the Mod Podge to start applying paper to your tissue box to get your base layer of paper. Brush the adhesive lightly onto the box and on the back of your paper. Line up the straight edge of your paper with the bottom edge of the box and smooth it into place. This layer of paper will be covered up quite a bit. So don’t use your favorite pieces here.
  • Once you have enough of the adhesive between the box and the paper, brush it over top of the paper, making sure to hit the edges. This will keep it securely in place as well as give you the adhesive you need for your next layer of paper.
  • Continue this process using a variety of different book and music pages until your box is covered. I only like straight paper edges around the sides and bottom of my boxes. So I tear my paper where it won’t be hitting one of those areas.
  • Once your box is covered in a base layer of paper, start choosing interesting pages and adding them on top of your first pages. Keep layering. The more pages you add the more the look blends and pops at the same time. The added pages also give strength to your poster board base.

Dressing up Your Tissue Box Cover Instructions

  • Now it’s time for the fun part! Adding all the bits and bobs to dress up your tissue box. I started by using my glue gun to add some vintage lace around the opening of the box. Then add some around the bottom edge. Add a button to where the two ends of the lace meet.
  • Then use your glue gun to add the rhinestone trim just above the lace around the bottom of the box.
  • Next use the spray adhesive to add a chunk of vintage lace to one corner of your box. Or place it so it covers part of two sides of the box. You’re looking to place it somewhere where it isn’t on just one side of the box.
  • Add a smaller gathered piece of lace to one of the sides. And more buttons and bling if you are using it. This will look different for all of us based on likes and what we have on hand. Just add more pretties a little at a time until you love your tissue box cover!

The Wrap Up

And that’s it, friends! Covering the box with paper takes a bit but it’s a very simple project! And dressing up your tissue box cover is so much fun. Once you make one, you’ll be hooked and on to making more!

I would love to see how you use these vintage keepsake tissue boxes in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!

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Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video tutorial!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami’s Making. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

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Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: diy vintage crafts, diy vintage decor, tissue boxes, vintage craft ideas, vintage crafts, vintage decor, vintage gift ideas

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Tami Loves Vintage…

My name is Tami Neff and I would like to thank you for visiting my website. I hope you found many unique items to inspire you.  I love bringing you found vintage items to use when creating your treasures.  I have picked some of the nicest greenery around for you to use in your decor.  Please stop back often as we are always adding new items just for you.

tami

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