Giving New Life to Recycled Lids:
Valentine’s Day is over and the chocolates are quickly disappearing from the heart shaped candy boxes.
Whatever you do, when that box is empty --
DON’T THROW IT AWAY!
Save all your candy boxes, especially the lids.
(They aren’t marked up from candy smears nor have greasy butter or oil spots on them.)
The lids make quick, easy wall art.
Shadow box frames were the first thing that came to mind when I saw the lid on my candy box.
- You can nestle found objects, treasured ephemera, or pieces from nature.
- The box lid is lightweight so it makes it a snap to hang on the wall by just adding ribbon.
- The box lid surface is made from chipboard or pressed paper. Using a tacky type adhesive allows you to recover the box with beautiful papers and scrap pieces that you have left over from other projects.
- You can create a collage wall of several box lid sizes and simply add a photo to the inside of them. It is instant wall art. This is a great type for college dorm rooms where you can’t make holes in the walls. Add those 3M removable hangers and you are set.
Use a variety of sizes of box lids to create initial art/monograms or to even spell words.
- Place a large die-cut letter or a glittery chipboard initial inside a box lid and hang on your teen’s bedroom door.
- Use black, simple letters to spell the word “LOVE” for an entrance greeting or “EAT” for a kitchen piece of wall art.
- During the holidays, use a variety of sizes of lids to create longer words, like Valentine’s Day or Halloween. They make such a dramatic effect resting on top of a fireplace mantel.
Create Collage frames or Collection boxes using jewelry box lids. When I was lucky enough to hang out with Holly Craft, she shared the idea of using jewelry boxes, glued side by side, to create collage frames or collection boxes. It was such a fabulous idea that I had to give it a whirl.
- Make sure to measure the space where your collection box will hang.
- Keep the number of boxes even in each row or leave spaces between them for a more modern approach.
- Focus on maintaining visual balance, no matter which way you layout the lids for your collection box.
- I love buttons, charms, keys, elements of nature, words, and sewing items to display in my own collection box.
When you pick up a box to toss in your recycling container, take a moment and really look at the shape, the size, and the style. Maybe it is just the perfect base for your photos, greetings or sentiments, or favorite treasures.
Why purchase a shadow box frame when you already have what you need at home.
Make it a goal to share your “up” styled lid next month on Spotted Canary for National Craft Month!
~Kara (Studio Pink)