PLASTIC BOTTLE FLOWERS, BAMBOO AND MINI LIGHTS UPCYCLED

I an referring to the large one on the right.  I know this picture does not do this justice
at all.  I could not capture the whole bamboo because it was too tall for the distance I
was standing.  I captured a little over 1/2 of the pole.

Hi everyone.  Yes I am still making pretty flowers out of plastic bottles.  It seems like the more I make, the more creative I become, and the flowers get prettier and prettier.  I bought these 72" bamboo sticks/poles for the garden at the dollar store.  They were to thick to cut them down as stems like I normally do.  Ha ha, I would need a saw for that one.  Anyway, I imagined mini tree lights wrapped around this stick with flowers.

Well, that's exactly what I did.  I guess there is no need to explain how.  However, for those of you who are new here and to my work, I have a tutorial in the first post in this blog showing how I make these flowers out of various bottles.


I generally use water bottles, soda bottles, big and small.  Ketchup bottles make beautiful flowers, as do vinegar and peanut butter bottles. As long as it is plastic and can soften into shape, it's possible. It's a challenge for me.  With the exception of water and soda bottles,  I do not cut the plastic bottle until I usually know what kind of flower I am going to make.  I see it or imagine it  in my mind first, then I can move forward.

I used my favorite Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Inks.  You can find them in sets of three different colors, cheapest online. Nice huh.  Trust me with all the alcohol inks I use, I do look for the cheapest deal.  This week, it's the link below:)



Okay, since I couldn't give you a clear picture, or the whole project with this large 72 inch pole, I thought I could show you what the flowers look like.  They're really pretty.  I just need to find a good home for this Flower Bamboo Light Pole.

I used larger glitter bits  for this one.  Gold.

Alcohol Inks really make it happen

Adirondack Alcohol Inks work great on glass, metals, and
plastic.  They are transparent, non toxic when dry.
And it's permanent inks.

I love those Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Inks.

Another addition to my flowers is that I added more that one layer.  Some flowers even have three layers.  It just adds to it's beauty.  Also I found that bottle-caps fit very well in the center.  However, I add glue first then glitter, let it dry before I add a one inch circle resin cap that fits in the bottle cap.  It's not necessary but does make it prettier. I then glue the bottle cap to the flower.  And that's about it.

I am closing for now, but I will be right back with another post I am excited to share with you.  Meanwhile feel free to share this, like this or pin this please. So till then, stay safe, have fun crafting, and many blessings.

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

AIRBRUSHING PLASTIC FLOWER SODA BOTTLES

This recycled plastic bottle that is now a pretty flower has three layers of Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Inks.  The first layer
towards the rim I painted it with magenta colors.  Right above that color I sprayed the orange ink.  The top of the flowers
has a layer of red inks.  The difference with this flower and the one below, is I used less colors and kept the airbrush
moving.

Just another view.

Well I'm sure you have seen my post about airbrushing my flowers giving them a stained glass look simply my holding the airbrush in one spot an additional second or too. However, I wanted to show you this flower where it does not have that stained glass effect like the picture below.

See the difference.  This flower has a stained glass effect.  I used a smashed bottle cap and polymer clay for the middle.

Both flowers come out very pretty using my favorite Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Inks.  These inks are permanent and look great on glass, metal, and of course plastic.  I use lot's of these inks, as I stain everything.  Lol,  So far I have not found it any cheaper than the link below.  If you know of a cheaper place, by all means please let me know

Well that's it for now.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  Help me make this world a prettier place by recycling and upcycling.  Please feel free to share, like, or pin.  Till the next time...Many blessings.

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

7UP PLASTIC BOTTLE CORSAGE

Isn't this a cute corsage for a baby shower?  Just add a name tag like "PROUD MOM", etc.  

This is going to be a quick share.  Hopefully, you know how I make my plastic flowers out of recyclable plastic bottles by now.  This time I used plain acrylic paint.  I painted the pink first.  Let it dry, then continued to paint the white.  I added a flattened bottle cap in the center. I found this baby face on a program I have. I shaped the picture into a one inch circle then added a resin cap. By the way this would be cute if you add the baby's face in the circle.  Anyway,  I then folded a wire in half for the stem. I wrapped the stem with plastic green tape I found at the dollar store. At this point you can wear this corsage if you have a long stick pin.  If not continue as I did in the next picture.

You can see how I wrapped it with the green plastic tape.  I also added another flattened bottle cap for the back so I could glue the pin finding.  

It's almost finished.  Some pink ribbon, a name tag, then it's done.

Oh by the way, I bought my resin tops, and bottle caps online.  Check out the link below:)  It's so much cheaper than Michael's.


Well I just had to share.  I hope you like this easy recycling project by upcycling your plastic bottles.  It's fun, and creative.  They make cute gifts too. You can help make this world a cleaner prettier place to live.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by.  Feel free to share and visit my other blogs here.  Thanks for allowing me to be of service.  Many blessings:)

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

AIRBRUSHED FLOWERS MADE FROM PLASTIC BOTTLES

The green leaves are made from a plastic peanut butter jar.  The flower is made from a water bottle, top and bottom.
I airbrushed all these flowers with my favorite alcohol inks.

Same flower just a close up view so you can see where I placed the flower.
By the way this one flower is about 7-8 inches in diameter.  It makes a
statement for sure.

Here is another beautiful flower I recently put together. There is a big difference from my first flowers as opposed to these. For one, I am making flowers with multiple layers of two or more. It gives the flower so much more depth. My first flowers had only one layer of plastic. Although they were pretty because of the way I heated them lightly with a candle to give it it's shape. Haha, I am the Captain of this ship.

Back view.  The flowers are so light-weight, they do stay on
the sticks with the hot glue gun.

I say that because I have seen other folks making flowers with just scissors. They are OK, but have no character. Just blah. I have a  hot air gun, and I have seen folks do that too. However, I want the flower to take the shape I have in mind. I have no control with the heat gun. With the candle it is so easy to work with. It takes two hands and a little practice, but it's easy to see which way it's going and you work with it.

Remember, we are not burning the plastic. If you see smoke, it probably touched the fire. There is no need to touch the fire. Carefully a few inches from the fire, put your hand over the candle to find the hot spot. Don't burn yourself. With two hands you hold the flower over that hot spot. Heat and mold each petal forward or backwards, or just curled. Whichever way suits your fancy. Personally, I like to mold them in all directions. But they go in the direction I want.

Another airbrushed flower consisting
of the top of two water bottles.

I ground the rim of the flower so it would sit nicely and not
protrude out too much.  Again, I hot glued this together.
The grinder is my new toy.  Prior to the grinder, I would cut the rim
with tin cutters.  A little hard on the hands, thus the grinder.

The green leaf here is a soda bottle, with the flower being a water bottle.  To get this effect on the flower.  I just stayed a few seconds on each spot.  For the Leaf, I used continuous motion to avoid too many spots.

Airbrushing with alcohol inks is so much easier and less messy. I mean it's more drip less. As with anything, it takes a bit of practice, but I am quickly getting the hang of it. I bartered with a makeup artist here in Hollywood. She needed some gifts, and I had plenty. I also make jewelry:). In return I got a small Dinair Makeup Artists Airbrush set. It is not strong enough for acrylic paints, but works perfectly with my alcohol inks. For one, is has a very low PSI. This makes it so easy and so much safer. I hardly smell those toxic fumes ...no more headaches after a day of painting. Yay!  I do make sure all the windows, fans, and door is open.  I also make sure to wear safety eye wear, and face mask ventilator, specifically for paint, fumes, etc.  It's better to be safe right?

I hope you like this tutorial and try doing this yourself.  Really, it is not hard at all.  And you would literally help make the world a "pretty clean" place one bottle at a time. I will be posting more airbrushed flowers that have a more sutle effect.  Please feel free to share or pin this post.  Visit my other posts to see more beautiful recycled and upcycled items stained with my  favorite Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Inks.  The outcome of my flowers alone inspire me to continue to use these inks.



Well that's it for now with these airbrushed flowers that I upcycled from plastic bottles.  I thank you for stopping by and encourage to visit my other pages regarding upcycling.  Share, or pin it, on Pinterest. Visit my other blogs for that matter.  I also want to thank you for allowing me to be of service.  Sharing is a good thing:) Till then,  many blessings.

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

3 FOOT TALL PLASTIC AND LIQUOR BOTTLE TABLE LAMP

Here I upcycled plastic soda bottles, and a large 1.75 liquor bottle.  With the flowers and
the twigs, and flowers, this table lamp stands about 3 feet tall.  It definitely makes a statement.

My neighbor Mike upstairs came to my rescue when I sent out a bulletin for bottles so I can have something to upcycle into something pretty.  He has given me some really nice bottles in the past.  I thought it would be appropriate to give him one of his own bottles that I upcycled just for him, with a bouquet of my plastic upcycled soda flowers. Besides he has no idea what I do with them.

Again I used my plastic flowers that I cleaned, cut, stained with my alcohol inks, then melted into a variety of shapes with a candle. I attached them to some tall bamboo sticks which I picked up from Home Depot. I glued them with the hot glue gun. I added a twig which I purchased from Michaels.  Now my bouquet is done.

Now to install my mini tree lights I bought online as they are not in season.

A close up view of my plastic soda bottle flowers.  However, this picture does not do the flowers any
justice.  You can't really see the brilliant colors.  Too bad. The alcohol inks are amazing aren't they?  See
the light at the top? I wrapped the mini tree lights around the bamboo stems so the lights go all the way up.
They no longer "sag" at the bottom of the bottle.

Using my drill and a glass/tile drill bit. I slowly drilled a hole big enough to insert my mini tree lights. I decided to keep the original label on the bottle for this project since it was going to a home where a guy  can appreciate the bottle. Only thing is, I forgot to add the rubber grommets where I drilled the hole to protect the cord.  Now I know. Next time.
You should have seen his face when I gave it to him.  He lit up:)

Anyway, that's about it. I think this upcycled plastic flowers in a lamp liquor bottle came out great. I just had to share. Remember to see the first post for instructions on how I make my flowers. If you are interested. Pin it, share it and come on back. Till the next time...many blessings.

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

UP-CYCLED PLASTIC SODA BOTTLE NOW A FLOWER NIGHT LIGHT

So far, here is the final outcome for this pretty flower today...my new night night.  What a dramatic effect these alcohol inks give on my wall with these tiny led balloon/lantern lights.  Actually, I am just testing it, as I am putting it up for sale on Etsy.  Wish me luck, I always need supplies:)

The flower made using a 2 liter soda bottle, and the leaf out of a small soda bottle.
 I added the cross, with the message..."I can do all things through Jesus Christ
who strengthens me.  Phil.4:13  I plan on putting this in a clear vase
with mini tree lights.

I made this flower sometime last month out of the top of a 2 liter soda bottle.  It is prettier in person.  It is a lot bigger than my usual up-cycled flowers. But I was going for big.  I stained it purple using my alcohol inks.and there it sat in a corner in my room, for a month.  However, I was waiting for the right bottle to make the right stem or leaf. My flower was way too big to put on a stick. I was thinking more like in a vase with lights. Easter is around the corner, and being that I had accidentally purchased this cross from the dollar store, I was showing a friend one of my favorite bible verses. She thought I wanted it and put it in my basket. Anyway, I thought it quite appropriate for what I wanted...an Easter Centerpiece for my table that would reflect something of what Easter is about. Jesus Christ. After all, to me, once again, Jesus is the reason for the season.

I found this smaller soda bottle with some nice texture. so I thought it would go nice with my purple flower.This time I used the bottom of the bottle.  I stained it different shades of greens again using my Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Inks.  What I like about these inks, is a little goes a long way.  And you get a really nice stained glass effect.  Me and my Adirondack Alcohol Inks equals one happy camper.

Ok don't laugh, I am not using this small glass. I feel like Cinderella's step sister trying to stuff this big flower into this small bowl.  Lol. If the bowl was bigger, it would work.  I was going for big and dramatic.  It's not there yet.

I glued them together, but I still don't have a clear glass vase wide enough to hold this big flower. I think a fishbowl would be nice. I could lay this piece on a bed of mini tree lights. Of course i would have to drill a hole in the bowl to install the lights. What do you think?

Really, it's so easy to make. I was thinking of a lotus flower budding, but the leaf is not a lotus at all. So it's my hybrid plastic flower, half lotus, and the other half cactus. Lol. Anyway please share so others too can recycle and up-cycle in a fun way.

Well I'm happy with this flower. I just need the bowl, so till then, Many blessings, and thanks for letting me be of service.  Come back soon:)

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

What I love about my new night light, is that it does have a dramatic effect without the glass bowl I had hoped this flower to be in.  Oh well, I am quite happy with this light. This is because the alcohol inks are transparent, and I added three small led battery operated lantern lights.  I just dropped them in.  Nice effect they give on my bathroom wall.  Looks like I have a bunch of chiffon floating on one corner of my walls.

Up Cycled Plastic Salad/Fruit Bowl

Here I upcycled a large one pound plastic container that I purchased from the market.  It held and protected my organic
baby arugulla.  Now it is a lot sturdier after the meltdown, as it can now hold a few pounds of fruit.

This is the container I used for this project.

Hey everyone, I'm still recycling and up cycling at the same time. I look for things that are challenging for me. I just knew I could make something out of such a big container like this plastic container. I made this salad bowl out of one pound plastic greens container.

There is no need to say much more.  I will let the pictures take over from here.

I used a pyrex heat proof bowl, and placed the plastic over the bowl.  Using a heating gun I began to heat and melt the plastic just enough to give it some shape.  Where ever I wanted it to bend I gave it extra heat.
Can you see the somewhat ruffled edge I gave it.  It gave it character.  Lol.  Does a bowl have character?

This is what it looked like.  Next time, I will move the heat gun more to avoid the white milky spots.   T

Another view.  This took no more than 5 minutes.  The hardest part was taking the label off.

Using my favorite Rangers Adirondacks Alcohol Inks.  I started with the color cranberry and painted the whole bowl.  I went back adding spots of other colors, giving my bowl this effect.  I can't tell you how much I like these inks.  If you have been following any of my work, then you know these inks are my favorite.  You can get them at Samsclub.com, really cheap for three colors.  Best price in town too!

Voila!  My new Up Cycled Plastic Salad/Fruit Bowl.  Yahoo. My trash was saved again.

Another View.  Cute right?

Well, that's it for now.  I thought I would share for all my fellow crafters.  If you like this  please share with someone.  Pin it.  Try it yourself and let me know the outcome.  By the way, it does not work with a regular hair dryer.  I already tried that.  LOL.

Anyway, till the next time...Many blessings:)

Sincerely,

Mary Helen