Another Creative Gift Idea

Another one of the gifts I sent has been received, so I can share this idea with you.  Yesterday I said that you shouldn't throw out those mint tins...well, you shouldn't really throw out any tins, since they can be upcycled into pretty little things.  This tin lived it's former life as a Clipiola tin.  I've loved using those little round Italian paper clips from Cavallini & Co. for years, and one tin was finally empty.  It was easy to cut paper to size & add that plus some ribbon & a Cavallini bird sticker to the tin, then bling it up with some Stickles in a deep green...I think it's called Patina. 

Since I couldn't decide on just one charm to use as a pendant on a simple necklace for the gift, I made 3 charms that are things I know Kimber loves.  These all nestled into some crimped paper inside the tin & went on their way to the Pacific NW. 

So...if you still have some gifts to make...this might work for you.  Upcycling is all the rage...yet artists have been doing it for years.  We just figured we were being resourceful & using things that might look like trash to someone who didn't realize that just about anything can be an art supply.  Really.  You should see the boxes & drawers full of stuff in my studio.  But that's another post for another day.  Maybe.

Time to go make some spreads & dips to nibble on while we wait for Santa tonight!