ONE HOUR PROJECTS Archives

I need a directional sign to redirect deliveries to the side of the house. With my husband working from home, he sees the purchases from the easy button called Amazon and other favorite retailers. I am an open book with purchases, but even I noticed that Amazon is my shopping assistant for those must-have items like a 10-pound bag of baking soda. This may be one of my favorite repurpose projects. Wait until you see how to repurpose packing material inside all of those shipping boxes.

You know the packing the material that is tucked between items? You know the brown paper that my husband instinctively throws into the kitchen trash can (and not the recycle in the garage). When I see brown paper and cardboard packing material all I see are future blogs posts.

Like this one.

Or this paper bag idea.

I love this simple repurpose idea and the story behind how it happened.

Curious?

The first time my kids saw me tear the book jacket off of a book they thought one of their siblings was in big trouble. #wink

Now they just say, ” Working on a blog project, mom?” #smartkids

When I hauled out my pumpkins this season I was in a mood.

I did not want to order and wait for the convenient adhesive-backed brown paper. But I wanted something a little different.

I wanted the stacked book look without any additional expense.

While breaking down a few delivery boxes to re-cycyle I pulled out the familiar brown packing material. Except this packing material was different.

It had ridges and texture. I was so close to tossing it into our recycle bin but for some reason I saved it.

Not to sound like I took a turn to crazy town, but I think the textured packing paper just said, “Save me.”

So I did.

Yes my thoughts talk to me. Don’t yours?

Steps to Repurpose Packing Material

Supplies: glue or adhesive spray, books (I used a hardback book) & scissors. I love this adhesive spray.

I used a hardback book and chose a dictionary because I love words and we don’t allow i-phones during a family game of Scrabble.

2. Cut packing material to size, spray book’s cover with adhesive or glue. Adjust quickly as the adhesive spray dries quickly.

Tip: If you have packing paper that is too short to cover the entire book cover the top and spine of the book.

No one will know if the bottom of the book is exposed.

You guys I love it. The ridged packing material adds a little texture and durability compared to a roll of brown wrapping paper.

Now if only there was a way to eliminate the bubble wrap in all of those shipping boxes.

What do you think? What is the craziest thing you have repurposed?

Video:

My dad repurposed pickle jars before there were blogs and Youtube. His parents and grandparents lived during/through the Depression. My dad will appreciate how to paint glass jars. After all, I am a third-generation repurpose enthusiast. Dad here is how to paint glass jars so you can take those pickle jars up a notch.

I know what you might be thinking: everyone knows how to paint glass jars.

That’s what my son told me.

I get it; this is not a faux paint finish back in the late 1990s. It is paint and a glass jar. I can hear my dad reading this right now and asking me, “Laura, you mean people actually NEED to read a story on how to paint glass jars?” #momblogger

How to Paint Glass Jars

Supplies Needed:

glass jars (clean + dry)
spray paint

This is pretty simple. I always use this one with a matte finish and a built-in primer. And, this spray paint finish is a new favorite after I used it on this project. It sells out quickly at Home Depot. Target carries it too, but limited selection and a few dollars more.

When I buy candles I always go for the shape of the candle jar over the scent. I loved this candle’s shape, but unfortunately, the candle did not smell tranquil.

how-to-upcycle-candle-jars-everyday-edits

I bought several because of the cute glass jars. If you zoom in it is a #madeintheusa find from here.

After removing the labels and the waxy film and wick using this technique I was ready to paint the glass jars.

Tip: When I whip out my spray paint I like to set up an assembly line of whatever I plan to paint. In this case, I had a 1/2 dozen glass jars ready to paint.

In the past I always spray painted the exterior of the jar in case I wanted to serve snacks or nibbles. And, until this project I never even thought about spraying the inside of a glass jar.

But on a whim I decided to go crazy and spray the inside of the glass jar.

You guys! It was life changing for this jar. Spraying the inside of the jar was night and day from the previous jars I sprayed on the exterior.

The finished glass jar looks professional grade smooth. The spray paint process is more forgiving when the drips or misses are on the inside of the jar too.

I tried to capture a side by side, but it was hard to show the exterior side version. But the interior spray technique gave the jar this smooth finish. The jar in the background was painted on the outside where you can see it has more of a flat finish.

The only issue is if you plan to use your repurposed painted glass jars for food. I don’t like the idea of my M&M’s next to spray paint.

Tip: If you plan to serve snacks or candy in your freshly painted glass jars add a cupcake liner or coffee filter. They work great and make for easy cleanup!

I love the look! Am I the last to know this technique?

Steps to Repurpose Packing Material

How to Paint Glass Jars

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