Altered Desktop Set with Design Team Expert Linda Auclair

Join Design Team Expert Linda Auclair in creating this fun desktop set. Think "upcycling" with the creative products Linda altered in today's project.

Hey there, Echo Park fans! Linda here with a new project to share that will make you look at your recycling bin with new eyes. For my post this month, I chose an “earth-friendly” craft project to celebrate Earth Day. The colors and theme of the “Note to Self” collection kit make it the perfect collection to use to create a similar project with your kids for a useful Father’s Day gift as well.

Supplies:

* Echo Park Paper’s “Note to Self” collection kit

* a recycled aluminum can, washed & dried with smoothed edges

* a cardboard box

* a mini treat box from Starbucks

* adhesives: liquid glue, Glue Dots, foam tape and Xyron

* ribbon

* fabric tape (optional)

For more information on Linda's amazing project, continue reading!

Project 1:  Pen Can

Start with a clean, dry can with smoothed edges. I have found that leaving the label on the can gives it a nice surface to adhere the patterned paper to, and the patterned cardstock is thick enough to cover it without any of the label showing through.

I used two strips of patterned paper – one from the "Borders" sheet, and the blue graph paper reverse of the "Arrows" sheet. Adhere to the can using permanent adhesive, or liquid glue (hold strips in place with rubber bands until dry if using liquid glue).

When paper strips are dry, use border stickers from the "Alpha Stickers" sheet and ribbon to embellish the can. Finish with the “Viewmaster” sticker from the "Element Stickers" sheet and a ribbon bow. I found that it looked nicer to adhere the ribbon first, and then glue on a neatly tied bow separately.

Project #2 – Paper Clip Cube

This cute little paper clip holder uses a recycled treat box from Starbucks, but could be adapted using any small box, or a cutting file for your die cutting machine.  I used the cork paper reverse of the "Stripes" sheet for the body of my box, and a section of the 6" X 6" version of the "Admit One" patterned paper sheet from the 6" X 6" Paper Pad for the front of the box. I accented the project with a strip from the "Borders" paper and a sticker from the "Element Stickers" sheet, and sections of the border stickers from the "Alpha Sticker" sheet . I adhered the “to do list” sticker to a scrap of black cardstock and popped it with foam tape. I cut a half circle notch to make it easier to open once the “drawer” is shut.

Project #3 – Paper Tray

I used a recycled Priority Mail box for my tray so that it could hold 12" X 12" paper, but you could easily adapt the instructions to use a cereal box.

Cut one full side and the end pieces from the box. Cut open edges of tray at an angle. I covered the exposed edges with fabric tape to give a more finished look. I cut three 2.75" X 12" strips from the "Grid Dots" patterned paper for the interior of the box, and used a full sheet of the ledger paper (including bar code strip) reverse of the "Admit One" paper for the interior of the tray. I adhered the paper to the box using liquid glue. I cut three 2.75" X 12" strips of the "Arrows" patterned paper for the exterior of my box and adhered using liquid glue. I covered the bar code strip section of the ledger paper with a strip from the "Borders" sheet.

Bonus project "Decorated clothespin": Decorate a simple clothespin with patterned paper and a punched paper circle embellished with a sticker for a useful addition to your desk set.

Can you think of common household items that you could alter and recover with Echo Park Paper collections? Please share some of your ideas in the comments section below. And if you were inspired by Linda's amazing ideas, please show us what you've made! Simply upload your projects to our Facebook page OR upload your completed project to your personal blog or favorite online gallery. Then leave us a link to your project in the comments section below.

Comments

[Julie Tucker-Wolek]

Ohhhhhhhh this set is so fun!! I loveeeeeeeeee how you upcycled those regular everyday items into this desk set!! LOVEEEEEEEEEE it!!

[Charlotte Brochu]

Great ideas! I love how you've altered these items!

[kelly(flutterbyes)]

I have done this with 'other' papers then EP...but now have to redo because EP has become my fave line now! Will share when finished! I love how yours turned out...great job!

[Steffanie S]

So cute! Love this collection for desk top organization!

[Monika Wright]

Really super great ideas, I love to upcycle items and give them new life! Great job.

[Ruth G]

Awesome! I've been waffling between asking my 12yo to paint a can with acrylics (she's pretty good) or whether to cover one with paper myself. This is making it harder to ask my daughter! TFS!

[Beverly]

Love your wonderful projects!! Yes, I love to recycle objects and am off to my Starbucks to find one of these boxes, that I seem to have overlooked! I tend to use any ribbons, string, etc. that comes wound on packages and turn them into bows. My husband's shirts have ribbons with the company name printed, or candy or such, and it really makes it look interesting, but because my stash is overflowing, I tend to get rid of good stuff so I can have more recycle material! LOL

[Lori Whitlock]

Darling, Linda! Great job!!

[Lebron 9 Shoes]

I like the Amelia books for the family relationships. Also her Vicky Bliss books have romance in them but nothing explicit.

[Keri]

I absolutely love this, Linda!

[Plancha ghd]

Placa de chapa de pelo lateral hecha de pelo dama exuda una atmósfera única, el verano es también muy popular. Las chicas tranquilas señora secundarios muy adecuada del cabello en la mujer con una sonrisa dulce fácilmente construir temperamento maduro luz.