A+ PRODUCTS IN A B- WORLD

Repurposing projects can be hit or miss unless you have the right ammunition.  Here are five of my can't-live-without products:

5. 3-M Multipurpose Adhesive

The upside is that it sticks almost anything to anything else.  The downside is that it gets your whole area sticky if you are not careful.  I always spray on top of an old cardboard box placed on a huge piece of flat scrap cardboard.  Your sprayed item is easier to work with if you let it get a bit tacky before handling it and leave an edge hanging over the cardboard box when you spray (a place to grab it without needing to de-stickify yourself).

   

4. E6000 Glue

It says "industrial strength" and it means it.  This product

works great on beads, cabochons, and crystals.  You have

a few minutes to play with the positioning before it begins to

set up.  The only complaint I have is the metal tube.  It is often either difficult to squeeze or it oozes out of the top all by itself. I squirt a small amount onto a piece of scrap plastic and close the top right away.  A toothpick scoops up the desired amount of glue and places it in the exact location you need it.

3. Evaporust

If you're a junker, you know that "patina" is great, but 

"crusty rust" just looks crappy.  Pour a small amount of 

this stuff in a plastic container and drop in your screws, bolts,

keys, gears, whatever.  In anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours (depending on the amount of rust), your vintage item will look "vintage" and not "junky".

2.  Rustoleum Ultra Cover 2X

It comes in Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss finishes and creates a beautiful, hard finish that can be handled quickly.  If you're like me, you're impatient and don't like to wait 24 hours for finish to dry.  The trick here is to spray on two LIGHT coats about 15 minutes apart to avoid drips and runs - and ALWAYS spray on a horizontal surface.  I used Triple Thick before this, but found that even days later, handling the item left fingerprint marks.  This one dries harder.

1.  Krud Kutter Grafitti Remover

I often shop flea markets where a seller has used permanent marker to price their items (ugh!).  This handy stuff will remove that and more.  I've used it on marker, spray paint, and stickers with great success. Remember to wear gloves!              





Peace,
N

FIVE COOL HANDLES FOR CIGAR BOX PURSES

So, you've jumped on the cigar box purse bandwagon....congrats!  They are trendy and fun. Boxes are super easy to find online, but hardware is another story.  Here are my personal favorites for unique handles:

                      
#5 BEADED

The beadable frame comes in several options for fastening to the box.  Generally, you unscrew one of the ends and add your own large hole beads. This choice is totally customizable for color and style, but beware the high retail prices for large hole beads.  I buy in bulk through Amazon.

#4 WEBBING

You can find 1" webbing in many colors and patterns. Pick up a couple of d-rings at the hardware or craft store, fold the webbing over the straight end, hand stitch to secure, and you have a handle!

#3  A BELT

I frequently go into the little girl's department of the local discount store and check out the belts.  Make a big loop by fastening the closure or buckle and attach to your purse with d-rings. Cute!

#2 PARACORD

Paracord survival bracelets, lanyards, belts, etc. are super popular right now. In a pinch, you can unknot the handle for a 10' rope.  Paracord comes in dozens of colors and is super durable. Go online to learn how to tie the knots.  It takes me about ten minutes to make a handle.  

#1 GEAR TIES
I found these in the hardware section of Target! They are 12" long and come in lots of bright colors. Totally bendable to any shape, they are super fun and easy to attach. 

Peace,

N