Recycling coffee cans into a table centerpiece

Hello friends,

This is a step by step easy project to show you how to recycle two coffee cans, in my case Maxwell House, into a beautiful centerpiece for your dining room table. For this project I used common items you may have around the house + ModPodge.

What is Modpodge?

Mod Podgeis an acid-free brand of glue produced by Maid. You can find it at crafts stores such as Michael's or AC-Moore. Mod Podge is more than a glue, it is also a sealant and varnish. You can use it to glue paper, fabric, etc., onto surfaces and seal the surface in either gloss or matte finish. It will harden as though a varnish and allows you to cover pretty much anything you want with various medium for a durable finish. I already covered an entire dresser top and lined drawers using Mod Podge amongst other projects. 

For this project you will need the following items:

Two empty coffee cans with their tops.

Two 12x12 sheets of card stock type scrapbooking paper. Here I am using two sheets from the Far East Collection (DCWV). 

Far East Stack from DCWV

 

Ribbons and bows (I have recycled two different styles that were previously used to wrap chocolate boxes), Mod Podge (mine is the gloss variety), tape, scissors, a sponge applicator (for the glue) and other decorative items (two plastic cup inserts - not shown - a rectangular platter and rooster).

For additional decorative items I went to Home Goods and purchased a platter and a small terracotta rooster...

$3.99 for this cute little rooster...

And only 9.99 for the large rectangular platter.

Step One - Paper application:

Measure where to cut the paper. Here, I simply rolled the sheet over my can and marked on both ends (using a pencil) where to fold and later cut.

Before applying the paper to the can, I secured it using two small pieces of tape.

Once the paper is secure, flip the can over with the length of paper underneath it.

You will need to use Mod Podge on both sides of the paper. Below, I have applied the glue on the inner side. To adhere the paper to the can, simply roll the can over the paper (slowly) and pressing gently to ensure it adheres uniformly.

Voila!

Using the sponge brush and placing your hand inside the can for support, apply Mod Podge all over the paper to seal it. You can either apply brush strokes vertically or horizontally. Though Mod Podge will dry as a transparent medium, you will see the brush strokes, so either method is your personal choice. I used Horizontal strokes. 

Once the paper has been fully covered with Mod Podge, press on both edges where the 12 x 12 cardstock do not meet. Of course, if you were using wrapping paper or any paper or fabric that came in larger sizes, this would not happen and you would get a perfect seam. In my case, I did not care that the can's circumference would be over 12 in. and my intention was to add a piece of paper to cover the gap.

Below, I have covered the gap with a matching strip of paper. Using my fingers I pressed on all the edges to ensure they were fully adhered to the can.

These are my two cans, waiting to dry. If you want to, you can apply a second coat of Mod Podge afterwards, but  I was fine with just one.

Step Two - Finding inserts:

Since I had intended to use these two cans as flower vases, I needed to find the right size glasses to insert inside the cans. I found these party store licensed character plastic cups in my cupboard and they fit perfectly!

Step Three - Attaching the ribbons/bows:

I tend to keep pretty satin ribbons from gift wrapping and these two came very handy for this project since they match the overall color scheme of my green scrapbooking paper. Since Mod Podge can also be used on fabric, adhering the satin ribbons to the cans was not going to be much of a chore either. I chose to "mod podge" the flat part of the ribbons (under and over) around the top of the cans, but kept the original bows untouched.

Once the bows were applied and the glue was still drying, I refitted the original golden lids back onto the cans, only this time, I placed them at the bottom of the cans to give them a more finished look.

Step Four - Decorating: 


I used some of the remaining scrapbook paper (cut to size) as a mat for the bottom of my platter.

The mini rooster found its home right in the middle of the platter.

I then placed my two cans (still drying - I have no patience) on either side of the rooster.

Since the goal here was to make a centerpiece for my dining room table, I went to my local fancy supermarket and purchased three bouquets in assorted colors.

Once the cans were dried, I began working on my flower arrangement by evenly distributing flowers and branches amongst the two vases.

Final Project

This is what it looked like once the project was complete. Since the two plastic cup inserts are removable, they can be washed. I can also recycle the two coffee cans at a  later time into pen holders or separate them for various decorative projects around the house. In other words, this project has multiple uses.

This was a simple and very fast project to complete. Honestly, Mod Podge is one of the greatest inventions, I can think of so many uses for it that my to-do project list has multiplied overnight!

What do you think? Is this a project you would like to complete for your home?

Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below. I love to hear from my readers!

Thank you for liking and sharing my blog/post with family and friends.

Sophia, NJ.

You can find me on FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE.

*This site contains affiliate advertising. I am not solicited to advertise or review specific products. All opinions are my own.

Birchbox April 2013 - Open Box

Hi friends,

Here it is, the April 2013 Birchbox. As a recap, I really was not sure in the past two months whether I wanted to keep my $10/month subscription based on past disappointment. While I did not give a good rating to the March 2013 box, I did enjoy some of the products and wanted to give it another try. Fortunately for Birchbox, the April 2013 selection appears to be a really good one and I am excited about all of the products this time around. Please note that boxes may vary from individual to individual based on "profile" as well as quantities they have in stock. So your box may look nothing like mine.

The April box came with a theme: Women's Health and "making little tweaks to see big results". So the box itself was wrapped in this paper sleeve from Women's Health magazine.

As always, the girls at Birchbox included a sweet note to their subscribers inviting users to follow them and share their product pictures on Twitter #TinyTweaks.  (In about 5 years I will understand how Twitter works).

Here is a first peek at the contents:

1.  Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir. 

It comes in a small glass bottle with a dropper. The sample size is 0.14 oz. which is probably enough for one to two applications, depending on your hair length. I love hair serums, detanglers and hair oils, so this is a very exciting product to try. It smells very nice too, sort of like strawberries. Birchbox description:

"This is shine boosting serum that "cures" dry strands and reduces the odds of age-related breakage. Full Size, $20.99"

2. Skin & Co Roma - Cleansing Body Gel with Olive Oil and Sicilian Orange Extracts.

Super excited about this product! This is an antioxidant packed shower gel from Rome - which is no where near Sicily, but hey, who's checking!
It is a good size, 2 oz and probably enough for two showers, however, it smells nothing like the ingredients and to me (again scent is a personal thing) it smells more like French Savon de Marseilles, which is not a bad thing, it just smells like a heavy duty cleanser. But I am still looking forward to trying it. It retails for $17.50.



3. Stri-Vectin -SD Eye Concentrate for wrinkles.

I am not sure if I ever mentioned this in earlier posts, but I am a huge fan of eye creams. I try them all and this one, well I never tried! Very very excited. Stri-Vectin is a very well known anti-wrinkle line of products and there are a lot of similar items out there but the reviews for Stri-Vectin always beats them all. It's just a bit too expensive for my budget right now as this one retails for $65 which is about what you would pay for a Department Store brand eye cream, I guess.

"A beauty editor favorite, StriVectin's cream uses a patented molecule peptide to diminish fine lines and reverse the look of puffy circles"

As always, there was an additional little cardboard box with more goodies inside.

4. Weleda - Body Lotions (Beauty Extras - free)

I know this brand well since I am always getting samples from the Whole Foods Market. So far the Wild Rose (middle) has been my favorite. I am not sure if I have ever tried the Pomegranate (right) or Sea Buckthorn (left). Either way, I am glad I received these since I am always looking for body lotions to apply on in the evening. And I know this Weleda brand to be a good one, so thumbs up to Birchbox!

"A creamy Lotion that uses sustainably harvested plant oils and natural hydrators to restore skin's moisture levels. Full size, $16.50"

5. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics - Anti-Shine Mattifier

Just the kind of product I am always looking for since I have combination skin and with the weather changes I have noticed my nose and chin areas getting oilier. Can't wait to try this one!

" Matte is in. Dab this shine-zapping balm onto your T-Zone before applying foundation. Full size, $36."

So the price is a little steep, and here is a secret I learned from my MAC counter guy, apply pore minimizers, primers and this type of product AFTER your foundation! I will try both!

Overall, this is a great box thus far, I think I am going to enjoy every products and to me, this box is keeping me as a subscriber, so thank you Birchbox for finally delivering! The box also came with a Women's Health Magazine Subscription discount card.

What did you get in this month's box?

Thanks for sharing my blog with family and friends. You can find me on FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE.

Sophia, NJ

* This blog contains affiliate advertising. I receive a commission from the purchase of items advertised here but I am not solicited to review any products. I am not affiliated with Birchbox. All opinions are my own.

Birchbox March 2013 - full review

Hi friends,

As promised, here is my review of all the products included in the March 2013 Birchbox (don't miss my April 2013 Birchbox Open Box).

To recap, below is what I received in my March 2013 Birchbox. I had also mentioned that this was my make it or lose it box since I was not too pleased with the previous ones and seriously considering canceling my subscription altogether. For those of you who are new to Birchbox, it is a monthly beauty samples subscription ($10/month). I also subscribe to EcoEmi, an all organic and natural samples subscription which also includes cosmetics and non cosmetics samples ($15/month).

I have tried every sample in the March 2013 Box and am prepared for a thorough review, so here goes:

I thought the samples were actually pretty exciting this time around as opposed to the previous months. I was  looking forward to trying them all and take a few notes to make sure I would remember everything I wanted to mention about them.

For each item (starting with the back row from left to right) I will include a quick description, my review as well as a final grade. Each "full Size" link will lead you to the individual product from the Birchbox website itself.

1. Serge Normant - Meta Revive Dry Shampoo - F

I was looking forward to trying this products since I had heard a lot of buzz lately about dry shampoos and how they can restore your hair style and manageability in between shampoos. This product is meant to be used on dry hair (obviously), spraying it at the roots and thoroughly brushing afterwards.

I did not like it one bit and was very disappointed. To start, it is supposed to have a subtle fragrance which turned out to be more like baby powder from the dollar store. Further, while I understand I have a full head of wavy, at times freezy hair, I really thought this product was going to help manage my do in between shampoos, as promised. Well, after one application, the not so eco friendly spray can went straight to the trash and my hair looked something like this:

(Photo Source)

I kid you not, I was stuck with motorcycle hair for the rest of the day and must have lost 20% of my hair through combing alone to get rid of the stuff until I got fed up and washed it all off. I was not impressed with this product at all. That said, I can see how someone with straight and perhaps oily hair could see results. I just don't think it is appropriate for coarse/curly hair. The product retails at $25 (full size) I would say that if you have curly hair, skip it. If excessive oil on straight hair is something that describes you, you may want to try it, but in this case I would think that every dry shampoo would give the same result.

2. Whish - Shave Crave Shaving Cream - C+ 

This is an organic Shea Butter shaving cream that is foam free and promised to give a close shave. The tube itself did not look too big but I was able to try it on both legs and underarms. So I guess it was enough for one application. It also boasted an exclusive blueberry scent (whatever is exclusive about blueberry itself, I am not sure).

Let me start with the scent, to me it smelled nothing like blueberry so I guess that is what was so exclusive about it. Instead, it smelled more like some kind of bubble gum candy but it was not a bad smell, just not blueberry. As for the cream, it comes out white and lands on your legs as semi transparent therefore making it very difficult to figure out what was shaved and was still needed to be shaved. I had to turn towards the light to see where the cream was. I normally use shaving gels that would foam upon being applied to the skin. I like this type of product because you can really see it on your skin and know where your blade is going. This one however, I struggled and was not impressed. As for the close shave, I am fairly convinced it has to do with your razor blade (quality and age) rather than the cream itself.  With regards to the shaving part of the product I would give it a D but my skin was someone moisturized afterwards (no crocodile skin) and that alone raised the grade to a C+. The tube retails for $20 (full size), I can't justify the price based on the results from the sample.

3. Marcelle - BB Cream Golden Glow - C-

This is a Canadian company I never heard of and was very excited to try. As mentioned in my March 2013 Open Box post, I was looking to try on a BB cream and was pleased to receive this sample. Ingredients include Aloe Vera Juice. I felt the cream was too thick. I also did not care for the tint. I can see where Birchbox had to send a sample that would fit everyone but since we all fill out a profile including skin tone, the customization claim from the company failed right here and there for me. I have very fair skin and my foundations are usually light to medium light. This product came out orange on my skin and left visible streaks. To be fair I went out to the local Walgreens and used a coupon to purchase a L'Oreal BB Cream to compare the two against each other. Well, I was not happy with that one either, so perhaps BB Creams are just not for me. Again, I felt the texture was too thick, the color was wrong, and for some reason it also felt as though it was an old sample. I am not giving it a horrible review though because there were some areas on my face that appeared to be improved such as my nose and chin. But BB's are for the entire face since they are also treatment creams and to me, it did not provide anything my regular 1.5 Matchmaker MAC foundation does not provide. This product retails at $27 (full size).

4. Caldrea - Body Lotions - B+

Finally products I actually enjoyed. I am a big fan of body lotions and butters and make it a ritual to apply moisturizer every night and after every shower. I tried each one on three consecutive nights so that I would have a fresh memory to compare them against one another. Overall, these were decent lotions, lightly scented and rather moisturizing. I am just not sure whether they do anything better than other lotions out there. I tend to like thick - shea butter type creams since lotions tend to be absorbed too quickly on my skin. That said, as lotions, they did the job, they apply easily and do moisturize. I tried the Coconut Fig first and was pleased, it just did not smell much like coconut, or fig. I guess it was simply a perfect blend of both. The Aloe Water and Apricot was a bit better and because of the Aloe Vera ingredient the application felt different but provided similar results. I enjoyed the sweet scent but felt it did not have much staying power. My favorite of the three is the Tea Olive Lime lotion. Again, similar application and results. However, I really enjoyed the scent and this one had better staying power. In fact, I felt it was very similar to the Lime and Bergamot body lotion and body spray I currently used from Vera Wang (Kohls). I guess I enjoyed this one best based on its similarity with what I already have on hand. These lotions retail for $22 (full size). My Vera Wang is much more affordable and I probably will stick with it, for now.

5 - Madewell - Emery Board - B+

There are two things I like about this board. The first one is the design since one side is plain pink and the other has a beautiful flower pattern (not shown here). Second, it comes in a plastic protective sleeve which makes it a great purse emery board. Unfortunately, both sides have the same coarseness level and I would have like a smooth and a rough side. I have been using it regularly and so far it does not show any sign of age. For these reasons I give it a B+. It is a good emery board. Full size retail is $5.

Based on all these reviews, I would give the March 2013 Birchbox a rating of C+/B-.  Which is again putting me on the fence with the subscription itself. I guess the reason why I am still a subscriber is that regardless of the results I still thoroughly enjoy discovering and trying on new products.

Thank you for sharing my blog with family and friends. Join me on FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE.

Sophia, NJ.

* This blog contains affilitate advertising. While I receive a commission for some of the items advertised on this site, I am not solicited by any company to review their products. I am not affiliated with Birchbox. All opinions are my own.