Monday 27 June 2011

Imagine these stamps could have been thrown away


I have this item for sale at suzARTe Creations on madeit


I have decided that on the 27th of every month I am going to share a project that is made from recycled items. I have always had a passion for recycling or upcycling and want to challenge myself on a regular basis to make something that uses a recycled element.

My mum had been collecting stamps for many years but one day she decided she was going to get rid of them, I really don't know why. The weird thing is she didn't want to give them to me  and so gave it to my husband to leave at the local post office, I don't know what mum thought they were going to do with the stamps but I am sure she had good reason to do this. My husband had the good sense to tell me that my mum had given him the stamps and so I was able to salvage them. Some of these stamps must be worth alot  and some of them are very historical showing the old names of countries such as Ceylon which is now
Sri Lanka.

I have found stamps really easy to work with and make the most amazing decoupage backgrounds. For the bangles and the treasure box I simply overlapped the stamps at different angles and stuck them down to form the pattern, I filed the edges to give the project a neat finish and lastly varnished to seal, add shine and make the items almost waterproof.

I have shared this project at-
Make It Monday
Simply Designing
Passionately Artistic

If you have now been inspired to make a project out of recycled items or have a recycling tip please share it on my Blogging is for sharing giveaway.

BTW if anyone wants some of the stamps to get creative with I am happy to post them to you, just email me your postal address and I will send you a small pack.

15 comments:

CG said...

Wow, so gorgeous! Have you used Un-Du? It takes stamps off like magic.

Rhonda Miller said...

Wow, these are great. What a fun way to recycle the stamps. TFS.

Jenny said...

Hey what a great idea Suze, the stamps look amazing as decopatch decoration...I only saw a similar bangle today whilst out shopping for a ridiculous amount of money!
I try to recycle packaging and stationary materials in my crafting too :)
Jenny x

Michelle said...

Hi Susan

Wow, now this is a fantastic idea!!

Love the effect you have created with the stamps.

Thank you for sharing with us at Make it Monday this week.

Michelle :-)

Antonella said...

I love old stamps myself. Your projects are fabulous - they add such nice color to your bangles. Have you scanned any in? They make a really terrific background for travel pages and such as well - and then you don't feel so terrible using them - lol. I popped over from Make it Monday where I've also linked up if you want to stop by.
Hugs, antonella :-)

Lori said...

These are fabulous - I love old stamps and you turned them into wonderful projects! Who wouldn't love that bracelet!

Zoechaos said...

Wonderful upcycling so creative and clever. Visiting from Make it Monday and so glad to have done this these are a real treat to see. XOXO Zoe

Sandy said...

Hi Suze, LOL I hope you didn't use the valuable ones on your projects. They look lovely and what a great idea for using up used stamps. I saw your recycled projects on Make It Monday, good luck in the challenge and look forward to what else you come up with to decorate,
Sandy

Shazza said...

saw you over on Make it Monday, wonderful creations x

B. Nguyen said...

Wow! I love this recycled craft idea! Also, I'll be posting your giveaway in my sidebar tonight. Love the whole idea of your giveaway, love all the inspiration I find on your blog!

Leanne said...

I love this project. I left you a comment on ggcaa.

Anonymous said...

Very clever project! Thanks for sharing at MIM
Hugs Julie P

Erum Tasneem said...

this is superb project! Such a great idea and way to use stamps!!

Dr Sonia S V said...

Oh my god I cant imagine throwing stamps away. You did a fantastic job to salvage them.

Sonia said...

Hi!
Great idea to recycle stamps.. Look so pretty.
-Sony