Stamp Ink Paper - Anything But A Card Challenge - 3D "UpCycled" Ornament

Hello everyone!  It's getting hot here!  Although our spring starts here this week, it's already feeling like summer.  And, as much as I love the heat, it would be nice to have a bit of spring first.  LOL  Today is Tuesday and that means there is a new challenge on the Stamp Ink Paper Challenge Blog.  This week's Challenge #66 is Anything But A Card - 

And....since the stamps I am using in this project are older than dirt (LOL) I am also entering this into this week's Challenge 47 on the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog, which is "Anything Goes" - 

I don't know what part of my brain came up with this project - "upcycling" a roll from packing tape into a 3-D Christmas tree ornament.  The idea is really the fault of my friend Ana Stela who was here one day and saw me throw a roll into the garbage.  She told me I was crazy for not holding on to these for future projects and asked if she could have them.  

Well...she was right!  Thanks Ana!!

I know this seems like a long project and it looks difficult.  But it really isn't.  It's just me and my crazy step-by-step tutorials with photos.  LOL  Also, I am not giving exact sizes in parts of this project because it will all depend on the size of the roll you are using in your country.    

To make the project - start with an empty roll from packing tape, measure the width of the outside, cut a piece of holiday themed paper and adhere it to the outside of the roll.  Then, using a Crop-A-Dile I or II (We R Memory Keepers), punch a hole in the top center and adhere an eyelet in the hole.

Next, using a piece of navy blue cardstock, I cut a strip for the inside of the roll and I cut a circle for the back of the roll with Stitched Circle Layers (Memory Box).  One of the circles in this set is the perfect size for my roll.  Then I placed the Floral Confetti stencil (Memory Box) over each of the pieces and embossed with glossy white embossing paste (Dreamweaver).  Set aside to dry or use a heat gun to speed things up.

While those were drying, I cut the Fresh Pine Curved Border die (Memory Box) - twice - from green cardstock and one of the circles from the Stitched Circle Layers (Memory Box) set out of white cardstock.

Then I glued the two tree cuts together to make them more sturdy.  Don't worry if they are not perfect since we will be trimming later.  I also distressed the moon using mustard seed, fossilized amber, and spiced marmalade distress inks. Then I adhered the moon behind some of the trees.

Now, before we adhere the navy blue pieces with the snowflakes, we have to trace the tree section we will use on the inside.  Place the roll over the trees until you have the section you want to use in the center.  Then trace - on the INSIDE of the roll - with a pencil and cut the piece along the traced line.  I also like to apply Frosted Lace stickles to the trees and along the bottom now instead of later because it's easier.  Allow to dry or use a heat gun.

Now adhere the navy blue strip to the inside of the roll.  Then apply Multi Medium Matte to the back of the roll and adhere the navy blue circle with the snowflakes.  I like to use a glue that will dry transparent.  Pop a hole through the eyelet (carefully) and run a piece of ribbon through the top to hang the ornament.

Next I cut two pieces of heavy weight kraft cardstock, 1" x 2", and scored on the long side at 1/2" on each end.  Fold them into a "Z" fold.  Apply glue or double sided tape to one of the ends and adhere to the back of the moon and landscape.

Then apply glue or double sided tape to the other side and adhere to the center of the roll.  Make sure that your scene is straight and keep an idea of where the top of your ornament is!  I also like to apply more stickles along the edge where the two pieces meet for a stronger bond.

Now for the final step - I used two retired sets from Stampin Up called Loads of Love and Loads of Love Accessories.  I stamped the truck, colored it in, and fussy cut it out.  Then, like we did with the scene, I cut a piece of heavy weight cardstock, scored at both ends and adhered one side to the back of the truck.  

Then  I stamped the tree from the Loads of Love set and the presents from the Accessories set.  Colored them in, fussy cut them, and adhered to the back of the truck.  Then I adhered the end of the heavy weight kraft paper to the inside of the roll.  I also applied some glue under the truck so it glued well to the outside of the roll.  

I also applied Glossy Accents to the windows and Clear Wink of Stella Brush marker to the whole truck to give it a shimmer.

Done!!  I have to admit, this was a great project for me to do because now I have so many other ideas for ornaments to make.  I think this would be a beautiful gift to give someone for the holidays.  And you are upcycling and keeping something out of a landfill!!  

I would love to know what you think of this project.  Please feel free to leave comments below.  Also, if you can find some time - make a project for this week's Stamp Ink Paper Challenge - Anything But A Card!  I would love to see what you come up with.  Until next time - 

Hugs from Brasil - 

Michael