how to decorate plastic containers

How to Decorate Plastic Containers.

From pill boxes to room organizers, plastic containers are an essential part of everyday life. Though they do their job well, these containers are generally designed with simplicity in mind, meaning there’s plenty of room to decorate. Using simple materials like paper, stickers, paint, and ribbon, you can turn any plastic container into something truly fabulous.







Method 1 Covering with Patterns and Colors.



Use patterned cloth to cover the container. Find a cloth pattern that matches your style and cut out enough to cover the container. Use a paintbrush to apply a layer of mod podge to both the back of the cloth and the plastic, then press your cloth into it. As it sets, apply another layer of mod podge over the top and let it dry.

Try to tie the patterned cloth into the room itself, such as using polka-dotted fabric in a room with polka-dotted wallpaper or zebra-striped cloth in a room with black and white furniture.



Use patterned paper to line the container. Patterned paper works great for containers that are translucent. Find a pattern you like and cut out enough to line the plastic. Smooth out the paper and apply a layer of mod podge to both it and the inside of the container. Stick it to the plastic and apply another coat on top, making sure the paper remains smooth.

Try to use colors that match the container’s environment, like bright pastels for a baby room or light, muted colors for a kitchen.



Use paint to add color to your container. Wash your container with dish soap and warm water. When dry, gently sand the surface with 220 to 300-grit sandpaper, then wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. Use painter’s tape to cover areas you don’t want to paint, then apply a coat of primer to the container. Once it has dried, you will be able to paint the plastic with spray, acrylic, or enamel paint.

Use stencils to paint or spray specific designs onto your container, such as zig-zags or checkerboards.



Use patterned duct tape as a simple decoration. Duct tape is an incredibly versatile tool, and since it comes in many different colors and patterns, it provides a quick solution for spicing up drab plastic. Find a pattern of duct tape you like and simply press it onto the container. For small and portable containers, a small amount of duct tape will add personality without bulk.







Method 2 Using Creative Labels.



Cut out labels to create a simple organizing system. Sometimes, the best way to decorate a container is to simply label it, especially if you need to use it in a professional environment. Cut a piece of single-colored construction paper into a thin strip, then write a label on it in clear, bold letters. Fix the label to your container using tape or glue.

To make your labels pop, glue them to a slightly larger piece of colored paper before putting them on the container.



Add lettering to create labels and messages. For larger containers, craft lettering may be a good option. If your letters come with adhesive backs, apply them as is. If they don’t, use a small amount of glue to keep them in place. Along with names and standard labels, letters can be used to write:

A motivational message for containers holding school supplies.

A favorite quote or book passage for a media box.

A joke label, like the word ‘Zoo’ for a container filled with stuffed animals.



Print labels from a computer. Creating labels on a computer allows you to add anything from photos and graphics to small and instructional text. Programs like Word and Pages can create simple labels with borders, while more advanced programs like Adobe InDesign may be appropriate for specialized labels. When you have a design made, print it on thick paper, cut it out, and glue or tape it to your container.



Label your container with objects from inside it. If your container will be holding craft items, toys, or other small, non-perishable objects, use them to create a unique label. Instead of writing “LEGOs” on a plastic box, glue a couple bricks to the front. Instead of writing “Office Supplies,” glue a binder clip or marker.









Method 3 Accessorizing.



Add ribbon to your container. Ribbon and similar trims can give your container a more elegant feel. They can be applied using mod podge, hot glue, or tape, and some ribbon can simply be tied around the plastic. Look for ribbon designs that match the contents of the box, such as silver ribbon for keepsakes or colorful ribbon for candy.



Add stickers to your container. Stickers are a great, fast way to cover a plastic container. Simple stickers, like those found in dollar stores and craft books, are perfect and come in a variety of styles. Avoid bubble and 3D stickers if you plan on storing your container in tight spaces.

If your container holds a collection, put down a new sticker every time it grows.



Use hot glue to create glitter designs. When handled right, hot glue can be a fun alternative to traditional paint. Use a small marker to draw a design on your container. With a hot glue gun, carefully trace over it. Before the glue sets, pour glitter over it and let the whole thing dry. Shake off excess glitter and enjoy the shiny, fun design.

This method can also be used to label your container. Simply spell out a word, pour glitter on it, and let it set.



Use ink stamps to press patterns into the plastic. To give your container an old school feel, use ink stamps to create unique patterns and designs. Make sure to press your stamp firmly onto the container, that way the ink sets evenly. Stamps are available at craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michael’s, and specialty or custom stamps can be ordered online.

Common stamp designs include hearts, religious symbols, fruits, and simple animals. Try to find one that matches the container’s environment.



Add craft jewels, flowers, and other items. Craft jewels, fake flowers, and other small objects are an easy way to add some fabulous flair to your container. Use hot glue or a bedazzling gun to apply the objects to the plastic. If you don’t have enough to make a uniform pattern, try arranging them in small shapes or designs, such as a heart or smiley face.



Create a collage on the container. If your container will be holding something particularly special, use its surface for a collage. This will make your container beautiful while clearly showing what it contains. Cut out portions of photos, magazines, newspapers, and similar printed materials. Using either hot glue or mod podge, paste individual items to the box, making sure they are flat and smooth. Some potential arrangements include.

Photos of your family or best friends, especially if your container is a keepsake box.

Pictures of book covers, movie posters, or album artwork, especially if your container is a media box.

Pictures of your favorite celebrities and characters.

November 18, 2019

how to keep glitter from falling off

How to Keep Glitter from Falling Off.

If you’re a glitter lover, chances are you’ve run across crafts and body glitters that are susceptible to flaking off and leaving a glitzy, sparkly trail behind you. Luckily, there are a few different ways you can craft with and wear glitter so that it doesn’t fall off so easily. Try using Mod Podge to seal in the glitter in your crafting projects, or mix cosmetic-grade glitter with different beauty products to create your own body glitter.







Using Mod Podge for Crafts.



Add a layer of satin or gloss Mod Podge to your craft. Use a foam brush or paintbrush, depending on your craft, and lightly brush a thorough layer of Mod Podge onto the surface area of whatever you are looking to cover in glitter. Make sure the entire area is coated and that there are no bare spots.

You can even make your own Mod Podge at home to save money!

If you don’t have Mod Podge, you could also use regular white school glue, though school glue often chips off easily over time.

Fun ideas of things you can add glitter to: plates, mugs, containers, candles, fabric flowers, glasses frames, cell phone covers, wood, and notebooks or folders.



Dust, pour, or poof the glitter over the Mod Podged area. Depending on the kind of glitter you are using, you might apply it in a slightly different way. The main thing to remember is that you want to completely coat the Mod Podge in glitter and not leave any empty spaces.

You can also use a foam brush to spread on your glitter if you want a little more control over how much you use.

If you are looking for a high-glitter outcome, you can apply a second layer of Mod Podge and glitter immediately after the first one without waiting for it to dry first (it will take a little longer to dry after the second coat, then, but it will be highly glitterized).



Allow the glitter and Mod Podge to dry for 1-2 hours. Leave your newly glittered item alone for several hours or until it is dry to the touch. Try to leave it in a position so that the Mod Podge and glitter isn’t touching any other surface.

If you are adding glitter to multiple items, this is a great time to continue working on those projects while you’re waiting for others to dry.



Apply a top layer of Mod Podge to seal in the glitter. Once the first layer is dry to the touch, use your sponge or paint brush to add another thin layer of Mod Podge to your item. Use long, even strokes to reduce the appearance of brush lines. Make sure you cover the entire item and don’t leave any raw glitter poking through.

You could also use watered down school glue to create an opaque sealant for your crafting project.

The top layer of Mod Podge acts as a sealant and will prevent the glitter from flaking away.





Let your finished craft dry for 3-4 hours before you use it. Depending on how thickly you applied the Mod Podge, you may need to wait anywhere from 3-12 hours before you can safely use the item without potentially messing up the application. Always check the directions on the bottle for tips and guidelines.

If you have a dehumidifier, you can set your craft in front of it for a speedier drying time.

Never place your item directly in front of a heat source, like an electric heater or a hair dryer, as this may cause the Mod Podge to melt or change consistency so it doesn’t dry correctly.



Coat flaking items with sparkle Mod Podge to seal in the glitter. If you have an item that has glitter that is flaking off, you can apply pre-glitterized Mod Podge to add back some sparkle and lock in the remaining glitter. Simply use a sponge or paint brush to apply a thin, even coat of the sealant to the item, then let it fully dry before you use it again.

Make sure to work on a protected surface, like a counter covered in newspaper or paper towels.



Mix Mod Podge with your glitter of choice for a stronger glitter look. Pour some Mod Podge into a disposable cup or bowl and mix in as much glitter as you want to make your own glitter sealant. You can make the glitter as weak or as strong as you prefer. Then follow the instructions to apply the Mod Podge and let it dry.

You can also apply your glitter Mod Podge, another layer of glitter, and then top it off with the glitter Mod Podge again for even more glitter fun.









Wearing Body Glitter.



Combine body oil and loose glitter for an all-body glitter-wearing option. Instead of sprinkling loose body glitter on your arms and hoping it doesn’t fall off, combine body oil and loose glitter in a travel-sized shampoo container. Shake the container up really well, and then apply it to your arms, legs, chest, or face whenever you need an extra glitter boost.

While you could purchase body oils or lotions that already have glitter in them, it can be less expensive and more fun to do it yourself.



Put petroleum jelly on your skin and add body glitter for a sparkly look. Use a clean makeup or paint brush and apply an even layer of the petroleum jelly to the area you want to cover in glitter (like your collar bones, shoulders, or even your hairline). Then use another clean brush or your hand to gently press loose body glitter onto the jelly.

Visit a cosmetics store to buy body-specific glitter, which is usually a slightly different consistency than the glitter used for crafting.

If you don’t have petroleum jelly, you could also use hair gel as the sticky base for your body glitter.

Use this method in areas that aren’t going to come into frequent contact with other surfaces. For example, it probably wouldn’t work well on your legs if you are going to be sitting and standing and walking around often.



Mix hairspray and glitter to create glitter brow and hair gel. Spray hairspray into a dish, like a small cup or bowl (or even a disposable Dixie Cup), and add loose glitter. Mix it around with a toothpick or a spoolie brush, and then apply it carefully to your eyebrows or to select strands of your hair.

Do not use the glitter and hairspray mix on your eyelashes as it could irritate or infect them.



Wear vibrant lipstick and then add loose glitter for a shimmery lip look. Steer clear of sticky or glossy lipsticks and stick with a cream base to keep the glitter in place better. Put on a layer or two or lipstick, then use your fingers to gently press loose glitter into your lips.

With this trend, you’ll want to avoid pressing your lips together or eating or drinking anything too messy.



Create a glitter stamp from a makeup sponge and loose glitter. Cut a makeup sponge into a fun shape (like a heart or a star) and dip one side of it carefully into loose glitter. Spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly or hair gel on your body where you want the stamp, and then press the makeup sponge onto the jelly to transfer the glitter.

Your glitter stamp should stay on all day as long as it doesn’t brush up roughly against anything else.







Keeping Glitter on Clothes.



Use hairspray for a quick fix on your glitter clothing. Take your item of clothing outdoors or to a well ventilated area, and lay it down completely flat. Then spray a light coat of hairspray overtop of the glitter. Use unscented hairspray if you can. Allow the hairspray to dry completely before you wear the clothing item.

Hairspray is a great, quick fix, but overtime it doesn’t hold up, though you can reapply hairspray when you need to. Long-term, you just have to care for and store glittery clothes very carefully.



Affix glitter to your clothes with fabric glue. Lay out your item of clothing in a clean workspace, and apply the fabric glue in whatever patten you want. Then, carefully shake loose glitter overtop of the glue, coating it so that none of the glue is visible. Let the glue and glitter dry for several hours before picking up the item and shaking off the excess glitter.

You could even make a stamp out of a sponge and decorate your shirt that way (like stars all over a t-shirt), and then shake the glitter on top of the design.



Wash glittery clothes sparingly and let them air-dry. When you go to clean your clothes that have glitter on them, try to wash then only when they really need it. Use cold water and the delicate cycle in the washing machine, and don’t put them into the dryer. Instead, hang them up to air-dry.

You could even take your glittery clothes to a dry cleaner instead of washing them yourself.



When crafting with glitter, try working over a cooking tray. You’ll catch all the excess glitter that falls off and can easily return it to its container.

When making your own body glitter, try to use cosmetic grade glitter rather than crafting glitter.

Store your glittery clothes in plastic bags to protect them from rubbing up against other items in your closet (and to protect your other clothes from getting glitter all over them).





Things You’ll Need.

Crafting with Glitter and Mod Podge.

Mod Podge (satin, gloss, or glitter).

Foam brush or paintbrush.

Disposable cup or bowl.

Craft glitter.

Wearing Body Glitter.

Makeup or paint brush.

Petroleum jelly.

Hairspray.

Lipstick.

Makeup sponge.

Body oil.

Cup or bowl.

Cosmetic grade body glitter.

Keeping Glitter on Clothes.

Hairspray.

Fabric glue.

Plastic baggies.

November 08, 2019

how to dye your rubber object

How to Dye your Rubber object.

If you want to dye your rubber object, you can try several different techniques for a strong and lasting color. Rubber takes a long time to absorb colors, but with the right materials, you can permanently dye it. Depending on the type of rubber, you can use either fabric or hair dye to change the rubber's color. And, if permanent dyes don't provide a bright enough color, you can always try temporarily coloring the rubber with acrylic paints.







Using Fabric Dyes on Rubber



Clean your rubber object thoroughly before dyeing it. If your object is dirty, its dyed surface may look uneven or discolored. Wash your object with soap and warm water, scrubbing away any debris as best as you can.

This method works for all rubber types except silicone.



Heat enough water for submerging your rubber object. Fill a pot with water and heat it on a low to medium stove setting. The water should be hot, but not boiling—close to, but less than 212 °F (100 °C) is ideal.

Be careful when handling the hot water to prevent burns or spills.

For a more precise measurement, use a water thermometer. Otherwise, wait for the water to start forming bubbles at the bottom of the pot but not yet boil.



Add fabric dye to the hot water at the proper ratio. Pour the fabric dye and hot water in a bowl in a ratio determined by the dye packaging. Mix the fabric dye and water thoroughly until you achieve an even color.

You can buy fabric dye online or at most craft stores.

Fabric dye can stain bowls and other cooking tools, particularly plastics. To prevent this, use glass or metal cooking tools if possible.



Soak the rubber object for 1-2 hours. Place the object in the bowl and leave it to soak. Keep it in the pan for up to 2 hours, depending on how strong or bright you want the new color to be.

As long as you clean and sanitize the kitchen utensils afterward, you can use them for cooking again later.

Check on the object's dyeing progress periodically, but avoid moving it to keep its new color even.



Boil the water as a faster alternative. Instead of pouring the water into a bowl, fill a pot with the dye mixture and heat it until boiling. Grab the rubber object with tongs and dip it into the water continually until you reach your desired color, changing the tongs' position as you dip to make sure you thoroughly coat the object.

If you choose this method, it should take up to 20-25 minutes depending on the brightness of the color.

This method, while faster, can result in a more uneven color.



Remove the object from the dye mixture and wash it. Pick the object out of the water with tongs and run it under warm water to remove the excess dye. Inspect the object's new color and, if it's not as bright as you would prefer, repeat the process with a higher concentration of dye.

Repeatedly dyeing the rubber over time may damage it. If you don't achieve the color you want after 1-2 times, try painting it instead.









Trying Hair Dye on Silicone Objects



Wash your silicone object thoroughly before dyeing it. Dyeing silicone objects while they're dirty can result in an unevenly dyed color. Clean your silicone object with soap and water, and scrub away any stubborn debris or chipped paint before preparing the dye.



Mix the hair dye in a cup or bowl. Open the hair dye package and mix it according to the kit's instructions. Most kits include a bottle of hair dye and a developer, which you mix thoroughly until you reach an even color.

Find a well-ventilated area to mix the hair dye, as most chemical dyes have a strong smell.

Buy chemical, not natural, hair dyes for a bright and lasting color.



Coat the silicone objects in the hair dye. Dip the silicone objects into the hair dye until their surface is thoroughly coated. Leave the objects in the container while fully coated in the dye to soak in the new color.

This method is ideal for small silicone objects. For larger silicone objects, you may need to make several hair dye batches.



Let the silicone soak overnight. Silicone is difficult to dye, and it takes a long time for color to permeate its surface. Leave the silicone to soak in the hair dye overnight, and remove it from the solution the next day.

The water's temperature should be neither hot or cold but lukewarm.

The longer you leave it in the dye, the deeper its color will be.



Wash the silicone under water and check its color. Run your silicone object under water to remove any excess dye, then inspect its new color. If the color is still too light or faded, try dyeing the object again or painting it instead.

You can also try a stronger or brighter hair dye for a deeper color.



Avoid leaving the object outdoors for extended periods of time. UV light can break down the colors in hair dye and cause it to fade. Keep your silicone object indoors to preserve its color and prevent discoloration.

Apply a new dye coat and keep it away from UV light if your dyed color fades over time.

If you don't achieve the color you want after 1-2 times, try painting it instead, as too much dyeing can damage the silicone.









Coloring Rubber Temporarily with Acrylic Paints



Use acrylics to paint rubber objects. Rubber is especially prone to chipping or flaking after being painted. If you want to paint rubber, buy acrylic paints online or from a craft store for a lasting color.

Painting rubber is the most temporary way to stain objects. Choose this method if you're unsure how permanent you want your dyed color to be.



Apply a layer of Mod Podge over your object before painting. Mod Podge helps the paint stick to your object and prevent the color from flaking. Use a paint brush to cover the surface in a thin Mod Podge layer, and let it dry for 15-20 minutes.

Clean the rubber with soap and water first to remove debris for a more secure paint job.

If you have any areas you don't want to paint, affix painter's tape over these areas before applying the Mod Podge.

You can buy Mod Podge from most home improvement or craft stores.



Use a foam brush to apply the acrylics. Dip a foam brush into the acrylic paint and apply it in even layers to the rubber object. When you've covered the entire surface in the paint, let it dry for 30-60 minutes and inspect the color's brightness.

For a stronger color, apply 2-3 coats of paint. Wait for each coat to dry before applying another one, which should take between 30 minutes to an hour.



Spray a paint sealer over the rubber to preserve its color. After the last paint coat dries, hold the paint sealer's nozzle 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) from the surface and spray an even coating over the rubber. Let the paint sealer dry for 30-60 minutes before touching or using the rubber object.

Even with paint sealer, acrylic paint may flake or chip over time. Reapply paint coats as needed to restore the rubber's color, spraying more paint sealer afterward.



Tips.

When dyeing rubber, set up newspapers or a tarp over your workplace to avoid staining other objects.

Wear gloves while handling paints or dyes and wash your hands immediately afterward to prevent staining your skin.

Wear clothes you can get dirty in while dyeing rubber in case of accidental stains.

Warnings.

Most dyes are permanent and difficult or impossible to remove after using. Do not dye your rubber unless you're positive that you want to change its color.

Things You'll Need.

Using Fabric Dyes on Rubber.

Water.

Soap.

Fabric dye.

Bowl.

Pan.

Tongs.

Pot (optional).

Trying Hair Dye on Silicone.

Soap.

Water.

Hair dye.

Cup or bowl.

Coloring Rubber Temporarily with Acrylic Paints.

Acrylic paints.

Mod Podge.

Foam brush.

Paint sealer.

November 08, 2019