Altered Art Series - #1
Posted on 23 November 2008 by admin
In this series of Altered Art we have lots of inspirational pieces to share with you.
We start off our Altered Art section with an example from Tracey Grundy. Using a 99p M&S bag Tracey has managed to transform this plain black bag into a crafty bag to be proud of.
Having decided on a floral theme Tracey measured and cut the ‘grass’ made from different colours of velvet paper and velvet material to cover the ‘M&S’ text on the front of the bag. However this was not adhered to the bag until the ‘flower stalks’ made from ribbons were first secured in position with double-sided tape then stitched into place. The ‘grass’ was then secured with tacky glue, coloured staples (using a long reach stapler), gromlets (using the Crop-A-Dile II Big Bite) and gems (using the Gem Styler shown below).
Decorated M&S bag
Gem Styler
As can be seen from the close up of the decorated M&S bag, the ‘leaves’ were made from velvet paper which were stiffened with card, creased in the middle then decorated with a permanent fine liner and secured with brads. The stitching of the ’stalks’ can also be seen. The varying blooms were first secured into place with double-side tape then stitched in place via coloured buttons. Finishing touches were added in the form of coloured safety pins, gromlets and gems.
Decorated M&S bag - Close up
Debbie Moore has an fabulous example of an altered tin with a birthday mini book inside, which is an excellent idea as a gift for someone special. Here Debbie has decorated this tin for a 50th Birthday gift.
Debbee - Altered Tin (front)
Here you can see the detail of the mini book inside the decorated tin.
Debbee - Altered Tin Pages 1-6
There are more fabulously decorated pages from Debbie.
Debbee - Altered Tin Pages 7-12
Debbie has added some lovely birthday embellishments to each page of the mini book.
Debbee - Altered Tin Pages 13-16
The finishing touch was a lovely bloom.
Debbee - Altered Tin (back cover)
We would love to see some of your altered work. Why not email us and see your work showcased on PCJ
Tags | altered art, bloom, buttons, Crop-A-Dile II Big Bite, Debbie Moore, double-sided tape, embellishments, floral, Gem Styler, gems, gromlets, ribbons, safety pins, tacky glue, tin, Tracey Grundy
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Tracey - I really adore your altered M&S bag - wow - you would never believe such a plain black bag could be transformed into this happy, cheerful and bright bag.
:) Fabulous idea. 
:)
xxDebbiexx
November 23rd, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Wow both of you, fantastic altering! I have one of those M&S bags though I think mine has developed a hole! I had a gem setting thing but sold it, didn’t think I would use it.
November 23rd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Love the bag Tracey!!!! I wouldn’t want to use it now for shopping!!!
Love Debbies tin too!! I like altering tins, but I always seem to give them away!! Must start taking piccies before I do so in future!
Jackie
November 24th, 2008 at 12:57 am
thanks for sharing this idea would never have thought of doing this!!!
November 24th, 2008 at 7:13 am
WOW!!!
Love both the bag and the tin. We all have those re-usable bags….and what a great idea to put our own stamp on them ( maybe literally!)…thanks for the inspiration, Tracy.
As it’s my BIG 50 (!help!) next year, I was particularly impressed by the tin from Debbee.
This is a fab addition to the site.
Am off to grab a bag!!!
Debs x
November 24th, 2008 at 7:31 am
wow thats lovely work, I would enjoy walking down the street with that,
November 24th, 2008 at 9:30 am
wow beautiful work ladies there both Gorgeous.
November 24th, 2008 at 11:27 am
These are both fabulous. I love altering things but would never have thought to do a shopping bag. Great ideas! Thanks for the inspiration.
November 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Lo ve these. I have altered several tins. The tiny mints tins from coffee shops are fabulous for making into a mini album.
Diane x
November 24th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
a fabby bag love it. I have a friend who altered her shopping trolly lol
Sparkles
November 24th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Wow!!
They are both great pieces of art.
Very inspirational.
Sniggles xx
November 27th, 2008 at 11:25 am
What a great idea to alter a plain M&S bag into a beautiful and colourful accessory.
I love the mini book in the tin it has such inspiration on every page.
Thanks for sharing your idea’s xx
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Oooooooo now I’m inspired….what a shame its 1 in the morning as I’m typing this, otherwise I’d get started! Thank you for sharing such a great idea! xxx