Upcycling Coffee Mate Containers

Hello,

Today, I am going to share an upcycling project of my own. But before that, I am going to try to explain the differences between the terms upcycling, recycling and repurposing. All these terms are being used interchangeably and it is a little confusing. These actually are my own interpretations based on how other people usually use these terms. To me, upcycling and repurposing are very similar because they both mean making something new and useful from an old or waste object. However, recycling is reusing an object in a less useful way than before. For example, in Turkey, we use old t-shirts in house cleaning. A good quality t-shirt is perfect in cleaning the dusts on all surfaces. This is recycling. If you make a scarf from an old t-shirt, that is upcycling and if you make a bag from an old t-shirt, that is repurposing.

Phew. I am happy like I solved a big mystery :)

According to this classification, my projects is an upcycling project because I made multipurpose containers from old Coffe Mate containers.


I have decoupaged the container using decorated napkins. Here are the instructions:

Instructions for decoupaging the containers

These instructions are actually valid for decoupaging all kinds of plastic objects. You, first need to wash the container thoroughly and then tear off the packing paper outside the container. Then prepare the napkin by separating the layers as we will use only the top layer.

When all ready, we will apply one thin coat of decoupage glue (Mod Podge or equivalents) on the surface of the container. Then apply the napkin on all over the container as one piece. This part is a little tricky as the napkin is very gentle and needs to be applied very carefully. You would not like to tear it apart while glueing. When you applied the whole napkin, wait for the glue to dry completely.

You can now apply another coat on to the napkin to make it stronger. This also protects the napkin from varnish. Wait for this coat to dry completely, too.

When all done, you are ready to varnish your new product. You can choose any kinds of varnishes you like except wood varnishes. I tried the wood varnish in my first experience and it ruined the napkin. It left a yellow stain on all the surface. Instead, you need to use something similar to these:

I am trying to emphasize on the importance of upcycling and recycling in almost all my posts as the Earth is not only ours. We will need to bequeath it to the next generations and we cannot do this by exploiting all the resources available today. We must save, recycle, upcycle and repurpose as much as we can do. If you cannot, at least let others do. Do not just toss your wastes which can be recycled. Leave them into the recycle bins.

After this small reminding, let me show a few more pictures of the upcycled containers. I have used two different napkins.

A few last words to give you some idea to where and how to use them. Since these containers are flip spout containers, you can use them to organize your ribbons, yarns, twines etc. You can use them in the kitchen as containers or take them to the picnics with you. If you are going to use them in the kitchen, you can stick some labels on them to make it easier to see what is in them. It is also a good idea to use them in the bathroom to keep your cotton in it. You can make your own baby wipes or make-up remover wipes.
I am sure that you will come up with more bright ideas. Please share them with us.

I have tried to describe how to make decoupage on Coffee Mate containers as a way to upcycling them into multipurpose containers. Hope you will find this post useful.

Love,