Cassie Bustamante

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Handmade Gift Idea Part 3: (MOM, SORRY, BUT DON’T READ)

December 11, 2011 by Cassie 31 Comments

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I have a few glass insulators that I wasn’t sure what to do with.  I have 2 aqua glass ones that are so pretty in color, but they had just been sitting there.  Pinterest, I salute you.  I browsed the other night looking for some simple ideas for glass insulators, and came across this fabulous idea.
Blue/Green Glass Insulator Photo/Card Holder
I loved the look and thought I could make some for my mom that could be used as photo or place card holders.

Today, I went to Michael’s and looked for copper wire.  They didn’t have anything that looked strong enough but I found a roll of natural fiber wrapped wire that was super string.  And I already owned a pair of wire clippers, so that was all I needed.

I  wrapped the wire around the indent in each insulator and then twisted in the back with the loose end to secure.  Then I just went straight up and then clipped my piece.  I wrapped the end 3 times around a thick pen, slid it off, and voila, rustic photo holders!  And that photo is Sawyer from 2007… Wasn’t he the cutest?  🙂

There is a picture to show you the backside, where it is securely twisted.

This project took all of 5 minutes for all 3.  So if you have some insulators, get to work- super easy and thrifty!

I want to say a special thank you to Deborah of Cofessions of a Craigslist Junkie because she provided me with the $50 gift card to Michael’s which was used to get my wire for this project!  Deborah is super sweet and talented.  Here is an example of her talent!  But you really need to see the inside of this chest.

Hop on over and say hello!

Also, don’t forget today to link up over at Whisperwood Cottage with your holiday chalkboard paint projects!!!

Sharing here:
The DIY Show OffUndertheTableandDreaming”hbcbutton”{Primp}The Shabby Nest

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Comments

  1. Katie says

    December 11, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    I love the shape of your glass insulators! To me they look more rusting with the twine wrapped wire! Very cute!!

    Reply
  2. Anneke {RustiChic} says

    December 11, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    Wow…I have never seen those before! I love what you did with them. Seriously, Pinterest is like my new Google. 😉

    Reply
  3. Renee from Where the Grass is Greener says

    December 11, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    Great idea. I was heading to Michael’s tomorrow anyway, now to pick me up some of that wire string. I have one insulator, but I’m going to make it a gift for myself!!

    Reply
  4. Artsy VaVa says

    December 11, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    I love this idea! Pinned it! I will definitely be making some of these.

    Reply
  5. Tanya from Dans le Townhouse says

    December 11, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    Gosh, I always see those glass insulators and had NO idea what to do with them. Thanks for the fab idea!

    Reply
  6. Lisa @ Turning Tables says

    December 11, 2011 at 5:55 pm

    SO cool! Such a great idea. I love the look of those, and always want to collect them when I am out flea-ing, but wasn’t really sure what I would do with them. Imagine a menagerie of them along a mantle (similar to my snow globe menagerie – lol) in clear and blue, with adorable family photos. That would look SO awesome!! Your mom is going to be one happy Mama on X-mas!

    Reply
  7. Ali Richardson says

    December 11, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    Ooooh, those are awesome!!! I like that look even better than the wire! She’s going to love them 🙂

    Reply
  8. [email protected] Ties2ThePast says

    December 11, 2011 at 7:23 pm

    What a neat idea!
    I have LOTS of insulators, I’ve always loved their shape & colors.
    I took a rusty saucer, about 2″ or 3″ across, glued it to the top of an insulator, then put a homespun ribbon around the indent & tied on a small rusty key. Then, I put a votive candle on top.
    Easy & cute!
    ♥’s
    Sherry

    Reply
  9. Gwen @ The Bold Abode says

    December 11, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    What in the blankidy-blank are glass insulators? They are super cute, but I’m a ignoramus! I laughed out loud when I saw your post title! Hahahaha!!!

    Reply
  10. Carrie @ Hazardous Design says

    December 11, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    What a beautiful project! Your mom is going to be super excited 🙂
    Btw, isn’t it interesting that something so utilitarian as an insulator can come in such beautiful colors???

    Reply
  11. [email protected] of a craigslist junkie says

    December 11, 2011 at 9:52 pm

    Thanks for the plug and the idea Cassie! I have a set of insulators I’ve been trying to sell in my Etsy store. Since no one is buying them, using them for photo holders in my office is a great solution!

    Reply
  12. Megan says

    December 11, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    What did we do before pinterest?? I super heart love it {actually I think yours is cuter than the inspiration, shhh}

    Reply
  13. Sarah says

    December 11, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    What a great idea! I see them ALL over the place here and always wonder what in the world people would do with them!? These are so cute..nice job!

    Reply
  14. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    December 11, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    Very cute idea! I hope your mom doesn’t peek!

    Reply
  15. Sarah AKA The Thriftress says

    December 11, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    That is such a great idea! Sawyer is such a cutie pie in that photo- perfect gift for Grandma!

    Reply
  16. Twice Nice says

    December 11, 2011 at 11:48 pm

    Such a great idea, and I really, really love that organic looking wrapped wire! Your Mom will love it! Deb

    Reply
  17. Lesley says

    December 11, 2011 at 11:49 pm

    Yep. I’m doing this…. I have about 6 insulators and they, as you put it, just sit there!!! lol Copying you. 🙂

    Reply
  18. Kim @ keller-creative says

    December 12, 2011 at 1:00 am

    Very pretty and a great gift!

    Reply
  19. Chrissie says

    December 12, 2011 at 2:30 am

    Sweet idea!

    Reply
  20. Jacqueline says

    December 12, 2011 at 3:17 am

    Very creative! I’m working on gifts now but I have to wait till after the holidays to share them lol.

    Reply
  21. Simply Salvaged Restoration says

    December 12, 2011 at 6:25 am

    Love this! I’ve had one floating around my house for about 2 months now and you’ve inspired me! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  22. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    December 12, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    Those are so cute! What a great gift idea too! I’ll take a set of 6 for my table 😉

    Reply
  23. Stephanie says

    December 12, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    Every time I visit my sister in VA, we hit up the “junk” shops on the mountain and I always come home with another insulator…now I know exactly what I’m going to do with them! Thank you!!!!!!

    Reply
  24. Angie says

    December 12, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    these are adorable! thanks for the cute idea.

    Reply
  25. michelle says

    December 12, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    That is so cute and such a great idea!!! I love those little insulators. Your mom is going to love them!
    xoxoxo

    Reply
  26. concretenprimroses says

    December 12, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    Fabulous idea, TFS!
    I may use one of my really large ones with “ears” to make a holder for my description of crafts that I use at fairs. And since all my displys are painted shades of turquoise, the blue insulator will be perfect.

    Kathy

    Reply
  27. [email protected] says

    December 12, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    Way cute idea! I will keep this one in mind.

    Reply
  28. [email protected] Not Included says

    December 12, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    Neat! My dad has a bunch of insulators…maybe I can “borrow” some 😉

    Reply
  29. Precious Sister says

    December 12, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    This is such a cute idea. Like the different shapes and the colors are like sea glass. Beautiful.

    Annika

    Reply
  30. RhettDidntGiveADamn says

    December 14, 2011 at 12:28 am

    Swoon at this.. it’s just lovely Mandi. Thanks for sharing.

    xo

    Christa

    Reply
  31. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    December 14, 2011 at 3:26 am

    Oh wow this looks great! I’m always wondering what to do with those things, great idea!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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