Last week I was on the phone and got caught without a pen. That’s not unusual in the computer age but it make strings difficult for compulsive doodlers like me. Hard up for something to fidget with, I started picking at a glob of dried glue on the cover of my notebook and a small scrap of tin foil leftover from the previous evening’s dinner. I’m not sure where the idea hit me, but it somehow it became very obvious very quickly that the glue and the foil want dot hang out. A couple of brain synapses later…boom!
There was a roll of aluminum tape left over in my cupboard from these garden markers a couple of years ago. You look this stuff and assume it’s silver duct tape, but it’s not; it’s a thin ribbon of aluminum sheeting with an adhesive backing. It’s probably meant to use in contraction (you’ll find it at the hardware store for about $5) but by gosh it’s nifty for craft supplies!
With that in mind, I decided to take my notebook doodle to the next level…
Materials
Notebooks (binders would work great here too)
White Glue (I’m always a fan of Tacky Glue, especially the fast-dry variety)
Permanent markers or alcohol ink (water-based markers will not work here)
1. Doodle away in glue.
2. Let it dry.
3. Cover with strips of aluminum tape.
4. Use the tips of the markers to burnish the tape into the glue, drawing up the ridges of glue.
5. Keep going.
6. Enjoy
This was one of those projects that I like well enough, but I feel like it’s only the beginning. I’ll bet this could be an awesome base formula for all kinds of nifty things (read: I smell jewelry). Can you think of another nifty place to use this technique? Let me know!
What a creative project. I like the bright colors of the post, and the new ideas it is giving me for similar (i.e., wine neck foil) materials I’ve been saving around the house. Thank you!
I feel like you could make the ink blend with rubbing alcohol too.
On your Kleenex box. It would make it very pretty. On a glass jar for a candle holder. You could cut the foil to get peek-a-boo lights. On file folders. On a purse that is really crappy. Let’s have a contest! Ann
Wow. You are so creative! I see this technique on decorative items such as vases and trays maybe. Love it.
Do you think it would work with regular alfoil? I can’t find that aluminium tape anywhere.
This is so cute! Have you ever tried making little accordion books? These would be cute covers for those as well.
I’m not much of a book maker, but that is a great idea!
I came over from your post about applying this technique to picture frames. I’m so in need of picture frames, and can see that this would be a way to coordinate different sizes & styles.
I hope you’re feeling better! You could likely use a lap table to continue crafting from your chaise (of course you have one).
I’m in #DIY heaven!!
Can you use just regular aluminum foil because I don’t have aluminum foil tape and I really want to make this really cool and cute project.