Altered......everything!

I LOVE to alter things...I love to repurpose....that is how I came upon the name Recycled Rita.
Many people have asked why I used that name. I have loved vintage since I was little and made things out of anything I could find to keep myself busy...cardboard, fabric, bits of paper...you name it.
My family always says my mom could make a delicious dinner out of water and a toothpick because no matter how mother hubbard our cupboard was, she made a nice meal. I think I have the same mindset but I like to make something out of junk or castaways.
This party was perfect for me! I couldn't wait to share some of my altered goodies with you!

First up is what I am working on most recently....I saw these pockets in Somerset Life and then Robin made some pretty containers for her class kits and I knew I needed to alter some toilet paper tubes! Here is the result:

I used vintage images and waxed them to make them even more aged and filled them with pretty vintage lace, buttons and millinery to make a mini-kit and mini art pocket. These are available now in my etsy shoppe.

Here is a close-up of one of the pockets:

A few years back, I altered some cigar boxes, here is one made with an Asian theme.....

Japanese newspaper, postcard broken jewelry and pearls... This was meant to be a purse, but alas...it was never finished!

Here is the backside:

If this party happens again, I have so many projects to show you!

For now...I am off to make some halloween houses with these jewelry boxes that I have already covered in vintage document pages....

Go visit the French Cupboard to see the rest of the wonderful participants, you won't be disappointed! Maybe it will inspire you to keep something out of the landfills too! I would love to hear any ideas you might have! thanks for visiting! karen