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Coffee cuffs for a steady supply of die cut shapes

Are you a Starbucks addict with a fine collection of coffee cuffs? Nice to meet you - so am I. I do try to reuse those cuffs, but while I'm waiting for the barista to deliver my drink I habitually reach for a new cuff and there you go. Another addition to my own personal stock of circular cardboard. I at least attempt to save a few trees, but I usually end up repurposing over reducing or reusing. Which brings me to my coffee cuff project. I also like to have shapes ready to go for making cards and tags. So to that end, after collecting several bags full of coffee cuffs (with a little help from fellow [coffee] addicts at work) I set to work.

You'll need: Coffee cuffs - bunches of them Acrylic paint Straight edge (credit card, spatula, etc.) Die cutter and shapes

First: open up each cuff so it lays flat. Pull off any glue, and ripped paper pieces around where the glue fastened the ends - although if straggly paper bits is how you roll, leave 'em.

Second: use a credit card, spatula, or any other straight edge to schmear acrylic paint across the cardboard. Use a variety of colors  - it doesn't have to be even, or neat - streaks are good.

paintedcuffs Third: Once the paint dries, pick something from your Netflix playlist and get to work putting each cuff through your die cutter. Make lots. Be careful to lay your flattened cuff

diecut

cut pieces

Fourth: Put each shape in baggies, ready when needed.baggedpieces

What methods do you use to repurpose coffee cuffs?