Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Repurposing

After accidentally breaking off the handle on a cute Easter bucket I've had for years, I decided to keep it to see if I could find another use for a yellow and blue bucket. (Not) As usual, my thoughts begin on one subject and then they start to wander off. This time I was led to thinking about how often we all have an item that we'll tire of and if we think for a minute we'll find another use for it. Or I guess I should be using the newer buzz word: we'll Repurpose it.

As an example; what do you do with that ragged old terry cloth towel that's ripped in several places and has no fluffiness left? Do you throw it away, or do you put in with all of your other rags? I'm sure 99% of the time the towel will find its way into the rag bin and as such it will become a Repurposed item! Of course there are tons of other uses for an old towel especially if you're crafty.


How about Repurposing old table cloths or even napkins from the 40's or 50's? You know the ones with stains so bad you can't get them out, or holes you can't repair? They can be cut, sewn, decorated with bows, buttons and lace and made into Lavender Sachets for your drawers. I love the nostalgic look. I think I may have lived once back then because I feel so attached and to the 40's especially. No, I'm not Shirley McLaine. I'm just saying though....

We've probably all used an unusual looking bottle as a vase when nothing else would do. In fact, years ago I purchased a spray-on glass paint and Repurposed a cognac bottle by spray painting it to match our decor. It looked cool too because the paint left an opaque finish instead of a solid one that spray enamel paint would leave.


Old egg cartons can come in handy for storing jewelry in a drawer or cabinet. Another way to store jewelry could also be in a plastic ice-cube tray if you happen to still have one available.

Although a little off base from the other Repurposing ideas offered here; used coffee grounds and tea bags make great natural plant fertilizers. Sprinkle used grounds around plants before rain or watering, for a slow-release nitrogen.

This one isn't a Repurposing tip, but it will save a little money: Run the kitchen sponges through the dishwasher to make them last a little longer before needing to be replaced.

I found this photo of a bird bath and realized it was made with broken plate pieces and grout. I can see too where there is one plate in the middle and then pieces of a broken plate form the outer edge. I have no idea of how it's made. I think if you're handy you could probably figure it out, or you might find directions online. I just wanted to share it because I love the look of things made with broken ceramic pieces.
Pillow cases seem to have dozens of Repurposing uses: They can be cut, sewn, left as is, used as a bag, added to or you can create just about anything you can make with fabric.

Now this idea I really like: Repurposing costume jewelry: For an up-to-date stylin' look, you can pin a group of jeweled pins on a beaded necklace, even a pearl necklace, to make an otherwise dull necklace very impressive.



I could go on forever about how you can Repurpose clothing. Here's just a few ideas to get you started: Buy a Bedazzler and add rhinestones to your jeans, purses, tees, shirts and whatever else you feel like jazzing up. Don't go crazy. Just a few rhinestones strategically placed to add some sparkle.

Also, shoulder pads are back in style. Perhaps you could Repurpose/update a little jacket with shoulder pads? Boy, if you saved any of your clothing that already has shoulder pads you'll be set.

How could I not include the great handbags and totes we have on the site that are Repurposed from women's skirts? I've seen handbags and totes made from old Levi's before, but never like what we have. One day they'll show up in department stores across the nation and you'll be sorry you missed out!!




If you search Google, you will probably find Repurposes for most everything in your household including cereal boxes and even the paper inside. I'm not so sure I could reuse the paper that's inside the box, but I can see where if I had to ship something and didn't have the right size box, I just might consider using the cereal box as an alternative.

You probably have a ton of ideas yourself on what and how to Repurpose items around the house. And would love it if you would take the time to share with us. Otherwise, we hope we've been able to add just a few more items to your list.