We all have too much junk, and if you are like me, you hate to just get rid of things you MIGHT need in the future. A great way to make use of all those extras, however, is to make gifts or fun items. Below are several ideas.
Earring Picture Frames: Choose a smaller picture frame that has a cardboard back (or create your own cardboard back), and cover it with a scrap of fabric, so that the raw ends will be at the back of the cardboard. Glue down. Fabric could be from an old scarf, blouse, handkerchief, or even sweater.
Choose some trim that will look cute with your fabric: ribbon, fancy trim, or even old single necklace chains you no longer wear, or colored bendable wire. Make three or four rows of this trim, crossing in front, and glue them onto the back of your cardboard. Test some of your earrings on these rows to make sure you have enough room between rows.
Snap your fabric and trim covered backing into your frame, fill the rows with your earrings, and hang by your dressing area. You will now see ALL your earrings, and be able to select ones that used to hide in a drawer in a jiffy!
Bolster Pillow: Select a scarf you no longer wear, and gather some fiberfill, two hair elastics and some ribbon or trim. Cut your scarf in two, with the
long sides together. Put the right sides together and do a long stitch, to form a tube. Turn so the right side is out and the seams don’t show. Put an elastic on one end of the scarf, leaving a nice end, and stuff with fiberfill. When filled, put on the second elastic at the other end. Cover the elastic with trim, wrapping it or making a festive bow, to hide the elastic. Instant comfort!
Paint Swatch Pockets: This idea is so easy and festive, it’s nearly criminal! Use paint swatches you have gathered from the hardware store and put two of the same sizes to form pockets, then switch with contrasting thread around three sides of the swatches. Pin on your bulletin board with flat tacks, and fill with pencils, paper, and small items. Instant decor!
Remote in a Book: there are several ways to recycle second hand books, but this one is my favorites, because it creates a nice piece of décor, with character. Find an old book whose cover or title appeals to you. Using regular glue, glue the back page to the back cover of the book, and let dry. Trace around your remote on the first page of the book. With an X-Acto knife, cut the shape of your remote out of the book, a few pages at a time, until you get the depth you need to nestle your device.
Once you have a nice nest, take a piece of ribbon and put in inside, at the bottom of the remote cutout, and extend it beyond the bottom of the book, so it looks like a bookmark. Adhere with regular glue.
You now have a good-looking conversational piece and a home for your remote!
Flowerpot in a Book: yes, it’s another book idea, but so cute, and perfect for a teenager’s dorm or bedroom. Choose a second hand book that looks good with the colors and décor, and glue down the back cover to the back page. Let dry. With a ruler, lay out a square on the first page, inside the cover, and using an X-Acto knife, carve out the square. Line the square with an old plastic bag, tucking it in once you add the potting soil. Add small succulent plants, to complete the look. Succulents are the best choice for this craft, because they don’t’ need much watering, and your unique planter will last much longer.
Eyeglass Case from old Neckties: a clever idea, and a great idea for Father’s Day! Take an old necktie whose pattern you like and cut off the narrow part, leaving 17 inches total for your case. With a seam ripper or needle, open the back seam of the tie about six inches, to form the pocket for your glasses. This seam is right above the point. Fold over the tie towards the point of the tie, fold over the raw edge ½ inch, then hand stitch the top and sides, making sure not to close the pocket. Add self-adhesive velcro dots to keep your new case closed.
Look around the house and you may come up with many more ideas of your own to reuse, repurpose, and re-imagine. Have fun!
Source: Baret News Wire