For me it's a lot of fun- a hobby even (or maybe its due to my being the progeny of a concentration camp survivor)- to find ways to reuse, recycle and repurpose every day items.
VEGGIE SCRAPS
Instead of throwing out the leaves and or stems of various greens, cauliflower, cabbage, etc., they can be chopped very fine and added to soups! Takes longer to use them up and therefore is a good way to stretch the food budget
WRAPPING PAPER
One example is the paper for these wrapped gifts. It came from the lining of large bags of flour in a temple kitchen that ordinarily get tossed at an astounding rate. The paper got new life when it was decorated with splatters of holiday colors and topped with silvery snowflakes (made from sour cream inner seals).
UNUSUAL BOOK ENDS
Google image search sparks dozens of ways to reuse and repurpose various items, even the unusual like brand new license plates that were not needed (an old man fell asleep and totaled our truck). With a little bending they make suitable book ends. They can be spray painted and then decorated with acrylic paints or left as is.
Rag weaving. To sit on, sleep with (make more blocks like it), cover something or use as a kitchen mat...
VEGGIE SCRAPS
Instead of throwing out the leaves and or stems of various greens, cauliflower, cabbage, etc., they can be chopped very fine and added to soups! Takes longer to use them up and therefore is a good way to stretch the food budget
One example is the paper for these wrapped gifts. It came from the lining of large bags of flour in a temple kitchen that ordinarily get tossed at an astounding rate. The paper got new life when it was decorated with splatters of holiday colors and topped with silvery snowflakes (made from sour cream inner seals).
Google image search sparks dozens of ways to reuse and repurpose various items, even the unusual like brand new license plates that were not needed (an old man fell asleep and totaled our truck). With a little bending they make suitable book ends. They can be spray painted and then decorated with acrylic paints or left as is.
OSMOSIS
Got some wilted celery, lettuce, carrots or coriander in the refrigerator? Well, as long as its not rotting, you don't have to throw it away. They look that way because they are dehydrated. To rehydrate put them in cold water for about an hour or two, shake off excess water and then put back to the refrigerator whatever you are not using right away. Things can be revived this way, via a process involving osmosis.
Now... if I could just get those wrinkles out of my face...
EMBROIDERY FLOSS DISPENSER
I found a way to reuse empty dental floss dispensers. I peeled the label off and removed the innerparts. Then I rolled up some floss to put inside. Each color can get its own compartment. That way they won't get tangled and there's a little cutter on the top, too!
SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS
These used to be spice containers, but got repurposed for the dinner table. The glue under the labels was super tough, which is what would probably discourage most people from removing them, but after soaking overnight a razor quickly finished the job.
STORAGE JARS FOR THE CUPBOARD
These were soaked first to remove the labels. Some labels are tough, so a razor may be needed after peeling off as much as possible by hand. If the glue is really stubborn, dab vegetable oil on it and then rub vigorously with a terry cloth. Wash in warm soapy water after the glue is removed.
REUSED BLANKET FILLING
The outer cover was badly torn. First the filling was well washed and dried, and then a new patchwork covering sewn on made from durable fabric odds and ends.
WOODEN SPOON MAKEOVER
Wooden spoons used in cooking inevitable get burned. When this happens, a sharp whittling knife can be used to trim off the burnt part (not shown in this picture) and produce an almost new cooking spoon to continue using rather than throwing away. And speaking of burning, kids can have fun wood burning designs on the handles.
REUSING PLASTIC LIDS
These can be used as a embroidery hoop or frame. The top lip of a large tub of sour creams was cut off along with the inner portion of the lid itself. Snap back together to form the hoop with the cloth in between.
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| framed artwork, fun craft for kids |
HAT MAKEOVER
Unraveling the top yarn and binding off, an ear warmer was made and the unraveled yarn was used to crochet a decorative flower. Instructions are available on YouTube.
JAPA BEAD REPAIR
Simple beeswax can be melted and poured into cracked beads which acts like a superglue when it hardens.
MAKE STUFF FROM STRIPS OF CLOTH
Rag crochet hot pad:
Rag weaving. To sit on, sleep with (make more blocks like it), cover something or use as a kitchen mat...
REUSING PAPER ALREADY WRITTEN OR PRINTED ON VIA COLORED MARKERS
Got junk mail? Old or useless books? Or any piece of paper already written on will do.