Upcycled Books and Such

Now that so many people are going paperless and switching to devices such as Kindles, Nooks and Tabs, what becomes of the old books?

Some of us may like to hang onto our old books but some of us might like to turn the page and create something new.

Here are some ideas that you may find handy when it comes to upcycling your old books into new treasures.

Photo Cred: SisterShic

Keep your love of books alive by creating a Book Wreath. Or turn the old pages of your books into tags.

Photo Cred: Earth911 

These tags were posted by Earth911 and I think it is a wonderful way in which to re-use books. Tags can be used in scrap-booking, smasbooks, for gifts and more! 

My personal favorite is this Book Birdhouse. The Tutorial is very easy-to-follow with plenty of images. 

Photo Cred: Thoughtful Images Ink 

I hope you are as inspired and motivated to upcyle as much as I am. Afterall, we only have one planet. So lets all do our part and take care of it. 

Recycle or Upcycle. It's the smart thing to do.

Upcycled Christmas Ornaments

It's never too early to hear those sleigh bells ringing. Well, lets hope you feel the same way. Sometimes the year seems to drag by but before you know, boom, Christmas is here.

So maybe we'll start preparing for the most wonderful time of the year a little earlier this year.

I found these neat little upcycled gems I simply had to share from a blog titled 12 Simple Christmas Crafts.

Photo Cred: Design by BH

Just to let you know, these upcyled crafts are not all grouped together. Once you click on them, you will be taken to a different site but they are well worth checking out. 

Also, if you have not already done so, I would highly recommend joining Pinterest, as it is cram-packed with awesome craft ideas. 

The Snowman in the Snow Globe hands down, was my favorite! The link provided upbove, leads you to the blog, which gives you a good run down of the project's requirements and instructions.

Photo Cred: Anthropologie

I think this is a project I will have to tackle. And if you do, please be sure to share your #UpcycledSnowGlobes 

Until next time, happy upcycling! 

Upcycle Your Old Armoire Into a Aviary

While I am not a fan of the idea of keeping birds, (it's a person thing, I think birds have wings to enjoy their freedom) I know some people who do keep birds. 

That's what inspired me to post this fabulous idea from the Empress of Creativity. This old Armoire was upcycled into an amazing Aviary. 

Photo Cred: Empress of Creativity

If you are keeping some small birds, the generous size of the armoire is probably a perfect way to keep those little wings flapping. 

The multiple doors also allow for easy access when you have to tend to the birds or clean the cage.

Now, if ever I have a change of heart about keeping a bird, I think I would want something like this. 

Getting my husband to agree, is another story, but nonetheless, follow this DIY Armoire to Aviary Blog and see how to create your own armoire aviary. 

Photo Cred: Empress of Creativity

As you go along, I am sure you will find great ways to customize your own armoire aviary, and please feel free to share those ideas with us. 

This is an awesome example of upcycling and is one of my favorites I have come across thus far. 

For this, and other great upcycling tips, go to The Cottage Market and check out the 25 Upcycled Furniture Ideas. 

Until next time, happy upcycling!

How to Upcycle Your Old Windows - Easy-To-Follow Ideas

Great ideas on how to upcycle your old windows. Look at what you can do with an old window and a few cans of mirror-like paint! 

I found this neat little blog called Mommy MoonBlossom that I simply had to share. It has a full tutorial on how you can Upcycle Your Old Windows and create your own masterpiece. 

Photo Cred: Sunnie Wicker 

Sunnie Wicker upcycled this window for $12. 

Photo Cred: Sunnie Wicker

I also found this Window Coffee Table that is absolutely adorable.

Photo Cred: UpCycle That 

While this blog does not come with a step-by-step tutorial, the author did include the instructions in the blog. 

Photo Cred: UpCycle That 

While this blog does not come with a step-by-step tutorial, the author did include the instructions in the blog. So if you are feeling creative, upcycle your old windows and share the results with us.  

Upcycled Light Bulbs - 3 Great Ideas

What to do with old light bulbs? Create your very own tiny terrarium, some unusual earrings (yes earrings believe it or not) or even turn them into decorative pears ornaments to be placed in a bowl as a center piece!


How cool is this? An old light bulb was upcycled into a teeny weeny terrarium! 

Photo Cred: Hipster Home

The Hipster Home blog site details how you can create your very own tiny Terrarium. This site has easy to follow step-by-step instructions (along with pictures) to guide you through the process of creating this minuscule wonder.

So you're thinking, what if Terrariums ain't my thing? Fret not. Check out these light bulb earrings.

Photo Cred: Sparking Water Studio

You are unconventional, unusual and adorable. While I was not able to obtain the DIY blog tutorial to create these earrings, I wanted to post them anyway, simply because I think this is a stunning use of unwanted/upcycled light bulbs. Why not create your own pair of earrings and share it with us?

Last but not least, who would have ever thought a light bulb could be turned into a decorative pear? Believe it or not, here it is!

Photo Cred: Todd and Lindsey

This Todd and Lindsey DIY Light Bulb Pear Tutorial is awesome!

Don't just take my word for for it. Click on this link above and check out their blog. They have done phenomenal job at transforming ordinary household light bulbs into something really elegant. 

Photo Cred: Todd and Lindsey

Photo Cred: Todd and Lindsey

It just goes to show, if we really want to make a commitment to upcycling items, no item is too big or small to reuse.

Upcycled Old Bottles

A Few Great Ideas For Some Old Bottles You May Have Lying Around...Just Sharing!

Looking around the house, I realized I had some old empty bottles just sitting around. So I started scouring the web, looking for some neat and nifty ideas.   

Photo Cred: ClassyGarbage/Etsy/ Chell Frost

 5 Ways To Upcycle Wine Bottles is a pretty cool link. I found these ideas on that blog. 

Photo Cred: Moonshine Lamp Co. 

The company called MoonshineLamp Co. has done some pretty wild things with used wine bottles. I was amazed at how creativity can be found in the simplest of items. 

Turn Old Doors into Cool Desks

What to do with your old door? Just throw it out? Here's few better ideas. Why not create a cool desk or work space with it?

Photo Cred: Flor's Blog on Design 

I found this beautiful desk on a blog called Musings and simply could not resist to share.

I probably never would have though about reusing my old door in this fine fashion but that's what makes recycling fun. Finding nifty ways to reduce waste.  

Photo Cred: Flor's Blog on Design

Photo Cred: Flor's Blog on Design

Hard to believe the desk below, was once a barn door. 

Photo Cred: Cleverlyinspired

I have to admit, by looking through the pictures of the this DIY Barn Door Turned into Desk Blog the mission seems a bit more ambitious than I like to tackle, (for now) but there is no denying how awesome the project turned out.

So what's the moral of the story?

Don't throw away your old door. Try to upcycle it by turning it into a really neat desk.

How to Upcycle Mason Jars

3 Great Ways to Put Old Mason Jars to Use

Have some old Mason Jars lying around? Here's how you can creatively reuse them. 

1. Turn your unused jars into beautiful lanterns. Follow these simple instructions to create a stunning lantern. What I really love about this idea is how simple and versatile it would be to recreate lanterns for each season. 

Just decorate your jar, drop in a candle and you are good to go. 

Photo Cred: Layla Palmer 

With a few minor adjustments and some creativity, you can turn these jars into St. Patrick's Day lanterns or 4th of July lanterns. 

2. Create some hanging Jar Lamps. Perfect for the porch or a deck. 

Just a heads, the link you are about to click on is not in English, but the Jar Lamp Tutorial is loaded with images that is easy to follow. 

As a plus, if you are using Google, you can easily translate the page.

Photo Cred: WoonBlog.Typepad.com

Simple and easy to create. And you may very well have everything you need to create these lamps with. 

3.  And here's something for the kids. A DIY Lego Pencil Holder. Create it for your child as a surprise, or why not have them help you create it?

The Lego Pencil Holder Tutorial is very easy to follow and provides images all the way.  

Photo Cred: Estefi Machado 

Photo Cred: Estefi Machado

These ideas are simple to follow and make for great little projects around the house. Mix and match your jars and go nuts. 

And after you have created and upcycled, please, share your creations with us :)

How To Recycle and Re-purpose on Saint Patrick's Day

Right now, we are experiencing what I like to think of as a high tide of holidays. Let's be fair. We just passed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and St. Valentines Day. Low and behold, here come St. Patrick's day! Pretty soon the Easter Bunny will make a u-turn and on and on it goes. 

So while I'm all about going green, I do have to consider my own "greens" if you know what I mean. So how much money would I like to spend this holiday?

In that respect, good old St. Patty has made my choice pretty easy, since personally, this holiday is at the bottom of my budget list.  

With that said, it challenges me to scrounge up at least a few St. Patty's Day trinkets at a low-to-no-cost. 

Here's what I found:

1. These cute little accessories can jazz up the day - St. Patty's Day Champagne Cork Earrings! Why not follow the link, open the blog and make them yourself? 

Photo Cred: MakeItEasyCrafts

2. Are you having hosting a St. Patty's Day party? Why not save some trees and send your invitations via e-mail or text!

3. Here's one of my favorite finds. 
Green Beverage Bottles Used as St. Patrick's Day Lights Why not fill them up with white Christmas lights and create a fun and funky string of ambient lights?

Photo Cred: PolandTrips.co.uk

Drape it on your porch, place it on your window sill or just display it as the center piece on your table and hey, it's green!

4. Here's another idea I fell in love with! A 
St. Patrick's Day Mantel. Now like I said before, this is not really a holiday I want to spend any money on, but look at this bloggers inexpensive and neat way of dressing up this holiday!

Two Yellow Birds Decor cleverly accessorized and repurposed some old picture frames, beans and clear vases to achieve this very St. Patty's Day motive. Why not try it for yourself?
Or share your tips!

Photo Cred: Two Yellow Birds Decor

At a low-to-no-cost, you can have some flashy earrings, kick-ass ambient light and a mantel or table that says you are ready to celebrate! 

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

How Can I Get My Kids Excited About Recycling?

Kids love to learn and get involved in projects. This is my experience with my own two toddler sons. They absolutely love being helpful, (partly because they know they may receive a small reward) and they love arts and crafts. 

Therefore, every time I do my shopping, I let the boys help me toss out and recycle the empty cereal and snack boxes. They usually have the option of flattening the boxes and wheeling it over to the recycle bins, or they can try to reuse them.

I've found Pinterest  to be a lifesaver! With hundreds of tutorials for virtually anything "crafty" you can imagine, it's a great place for any parent to create boards and collect information, arts and crafts your little ones are really interested in.

Check out these awesome Can-Do-Robots! How cute are they! Every little boy's dream and every parent's dream come true because they come with their instructions. 

Photo Cred: FamilyFunMagazine

So while you're working on your arts and crafts project, the tots are learning about recycling.

Why Should We Recycle? For Starters, If We Don't Take Care of Our Planet, Who Will?

Not recycling yet? Here is why we need everyone to limit the amount of waste we create.

For starters, did you know the average person generates about 4 pounds of waste per day?

According to Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generated about 250 million tons of garbage in 2011. Only 87 million tons were recycled and composted.

An organization called DoSomething.org posted an article and a list of statistics that I found very interesting. It stated, that while close to 75% of trash is recyclable, only 30% is actually recycled. 

Think about it. All that trash had to be place somewhere. 

Photo Cred: Environmental Protection Agency

The article also disclosed that we generate about 21 million tons of food waste each year. I find this horrific, considering how much hunger and poverty the world faces today. 

That aside, the article noted that if we composted that food, it could reduce greenhouse gas by close to the same mount. In plain English, composting 21 million tons of food, is just as good as taking 2 millions cars off the street.

According to DoSomething.org, if  we recycled one tenth of our newspapers, we could save close to 25 million trees each year. Now I don't know about you, but I think that is a lot of trees worth fighting for. 

Photo Cred: Mark Kalman 

Dumping, unfortunately, is another issue on the rise. Just the other day, WPTV News Channel 5 covered a story that dealt with illegal dumping. While cities like West Palm Beach are cracking down on illegal dumping, more has to be done. 

Not only can dumping increase water pollution and spread disease, it is a danger the lives of humans and animals. 

As human beings, we should all care about these issue, knowing how it can affect our planet. With this blog, I am hoping to demonstrate that recycling can be fun and have great perks. 

It's not enough to want to do the right thing. It's important to actually do the right thing. The world should be our oyster. Not our dumping ground.

5 Common Household Items We Should Reuse

Question: What does used plastic bags, old T-shirts, egg cartons, corks and unused chairs have in common? Answer: The ability to be reused!

1. Ever wonder what to do with the bag full of plastic baggies you have at home?

Reuse them! Plastic bags and paper bags tend to pile up faster than we realize. If you're a frequent shopper, reusing the bags is a great way to go green.

If you're not a fan of "reusing the old plastic bags idea" why not purchase a carryout bag or tote? Leave it in your car or in your purse so the next time you do some shopping, you'll have it with you. 

Did you know?

Many stores collect used plastic bags.

Photo Cred: Sunnyvale
Carryout Bags and Totes

2. Used T-shirts are probably one of the most common household items we have lying around in our closets. But what do we do with them, after we have used all the "wear" out of them? Reuse them!
T-Shirts can be turned into anything from wrapped bracelets, a nifty scarf and even a handy market tote!

Photo Cred:
Delia Creates via EcoSalon

Photo Cred:
cfabbridesigns.com via EcoSalon

     
  

Photo Cred:
Wienerdog Tricks via EcoSalon

Put your creative talents to use, follow the link below and fashion your very own scarf, market tote, wrapped bracelets and more. The blogs are simple to follow with step-by-step instructions.

Awesome Blogs - DIY Wrapped Bracelets, Scarfs, Market Totes and More 

3. Egg cartons are real "diamonds in the rough". Turn them into anything from handy-dandy little organizers, to crafty toys for toddlers or even use them as starters for seeds. A little bit of imagination, can go a colossal way.

Photo Cred: Columbus Multiple Moms

How to reuse egg cartons as seed planters

Photo Cred: Columbus Multiple Moms 

How to create toys from egg cartons

Photo Cred: Recipris.com 

How to reuse old egg cartons

Egg cartons have tons of possibilities, just use your imagination, and if you have any ideas on how to reuse them, please feel free to share your tips with us.

4. Have a bunch of wine corks lying around? Why not transform them into a savvy back-splash wall at your bar?

Photo Cred: Savvy Housekeeping 

Use your old wine-cork as a savvy backsplash at your bar

Photo Cred: Jill Fritz Create.Craft.Love

DIY Wine Cork Backsplash

Line your bar, wine nook or even your kitchen with corks. All you need are wine corks (tons and tons of wine corks), a scroll saw, a few other minor items plus some time and patience and you too can achieve this! 

Just picture this look in your kitchen. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions in the link provided below and and don't forget to let us know how it all turned out.

DIY Wine Cork Backsplash blog/tutorial

5. What about those old, unused and even broken chairs? Fret not, here are a few solutions...

Photo Cred: FairFaxByNight

Chair-Back-Coat-and-Accessory-Hangers

While the backs of chairs are ideal for holding coats or jackets, they can also hold your belts, ties, scarfs and other accessories.

But that's not all. Check out this tree or porch swing! Not too shabby for an old chair right? What a popping color, it's very functional and allows you to enjoy some time outside.

Photo Cred: TheShelterness.com

DIY-Swing-From-An-Old-Rocking-chair

Just follow the link above and see how you too can create your own DIY swing. The instructions are simple and the results could be awesome. 

Still not convinced you can re-purpose you old chairs? Check out this awesome wall mounted key holder, with accommodating seat for your jacket and or bag. This is one way to ensure you spend less time looking for your keys.   

Photo Cred: Deecconstructed 

DIY-hall-chair-and-mounted-key-holder

And lastly, running out of shelf space? Think again. 

Don't spend hundreds of dollars on expensive decor and designer brands to spruce up your home with shelves. By reusing items you already own but no longer want, you can recycle unwanted items into exciting new pieces that can add flair and enjoyment to your living space. 

Photo Cred: KnickOfTime

Chair-Back-Shelf-Blog-Good-Ideas

We hope you loved the tips as much as we did! If you have any suggestions or would like to add some comments, tips or ideas, please feel free to do so.

Until the next post, please remember to reuse, reduce and recycle. Every little bit helps.

Do You Like Fresh Herbs In Your Kitchen? Check Out This Mason Jar Wall Planter

This a cool way to ensure you always have fresh herbs in your kitchen. 

Photo Cred: DIY Stacy - Not Just A Housewife

DIY Enthusiast Stacy - Not Just A Housewife - Mason-Jar-Wall-Planter

It's a project you could tackle for under $20.00! All you need are some Mason Jars, (you may already have some that you are not sure what to do with, if not, I usually get mine at the Dollar Store), a few pipe clamps, (I dug through my husband's tool chest and found a couple but they're also available at your local hardware store or even online), an old unused board or a plank and few screws. You could purchase some plants from Home Depot, Lowes or a plant nursery. It wouldn't hurt to look around. 

The link above has all the details. 

Photo Cred: DIY Stacy - Not Just A Housewife

All you have to do is get your supplies and figure out which herbs you would love to grow. If you do tackle the project, please feel free to share your tips and experiences with us.

Find The Hidden Potential

Trash or Treasure?

Ever wonder what to do with your unwanted items, be it your odd suitcases, unused crutches, a rolling pin or even an old ladder? Well, believe it or not, all these items can be reused. 

Photo Cred: Emily E. Clark and Ode to June Lisa

1. Suitcases can be re-purposed in a wonderful fashion. With the correct treatment, it can double as part of your stylish decor and give you some additional storage. 

Photo Cred: Ode to June Lisa

Feeling creative? Turn an unwanted small suitcase into a nifty storage nook in the bathroom for your cosmetics or other personal effects. Not only is this a chic way to help maintain organization, it adds an extra nuance of character to your personal space.

~~~~

2. How long have you had those old crutches lying around? The ones that helped you get around after you broke you leg several eons ago. Well, why not put them to good use again? A little bit of imagination can go along way.

Photo Cred: Mamie Jane

Mamie Jane Shelf Tutorial

Why not follow Mamie Jane's tutorial in the link provided above and put those crutches to good use again? Mamie Jane certainly proved a little bit of imagination can go a long way.

What about working your old crutches into a floor lamp? Bet you didn't see that coming. 

Photo Cred: Infarrantlycreative.net

Infarrantly Creative Old-crutches-floor-lamp Tutorial 

For the full tutorial, please click on the link provided above. Beckie offers all the details required to turn your crutches into this neat floor lamp, guaranteed to be an interesting conversation piece at your next social event. 

~~~~

3.  Have you ever wondered how you can reuse your old rolling pins? Rolling Pin Hook Racks are making a splash on Etsy.com and it's ideal for the kitchen. Why not hang your apron or even a few potted plants on these hooks?

Photo Cred: Jessica Farmer BlueBirdHeaven

Photo Cred: Jessica Farmer BlueBirdHeaven

Rolling Pin Hook Racks - Jessica Farmer - BlueBirdHeaven

Jessica Farmer, the owner of BlueBirdHeaven has several reclaimed, chic rolling pin hook racks up for sale. The details are provided in the link above. The costs vary. But if you are feeling frugal, ambitious or if you just like to reuse items, there is no reason you cannot attempt to create and customize your own rolling pin hook rack from scratch. 

~~~~

4. Any ladders lying around? Why not re-purpose them? One of the latest growing trends are ladder bookshelves. 

Photo Cred: Krista Dandelion Expression

Ladder Bookshelf - Cheap DIY - Antique-Ladder-Shelf

I found a neat blog by Krista, a young lady and new mom who has some awesome ideas to share. Her Ladder Bookshelf tutorial is covered in 5 steps and is rather simple to follow.

I'm in the process of trying this at home. I'll consider it a success if my bookshelf turns out even half as nice as Krista's.   

Photo Cred: Krista Dandelion Expression

Don't forget to check out Krista's other neat and inventive projects. 

Re-purposing an old item is a great way to live a green life, so to speak. While we can't save every single item, we can try to up-cycle the items we can reuse. All we have to do, is look around and find some potential. 

 ~~~~~~~~~~