July 2013 | the ReFab Diaries




It's been a bit quiet around here lately ... my apologies. I got a new (full-time) job and writing new posts (or making anything myself) has had to take a back seat. But check this out! Remember my book vase/planter? I entered it into a Woman's Day DIY challenge and it won!

They've tweaked my idea pretty significantly and ultimately gutted more books than I'd like... but hey, I'm happy for the nod. Click here to see my original, much simpler Book Vase.







Right now, Chicago is steaming ... 90+ degrees F. And something about the hot mid-summer screams herbs on a kitchen window sill. Now, I know that bombing things with googly eyes is like so ... 2012? Or something. But done like this, it's sort-off irresistible. And planting in eggshells is a really cheap, kid-friendly re-use. 


1. Adorable, wheatgrass eggheads (spotted here)

2. Succulent centerpiece

3. A little floral happiness

4. The cat's whiskers

5. Mixed herbs under a banner

6. Radish heads!






From cradle to cradle? :)  I've seen lots of fun ways to repurpose old cribs but I'm featuring this one because ... I just like it - a lot! And the tutorial is great. Head to The Red Kitchen for the details.







I just stumbled upon my new favorite refashioning blog - Charity Shop Chic! In the US, we call them thrift stores ... but I'd argue that they're not quite the same thing. Something just a little more "chic" about what you find in a British charity shop! Anyway, not only are CSC's runway and celebrity-inspired transformations breathtaking (this woman can sew!) but I love her goal: to buy only charity shop clothes then give them a second lease on life by resizing, refashioning etc. Oh, and she's currently a Refashion Runway contestant - fun competition being run by The Renegade Seamstress

Some gems to be sure to check out:

1. A Stella McCartney refashion that's both sexy and wearable by someone who's not Gwyneth Paltrow
3. A Betty Draper inspired wonder made from sheets and pillow cases!





So - this was a good idea. I'm snot sure I love the end result though... it's all a bit, er ... orange? This from someone who loves orange. Anyway, the kid seems to like it. And when you're stuck with a onesie that seems to have been designed for a short, yet amazingly rotund, baby, it's a fun repurpose!




As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame
Gerard Manley Hopkins

This wonderful little dragonfly brooch was created using old book leather and a plastic soda bottle for wings. For instructions and more pics, see The Upcycler.






Old strainers (sieves, sifters) are oddly compelling. If you're me. Or the people who created all these fun goodies using them!





As always, I used random.org to pick the winner and it chose entry #226 ... that's Deanna Time! Deanna, your name suggests destiny at work  :)  I will be contacting you via email to get a shipping address!

Thanks to everyone who entered for your interest and great comments.




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