September 2013 | the ReFab Diaries



I was recently featured in a book-repurposing roundup on the Catching Fireflies blog. How nice! This meant, of course, that I spent some time nosing around this lovely online store. And guess what I found? A ton of creative gifts, inspirational home decor and unique kitchen gadgets ... many of which are made locally (in the US) and feature upcycled, carefully sourced (even post-consumer) materials. I know this because so many of the "makers" are featured along with their wares. For example, Forked Up Art.

So - this little store is well worth a visit. And guess what? Along with today's giveaway, April is offering my readers a 20% discount off your purchase - just enter the coupon code REFAB at checkout (offer expires 11/1/13).

Ready to win a $43 gift certificate? Here's how it works: 

Giveaway opens 12:01am EST Tues, 10/1 and ends Sat, 10/5 at midnight. WINNER announced Monday 10/7. It's easy to score multiple entries and increase your chances of winning - see below for details... (Open to US residents, 18 and older.)   NOTE: if you can't see the Rafflecopter widget below, please switch to Firefox or Chrome and try again. I'm trying to get this issue fixed.


a Rafflecopter giveaway









'Tis the season (in my part of the world) for all things leafy ... watching them change color, fall and burn on bonfires. So in the spirit of leafiness, here are four DIY, upcycled art ideas for you:

1. Leaf burst from Myrtle and Eunice

2. Leaf and twig installation on canvas by Revolutionaries

3. The ghost of sunflowers past by Thrifty and Chic

4. Simple leafy silhouettes care of Bon Temps Beignet








My office is on West Superior in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. In the last couple of days, these blossoms have appeared... made of canvas. I'm a fan of any sort of "bombing" that adds whimsy to an urban landscape. It's possible I'm biased, but these flowers just went to the top of my favorite list.






I just spent 9 days in England. Mostly London... a little Cambridge. When I lived in London in 1998, I lived on Shoreditch high street, right above Mary's Shoes (which is still there).  The area was a dump. Now it's hipster heaven ... and rich with street art. Here are my favorites along with some fun repurposing ideas spotted in London and Cambridgeshire.



Frayed edges, feathers and flight in Shoreditch, London




Art and history - Shoreditch




I finally got to see one of these phone-box libraries for myself! Friends of mine live in the small village of Lolworth, Cambridgeshire. They (the village) paid a little less than $50 for the privilege of owning the box and using it for whatever purpose. They decided on a community book exchange. 




A feathery display - The Florence, Herne Hill, London




Bathtubs refabbed as flower boxes - Sydenham, East London




A little lego tree - Hanbury Street, London




Roa's crane at the junction of Hanbury St and Brick lane



DALeast - Fighting Tigers on Hanbury Street, London



Brick Lane wonders




In and around Brick Lane, London




Chance Street, London




Hmmmm.... 




More Shoreditch color...



A final Roa. 








I just travelled a little ... London and back. So I'm thinking suitcases. And know I have a vintage one that I need to use for something soon. I LOVE this idea from My Poppet. The chalkboard paint on the outside is probably what makes it a lock for me.  :)   Click through for the complete how to.




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