March 2014 | the ReFab Diaries

This is just one of many amazing upcyles created by Destinations Vintage. I don't know that I really need to say much about this lamp - it's beautiful and it's genius repurposing. Check out all the work that went into it here ... then enjoy the rest of the blog!




I'm currently in South Africa, visiting my parents on the west coast. They live in small town (traditional fishing village) called Velddrif. My mom is chairperson of the local craft club (go figure) and today I attended the club's weekly meeting.


Like most of us in the northern hemisphere, Melanie (of Bliss Bloom Blog) is craving flowers and dreaming of spring. In honor of Earth Day, she created these amazing egg carton roses. They're simple to make (great tutorial) and I love that the end product somehow manages to look both rustic and refined.

Thanks to Melanie for permission to feature this great upcycle. Get the complete tutorial here.




It's been a while since I published a full guest tutorial, so without further ado, meet Elaine Luther! Elaine is a local (Forest Park) artistjeweler, blogger and busy mom. She is currently exhibiting for Women's History month at the Chicago Public Library's West Englewood branch. 

The exhibit, titled Our Ladies of Perpetual Housework, is a collection of assemblage sculptures honoring the neverending work of, well, all of us trying to keep a home (and a life) ticking over every day. The collection is on show through March 31, 2014. Read more about the exhibit here. Then take a look at the prints on sale at Redbubble.

photo credit:  David Pierini
Elaine works a lot with metal, not just in her jewelry making but also her art. So it's fitting that this tutorial involves silver. Silver leaf, to be exact. This is a great technique for giving new life to old wood pieces. In this case, picture frames. Enjoy!



The insanity that is SXSW is happening this week so I'm thinking... American South West. And nothing says that better than cowboy boots, right? I've never owned a pair. Not sure they're really me? But I admire them from afar - the work that goes into them is incredible. So once you completely destroy the soles, what can you do with all that beautiful leather? 

I think cowboy boot purses are cool (DIY here and here) but still a little too ... cowboy for me. I love this wallet because it saves the best of the leather work. But doesn't force "American South West" on you.  Complete DIY at Poppytalk






This is a bit of a public service announcement!  I was recently contacted by RoseAnna in Columbus, OH. She's giving away a large lot of vintage linen - she is interested in someone showing it a little repurposing love ... (GONE as of 3/9) 




Sometimes I know exactly what inspires these round ups. For example, I once found myself collecting a lot of bottle caps (beer bottles, specifically) so I went looking for ideas for repurposing them. Then I created a blog post around bottle-cap decorating.



There are so many ways to repurpose old t-shirts. Check out the mother of all round ups at Saved By Love Creations.  But these braided t-shirt rugs ... this is probably the third one that's caught my eye. And guess what? The tutorial is excellent. So if you're interested in trying but you've been a fuzzy on the how to, head to My Poppet




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