the ReFab Diaries

Wit and Whistle show you how to make a knockoff of a $159 VivaTerra Stencil Pillow for the cost of a blank cotton (or linen) pillow cover, a sharpie and some time.  Love it!

I actually have three old stretched-out sweaters sitting in a box waiting for exactly this kind of repurposing! I also have a small human in my life who tends to wear the things I make too. Handy.



 Don't you wish you were as stylish as this little girl? Thanks to Homemade Ginger for the great tutorial!  (Headband tutorial is separate)

If you've got kids (or work with kids) you've got crayons.  Lots of them. Melting down broken pieces to create colorful "new" crayons is an old idea ... but a good one, so I keep seeing creative versions for weddings, holidays and parties.  If the silicone cookie /candy mould exists, you can make crayons in that shape (gingerbread crayons for the holidays?)

I was inspired to finally feature crayons myself thanks to the amazing "crayon art" tutorial recently posted on 52 Kitchen Adventures.  What a FANTASTIC way to involve kids in making art... never mind the "science" of melting, mixing, cooling etc.

Yarn chandeliers (or mobiles) are popping up everywhere!  They're easy to make, eye-catching and a good use of scrap yarn.  You need yarn, glue, balloons and patience!  Full Tutorial here.


And keeping in theme ... how cute are these little balls decorating every possible corner?  Again, it's yarn, glue and styrofoam balls.  Tutorial right here.

When we have felt scraps, they tend to be really small pieces. I think these leafy accessories are a perfect way to use them up!

Coffee stirrers????  Yes, wood coffee stir sticks ... (stand slowly and applaud, please).  You want this on your wall right?  I mean like, right now!!!  Go make it. 

Old silverware (or cutlery, where I'm from) is always so eye-catching.  They just don't make it like they used to right?  So why stick it in a drawer when you can WEAR it?  Get ready to cut metal with this great "spoon ring" tutorial from Through the Front Door ... while you're there, check out her round-up of new uses for old silverware!



Not really a ring person?  Stars for Streelights shows you how to make a fork bracelet.








I used to own a beautiful wind-chime made of old spoons and forks ... think I got it in England.  I lost it in a move - I remember it making a really soft, lulling sound in the wind.  Tutorial at Freckled Nest.

It seems fitting, that paper be turned back into trees. Upcycle junk-mail into paper tress - instructions at A Little Hut.

Handy with a saw?  This tutorial involves cutting, roasting (or nuking-to kill the critters) gluing etc ... but the result is great.  Check out her mirror while you're there... thanks Pretty Handy Girl!


Wrapping yarn around balloons is a technique popping up everywhere ... lovely twist on the the idea at Made by Michelle ... she also has a sweet fabric heart garland tutorial.



Write a letter to your love ... then send it across the room via paper plane (printable - designed by Cathe from Just Something I Made)