Looking for a new use for your kids' old toys? Upcycle them into quirky decor.
I had a lot of fun putting this post together! Using old toys as decorative items or home "accessories" requires a certain sense of irony. Definitely a sense of humor. But old toys are so often at the top of the trash pile that we definitely need a way to upcycle them. Read on for 20+ ways to repurpose old toys.
My very talented friend Lisa is the one-woman power behind PoldaPop Designs. When she sews for herself, she's super thrifty ... and this week she's sharing some of her thrifty thinking! She's posted a free sewing tutorial that shows you how to
1. Create a pattern for a cowl neck top using your own favorite top or bodice pattern
2. Make the top!
(UPDATE: New tutorial for the deep cowl now available here)
While you're there, check out her great list of free sewing tutorials
If you want to own a little PoldaPop for yourself, you need to see her Etsy store!
I actually went to a thrift store this morning ... my very favorite one - The Brown Elephant. I spent a grand total of $10.25 ... and bought what you see in the picture. The onesie will soon be converted into a top for Ms Ro. I often buy earrings and turn them into pendants for me and a friend ... but these might get new hooks and stay earrings. :)
One beat up, $10 desk, a little carpentry, a little paint and hellloooooooooo.... yes please! Get the how to from Sugar Bee Crafts.
Most shoe re-do's or "upcycles" I see involve very high heels, glitter, jewels and dipping in neon paint. It will probably not surprise you to hear that I don't wear a lot of glitter-dipped, bejeweled stilettos. I enjoy heels on very specific occasions. But my current favorite shoes are blood red Dansko mary-janes that I got at a thrift store for $15. I "upcycled" them with a little shoe polish - wonderful substance! Anyway, I am intrigued by the idea of shoe re-do's ... and shoe repurposing. And once in a while, a project stands out. Here goes!
First, head over to A Little Tipsy and learn how to use an old t-shirt to turn flip flops into espadrilles (pictured above)!
So you splurged. And now you need a cover for the thing. You could buy a smart cover. Or sew yourself something, should you know your way around a sewing machine. Or ... you can be *really* cheap about it.
One bubble mailer, scrap fabric and buttons. From Creme de la Craft.
Styled. Issue Six. Out now and very very beautiful. Check out the many lovely DIY's along with this free printable.
'Tis (almost) the season! Head over to Oh Happy Day for the free printable template ... and turn your paper grocery bags into sweet individual picnic baskets.
It was a beautiful Sat morning in Chicago, spent at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The indoor farmer's market is in full swing (hello first fresh asparagus of the season!) and my toddler loves the place. The light was amazing today so I'm indulging myself a little and sharing some pics with you. Happy Earth Day!
