I design jewelry to create and celebrate beauty, and to make those who wear my pieces feel beautiful. To me, necklaces are like magic talismans that can transform not only an outfit but the person wearing it. - Tania Rodamilans
I design jewelry to create and celebrate beauty, and to make those who wear my pieces feel beautiful. To me, necklaces are like magic talismans that can transform not only an outfit but the person wearing it. - Tania Rodamilans
This idea for the kitchen was inspired partly by Pinterest and partly by need! First, I have a whole Pinboard dedicated to new uses for fallen branches. I love the many ways you can repurpose them indoors and used branches as a Christmas tree last year. Then I hung on to some of the sturdier ones when I moved in January (I got odd looks from the movers!)
The need arose when I found myself staring at my new "back splash" every time I washed dishes. It's ugly. It's in serious need of fresh paint, or a real makeover! But I'm renting ... so whatever I do has to be temporary. I also had no way to organize the paper towel, sponge etc. And that's how the idea arose. I spent $2 on leather belts at a thrift store and everything else I needed, I already had.
This weekend I made myself tackle the dull things I've been avoiding since I moved. Like hemming curtains. And moving stuff to the basement storage. My reward? Making this ... thing.
I'm not quite sure what to call it. A book vase? (I already made something I called that) Organic art? Maybe a book bud vase? I'm really not sure, so I'm calling it a mixed-media upcycle. And, whatever the name, I love, love, love how it turned out! And it was easy to make so read on for instructions!
1. Champagne corks
2. Alphabet blocks
3. Sewing machine bobbins
4. Vintage jewelry
5. Paintbrushes
6. Vintage car door handles / window winders
7. Nuts and bolts
9. Doll limbs (and head!)
10. Purse strap (or leather belt)
11. Plastic toys
12. Vintage rulers or yardsticks
Time to send this groovy glass pendant to a new home! As always, I used a randomizer to pick the winner and it chose entry #64 - that's Holly E. Holly, congrats! Expect an email from me later today to get your shipping details. :)
Thanks to everyone who entered for your interest and for sharing all the ways you've built recycling and repurposing into your lives.
And thanks to Groovy Green Glass for the great giveaway! If you like what they do, please consider helping them win a small business grant. You can vote daily through 3/17 so
Here's to wasting less :)
Here's to wasting less :)
I'm thrilled to introduce you to Groovy Green Glass! Based in Myrtle Beach, SC, this small, family owned company works with restaurants to reclaim used bottles. Then they turn them into useful, and artistic, eco-friendly products. Their entirely post-consumer line includes everything from glassware to jewelry. And today, they're offering one of you a chance to win the beautiful pendant pictured above. Read on...
A little Sunday morning fun. Which only barely compensates for the internet being down. Building a blog post from my phone is NOT fun.
Anyway, this is probably my 4th reuse of this frame. I found it under the back deck of my apartment building in 2010 and it's earned its keep!
Today, it's part mood board, part decor. I have a large collection of random prints, postcards, calendar pages etc. Too large. But I go into it on occasion and group things. Like a visual free-association exercise. It helps when I'm trying to see a pallette in the mess. In this case, my living room.
I'm not quite there (my mess is still a mess) but I like this little junky result right now!
Last year, I ate a lot of nuts. And since I wasn't buying them in bulk, I made myself keep the packaging. As evidence of my nut habit. But also as a reminder to myself to stop buying pre-packaged nuts!
I knew I'd find a way to use the containers (did you see my nutty lamp?) but I had no idea what I'd do with the lids... until Ms Ro asked for a mobile. And then the wheels started turning!
Bras are hard to upcycle. I've been trying to create a "bra roundup" for years... and have failed. Because really, outside of the dog ball, these upcycles are funny, but not terribly realistic right? Having said that, bras aren't really thrift-store material either. So what on earth do you do with them when they're worn out??