the ReFab Diaries

Upcycle: 40 ways to reuse recyclables

in , by Candice
40 creative uses for recyclables


When you study the details of this fun infographic, you'll probably recognize many of the projects. You've probably pinned a bunch of them over the years. But isn't it a fun summary?! Recyclables like glass, plastic and steel are also incredibly durable. Can you extend their use before relegating them to the recycling?

Suggestion: print this out (on recycled paper) and stick it on or near your recycling bin. I bet it'll inspire you :) 





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Upcycle: Old plates, new perspectives

in , , by Candice

My mom started collecting decorative plates when I was 12. Her collection adorns the top of the cabinets in her kitchen. And when I say collection, I mean 40+ plates. I have always been, at best, blind to them. At worst... well, not very nice about her dust collectors. But. I already know that when the time comes to choose what of hers to keep, I will choose a selection of her damned plates. So, in the spirit of imagining (and re-imagining) their future, this is a collection of ideas I really like.

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Repurpose: Old earrings, new necklace!

in , by Candice


Remember the eyelidcanvas feature and giveaway? Well, the amazing Kim just did a little repurposing for me and it's glorious. Right???? I bought the little copper leaf earrings at the One of Kind show a few years ago and have hardly warn them. Why? Because they looked odd on me. So they've sat around taunting me. I never stopped thinking they were beautiful. But I was also not wearing them and that felt like a huge waste. I'm betting that many of you know exactly what this feels like!

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Repurpose: Solar-powered school bags

in , by Candice

Here's some inspiration from South Africa! Thato Kgatlhyane was only 18 years old when she and two friends set up Rethaka (Pty) Ltd - a for-profit, woman-owned purpose-driven business. Their first product was the Repurpose Schoolbag, a solar-powered, waterproof schoolbag for children, made from recycled plastic.

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Upcycle: Craft beer chandelier

in , , by Candice

To say that this project has been years in the making is no exaggeration. I enjoy local craft beer. In particular, Revolution Brewing's Anti-Hero IPA. And it's mostly their packaging you're seeing piled up. Craft brewers, across the board, package their cans in a very specific way. The plastic is 96% PCR (post-consumer) and completely recyclable - go them! But I kept all this packaging because it just looked... useful? And as the plastic sheets started to stack up, they looked more and more like building blocks. But for what? 

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Reloved: August issue now in the US!

in , by Candice


I hear from a reliable source that the August issue of Reloved is finally on shelves in the US! Pick it up at Barnes and Noble (not sure if it's stocked anywhere else). 

And if you want the tutorials for all the projects mentioned/featured in my feature ("The "ReFab House") click here. 





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Reshape: Alteration Altercation

in , by Candice

Coming to you live, from the department of cocky refashionistas and people who own sewing machines but have no real training in how to use them well: an apparently basic alteration that failed. 
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Winner! eyelidcanvas pendant

in , by Candice



Time to send this eyelidcanvas pendant to a new home! As always, I used a randomizer to pick the winner and it landed on entry #178 - that's Lanae C! 

Lanae, congrats! Expect an email from me later today to get your shipping details. Thanks to everyone who entered for your interest and thanks to eyelidcanvas (Kim!) for the great giveaway!

Keep up with eyelidcanvas on Facebook and Instagram
Kim's work is available directly through her website and at:
Squasht Boutique, Chicago
Tarnish, Chicago
Gilbert House Children's Museum in Salem, OR
Coming Soon: Strangelovely in Chicago





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Upcycle: Emma Whyte's upcycled cottage

in , by Candice


I'm often very inspired by online home tours, but until I saw Emma Whyte's upcycled cottage (Isle of Skye), I never wanted to just copy something wholesale. Or just move in!

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Fab: Recycling and Upcycling for Travellers

in , by Candice


Do you think you're more or less wasteful when you travel? Do you buy more bottled water than you do at home? Do your recycling habits go out the window because you're in a city/country that doesn't make it easy? Or does the opposite happen?

I recently got to contribute to a beautiful infographic that draws attention to some of these issues. We all know that zooming around the planet in airplanes is not the most carbon-friendly activity. But what about all the other ways we waste? And what can we do about it? 


Click here to see the complete infographic





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