the ReFab Diaries

Architectural Artifacts and a Show of Hands

in , by Candice

Yesterday I happily wandered a new a favorite Chicago craft show (Show of Hands) and supported two of my favorite jewelers and friends: Tania Rodamilans and Betsy Siber. I also experienced the amazing thing that is Architectural Artifacts. It's described as an antique store and architectural museum. I'd describe it as a three-ring-circus for junk jivers. Or perhaps as The Night Circus meets Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium meets American Horror Story? I'll stop writing now and just show you lots of pictures. 


From a time when you could "know" your future for two quarters.
VIEW the POST
0 comments

Refashion: Liberating growing arms

in , , by Candice

Hi rebfabbers ... it's been a while since I posted! I have a few things to share in the next couple of weeks, but first a quick, practical fix. I've been playing with ways to make kid's clothes last longer and work harder since Ms R arrived in 2010. I've turned long-sleeve onesies into short sleeve swing tops (tutorial), used the legs of too-short pants to add sleeves to old t-shirts (tutorial) and combined a shirt of mine with a onesie of hers to make a dress (tutorial). 
VIEW the POST
0 comments

Upcycle: T-shirt keepsakes

in , by Candice

A couple of days ago, a friend sent me a message: "I have a ton of old tshirts that I don't want to throw out. Any upcycle ideas for me?" I was about to fire back links to lots of great ideas when I realized:

 a. Most ideas for upcycling t-shirts involve seriously repurposing the shirts. In other words, some serious destruction followed by reconstruction.
b. Most ideas for upcycling t-shirts result in things women will like, use or wear. This friend is a man.
c. Most of the ideas are DIYs. My friend Jason is not about to sew himself... well... anything really.

VIEW the POST
0 comments

Repurpose: wicker plate holders

in , by Candice

What do I even call these things? Paper-plate holders? Plate chargers? Wicker plates? Support for floppy paper discs we probably shouldn't be eating off of? Whatever they're called, they were a big part of my life growing up. Why? Because South Africans like to braai (grill out, barbeque). It's a warm place. We wear shorts on Christmas day and eat outdoors a lot. So, I have strong memories of these plate-holder things scratching my bare legs.
VIEW the POST
2 comments

Fab: Fabrice Monteiro's garbage garments

in , by Candice


Informed by the critical environmental problems that plague so much of the African continent, photographer Fabrice Monteiro, costume designer Doulsy (Jah Gal) and Ecofund collaborated on a harrowing series of photographs to visually represent the rampant ecological issues.

"The Prophecy", shot at ten locations in Senegal, features intricately costumed figures interacting with the surrounding pollution. Their meticulously built costumes are partially made from garbage and debris found at each the site.

Read this great interview with Monteiro.


VIEW the POST
0 comments

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 :) 





VIEW the POST
0 comments

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.

VIEW the POST
3 comments

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!

VIEW the POST
0 comments

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.

VIEW the POST
0 comments

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? 

VIEW the POST
0 comments
© the ReFab Diaries · THEME BY WATDESIGNEXPRESS
–>