Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Drawers

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My neighborhood is filled with homes built in the 50's. And while it is a decade that makes my heart sing, it is not admired by many. This leaves a lot of folks in our neighborhood gutting their kitchens and redecorating/remodeling. This leaves me scoring some pretty sweet finds during bulk trash week. My latest score? A few kitchen drawers that were removed and discarded to make room for an updated version. I know, I know... they're drawers with no home. No kitchen, no chest, no desk to be safely tucked into. But oh, the possibilities that open up!

a planter

in the garden

an entire desk

a snack tray

add legs for a nice side table

floating side tables

coffee table

under the bed

more under the bed

bookcase/storage

tabletop (and how mine will be used in Kim's wedding)

Now you can see why I got a little excited over my find huh? I think once the wedding is over I will either use them in the garden like Emily did above or as floating bedside tables for the boys. Not sure.  What would you do with your old drawers? (And I don't mean your old nickers!) ha ha ha. Happy thrifting and recycling! xo

Now I REALLY Love Koozies!

Koozies (can coolers) are phenomenal. They keep your beverages cold while you float in the lake, ride in a boat or picnic outside. They're cheap and usually given away at fairs or conferences. I have yet to determine why there is not a koozie for pint ice cream, but that's another post.

Above is Liam. My two year old. He's a mess!  We call him out little Maniac. He's totally crazy, hilarious and more than a handful. So why am I talking about him on a DIY post?  Well, there is one cabinet in my kitchen that my kids can get into. It's the one with the lunch boxes and koozies. Liam really likes getting into this cabinet. His favorite thing to do is grab the Verizon koozie (whose bottom was half ripped out) and put it on his arm like a bracelet. Eventually the whole bottom of the koozie gave way and Liam had his own little bracelet koozie. One day while watching him walk around with this thing on his arm I got an idea... "oh, that koozie would make a great graphic fabric stamp." And tada - today's DIY was formed.

Here's what you'll need to make your own printed fabric:

Fabric paint
Fabric (I used muslin. Wash and press before printing.)
Koozie (with bottom removed)
Towel (to go under fabric in case the paint bleeds through)
Paper plate (or something else to contain your paint)

Step 1 - lay down towel

Step 2 - lay down fabric

Step 3 - pour paint onto plate

Step 4 - dip "stamp" covering entire area of "stamp"evenly

Step 5 - press onto fabric in desired pattern

Step 6 - allow paint to dry (set paint with warm iron if required)

It's that easy! Fun right? And there are so many cool things you can do too - the possibilities are endless! I  made a car organizer for my boys toys out of mine. (see below)

before

after

after filled with stuff

Oh gosh, I love me some organization and some easy, self-made fabric! What will you make with your fabric?  Don't forget to check back tomorrow, as we reveal the winner for the FINAL DIY. See you then! xo

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Mason Jars

When I'm in Mexico there are several things I notice, but there is one in particular that I think is so brilliant. They reuse everything! While on a walk, I broken bottles used atop a cement wall to keep people from trespassing. Now that one might be a bit extreme, but if you think about all the things that we throw out as "trash" it's amazing.  Go ahead, take a look at your recycle bin. There are tons of containers in there from plastic to glass that has me wondering quite often, "why do we buy plastic storage ware?"

I bet you have pasta sauce or pickles in your pantry now. Mason jars are everywhere these days. They even sell them by the dozen at the grocery store. But instead of buying them, why not wash out what you have on hand and try some of these recycling ideas!

I fill mine with sea salt or sand and put a votive in them for a little candle light on the back patio.

Cookie recipe gifts with everything you need included. (source)

I love this soap dispenser idea.  How clever is that?  Find the tutorial here.

Condiment storage, making for a very tidy countertop. (source)

I love the branches with the mason jars and the map so much it hurts. (source)

Here's another vase idea for outside. I've also wrapped wire around the mouth of the jar, creating a handle, to hang from a tree or hook. (source)

Don't these jars look much better as vases, storage and candle holders than they do filling up your recycle bin? Go ahead, soak those jars in some soapy water, remove the label and glue and let your imagination go wild! xo

PS - I'd love to hear from you.  What are you recycling/reusing these days?

Around The House: Sticks

One of my favorite places for inspiration is Anthropologie. Years ago they had sticks, tree branches, (whatever you want to call them) hanging from the ceiling by yarn. A couple of years back they did one huge branch above their cash registers also hanging by yarn. I took a cue from Anthro and used this lovely found object on my bedroom wall. I spray painted them white, wrapped the tops in yellow yarn and hung them from the ceiling.  They look amazing against the gray walls. (I'd share a photo, but my camera seems to be MIA right now.) I've also used them as table decor, Christmas decoration and curtain rods.

Sticks, beautiful sticks that can be found anywhere in your neighborhood, perhaps even in your own back yard, can truly transform a room! And, it seems everyone is inspired by sticks these days! xo

images via my flickr, design*sponge, apartment therapy and simply grove.