#Creative Recycling

[jensownzoo]

So I finished up outdoor cleaning tasks and was about to start outdoor construction tasks when the clouds started rolling in. So instead of risking frantically trying to get the tools out of the rain, I pivoted to a quick garden project.

A while back I picked up a discarded box fan that unfortunately had a burnt out motor. So I removed the two grills to use for plant protection and was going to put out the rest for the metal scrappers when I had an idea.

Scrapped the motor and blades, kept the case to use for planting. I dug down into the mulch beneath the crabapple tree until I hit dirt then placed the case on top to keep the mulch restrained and packed the mulch back in around it. Lightly cultivated the dirt then spread the wildflower seeds I got from the natives program at the library as well as three packets of very old sunflowers (they probably won't do anything but why not). Added a light coating of spent potting soil on top and tamped in.

I put one of the grills back on held in place with a brick to keep the critters from digging everything up. Then it started raining, so no more outdoor projects today.

But from an earlier garden walk:

Oops! I sowed nasturtium seed in this pot and covered it with a tote to prevent it from being excavated and kinda forgot about it. Now some of them are super leggy. We'll see how that sorts itself out.

Also in the oops category:

These are the two earthboxes that have been covered in thin insulation blanket and some wire caging. It doesn't look nearly as bad in the pic as it does irl but the plants are pretty yellow. I removed all coverings (we'll just have to chance the cabbage moths) to get more sun and also gave them a drink of mild liquid fertilizer for a boost. These are the extra Chinese broccoli and bok choy and kale with bonus green onions. Technically fine for part shade just...not this much.

But in good news the pollinators seemed to have liked the extra-dwarf pak choi I let flower and I should have plenty of seed to collect.

The two pansies that came back (originally obtained half-drowned but free) after winter are now flowering. If I can get them to produce seedpods I can immediately sow the seed to have more of them. It's worked before!

My second sowing of basil is up. Might be ready to transplant by the time all the radishes are done flowering and can go in in their place, right next to the row of tomatoes.

And hey, my fern isn't dead (it just looked that way a month ago).

Climbing rose thriving in the singular patch of sunlight in the side yard started blooming. I've got it trained in an arch down to the ground instead of actually climbing anything.

Elly Belly's (cat) replacement memorial plant is blooming too. It's got two main canes -- this one is doing fine but the other has significant chlorosis going on. No idea why. Maybe all the rain we've gotten this spring? That is somehow only affecting half the plant? I gave it some iron and magnesium based fertilizer just in case, but it's weird.

The next project will be to get all the canna bulbs in the ground. Somewhere. Once it stops raining. Possibly Friday.

[henry89aziengbe]

Eco-Friendly Art Materials: Recycled Art - Repurposing Discarded Items

Introduction Welcome to Worldwide Art Advocacy’s blog, on our project Art and The Earth 45/24 Global Visions for a Sustainable World. In this post, we explore the fascinating world of recycled art, where discarded items are transformed into meaningful creations. This practice not only showcases artistic ingenuity but also promotes sustainability and environmental consciousness. The Essence of…

[hope-for-the-planet]

From the article:

But, as Brownell explained to new customers, Smart is different from the typical craft store: Everything on its shelves has been donated. The shop is what is known as a creative reuse center. These crafting thrift stores keep leftover and unwanted art supplies out of landfills, and instead get them into the hands of other creators at affordable prices. Smart combines that model with another mission. Many of the employees and volunteers who run the shop are adults with disabilities. Over the last decade, the organization has diverted more than one million pounds of art and craft materials from landfills, while providing over 37,400 hours of job coaching, volunteering and employment for adults with disabilities.

I think this is a really great example of how expansive environmental work can be--and how it can coincide with other forms of community action.

Protests and politics aren't the most effective or sustainable form of action for everyone (though there are more diverse ways to participate in that kind of action too!)--providing a service to your community that increases sustainability and aligns with your passions and interests is also an extremely valid and needed form of environmental action.

[townpostin]

Vivek Vidyalaya Jamshedpur Showcases 'Waste to Wonder' Exhibition

Students transform discarded materials into innovative creations Vivek Vidyalaya’s ‘Waste to Wonder’ exhibition demonstrates students’ creativity in recycling everyday waste materials. JAMSHEDPUR – Vivek Vidyalaya in Chhota Govindpur hosted an innovative exhibition titled ‘Waste to Wonder,’ showcasing students’ creations made from recycled materials. The event was inaugurated by chief guest Jyoti…

[xlfurnitureuk]

Upcycling and Repurposing: Giving New Life to Old Furniture and Decor

In a world where sustainability and creativity are increasingly valued, upcycling and repurposing old furniture and decor have become popular ways to breathe new life into tired items while reducing waste. Instead of discarding old pieces, consider transforming them into something beautiful and functional. Here are some ideas for upcycling and repurposing old furniture and decor:

1. Furniture Restoration: Give old furniture a fresh look by sanding, painting, or staining it. You can also replace worn-out upholstery or hardware to rejuvenate the piece and match it to your current decor style.

2. Creative Storage Solutions: Repurpose old crates, suitcases, or baskets into unique storage solutions. Stack crates to create shelving units, turn suitcases into bedside tables, or hang baskets on the wall for stylish organization.

3. Salvaged Wood Projects: Use salvaged wood from old furniture or pallets to create new pieces. Build a rustic coffee table, a reclaimed wood headboard, or a set of shelves for a charmingly weathered look.

4. Upcycled Lighting: Turn old jars, bottles, or metal cans into pendant lights or table lamps. Add a coat of paint or embellishments to match your decor, and install a lighting kit to complete the transformation.

5. Vintage Textile Crafts: Repurpose vintage linens, such as tablecloths, napkins, or curtains, into new home decor items. Sew them into pillow covers, tote bags, or wall hangings for a touch of nostalgia and charm.

6. Garden Art: Transform old garden tools, pots, or even furniture into whimsical garden art. Paint colorful designs on old shovels or rakes, repurpose ceramic pots into planters, or turn an old bench into a focal point for your outdoor space.

7. Picture Frame Gallery: Repurpose old picture frames into a gallery wall or decorative display. Paint frames in coordinating colors, fill them with family photos or artwork, and arrange them creatively on a wall for a personalized touch.

8. Furniture Fusion: Combine different pieces of old furniture to create something entirely new. For example, attach a vintage door to a set of drawers to make a unique entryway table, or repurpose a ladder into a bookshelf by adding shelves between the rungs.

9. Eco-Friendly Crafts: Get creative with eco-friendly materials like cork, cardboard, or newspaper to make handmade decor items. Create coasters from cork scraps, weave baskets from newspaper strips, or build sculptures from recycled cardboard.

10. Personalized Upcycling: Let your imagination run wild and personalize your upcycling projects to suit your taste and style. Whether you're adding a coat of paint, repurposing materials, or embellishing with unique details, make each piece your own.

By upcycling and repurposing old furniture and decor, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personality, reduce waste, and add character to your home.

Discover inspiration for upcycling projects and sustainable decor at xlfurniture.co.uk . Explore a range of eco-friendly furniture and accessories to elevate your home with style and sustainability.

[home24aefurniture]

Upcycling and Repurposing: Giving New Life to Old Furniture and Decor

In a world where sustainability and creativity are increasingly valued, upcycling and repurposing old furniture and decor have become popular ways to breathe new life into tired items while reducing waste. Instead of discarding old pieces, consider transforming them into something beautiful and functional. Here are some ideas for upcycling and repurposing old furniture and decor:

1. Furniture Restoration: Give old furniture a fresh look by sanding, painting, or staining it. You can also replace worn-out upholstery or hardware to rejuvenate the piece and match it to your current decor style.

2. Creative Storage Solutions: Repurpose old crates, suitcases, or baskets into unique storage solutions. Stack crates to create shelving units, turn suitcases into bedside tables, or hang baskets on the wall for stylish organization.

3. Salvaged Wood Projects: Use salvaged wood from old furniture or pallets to create new pieces. Build a rustic coffee table, a reclaimed wood headboard, or a set of shelves for a charmingly weathered look.

4. Upcycled Lighting: Turn old jars, bottles, or metal cans into pendant lights or table lamps. Add a coat of paint or embellishments to match your decor, and install a lighting kit to complete the transformation.

5. Vintage Textile Crafts: Repurpose vintage linens, such as tablecloths, napkins, or curtains, into new home decor items. Sew them into pillow covers, tote bags, or wall hangings for a touch of nostalgia and charm.

6. Garden Art: Transform old garden tools, pots, or even furniture into whimsical garden art. Paint colorful designs on old shovels or rakes, repurpose ceramic pots into planters, or turn an old bench into a focal point for your outdoor space.

7. Picture Frame Gallery: Repurpose old picture frames into a gallery wall or decorative display. Paint frames in coordinating colors, fill them with family photos or artwork, and arrange them creatively on a wall for a personalized touch.

8. Furniture Fusion: Combine different pieces of old furniture to create something entirely new. For example, attach a vintage door to a set of drawers to make a unique entryway table, or repurpose a ladder into a bookshelf by adding shelves between the rungs.

9. Eco-Friendly Crafts: Get creative with eco-friendly materials like cork, cardboard, or newspaper to make handmade decor items. Create coasters from cork scraps, weave baskets from newspaper strips, or build sculptures from recycled cardboard.

10. Personalized Upcycling: Let your imagination run wild and personalize your upcycling projects to suit your taste and style. Whether you're adding a coat of paint, repurposing materials, or embellishing with unique details, make each piece your own.

By upcycling and repurposing old furniture and decor, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personality, reduce waste, and add character to your home.

Discover inspiration for upcycling projects and sustainable decor at home24.ae. Explore a range of eco-friendly furniture and accessories to elevate your home with style and sustainability.

[artisticdivasworld]

The world of recycled crafts

We visited recycled crafts briefly before Christmas, and you can read that post here. But if you’re interested in diving into the world of recycled crafts, it’s a great way to reduce waste, and it’s also incredibly satisfying to transform something old into something new and beautiful. Let’s walk through how you can start making crafts with recycled items, and I’ll share some cool project ideas…

[naddesigns]

From Trash to Treasure - The Art of Collage Wall Décor

In the realm of interior design, the concept of recycling and repurposing has gained significant traction. One of the most exciting and creative ways to incorporate this ethos into your home décor is through collage wall art. Have you ever looked at old magazines, newspapers, and discarded paper items and wondered if there’s a way to turn them into something beautiful? Enter the world of collage…

[schadhauser]

did some tests today with bleach and fabric :-) I had sea creatures on the brain today, if you can't tell

[krumpkin]

Created using scrap metal by artist ( Hazan Novrozi ) 😁. This is none ( AI ) just using actual metal.

[blackkatdraws2]

There are more things in the Parable than Stanley knows about. [Blank Scripts AU]

[lets-revolt-and-survive]

⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿

diy fabric reuse tips 🧣

⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿⁠ ⋋⁠✿⋋⁠✿

[keruukat]

PLARN (Plastic Bag Yarn) TUTORIAL!

You Will Need:

Plastic grocery bags (though you can also use plastic packaging if it didn’t contain food, or really just any plastic if it’s long enough and clean.)

Scissors

Pen that can mark the plastic

Something to measure with

I’m not the best at describing things, so I’m going to do my best to supplement with images. I would put alt text but I don’t honestly know how to meaningfully describe the images that’s not what I write in the tutorial. Also don’t mind my dirty desk!

Instructions!

Grab your bag! I’m using this blue one because I thought it would show up better on camera and I have a bunch.

Flatten it out, like so! I like to hook one thumb in the bottom flap thing, where it’s sealed shut, and the other in the handle.

Fold it up! I fold it in half, twice, hot dog style. Should get you a nice long rectangle. Make sure the edges are nice and lined up, especially the bottom and the handles.

Chop off the sealed bottom as close as you can to the seam, and the handles as straight as possible. You want nice square corners. You’ve basically got a cylinder of plastic, now.

Unfold one side. It should have only one layer of plastic. If it has more, refold it up and flip it over, and unfold it again.

Measure and mark the width you want your plarn to be! I use an old staples box for the perfect width for my use, but you might want it thinner or thicker depending on. Too thin might cause issues with stretching while working, though.

Cut off any excess. This is where I’m discarding the damaged part!

Mark the top edge, staggered from the bottom marks. Exactly half way! This will be a guideline later.

Cut the marks on the folded side. DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY ACROSS! Only cut the folded parts, into strips.

Unfold it! Everything should be attached on one side only. It’s time to Spiralize This Bitch.

Cut on a diagonal where one cut ends and the next begins. Hopefully that makes sense? You’re trying to take this tube and make it into a long spiral.

Ta da! You have 1 bag worth of plarn! Tie any subsequent strips together, and have fun working with your plarn!

PRO TIP: this is pretty labor-intensive but I’ve been reinforcing the plarn by single-crocheting the whole length of it, weaving tied ends in as you go. It’s worth it, because I’m making a granny square tote bag out of this, and I don’t want it to break when I’m done.

[tilbageidanmark]

Guillermo Galetti, an Argentine Artist, Transforms Scrap Metal Into Unique Sculpture

[agendrangel]

"another world is possible". collagraph of an eastern giant swallowtail, created with recycled mailers and cardboard, printed on handmade paper. it's fun turning trash into treasure...

[bevanne46]

When flour bags became dresses…In the 1930s, during the harsh years of the Great Depression, survival required creativity — and kindness came in unexpected forms.

In the United States, flour and grain were shipped in cotton sacks. For struggling families, nothing went to waste — not even the packaging. Mothers began to turn those sacks into dresses for their daughters. But the plain fabric? It wasn’t much to look at.

Then something beautiful happened.

The Kansas Wheat Company saw what was going on… and they decided to help.

They began printing their sacks with floral patterns and bright colors — not just to ship wheat, but to offer dignity and beauty to those in need. Some even had sewing patterns printed directly on the fabric, ready to be cut and stitched.

And the ink? Designed to fade after one wash. Just like that, a flour sack became a summer dress, a Sunday outfit, a symbol of resilience.

Women didn't just sew for their children — some sold their handmade pieces to earn extra income, passing strength from one home to another.

This wasn’t just marketing.

It was compassion stitched into cotton. A silent gesture that said: We see you. You matter. You're not alone.