recycled gifts and crafts

she_grinch

Here's a good idea for storing allthose scrappy bits of ribbon that crafty folk tend to collect http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/sweet_ribbon_dispenser
They would also be good for storing beads,needles, sequins, hooks and eyes, press studs, I wouuldn't suggest using them to store pills though for obvious reasons.

mary43

Good idea :T

she_grinch

And they're cheap and cheerful too!!!:)

she_grinch

Recycling sweaters into christmas stockings, these lokk wonderful http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.0e0eb51a2e6b5ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=caf32e912b11f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&backto=true

Chris25

linni wrote: »

Wonderful idea. I am knitting cushion covers but had never thought of turning a jumper into one.

I made a couple of cushion covers out of the children's old aran polo neck jumpers. But I'm not good at sewing so I just tied the arms at the back and along the bottom edge I've threaded bag ties - ok for us as no small children in the house.

I also used one with a cowl neck as a hot water bottle cover and threaded a ribbon around the neck. this was such a beautiful sweater (mottled and flecked with russets and mauves), I was determined to use it for something!!

she_grinch

I am so glad that I am not alone in wondering what I can do with things around the house which are too small,old,small holes etc and this is my year to make as many things as I can and spend as little as I can!! I love a challenge.
Sadly though this thread doesn't seem to be attracting much interest but I will keep an eye on it for a while and see if it's worth my time posting ideas in the near future:o

Chris25

I went to a party where a lady was selling children's cushion covers. She bought up old candlewick bedspreads and dyed them really bright colours and then made daisy & circular shaped covers. She also made handbags from old blankets (dyed too) too and lined them with gorgeous vintage fabric from old dresses, aprons or whatever.
I bought some earrings that used to be chandelier drops

she_grinch

Wonderful ideas, I am looking out for old sweaters for a throw in my local charity shop and a jumbo jigsaw! and also I am looking for interesting fabric textures in shades of cream, caramel and gol to make my christmas stockings for this year!

Chris25

she grinch, why are you looking for a jumbo jigsaw?

she_grinch

If you have any toddler floor puzzles you could paint the pieces, drill a small hole in the piece and attach to children's presents for gift tags.
Or paint white, cream or pastel for sophisticated look
Mettalic for christmas
Black for moody teenagers
Chalkboard for toddlers
Red for valentines (with message reading you are the final /missing piece of my puzzle! or you complete me)
etc etc!