If you're curious about what I do and how, this is a good post to introduce you. You should also scroll through the pages called "Tutorials", "Roundups" and "How to upcycle". In addition to this sort of crafty upcycling, I spent 2016 shifting to a more overt, zero-waste lifestyle. The goal was to trim my waste as much as possible.
I see treasure in trash. I think there's joy to be found in junk, wonder in waste. I've been showing you my upcycles, alley grabs, refabs, roadkill rescues and refashions since 2009. As I contemplate the next step in trimming my waste (so to speak), here's a roundup of some of my favorites tutorials.
1 and 2. Aluminum Cans
Specifically, local (Chicago) craft beer cans. I love good beer and supporting local brewers. And I'm often distracted by the beautiful design featured on the cans. So much so, I thought they were worthy of jewelry. Save a few cans from your recycling and make your own geometric necklace or flower pin.
3. Book Folding (if you're a book lover, please know that I am too. Here's my argument for why I think crafting with books is acceptable).
By far the most popular post on the blog, folded books make beautiful wall decor. It's a great way to repurpose a book that no one (and I mean no one) will ever read again. For example, old reference books, recipe books and city guides.
4. Negatives
If you're keeping old negatives, ask yourself why? If you've lost the pictures, go get them printed! Then turn the negatives into something beautiful. Earrings, a necklace or create something decorative for your home.
5. Pages of old books
There are so many ways to use book pages! Make your own paper beads then use them to make a bookmark. Or...
6. Big reference books
Huge old encyclopedias are too big for bookfolds. So I made a book vase and won a Womens' Day Challenge for my trouble. I've also turned books into clocks and purses.
7. Guitar strings
I played acoustic guitar since I was 12. I threw out so many broken strings in that time. What a waste! I could have made bunches of these beautiful flowers. And if you have an old, broken guitar lying around, here's a round of ways you could repurpose it.
8. Postage stamps (or any other pretty paper)
Betsy Siber makes beautiful jewelry out of stamps from around the world. This earring tutorial she created for me a few years ago is still a favorite. And here are other ideas for things you can do with old stamps.
Looking for more ideas? There's a long list of repurposing ideas in the sidebar. Lots of tutorials here and big roundups here.
