Instead, it’s a good idea to think about what these could be. Before making tossing out that old colander, for example, think of another way to use it—say as a light fixture cover? Just think outside the box and get creative. Group smaller treasures together on window ledges and shelves. Stack the large pieces at the back and small ones in front. Don’t be afraid to group unlikely objects together—for instance, team up a battered bowling pin with plastic robot and metal stop sign. As a group, they form an unlikely but amusing vignette.
What to look for
- What does an object’s shape remind you of? For example, is that old toolbox just the right size and shape to be repurposed as a tiered cutlery tray?
- Could a piece be combined with other objects and refashioned into a completely new item--an old door into a headboard or a screen door into a message center?
- Can an item hold something? Kitchen jars, tea caddies, large mugs, and teapots make unusual containers for growing culinary herbs; old bread boxes can be used for household filing; antique preserve jars can be reused to hold dry food staples. Old buckets can hold flowers.
- Before tossing out old furniture, start by checking for sound structure. If a piece of furniture is in good shape but looks haggard, think cosmetic surgery. It’s easy to give something a facelift with a new coat of paint, a new cover, or a little artful customizing.
Furniture
- Forgotten furniture can be used to create an original look by mixing and matching. Pieces can be used in unconventional ways—a coffee table crafted from an old garden table, a fold-out chair covered in a lace tablecloth—make eye-catching statements.
- An old sewing-machine trestle can be used in place of a dressing table or a side table in the living room or porch.
Old and Chipped Dishes
- Don’t shy away from that stash of antique cups and plates. These can be repurposed into useful compotes or cake stands with just a little glue.
- Use chipped plates and bowls as bird feeders.
- Use chipped teacups and glasses for vases and flowerpots for small floral arrangements, or chipped cups or mugs to hold homemade candles.
Silverware
- Bend old forks into picture or recipe cardholders and spoons into wall hooks.
- Make napkin rings the same way.
- Make a wind chime with odds and ends of silverware.
Fabrics
- Drape those unused pashminas or ponchos over sofas or sew into cushions. Other great clothing finds are silk scarves, which can be remade into cushion covers or to adorn plain bedside tables.
- Recycle that pile of old shirts, skirts and dresses into a braided rug by braiding strips of fabric and then sewing them into an oval or make a patchwork quilt by sewing pieces together, add batting and backing and quilt.
- Transform old sweaters into soft, stuffed animals for the kids.
- Cut up mismatched leather gloves into doll shoes and clothes, or puppets.
So, save some money and take a good look at what's hiding away in closets, attics, basements, or garages. The possibilities are endless for reusing, recycling, and repurposing what may be thought of as junk. All that's needed is a bit of creative release. Look for ways to recycle DIY leftovers here.
