Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Happy Belated Earth Day!

Earth Day was yesterday so I wanted to share a few projects I have designed which reuse/repurpose items that would normally be thrown out. I am in the process of moving my scrapbook room to the lower level of our home. I am also rethinking some of my storage and organization. I am trying very hard to stay on a budget for reorganizing and decorating my new space. Recycling a few items that would have been thrown away is definitely progress in maintaining my self-imposed budget! {smile}

One thing I had to change was the way I stored my pattern paper and cardstock. My previous method was not working for me. Rather than spend way too much on paper holders, I repurposed old shipping boxes from an online scrapbook orders. I traced the shape of a plastic paper holder than I had for magazines and trimmed the shipping box with a craft knife. Next, I spray painted the box using Krylon's Paper Finishes (Make it Suede) and allowed it to dry. I then trimmed the paper to fit each side & the front, then glued the paper in place. The "cardstock" label on the front is printed from a battery operated label maker/printer. I just inked the white label tape to coordinate. I have MANY more of these to paint and cover but I'm delighted with how this turned out.

The next recycled item I used were Crystal Light containers. I just tore off the labels, cut the paper to size, inked the edges and glued the paper in place. I want to add onto my pen storage so this is a perfect solution to keep adding on in a pyramid sort-of method. I just used glue dots to hold them together.

Here are both items:

This past weekend I was browsing Etsy and discovered a really cool Etsy store where she repurposes old rubber into pretty rings made with zip ties! I'd love to see any eco-friendly/recylcing type of crafts you've created! Just post a link in the comments!

13 comments:

  1. What a wonderful idea. Who can't use more storage items. I'm going to remember this idea. Especially love the pencil holders!

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  2. I am totally going to make some of those paper holders! Great ideas Stace and I love the color choices of papers you used.

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  3. LOVE these projects!!! I can't wait to make those pencil holders...just gotta get some Crystal Light. :) I'll be posting my 'recycled container' gift idea on Friday! You've inspired me!

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  4. Super cool ideas Stace, can't wait to see your finished space. :0)

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  5. What great ideas! I love how easily you made it to understand what you did. Perfect stuff for a scrappy space!

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  6. This is a great idea - I've been looking for horizontal marker/pen storage, but hadn't come up with any good options. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  7. OMGoodness. What excellent ideas!
    Perfect for earth week too!
    Hugs,
    Joani

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  8. WOW! That is really a neat idea...I love to recycle when I can...thanks for the ideas!!

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  9. Wow...I think I just found a site that I will be visiting often! I am going to add this blog to my favorites...you have great ideas! I am also trying to rearrange my scrapbook room! I love your pen holders!

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  10. What great ideas Stace!!! Talk about thinking outside the box!!! Great projects!

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  11. Fabulous ideas -- love your recycled storage ideas!

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  12. ? What size of shipping box will accommodate 12X12 paper?
    Great idea!

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  13. What a great recycling idea, I use the crystal lite for pens but have not decorated them and I like the idea of the pyramid tower. I also throw those shipping boxes away and have thought of using them for storage but could not figure out how to get the right shape, so thanks and I can use them for more magazine storage. Great ideas.......

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