Trash To Treasure - DIYInspired.com
08th Jul2011

Ways to Repurpose Record Albums and CD’s

by Dinah Wulf

Ways to Repurpose Record Albums and CD’s

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With the emergence of the internet and the ipod or mp3 player, we had to have known that just like eight tracks, records and tapes, CD’s would become obsolete too!  Not too long ago, I drove by an old Tower Records building which was about three blocks away from a vacant and empty Virgin Records store. Most of the Blockbuster Video stores around town are boarded up as well.  Yikes!  At least, I have noticed, that all three still have somewhat of an online presence.

Here are some more inexpensive crafts from recycled old record albums, DVD’s, and compact discs.  They make great DIY gifts too! If you  don’t have any old LP’s, you can buy them for about $1 at almost any local thrift store.

 

 

Tip: Some old record album covers have beautiful artwork on them.  Frame and arrange a few in coordinating colors to make interesting wall art.

Check out these other creative ways to recycle:

Find great links for perfect gift ideas here:

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3 Comm
29th Jun2011

Trash to Treasure: Recycled Beer and Wine Bottles

by Dinah Wulf

Trash to Treasure: Recycled Beer and Wine Bottles

You know you’ll party like a Rockstar on the fourth of July in a few days, so what do you do with all the beer and wine bottles? Don’t throw them away! Save them all! Recycling bottles is a must these days; so start thinking GREEN and turn your trash into treasure.  Check out these creative ways to reuse recycled beer and wine bottles.

So a few of these may be challenging for a first time DIY’er; but fun to look at nonetheless.  It’s tough choosing the best idea (they’re all ingenious).  If I had to choose, I’d have to go with the wine bottle wind chimes… eco-friendly, creative, and beautiful.

Wine Bottle Wind Chimes- So pretty and unexpected!

Beer Bottle Chandelier- All I can say is WOW!

Wine Bottle Chair- I love the shape and style of this.  However, it doesn’t seem to look too comfortable!

Beer Bottle Tea Lights- Very cool and one I need to try!  I LOVE the look of the mercury glass.  It’s very timeless.

Wine Bottle Shelves-  These would be cool painted a fun vibrant color.

Beer Bottle Clock- Can you see the bottles?

Check out these other creative ways to recycle:

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10 Comm
27th Jun2011

Upcycled Children’s Play Table

by Dinah Wulf

Upcycled Children’s Play Table

One of my best friends gave me this Disney princess table when she moved. I loved the shape of the chairs and the storage pocket in the center; however it was a little worn from use.

I decided to take on this DIY project, paint it, and “glam” it up a bit with a Hollywood Regency style. This do it yourself  project required painting it, adding seat cushions, a monogram, and a clear crystal knob. I had the primer, paint, and fabric from past projects already, so the total cost for this table and two chairs was less than $20.00.

Here is the after:

I decided to prime it first, even though the surface was already smooth due to the existing character design. I used a light sand paper to help remove a few old stickers, and cleaned the surface. Two coats of primer worked perfectly. When priming, make sure the paint is completely dry in between coats.

I painted both chairs and table with two coats of white paint. After is dried completely, I used painters tape to tape off my design. I painted the design, the storage cover, and the balls of the table legs and chairs blue.

After you paint is completely dry, I recommend painting the table top with polyurethane with at least two coats. It is added protection for it’s future marriage with crayons and markers!

Meanwhile, I used a circular wooden plaque, polyester fiber fill, and fabric for the seat cushions.

When stapling fabric onto the plaque, it’s best to keep the extra material and trim it after.

I glued the seat cushions to the chair with an extra strength wood glue and added a self adhesive monogram. I also added a few coats of decoupage medium to seal in the monograms.

Next, I reattached the storage bag and added a knob to the lid.

Here are some before and after pictures.

Since I didn’t have to buy paint or fabric, here is what I ended up spending. Not too shabby!

  • Clear Plastic Knob - $2.97
  • 2 Monogrammed Letters - $2.97 each
  • 2 Wooden Plaques - $5.49 each
  • Polyester Fiber Fill – $2.99 for one bag

Total Cost: $17.39 plus tax

Check out these other Before and After DIY Projects:

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Category : DIY Furniture, Kid Stuff, Trash To Treasure
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13 Comm
07th Jun2011

10 Creative Ways to Recycle Newspaper

by Dinah Wulf

10 Creative Ways to Recycle Newspaper

So I just figured out how you can go to a party with a newspaper basket present wrapped in newspaper, inside a newspaper gift bag wearing a newspaper dress, newspaper coat, and newspaper bracelet carrying your newspaper purse. Oh yeah, and the party is decorated with newspaper oragami and a newspaper Happy Birthday banner and you can sit (un)comfortably on your newspaper bench.

Don’t throw away that old newspaper! When it comes to creativity like this, recycling is a must! You can start simple by making a banner or wrapping a gift, but those who are more adventurous? I say, try the making the newspaper coat or newspaper bench!

Here are 10 creative crafts from recycled newspaper.

  1. The first one is the obvious one! Use it as gift wrap.
  2. Make a bracelet.
  3. Make a Happy Birthday banner.
  4. Make a gift bag.
  5. Build a bench.
  6. Make oragami!
  7. Make a basket.
  8. Make a dress.
  9. Need a coat to go over that dress?
  10. And of course you’ll need a purse to go with that outfit!

Click on the links to view tutorials and photo sources.

Check out these creative ways to recycle:

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5 Comm
03rd Jun2011

Trash To Treasure: 4 Ways to Reuse Old Boxes

by Dinah Wulf

Trash To Treasure: 4 Ways to Reuse Old Boxes

Think twice before throwing away your old boxes. What better way to be eco-friendly and recycle than by turning trash into something functional.  Recycling and repurposing boxes is budget friendly as well! There are many many ways to recycle boxes, but here are four ways you can repurpose cardboard cereal, food, and other boxes very easily.

The plate and napkin holder is for my daughter’s Paul Frank themed birthday party. The party is outdoors at a park and I wanted to make sure the paper plates and napkins did not blow away and came up with this solution. I covered an old wooden box with themed wrapping paper and scrapbook paper and added a personal sign… simple, cute, and festive.

1. Plate and Napkin Holder for a Themed Party

 

2. Cereal Box Magazine Holder

3. Food Box Organizers. A perfect and inexpensive way to stay organized.

4. Recycling Bin - Recycle to recycle!!

 

More Ways to Repurpose! 

Creative ways to recycle, reuse, and repurpose:

 

 

 

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8 Comm
31st May2011

Recycle Glass Bottles and Jars

by Dinah Wulf

Spaghetti jars? Baby food jars? Pickle Jars? Recycle Glass Bottles and Jars by getting crafty!

It IS easy being green! Everyone has glass bottles and jars just waiting to be recycled in their cupboard.  I actually didn’t realize how interesting spaghetti  jars and pickle jars were until I peeled off the label the other day. They actually make perfect sized drinking glasses or craft storage containers.  Mason jar crafts are omnipresent.  I’ve done a few of my own!

Here are six eco-friendly crafts from recycled glass bottles and jars. These are some of my favorite.  The flower vases and glass bottles make elegant centerpieces… such a fun and inexpensive idea for a wedding.

  1. Spice Rack from Natural Modern Materials
  2. Storage Containers
  3. Flower Vases from Wedding Number Three
  4. Glass Jar Frames from Apartment Therapy
  5. Terrariums from Crafting A Green World
  6. Candle Centerpiece from Natural Modern Materials

Think Green and repurpose and recycle glass bottles and jars!

 

More Ways to Repurpose! 

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3 Comm
25th May2011

5 More Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Books

by Dinah Wulf

5 More Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Books

There were so many inspiring ideas out there for repurposing old books that I had to share five more! The purse seems like it would be a little heavy, and the desk, well it speaks for itself, but how ingenious! Here we go…

Create interesting artwork and make an invisible book shelf.

Hollow it out to make a secret hiding place. (on a side note, I love how the picture shows a cherished floppy disk).

Turn books into a purse.

Create an interesting conversation piece and make a desk or coffee table.

Become eco-friendly and repurpose old books!

 

More Ways to Repurpose! 

Creative ways to recycle, reuse, and repurpose:

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9 Comm
24th May2011

5 Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Books

by Dinah Wulf

5 Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Books

I LOVE to read. I remember at one point I’d happen to be browsing the “recommended” book shelves and there were very few that I had not already read. Needless to say, my shelves are littered with books.

Think twice before throwing away your old books. You can’t really sell them for much anyway! Take the eco-friendly route and repurpose them into something new and inventive.  Here are 5 creative ways to repurpose old books.

Make a storybook clock for a nursery.

Turn one into a unique lamp.

Make your own postcards.

Make an interesting picture frame.

Make your own book page wallpaper.

 

 

 

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3 Comm
19th May2011

DIY Wall Art: Unique Picture Frame Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

DIY Wall Art: Unique Picture Frame Ideas

So I have been writing this blog for almost a month now thinking that I would inspire others, when in fact I have inspired myself!  There are so many creative minds out there and I can only hope that I am half as talented. I’ve found amazing ideas from turning old books into a purse to making an ultra hip chair entirely out of compact discs and DVDs! Those posts are to come in the near future, but let’s start more simply with picture frames.

Check out these four unique DIY wall art ideas to use picture frames and click on the link if you’d like to view the tutorials:

  1. Showcase a Collection
  2. Use Empty Frames to Decorate a Wall
  3. Make a Key Holder
  4. Make a Chalkboard Program

Looking for more DIY Decorating Ideas? Try:

Check out these creative ways to recycle:

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Category : DIY Artwork, Trash To Treasure
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6 Comm
18th May2011

Room Decor Ideas: MR. GOODWILL HUNTING

by Dinah Wulf

Room Decor Ideas: MR. GOODWILL HUNTING

Everyone needs a little budget design inspiration these days. Being a big fan of the Nate Berkus Show, I wanted to share one of my favorite reoccurring guests, Rashon Carraway aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting.  He started with a blog, and became an overnight sensation after appearing on the show. He has mastered the art of turning trash to treasure!

Watching him work his magic is inspiring when it comes to design and DIY projects.  He is an “expert” on designing on a budget (and I’m talkin’ a tight a*s budget… an entire living room for $240.00!), exclusively through refurbishing thrift store finds. Take a look at some of his fabulous designs.

You May Also Like: Upcycled Old Candle Sconces

Try these other DIY decorating ideas:

Need more inspiration? Check out these Interior Design Ideas:

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Category : Interior Design Inspiration, Trash To Treasure
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5 Comm
16th May2011

Trash to Treasure: Upcycled Old Candle Sconces

by Dinah Wulf

Trash to Treasure: Upcycled Old Candle Sconces

Let’s face it, our styles change over time. I’ve had these old sconces since college, and I found them tucked away in the back of a cabinet. I liked the pattern, but wanted to revamp them a little and decided to go bold and paint them turquoise to give them more life. I used two coats of an acrylic paint, and glazed it with 3 coats of  triple-thick crystal clear spray paint.

This cost less than $10 to for this DIY wall art, with materials left over for another project, and and I have turned trash to treasure!

 

You May Also Like: Room Decor Ideas MR. GOODWILL HUNTING

Other Trash to Treasure ideas:

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1 Comm
28th Apr2011

Updated Baby Storage Bins

by Dinah Wulf

Wait… did that sound right? Not storage for babies babies, but storage for all the crap that comes with them! So, I wanted to do something fun for my daughters bedroom and decided to add a little life to these bland storage bins for her toys, books, and diapers.

Here is how I made these updated baby storage bins.

Materials needed:

  • Fabric Storage Bin
  • Material of choice
  • Wooden frame
  • Hot glue gun
  • Staple gun
  • Oval wooden plaque
  • Computer
  • Colored scrapbook paper of choice

Using a staple gun, staple fabric to the wooden frame and hot glue it to the fabric bin. Wooden frames can be found at IKEA for $1.99 for three! The design is up to you. I printed out symbols that my brother designed with my computer on scrapbook paper and glued it to an oval wooden plaque.

Here are a few close up pictures.

Inspired by this post? You may also like, Easy Lamp Shade Update.

 

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Category : Kid Stuff, Trash To Treasure
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3 Comm
25th Apr2011

Repurpose Old Frames and Brooches

by Dinah Wulf

I didn’t know until just now that that’s how you spell “brooches”.  It looks weird, but spell check says it’s right! Anyway, I saw this on the Nate Berkus Show and wanted to do it right away! It’s a great way to turn trash to treasure. Repurpose Old Frames and Brooches to make a great Mother’s Day gifts as well.

Just click on the image to see the full photo.

Hanging Frame Brooch
Hang your frames with a decorative ribbon and a brooch. Cut off the pin mechanism from the back of your brooch with wire cutters, and add a flathead nail. Thread a ribbon though your brooch for a beautiful hanging picture.

Magnet Brooches
Cut off the back of the brooch with a wire cutter, and add a magnet from the craft store with a glue gun.

Framed Tray
Turn your vintage frames into decorative serving trays with only an 1/8th of a yard of fabric! Add your favorite fabric underneath the glass of your frame.

Feeling Inspired? You may also like the post: DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

You May Also Like These Recycling Ideas:

Find great links for perfect gift ideas here:

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