Guest Post - Repurpose 8 Items You Already Own

Hi. This is Kalani, from Kalanicut, and I am so happy to be here at Mod Nest today. Here’s a quick list of 8 things you already own or can buy very cheaply at thrift stores that are easy to recycle, revive and reuse to style up your home. Here we go!

Image Credits: Susan Weinroth - Fiskars & Martha Stewart, Leslie Shewring - A Creative Mint 

1. Large frames

Before you donate that large art you’re so tired of, think about what you could do with the frame by refreshing it: a cork board, ribbon message board, vision board, a mirror or to frame a new piece of art.

2. Small frames

It’s so easy to end up with a bunch of wacky frames of all shapes, sizes and finishes. These can be spray painted to match for wall collages, to frame collections of treasures, a keyholder board, small etched mirrors and fabric appliqué art.

3. Favorite clothes & fabrics

A tear in a favorite clothing item, linen or interior fabric doesn’t have to mean the end. Cut up the fabric to make a quilt, small pillow front, use fabric stiffener to make art projects, create a sassy appliqué design on a favorite skirt, or use it as backing in a frame.

4. Throw pillows

If you’re tired of a pillow but the stuffing still has life, recover it with new sham in a fresh new fabric.

5. Jars and vases

These are often generic items that easily accumulate in a home. Spray paint a grouping all the same color or use colorful masking tape to create patterns on them to style them up for flowers, desk organization, or shelf or mantle décor.

6. Wood bowls and trays

You can give these a beautiful new life by sanding off the shiny old finish and giving them a good coat of beeswax salad bowl finish to give the wood a very organic, earthy look and feel.

7. Sheets

Sheets can very easily be made into window curtain panels. They can be dyed to a new color, block printed or ribbon or small appliqués can easily be sewn on. With no sewing they can be hung with clip rings.

8. Baskets and boxes

These can easily be cheered up with a fresh coat of paint or made to look old with aging processes. Then they can used in cupboards and closets or to collect things in a bathroom or near the bed or front door. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective to make them useful again.

Hope this list inspires you to recycle, revive and reuse forgotten or unloved items you have around your home. Happy DIY-ing!

Comments

[Glenda]

Great, creative and practical post, Kalani. I think I have all those things in my house, except the wooden bowls. My mind is whirlling with ideas. Thanks.

Fondly,
Glenda

[Terry]

I love trying to find new ways to display items that I already have around the house - green, thrifty, and easy. What's not to like. Thanks for reminding me that spray paint is our best friend, lol. (here from Kalanicut)