Thrifty Craft: Four Repurposed Materials for your Craft Project

Thrifty Craft: Four Repurposed Materials for your Craft Project

You don’t have to have money to be artsy. We all see trash surrounding us in our day to day lives; why not turn a little bit of the trash into something magnificent?

Old Magazines

Have you ever felt a little bit of guilt throwing out those old magazines? Believe it or not, your old magazines can be turned into a multitude of masterpieces. Magazine pages cut vertically into half inch strips are easily turned into gorgeous, patterned origami stars, or hearts. Take it up a notch and you can turn those pages into traditional-sized origami paper, which can be folded into cranes, boxes, envelopes and so much more – you can even use it for holiday bows and gift wrapping! If you are interested in doing this but don’t have a magazine subscription, consider asking your friends or even your local recycling plant to give you their extras.

Thrifty Craft, Four Repurposed Materials for your Craft Project

Thinking About Donating Clothes?

As we sort through clothes to be donated, we often find items that are stained, ripped or otherwise unsuitable for donation. I like to take these clothes, tear out the seams, cut the item into (again) half inch strips and tie or sew them together for yarn. I know what you are thinking, “what am I supposed to do with stained strings of former apparel?” The yarn you cut can be woven or crocheted into dishrags, rag rugs and even reusable grocery bags.

Need Something to do With Those Old Tiles?

My parents had stacks of leftover tile from a recent kitchen remodel. With no idea of what to do with them, and not wanting to throw them away – there was only one thing left to do: repurpose! Old tiles can be used for plenty of projects, most of which consist with covering old items: from mosaic-covered coffee tables, to ornaments and even tile-decorated vases, there are lots of opportunities when it comes to tile. Perhaps you don’t have old tile laying around but you would like to give this a try? Check out places that recycle old household goods like Habitat for Humanity, if nothing there suits your style, check out Tilemegamart.com.au or other department stores for new tile.

What About That Old Picture Frame?

It is common to have picture frames that didn’t make it through the move, or maybe the joints are coming undone or the glass got smashed and it isn’t worth the trouble to replace. Old frames can create a wonder of beautiful quilts, throws, pillows and so much more. Simply nail a few brads into the frame in even spacing and you have a new loom. Each time you finish weaving, you will have a piece of fabric in the chosen shape that can be woven, embroidered or sewn into whatever the heart desires.

Old Frame Crafts

You don’t have to make a run to the nearest craft store to make a new fabulous project, and if you do, it doesn’t need to break the bank. There are lots of affordable options out there for those who want to work with their hands. Happy crafting!