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Nifty Thrifty:  Repurposing...what have you done lately?  |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17025 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17025 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 09 2010 : 8:55:02 PM
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Rag Rugs, Rag Rugs, Rag Rugs....hit the Thrifts, buy lots of cotton sheets, bring them home, wash, strip and crochet...I have 3 going right now for Christmas gifts....
Anita, I found 3 100% wool sweaters(cardigans),,,so I think I will have to un-ravele them...I see a wool scarf in my future! lol! thanx for the idea.
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom.
"Is it time for my Dirt Manicure yet!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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misspittypat
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
lila
osceola
mo
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 5:00:20 PM
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well girls today I purchased 2 vests and 1 sweater today @ the thrift store for less than 80cents! Look at the blog "i am momma hear me roar" she made adorable hats for her younguns and I am going to make some for my adopted grandkids and brother.
lila |
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neeter302
True Blue Farmgirl
257 Posts
Anita
Hanover
Indiana
USA
257 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2010 : 12:18:23 AM
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| Hi Connie, I just find all kinds of patterns and directions on the internet and in magazines, the felted wool basket I made for my yarn came from instruction in a Martha Stewart magazine, and I have another magazine with wool christmas stockings directions that are so easy. I have made some things on my own with no pattern, one was a fun stuffed cat project I did when I was stuck home with the flu and needed something to keep my mind and hands busy. |
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Penny Wise
True Blue Farmgirl
1903 Posts
Margo
Elyria
OH
USA
1903 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2010 : 04:42:37 AM
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i love this re-purposing!
we just set up a kennel a few weeks ago and my dogs really don't like being in it--maybe next summer it will be used for something else!
quote:
Originally posted by texdane
Okay..here's my "repurposed" vegie garden! :) The wood is "old" wood, that once was a sand box, and then my vegie garden 11 or 12 years ago. The vegies I grew from seeds from the dollar store (two for a dollar), that I started in egg cartons. The fencing is a dog run that we no longer used for that purpose. The walkway is made from red bricks that have been lying behind the shed for at least 15 years unused, and the scarecrow is an old Halloween decoration. The little sign my dad made for me years ago, from a little piece of wood and a piece of pvc pipe. I repainted the wording "Nicole's Vegetable Garden" with a black magic marker. What do y'all think?
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Farmgirl # 2139
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
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phonelady
True Blue Farmgirl
323 Posts
Carla
Loveland
Colorado
323 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2010 : 8:26:27 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by phonelady
I learned to weave old towels into rag rugs....
For anyone who is interested, you can cut old terry towels into one or one and a half inch strips and use a homemade loom to make bathroom rugs or small area rugs.
Here's a basic explanation of how too.
http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/craftsragrugw_setx.htm
You can also use the towel strips and make braided rugs. You just have to tear the towel strips with the grain then it doesn't unravel.
Smiles!
Carla
It's not just life-
It's an adventure!
http://familyhistoryfindings.blogspot.com/ |
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Violets November
True Blue Farmgirl
342 Posts
Violet
Exeter
California
USA
342 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2010 : 05:36:32 AM
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Nicole, I love the idea of mouthwash in an old decanter! I'm always looking for ways to "purdy" up the bathroom, it seems so neglected other than swishing and wiping.
Siobhan, I have seen a use for the baby food jars around on Google somewhere, to make oil lamps with them. Like those oil type candles. I have saved some jars from my grandson to try this myself.
~Violet~
Farmgirl Sister #1669
My blog, http://hiddenacre.blogspot.com/
Our Organic Jewelry, http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaelicForge |
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patchworkpeace
True Blue Farmgirl
478 Posts
Judy
Jackson
Michigan
USA
478 Posts |
Posted - Nov 04 2010 : 07:45:18 AM
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Carla,
Good link for the rag rugs - I've experimented several times but have never been happy with the results. Now I understand what I need to do to keep them tighter woven. Thanks for sharing! Judy
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington |
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Nov 04 2010 : 1:59:31 PM
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I made a loom from two pieces of door molding and bound a couple of old broom sticks to each end after using a wood rasp to hollow out a space for them on each end of the side pieces. I strung heavy crochet thread around the broomsticks in a figure eight manner until I had the width that I wanted. Then I took a small dowel and used it for one shed and used another piece of molding that I sanded an edge on for a shed stick to make the other shed. I wove old sheets torn into strips for the weaving and am still using that rug in the bathroom. I cut the strings and tied them in knots to secure the weaving. I used a comb with really wide teeth for a beater to keep the woven strips tightly together.
CMF |
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lulu
True Blue Farmgirl
240 Posts
Connie
Geuda Springs
Kansas
USA
240 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2010 : 06:51:24 AM
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Yesterday I made Mother and daughter aprons for an outting to meet some other farmgirls this weekend. I had a pair of curtains with ruffels that I made the aprons out of, and still have enough to make more aprons or something.
Connie
LULU
farmgirl sister #1369
"Scattered Prairie Gals" chapter
Take care and write soon.
When you wish upon a star...Jiminy Cricket |
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Penny Wise
True Blue Farmgirl
1903 Posts
Margo
Elyria
OH
USA
1903 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2010 : 07:52:47 AM
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aprons from curtains with ruffles- what a clever idea!!!!!!
sometimes there are THE cutest curtains at thrift shops but i don't need them! thanx!!!!
Farmgirl # 2139
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2010 : 6:21:58 PM
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Penny,
That little dog-run garden kept us in veggies all summer and early fall. I had tomatoes and squash, bell peppers, hot peppers, decorative corn, green beans, and lettuce. It worked out great. My dog was horrified to be put in the run, and what a great garden it made for us...not too big. Good luck!
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE |
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dandelionhouse
True Blue Farmgirl
205 Posts
Debbie
Plymouth
Mass
USA
205 Posts |
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pinkwitchy~farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
230 Posts
Beverly
Lee's Summit
MO
USA
230 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2010 : 10:19:52 AM
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I have really enjoyed reading all the wonderful ideas! My latest repurposed item was found at a Church Yard Sale. It was 10 wooden Christmas trees screwed together to form a wreath. The trees were painted green & it had a very sad looking red paper bow. I removed the bow & unscrewed the trees. Now I have 10 trees that I am covering the front & back w/ pretty Christmas/Wintery scrapbook paper. I sand the edges to distress & then ink the egdes to distress even more. I am using these for some swaps & gifts for friends & family. So, a 50 cent wreath is now 10 gifts!
Farmgirl Sister 1575* * * It is often the bend in the road that makes life worth the drive * * * |
Edited by - pinkwitchy~farmgirl on Nov 15 2010 10:20:52 AM |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2010 : 5:55:06 PM
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Wow, Beverly, neat. Post a pic!
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE |
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pinkwitchy~farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
230 Posts
Beverly
Lee's Summit
MO
USA
230 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2010 : 5:58:46 PM
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Thanks Nicole! I didn't think to take a "before" pic, but will TRY to post some "after" ones :)
Farmgirl Sister 1575* * * It is often the bend in the road that makes life worth the drive * * * |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2011 : 7:13:28 PM
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Don't know why I didn't think of this before...I came up with an easier way to fill my salt shakers. I have several different ones that I change out with the seasons (the kind with holes in the bottom and little rubber/plastic stoppers). I would fill them over the sink, but still, salt and pepper went everywhere! Well, I used an icing tip as a little "funnel", and it worked great!
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2011 : 03:53:10 AM
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 Re-purposing all those extra coffee mugs we end up with has been fun. Take your plastic bread bag ( which you normally would toss) cut it to fit nicely into the mug as a liner. Fill it 3/4 of the way full with potting soil and plant some herb seeds. If this is your first time with herbs, try something easy like mint or parsley. Line them up on a sunny window sill. Once they have matured and are looking really good, you have a great quick little gift for a neighbor, friend, co-worker, even the mail carrier! A great way to recycle the mug, bread bag and best of all, a cute gift to brighten someone's day!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs"
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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marjean
True Blue Farmgirl
3851 Posts
Marsha
Deltona
FL
USA
3851 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2011 : 09:35:41 AM
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I reuse the worn out rubbermaid containers for my craft paints and to dilute glue in. It keeps them from drying out with the lid on until the next time I need it.
Then I use the empty washed agave bottle with lid with a tip on it to put water in to put the right amount of water in when mixing with the paint or glue.
I repurposed a tera cota flower pot and saucer into a display stand. Paint the outside of the pot and saucer and around the rim. Add flowers and vine etc... design. Glue the saucer upside down on top of the pot. Then put it on a table or floor with a statue or favorite object you want to display.
Farmgirl sister #308
handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com
http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com
www.fullerdirect.com
id#0920150
www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo
www.sunshinefarmgirlcoop.com |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2011 : 10:31:10 AM
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I am the neighborhood queen or recycling...lol...OK OK thats what they tell me anyway....I raise chickens & i am always saving plastic containers like old mustard or dishing washing bottles because of the squeeze hole....i have to dust the chickens & their coop, bedding ect for mites & this works so much better than trying to do it in a shaker or by hand...it also works great for mixing a carpeting cleaning powder onto the carpet, no big areas of tons of powder....I also have tons of unused coffee cups that I use for plants...my aloe vera love it since they like a small tight place to grow & I hate dumping the unused ugly cups. I have an old beat up metal colender that I shift dirt in when making my dirt mixes....I take my old plated silver wear that I have had for years that is wearing the plate off & make wind chimes with them as well as bracelet/cuffs with the better ones. I use bubble wrap bunched up in my porch planters before I put the soil in so that the plants don't dry out as fast. Plus it makes the big pots lighter & easier to move around. Plus I never have to throw it away...if I do annuals I dug the old plant & soil in the compost & hose off the bubble wrap & store it til next season. My neighbor got rid of all her indoor low pile carpet & I took it & cut strips of it to put between my garden rows so I could block out the weeds plus for some reason it is loved by the earth worms...who I will collect for my chickens. Everyday I come up with something new I can do so I try to remember them...should write it down I know....but I never seem to run out of ideas......lol...have a great weekend...Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622 |
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SarahJ
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Shreveport
Louisiana
198 Posts |
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Calicogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
5216 Posts
Sharon
Bruce Crossing
Michigan
USA
5216 Posts |
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SarahJ
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Shreveport
Louisiana
198 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2011 : 11:08:44 AM
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Thanks Sharon. I was really impressed that he used 100% of stuff we already had leftover from other projects. Even with neighborhood recycling, I am not a fan of the k-cups, but at least now they are getting a second life.
SarahJ
Farmgirl Sister #116
http://bayoumama.wordpress.com/ |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2011 : 6:43:37 PM
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Last year I used all different types of things for seed starters, but the best turned out to be the plastic egg cartons. I punch holes in the bottom, and use the lid as a mini-greenhouse. There's a local business that uses those k-cups, maybe I should ask to take some of the used ones?
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
Edited by - texdane on Feb 21 2011 6:44:30 PM |
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pinkwitchy~farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
230 Posts
Beverly
Lee's Summit
MO
USA
230 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2011 : 2:24:26 PM
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Better late than never :) Here are the pics from the Chritsmas craft I did, repurposing a wreath made of the wooden trees(my orig. post in Nov.)
This is one side of the tree
this is the other side 
the green ones in the back are distressed & ready for paper :)
Farmgirl Sister 1575* * * It is often the bend in the road that makes life worth the drive * * * |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2011 : 5:42:31 PM
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I've been obsessed with repurposing clothing! I've been sewing up dresses for my daughters out of my hubbs' old dress shirts (the ones with worn collars and thread-bare elbows!). There are endless possibilities and I'm well on my way to making them all, lol! My goal is to keep the cost of each dress at ZERO, and I've been successful so far!
"The ideal equestrian has the courage of a lion, the patience of a saint, and the hands of a woman."
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Nifty Thrifty: Repurposing...what have you done lately? |
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Repurposing...what have you done lately?
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