Thursday, June 20, 2013

14 Ideas for Putting Old Items to New Use

Photo Credit: Real Simple
I love finding ideas on ways to creatively use everyday items in unique ways. Sometimes I come across them and think wow that is really cool!  There are so many here I'm going to share, so enjoy!

1) This is one that I thought was so cool when I found it. In the photo above they have used simple binder clips to hold photos. Just stand clips on their back side and insert your photo in between.

Photo Credit: Monica Buck
2) Keep photos organized with a business card holder. Photos are easy to flip through and this makes a great place to store your photos until you have the time to put them in albums or use for scrap booking.
Photo Credit: James Wojick
3) Use plastic cups as lights indoors or out. Using a sharp knife cut an X into the center bottom of the cup. Insert the light into the X and you're done! Get Creative and use colored cups or paint clear plastic cups with glass paint. These are perfect for an outdoor party when you are needing extra lighting.
Photo Credit: Anita Kolaro Real Simple
4) Take a look inside your linen cupboard the next time you are looking for a table cloth. A quilt, spread, or even a sheet can add a touch of charm to your table.
Photo Credit: Quinton Bacon Real Simple
 5) I am trying this one at our next get together. Have guests write their names with permanent marker on a rock. When all done display them in a clear vase. This is a wonderful keepsake for birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings and showers. .
Photo Credit: Real Simple
6) Put those shoe boxes to good use and cover them with wrapping paper or left over cloth and you have a handy storage box that is decorative and practical.

Photo Credit: Real Simple
 7) Your china cabinet can have a wealth of dishes that hardly ever get used. Here a soup tureen holds flowers to be used as a table centerpiece. I've used crystal bowls this way and just added some colored glass pebbles to the bottom.
Photo Credit: Real Simple
  8) Wrap some scrap book paper or fabric inside a vase and tuck a photo in between. Display on a shelf to brighten up. This is one that you could really get creative with using clear drinking glasses to.
Photo Credit: Real Simple
9) Need a new look for an old clock? Take a part your old clock by pulling off the front or back, and taking off the hands. Using the face of the clock to trace on the material, cut out and apply using a multipurpose adhesive. Smooth to make sure all air bubbles are out and reassemble.
Photo Credit: Real Simple
10)  If you ever find yourself without bows and ribbon for wrapping gifts, look no farther than you kitchen. Here they've used kitchen twine and elbow macaroni shaped in a bow. I'm trying this on the next gift I wrap!
Photo Credit: Real Simple
11) An inexpensive full length mirror makes a centerpiece when used on a table and topped with candles. This is one I love and can't wait to try. It would look great at Christmas with red candles and sprigs of holly scattered through out on the mirror.
Photo Credit: Real Simple
12) Wrap Christmas lights around a wire wreath form and you have a delightful holiday decoration. .
Photo Credit: Real Simple
13) Use cupcake liners attached to a string of lights and you've got a unique set of lights for indoors or out.
Photo Credit: Real Simple
14)  Take an old picture frame add some paper to the inside and you have a quick dry erase board to help you stay organized.

These ideas came from Real Simple, and if you have never looked at their magazine it is one I highly recommend.

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