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Tag: repurpose


diy tank top pumpkins

4
September

gray teeshirt pumpkin

Every year it is sad for me to sew my first pumpkin because I love summer so much and pumpkins, of course, are a sign of a coming season that is not summer!

Each year, in addition to the velvet ones I make, I like to create some pumpkins from a unique material.  This year, I decided to use some repurposed clothing.

round gray topIsolation provided for some time to organize everything in my home, and I went through my collection of clothing many times since the pandemic started – fine-tuning all my closets.  Because I tried my best to hold on to only those items I truly love, I ended up with a large donation pile of unwanted clothes.

pumpkin made from gray teeshirt

When I started to think of this year’s pumpkins, I immediately thought of the unwanted clothes pile – the perfect place to find some new material!  To start, I chose two J. Crew tank tops.  Both in colors I love and both with embellishments that could be added to the finished pumpkins.

pumpkins from pink tees

round pink topThe pink one has the added appeal of being perfect to make pumpkins to display for breast cancer awareness month!

So…the pumpkins begin!

pink tank top pumpkin

pumpkin sewn from pink tee

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on diy tank top pumpkins | diy, inspiration, style

diy menu board

14
January

diy menu board

Do you have a favorite plate that is chipped or cracked and yet you just can’t seem to throw it out…even though it isn’t used?  A great way to repurpose an imperfect piece is to create a menu board…giving the piece a new life without serving food on it!

supplies for a nautical menu board

The only supply required is Con-Tact brand adhesive chalkboard paper!  Creating a beautiful new menu board is as easy as cutting an appropriate sized piece of Con-Tact paper!  Since I wanted my creation to take on a nautical flare, I added some shells and twine to my supply list to add as embellishments.

menu board supplies

Because china has a slick surface, using Con-Tact paper works much quicker and easier than paint (eliminating the need for a primer).  Plus, the Con-Tact can be removed after use, if desired.

For my nautical menu board, I cut a piece of chalkboard Con-Tact paper to fit the inside section of the chosen plate.  After attaching it, I adding some twine and shell embellishments using a glue gun.  Viola!  How cute is that?

nautical menu board detail

Using a plate stand is a nice way to display the menu board…or even, hanging the menu board on the dining room or kitchen wall.  Such a great way to repurpose an old plate!

Maybe create one for a special Valentine’s Day meal?  :)  Have fun with it!

valentine menu board

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Remember to find pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing with French Country Cottage, City Farmhouse and Coastal Charm.

Comments Off on diy menu board | diy, food & festivities, gift ideas

brown bag tree ornaments

17
December

paper bag treat ornaments

I enjoy making treat containers using brown paper.

You have seen some of my brown bag creations for holidays in the past.

For Christmas, it is easy to use the same premise to transform brown bags into tree ornaments.

borwn bag tree ornaments

Using holiday bags is a fun and festive way to recycle!  (Click here to see other items you can create from brown bags.)

Many stores imprint their bags with a holiday motif at this time of year – my favorites are the ones from Trader Joes…such fun patterns!  They also happen to tie in well with my woodland theme this year. :)

I simply sew two pieces of brown paper together – stopping to fill them with treats before sealing them completely.

paper bag ornaments

I use a sewing machine, but they can just as easily be sewed by hand.  (Colorful embroidery thread works well.)

If desired, shapes can be created to fit your theme – doves, angels, snowmen,bells, trees, etc. are all possibilities.

paper bag ornament

Try this festive way to repurpose brown bags.  If you prefer not to enclose edible items, batting or cotton balls can be used to ‘stuff’  the ornament.

I hope you are enjoying your holiday preparations…remember to take pleasure in simple things

Thanks so much for stopping by, Jackie

Comments Off on brown bag tree ornaments | diy, holiday

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