Reusing Household Items For Green Crafts

As crafters, we've always been recyclers and 'reusers' of our craft supplies. Today, it's not just frugal & thrifty, but reusing and recycling is just the green thing to do. This book has ideas for sweet little personal accessories and bigger projects in paper art, fashion, jewelry, housewares and more.

I'm finding all sorts of fun ways to reuse lots of household items that would otherwise have gone in the trash! Just knowing I've kept something out of the landfill is rewarding, but I love seeing an item have new life as something else!

Some examples? here goes:

Old Towels: lining for potholders, re-hemmed to wash cloths, reusable Swiffer cloths, doggie pillows. You can also donate your old towels to animal shelters, they always need them.

Old or unused sheets: curtains, pillows, clothing, Cool Ties For Soldiers' Angels! (I had some tan 100% cotton sheets).

Old jeans (these are pretty well known ideas): tote bags, purses, aprons. I'm dying to make a gardening apron next time my husband tosses some worn out jeans!

Got you going yet? I have lots of resource links, pictures and books listed here. I'll be back with more links to patterns and videos periodically - this is a favorite topic of mine! Hope you enjoy it too!

I love this blue jean apron pattern! You can see the whole picture tutorial at My Byrd House, a lovely craft blog by Mamabyrd Lucy. =)

This cute little apron looks so easy to make from old jeans ~ it's adorable AND it reuses jeans ~ How cool is that?

Hope you like it as much as I do; hope you make bunches to give as gifts! Be sure to visit Lucy's Etsy store, My Little Byrd Nest ~ I'm sure you'll love it.

Thank you for a GREAT pattern, Ms. Lucy!

I love this book! We can make customized t-shirts, tank tops, tube tops, T-skirts-even handbags, a patchwork blanket, iPod cozies, leg warmers, and more. You know what's even better? Many of these projects are NO SEW!

I have this book too. You'll love all the projects for any occasion. Transform t-shirts into so many creative gift ideas, like baby gifts, pet accessories, stuff for the home, the car, the road, the boyfriend. Very cool. Very green.

This fascinating book has more than 30 creative projects using materials you already have at your...disposal. From a credit card bracelet to a map photo frame, this fun guide shows you how to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces-one earth-friendly project at a time.