Feb 28 2009
Repurposing
Now more than ever, it’s important to think about re-purposing your stuff. Before I throw something away, I often think to myself “How can I reuse this item?” Many things can be re-purposed or reused for something else.
Old adult jeans can be cut and used to make an apron or even a dress for your little girl. This, of course, takes a little sewing ability. You can reuse a men’s shirt to make a dress for your little girl. There really is so much you can do if you know how to use a sewing machine. (this is my goal for the new year). You can also use jeans to make yourself a jean quilt. These are extremely warm and do not need any batting.
Keep buttons from clothes that are just too worn to be of any good anymore. These can be used when if you sew your own clothes or if you lose a button. Maybe your kids could use these to make pictures and other crafts.
Butter tubs or whipped topping tubs can be reused to put food in or for lunches when you or your spouse are working. I keep a large one of these tubs in my freezer. Every time we eat veggies, any extra goes in the tub and when it’s full I use it to make stew or vegetable soup.
I remember my dad used to use baby food jars for his paint and to clean his brushes. I’ve used baby formula (dry) containers for a bank for my loose change. I cleaned it out, put a nice paper around it (from my scrapbooking supplies) and cut a hole in the top. You can also use oatmeal containers or peanut butter jars for banks. Some jellies come in nice jars and these can be used to drink out of or to hold things. I am reusing a huge container that had NesQuick powder in it, to store extra flour I get. (keep out bugs and keeps it fresh). Just make sure if you use something that had food in it or you will be using something to hold food, that you clean it and let it dry well.
Any other ideas on how we can reuse things? I’d love to get your input.
