How many folks have pieces in the closet that are loved but not worn? Or old scarves, gloves, and ties on shelves that have been forgotten. There is all of that stuff in the attic and basement that you do not need but are too attached with to get rid of.
I admit that I am one of those people that gets attached to way too many inanimate items. Are not most of us? Everyone is faced with an item that brings back fond memories, or the fabric is beautiful, and it just cannot be parted with. With some creativity these things can be repurposed and used in our homes in unique ways.
Look in the back of your closet or the crevices of the attic.
- Take out that long gown that has not been worn since before your teen was born. You love the fabric and color, but the style is totally not in. This can be taken apart and reused to make pretty valances for your windows.
- The coat that your spent a weeks’ salary on but no longer fits you can be reused to make pillows for your sofa or upholster a chair or stool.
- The leather skirt or pants that are no longer in style can be used to make pillows or to reupholster a chair seat.
- A beautiful fur coat that is too worn out to wear can be reused. If it is full length it can be made into a throw for the living room. A stole or shorter coat can be made into a scarf to drape across the bed. Any extra can be made into pillows.
- Old drapes can be cleaned and used to upholster a chair or bench.
- Old scarves can be reused to redo a lampshade cover or made into a pillow. Ties and scarves can be sewn together and used for a window valance.
- The stuffing from old bed pillows can be taken out and reused to stuff new throw pillows.
- Old sweaters, tee shirts and shirts, or blouses, can be made into pillows. Cut the sleeves off, stuff with filler and sew up the collar and bottom.
- Jeans can be reused for many different things. Window treatments, pillows, a lamp shade, a rag rug.
- For anyone who enjoys sewing, all fabrics can be cut up and used as patches for a quilt. Or take a cute baby outfit and sew it onto a backing to make a pillow square for a child’s room.
- Rag rugs and braided rugs can be made from most any type of fabric. For a braided rug you will use old clothes or bedding cut into strips to braid and sew together. You will need some canvas, a latch hook and recycled fabric for a rag rug.
- Old belts and watches can be reused as drawer pulls.
In the attic there is furniture that was handed down by Grandma. It means a lot, but is worn, out of date, and does not fit in. Paint it with high gloss enamel in a color that you like and you have a new piece of furniture that you can, and want, to use.
- Those tired looking ceramic pieces can be painted white or in a color you love and you instantly have a new look.
- Old magazines and books might have a photo or old ad that you are attracted to. Cut them out and place these in frames and create a grouping on a wall.
Extra stone tile squares can be used as cutting boards or hot plates. Purchase self stick bumpers and place them on the bottom corners.
You will need the ability to visualize and be resourceful. This a project that will get you excited about tidying up and organizing. Using your imagination can create an entire new look for your abode while cleaning out your closets.
You made something new again. Be proud, rejoice, enjoy, and never be afraid to dance!
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