Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Upcycle trash into treasures for your home: Green home DIY projects
Posted by Katie Machol on Tue, Jan 5, 2010 at 10:57 AM
'Upcycling' is the act of giving something you'd throw away new life by turning it into something even better than it was before. I like to look at it as a craftier version of recycling. It's a great way to reuse things and give them a new purpose, especially as creative ways to redecorate your home.
This "rePly" lounge chair (at right) is made from recycled plywood and is sure to be a conversation piece in your living room. Worried that it won't be comfortable to sit in? Make cushions from old pillows or scarfs (see below). Get the free project plans here.
Forget shelling out loads of dough for decorative pillows at the usual home decor stores and refashion some from
Instead of throwing those empty plastic milk jugs in the recycling bin (or worse, the trash can) get out your scissors and put those milk jugs to good use as an ultra hip lighting fixture like this one. You can then brag to your friends about your green craftiness (or just lie and say you got it at IKEA) Follow the easy instructions here.
Turn a plain chair into an artistic masterpiece or 3-D scrapbook with decoupage. Simply find pictures that tickle your fancy and slap them on the chair with some craft glue, then
I hope this post has inspired you to get a little creative and think outside the box when it comes to home decor. Forget Pottery Barn and the like, head to your nearest craft store for supplies, and get started!
For more great ideas like these, check out these other crafty DIY sites:
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