August 07, 2005
Nailed It
Coat-tails, pshaw. I'd have never been able to get through most of the day without Spring, and that's a fact! Just ask the bub.
I'd like to thank everyone for a very successful day. Sponsors, visitors, IRL supporters, submitters, Colin's grandma, McDonalds, Juan Valdez... I'm sure there are more, but they're cueing the music and trying to noodge me offstage.
It's not too late to sponsor if you haven't yet - I believe it's open until Tuesday.
Don't forget about the Forums (link above). I'm hoping they become active over time. As this blog surely will remain now that I've been motivated to retool and revive it. After a few days' break, expect to see posts once again. Whee!
I'm pretty wired, just like last 'thon at this time. After a rough night Friday, though, I need to squish some bedtime in while I can. So off for a bit of a snooze.
Posted by jennie at 05:55 AM
Sleeeep
The sun is rapidly coming up which means it is time for me to head to bed.
A major thanks to Jennie for letting me ride on her coat tails tonight. And to all of our sponsors. Because of your big hearts Project Linus will be seeing $275.00. And to people like Wendy, Jana, Susie, Angie, Mel, and Dreama for stopping by and saying "hi!" in the chat room. You all rock.
And with that, my pillow is calling my name. Good night!
Posted by spring at 05:39 AM | Comments (0)
Bag It
A very cool pattern on kniting a tote made from recycled plastic bags, care of DIY.
This is another thing on my "to try" list, for when I have lots of bags of various colours.
Posted by spring at 05:28 AM | Comments (0)
Ashes, Ashes
Better Homes and Gardens had a little blurb on vintage ashtrays. Now that smoking is going out of vogue (allelujia!), thrift stores are crammed with some pretty little examples. They recommended using them as catch-alls or wall art.
My grandma used to have this vintage Atomic ashtray, blue "marbled" ceramic. No one used it to smoke, but it was just such a lovely object to have around.
If they're of interesting colored glass, it might be eyecatching to hang them in a window somehow or other. Or add a bunch to a poured concrete pathway.
Posted by jennie at 04:57 AM
Make Stuff
Many thanks to Wendy for point out Make Stuff to me. I came across it earlier and forgot to link it, so I shall now. And lookie, they have a recycling section too!
Posted by spring at 04:35 AM | Comments (0)
Added to the Sidebar
Thank you, Ellen, for reminding me about Art for Housewives. She finds lots of great stuff, much of it re: reuse. The link lives in the sidebar now.
Ooh, and check this group photo pool - Tips for Recycling and Reusing, cool!
Posted by jennie at 04:00 AM
Unscientific Survey
For and 'thoners who may stumble by here in the rush to make it to 9am EST. Just as a matter of record, how many glasses or cups of a caffienated beverage have you consumed tonight?
Posted by spring at 03:36 AM | Comments (0)
Cloth and Canvas
So what you could do, theoretically, is this. Visit your local thrift store, and find the most absurd, horrid painting imaginable for, oh, fifty cents or so. Then find some cool vintage heavyweight fabric, and stretch and staple it right over that velvet Elvis painting. Voila! Wall art on the super cheap.
Posted by jennie at 02:56 AM
Toys That Aren't
For those who fall into the "Kids six and under" set.
What toys that aren't toys do your kids have? Pots and pans? The freakin remote? All the empty water bottles in the house? Is there anything out of the ordinary? This enquiring mind wants to know.
Posted by spring at 02:42 AM | Comments (0)
Doesn't Work
There are things I've tried to reuse that, well, just didn't work.
The one I can think of offhand are those Glad "disposeable"-type containers (the ones that lunch meat now sometimes come in). I tried to freeze bub food cubes in them - the cubes in the container, and the container inside a freezer bag. The bottoms cracked wide open, though.
What hasn't worked for you?
Posted by jennie at 02:13 AM
Question & Answer, Part 2
Jana asked
What's your favorite thing about Rick?
First off, no pictures. Sorry, heh.
And to answer your question, probably his support of me. And not of the $$$ kind, either. He has always been supportive of whatever I've wanted to. It's a rather fresh change given some of the men I had dated in the past.
Posted by spring at 01:38 AM | Comments (0)
More Storage
Target carries its own brand of foods, Archer Farms. Every now and again, I'll pick up a large plastic jar of the trail mix. When empty, they're perfect for storing sugars and flours. And the labels peel off effortlessly, I really love that.
They're much larger than they look in the photo.
Posted by jennie at 12:54 AM
Asked and Answered
Angie asked...
If you could choose any place in the world, where would you live and why?
It's a toss up between Victoria, BC and the greater Seattle area. I love this area, the green, the water, and fact you can breathe the air and not fall over dead.
Despite that I will pretty much go anywhere at this point is it means gainful, steady employment. Which is why Southern California is looking SO good.
Posted by spring at 12:37 AM | Comments (0)
Not Really Reuse, Technically...
...but it is waste reduction, so close enough, I suppose.
I bought a giant bag of a different brand of gentle baby wipes, but they made the bub break out terribly. So I've found that they make excellent cat puke cleaner-uppers. You still usually have to treat the stain, but these are so much easier than paper towels - they're pre-moistened, of course, and they don't leave shreds behind in the carpeting.
Posted by jennie at 12:10 AM
I May Have Made a Mistake
Honestly, this is one activity that's not nearly as much fun to do with the bub. Now he's flat-out refusing to sleep. Again. And he's crabby and clingy. I can stay awake until six, I know I can, but will I go nuts long before then? Ack.
Posted by jennie at 12:05 AM
August 06, 2005
Off Topic
The bum? It is numb.
And no one has any questions? Someone out there has to have one. I know it.
Posted by spring at 11:33 PM | Comments (0)
Nice Rack
I picked up some decorating magazine or other, and saw a weathered old painted wooden ladder leaned up against a wall and used as a quilt rack. The article suggested putting fabric napkins over the rungs first, to prevent any discoloration of the quilt fabrics.
Posted by jennie at 10:53 PM
Got an Itch?
Do you have any questions for us? An projects you want to share, or neato links and things to point out?
We would love to answer any questions and showcase any of your projects tonight!
Posted by spring at 10:32 PM | Comments (0)
Beer Can Blooms
Thank you, Celeste, for submitting this idea for garden "flowers!" It's certainly tough to reuse aluminum cans (without making those crocheted caps from the seventies, ugh!).
They're very easy to make, you just have to be careful to mind your fingers as you cut them (the cans, not your fingers.)Get 2 beer cans, I used a certain brand that we have over here which has a soft aluminium, it makes it much easier to cut.
Using a penknife, sharp scissors, or whatever you decide is best, cut the tops off the cans. Count your fingers and make sure you've not lost any in the process.
Then decide how many petals you want your flower to have. I decided on 12, which means 6 from each can. Cut down the height of the can, dividing it into 6 six sections. Bend the sections back, and cut them into petal shapes.
Now the awkward bit. Bending the petals back makes the base of the can a hexagonal shape, and somehow you have to push the base of one can into the other (circle into hexagon = not easy.) You also have to arrange the petals evenly, which isn't easy either as the 2 hexagons keep trying to align themselves. Keep trying though, it will work, possibly with a bit of brute force. If you find an easier way of doing this let me know.
Lastly tape a piece of garden cane to the back and place in the garden for pretty flowers all year round.
Posted by jennie at 09:51 PM
Part of the Whole
Two fibres you wouldn't normally think of, Soy Silk and Ingeo. Soy silk is the by-product of tofu making, and Ingeo is the bastard child of the starch corn makes.
If you're one of those poor, poor people who can't wear wool, check either of those fibres out. After all, one can't live with cotton forever.
Posted by spring at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)
Microwave Popcorn Simplified
Ask Metafilter discusses popping corn in the microwave without the potentially carcinogen-laden "special" bag - reuse a clean brown bag, instead. And, no, a staple won't kill your microwave! (thanks to Megan!)
Posted by jennie at 09:03 PM
Cocoa Crunch... For Your Garden
It seems to be mulch night around here, heh.
Cocoa mulch. Not only will it keep the roots of your plants happy, but you get the lovely smell of chocolate too. What could be better?
Posted by spring at 08:33 PM | Comments (0)
Rubberific
All grades of mulch - colorized rubber, from 100% EPA-approved recycled truck tires. Lasts much longer than conventional wood mulch, too.
Hopefully that's where all the pieces on the side of the highway go.
Posted by jennie at 07:54 PM
Drink It Up
We don't tend to drink soda often around here, let alone soda in a glass bottle with a cap. But when I came across these directions I quickly grabbed a case at Costco fully knowing what I would do with the caps. I had actually planned on working on the caps tonight during the 'thon but found myself unable to find the varnishing kit needed locally.
So instead the project gets pushed back but you can bet that I will be sure to document my progress here.
Posted by spring at 07:39 PM | Comments (0)
Free-dom
You've probably been there, done that if you're reading here. But, just in case. If you haven't been Freecycling, get thee there and join today! Give away some stuff, get some stuff... it's all good.
Because, damn, people - if I read one more post on Craigslist that ends "...And if no one picks this up today, it's going in the dumpster!" I may just go nuts.
Posted by jennie at 06:54 PM
Belt Yourself
Harvey's has to have some of the coolest handbags around. But the fact that the majority of them are made from seatbelts is awesome. They do tend to have a heafty price tag, but they're built to last also. And if it helps calm your guilt over wanting one, they produce a limited edition MADD bag with $25.00 of the purchase price going to the organization.
Posted by spring at 06:32 PM | Comments (0)
Eco Evil
So, yeah. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not nature's gift to waste reduction (ahem). I, unfortunately, do my share to generate landfill. What's worse, quite consciously. Most notably with these three things:
The first two will give way eventually, of course. The third I'm not sure I'll ever be able to do without.
Are you very naughty, too?
Posted by jennie at 05:57 PM
Off Topic
Totally off topic, but 11.5 hours in I can't be the only one with a sore butt, can I?
Posted by spring at 05:29 PM | Comments (0)
Pretties
Check out all the wonderful recycled items at VivaTerra. The whole site is filled with eco-friendly things, too.
Posted by jennie at 04:49 PM
MOS
Coolest Flickr group, ever.
A Month of Softies is the brainchild of Claire Robertson of Loobylu.com fame. Each month participants make stuffed toys based on a singular theme, ranging from sock monkeys to flowers to cats. The results are an amazing group of handmade items that you'd never find at your local Toys R Expensive.
Posted by spring at 04:30 PM | Comments (0)
Tab Belt
A few months back, Michelle made this can tab belt. It looks neat.
Posted by jennie at 03:55 PM
Altered Books
The ultimate in crafting with an old object has to be an altered book. Hundered of pages to glue, paint, adorn, and make beautiful. Check out the gallery at the ISABA, or International Societ of Altered Book Artists for some lovely works of art and insperation.
Posted by spring at 03:34 PM | Comments (0)
Showing You My Cans
How I stash small stuff on my desk:
Those Hapi Mixed Crackers cans make the best home for rulers, long paintbrushes, etc. Or knitting needles!
Posted by jennie at 02:53 PM
Nick Bantock
I do believe I would die and go to heaven if one of his collages were to show up on my door step.
If you have no idea who he is, I highly recommend that you run to your nearest library and pick up the Griffin and Sabine series. They're fairly short books written in a rather uncommon style (as letters). But Bantocks ability to take items that otherwise would live in a dust bin and turn them into art is amazing.
Posted by spring at 02:34 PM | Comments (0)
Junk Jam
Like Stomp. But not.
Posted by jennie at 01:54 PM
Go Green
The handy dandy guide to all things green when it comes to buying, decorating, and just being green.
Posted by spring at 01:28 PM | Comments (0)
Fantastic Plastic
Milk cartons are a good idea. We use yogurt/whipped topping/deli/etc. tubs here. Daniel just loves them, and when they get too beat up - to the bins they go.
That's a Coffee-Mate container up top. They make excellent safe "bats" for those little bouts of aggression.
Posted by jennie at 12:57 PM
Putting the cork in it
Care of my favourite Kiwi, the coolest cork board ever. According to her it took about 200 bottles of wine, drank over the space of many years.
If only your monkey was on cork, Jennie.
Posted by spring at 12:29 PM | Comments (0)
Recycle Porn
Look, just what you wanted to see - our grotty old recycling bins, oh-so-lovingly provided by hero township. Luckily that means Petaluma has been partaking in mandatory curbside recycling for a long time.
Posted by jennie at 11:58 AM
Frugal Living
A very cool article from Canadian Parents on frugal living and creative uses for otherwise garbage can destined items.
A quote, from the article.
"Milk cartons are my current "must save" item as I am attempting to make enough building blocks for my son to build a little fort in the living room this winter. You rinse them out and air dry them and then slip one carton inside another to create this marvelous little toy."
Posted by spring at 11:28 AM | Comments (0)
Reusachallenge
I've got this cute little rubber wine cork. Silly me doesn't want to toss it. What can be done?
Posted by jennie at 10:59 AM
Composting
Does anyone do it? And if so, why? Is it for the soil, or simply because it is less trash to toss out each week?
Posted by spring at 10:44 AM | Comments (0)
Off Topic
I really like Sci Fi Ranter Girl's theme:
"SCIENCE FICTION TV SHOW COUNTDOWN: I'm counting down to the 24 most influential TV Shows in Science Fiction. How have these shows influenced popular culture and technology? Just to make it interesting Star Trek is excluded. You better believe that I'll be pulling some obscure trivia out of my hat too."
Note to self: style blockquote tags.
Posted by jennie at 10:29 AM
Recycled Silk
What happens when old saris die...
Yes, I said yarn.
The saris are ripped apart, the fibres are seperated, and then spun back into a single ply yarn. What is produced is a slightly slubby, aran weight yarn full of vivid colours. And what was once and old, worn, piece of clothing gets a new lease on life as a handknit garment.
Posted by spring at 10:01 AM | Comments (0)
Votive Jar
Awhile back, I read in some or other magazine that you could put water in the bottom of a votive cup so that the wax wouldn't adhere to it. I thought it might be nice to color the water, and of course use baby food jars to hold the candles. Here I'm using one floater and a votive. The water color is far too dark - one drop is too much for so little water - so pre-mix in another recyclable and then pour in.
I didn't have time, but I wanted to dress these up with sparkly stick-on gems or something. They'd be great little evening party table toppers if decorated nicely, no?
Not the best photo, but here they are:
Posted by jennie at 09:55 AM
Pillowcase Skirt
The perfect thing to do with that vintage pillowcase everyone has? Make a pillowcase skirt out of it.
Posted by spring at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)
I Love Jars
Since we're talking baby food jars. This isn't one, but I use them as I do other sizes of jar. Last summer I primed and painted a bunch of jar lids, and they make very nice storage for dry goods.
Posted by jennie at 09:02 AM
Chockablock
Small tissue boxes have been great for Daniel's first building blocks. He's not perfect at building quite yet, but just loves knocking our towers down.
Posted by jennie at 08:37 AM
Oh Baby
A few uses for those pesky baby food jars.
-Tealight candle holder
-Paperweight
-Pin cushion (fill with sand)
-Hardware organizers
-Mini vase
-Snack holder
Does anyone have any others to share? Despite the fact that Misterpants hasn't touched a jar of food in 18 months I am still finding the bloody things. Of course, one can always recycle them, but the idea of indulging my crafty side and doing something with them is much more powerful.
Posted by spring at 08:13 AM | Comments (0)
Art of Play
In 2002, the American Museum of Natural History hosted an exhibit on recycled toys from around the world. You can read a bit more about it and see a small selection here.
Daniel plays with an assortment of recycled toys, if not as intricate as those exhibited. Perhaps he'll calm down so that I might get an action shot for you.
Posted by jennie at 07:57 AM
Idea Reuse
Just like #2 plastic, sometimes an idea is too good to throw away.
Alhena is putting together virtual quilt, as she did back in '03. There are still plenty of pieces left, so go sign up. It's fun!
Where is everybody? My in-house baby relief is still unconscious, so I promise no finished quilt piece or showered, camera-ready mug until I can hand off the bub. And I can't help but wonder if Mister Pants stole Spring's alarm clock ;-) Thank Mother Earth (and G*neral Mills, and G*rber) for finger foods, that's all I can say.
Posted by jennie at 07:25 AM
About Which I'm Always Curious...
Posted by jennie at 06:52 AM
Recycle Modern
I love these decorative wall tiles, made of 100% post and pre-consumer waste! (Go MIOcollection - product - wallpaper to view).
Posted by jennie at 06:27 AM
It's Early.
Hello, good morning! Even with a bub, this is earlier than I've been up in a few weeks now. Thank goodness for coffee. And after this, a nice brisk dousing.
Join us in our AIM chatroom, most aptly named "Reusablog." If you've got AIM installed, just click the "AIM chat" link above (this, annoyingly, doesn't seem to work with Trillian - sorry, but you can join manually). If you think AIM is just suckedy, you can check out AIM Express.
It's not too late to pledge a little something - join our six other awesome sponsors now!
I've got the webcam up, but don't expect to see me there as often as you would in normal years. I've got a laptop downstairs for a change of scene, and then there's little Mister Trouble to consider.
Big thanks again to Spring for joining Reusablog! Woot!
Posted by jennie at 05:55 AM