Upcycling Ideas

Upcycling is a term most of us are familar with. As I look at different ideas, I realize that this concept has been around for a long time. But I am struck by how creative and inventive people can be. Some are downright artistic. Here are several ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Factory Direct Craft Blog

I like the way these wine crate shelves look and they are very functional. These could work in different places, an office, laundry room, kids room, bathroom, family room, etc.

Products & Tech News

Ideas for wood pallets abound, but I think this bench is very nice. It has many placement possibilities.

Dresser Before

The V Spot

Dresser After

I doubt I'd be up to the task of refinishing a dresser like this, but oh, what a wow factor. Even more amazing is the transformation from ugly duckling to swan.

Green Upgrader

We've all seen neat things people have made with bottle caps, but this artwork is incredibly cool.

Poetic Home

I really like this shoe form lamp, it would be great on a desk. How about a pair of them on a console table? I think I would try oversized clear light bulbs in them.

Stop Junk Mail

Can you believe that this great artwork came from junk mail?! It took the creative mind of artist Sandy Schimmel to figure this one out and she did so in a big way. Check out her website to see other gorgeous works of art made from junk mail. 

Do you have something you've upcycled that you would like to share? E-mail me @jcblogger4@gmail.com 

Mother's Day

I think we've all thought about what we would try to save if our home were on fire. For many people it would be family photographs. That would certainly be the case for me. I was searching for old black and white photographs to go in a picture frame I recently thrifted.(see last post) Looking at these pictures and seeing many of my mother made me think of so many things. Holidays of yesteryear. A simpler life. How she became ill and died too early. What she would think to see my kids now, all grown up. I guess I'm getting sentimental because Mother's Day is around the corner. 

As a tribute to my mom for Mother's Day, I would like to share some photographs of her when she was young and having fun with her girlfriends. 

My mom on her bike and far left in second photo. I like the way she wore her hair with a braid wrapped around her head - very Scandinavian!

Here she is again on her bike, cute outfit complete with sailor cap! I imagine she and her friends rode their bikes to a swimming spot and maybe packed a lunch.

This must have been taken on a special occasion somewhere. Aren't all these dresses cute? I like how they all have their arms intertwined and the girl in the middle with her ice cream!

My mom's high school graduation picture

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, daughters, etc.  I don't think you have to have children to qualify. When we celebrate Mother's Day, not only are we paying homage to our own mother's, but we are celebrating being maternal and taking care of others, which is the very essence of being a mother.

Thrift Share Monday

I didn't do as much thrifting as I would have liked  this past weekend, was out of town for a wedding with little extra time. But I did pretty well with the limited time I had. 

I  found this nice graphic print that shows the design of a bolt transmitter (whatever that is). Need to find a new frame for it, not sure where I'm going to put it yet, but I like it.

I like this  charcoal drawing of a mother and child. I have been looking for a drawing for awhile and this one fits the bill nicely. Also need to find a good frame for it and a mat to set it off. 

This polaroid frame is made for the pictures from an old polaroid camera. I may very well have some, but I'm thinking to put some old black/white photos in it that I have of my parents from the 40's and 50's.

This big heavy metal picture frame needs a light sanding and new coat of paint. I will probably paint it in a similar color as I like the color and it will go in my living room. Just need to find a picture to put in it.

Last, I was pleased to find this mid century magazine holder. (complete with dust)It's a good size and will fit bigger books. It has a refinishing in it's future also.(I will do a before/after in a later post.)

This posting is a part of Thrift Share Monday with Apron Thrift Girl and
Her Library Adventures.