4 Simple Ways You Can Reuse and Upcycle Stuff in Your Home

Have you noticed how more and more people are starting to look at reusing stuff, rather than throwing it out? I remember when I was little, my Grandfather could make ANYTHING. In fact I thought he could DO anything. And that was not far from the truth. He was a strong, tall, clever man, and could turn his hand to most things.

You hear so many stories about the generation of  the post second-world war era being so very resourceful and creative. But there are lots of simple ways you can reuse and upcycle stuff in your home today. Did you have a grandparent or someone in your past who was like that? I think that is one of the reasons we are becoming more and more in love with upcycling, and using old and pre-loved items in our lives. Back then people had to make do, and make do they did.

My grandparents always scoured through the catalogues for the best deals even years later. You had little, you threw away nothing and you created your own. This was the early days of upcycling before it was trendy. There is now a swing back to these values and it is so exciting to see! More and more people are happy to find things in the op shop, pick them up off the side of the road, and make it themselves. The thing is, if you get creative, there are lots of ways to adapt and reuse, rather than toss stuff out.

Here are 4 simple ways to reuse and upcycle stuff in your home

1) Think outside the box

Upcycling is really all about thinking outside the box, and timber crates and boxes are one of my favourite things, as they can be reused and adapted in so many ways. Need a side table? Stack a crate on it’s end. Need a shelf? Pull the crate apart and use the timber, or just attach it to the wall. Need a bookcase? Stack crates together and voila! Use them to store and display fruit, eggs, toys and books. You can even use them for a puppy or cat bed! The perfect carry all.

2) Upcycle some bottles, jars, tins and other vessels

When I was young there was a salt lake at the back of our house which had lots of old medical bottles buried deep in the thick smelly mud. My mother would tell my sister and I not to get too muddy when we went for a walk to the salt lake. Yes. Indeed. What we did was get REALLY muddy as we dug and dug for hours, finding all manner of glass bottles. And so my love affair with glass bottles began. Glass bottles, jars and tins are wonderfully versatile. You can reuse them for bottling your own stewed fruits, preserves, pickles and jams. You can use them for vases. You can use them to store water, homemade juice and smoothies. You can make them into a paint pot, plant pot, pencil pot, toothbrush holder or makeup jar. You can take them to the bulk store and bring home your pantry items, rather than buy packaged. Or simply use them as a gorgeous decor piece. Even old teapots, cups and watering cans, make brilliant pots and vases.

3) Get stitching

I am sadly not a sewing person, but there are so many things you can do yourself if you can sew! Make your own curtains, sheets, clothes, tablecloths, cushion covers and more. Find old linen, pieces of material, clothes that are past it; rags, vintage tea towels – and the world is your sewing oyster. Seek out eco friendly and sustainable cotton, hemp and bamboo textiles. Rip up old rags and make your own rugs. If you sew and have any tips for me, please share! My confidence in sewing was smashed by my Home Economics teacher many years ago and has never recovered. Plus I don’t love fiddly things – but I am prepared to try!
4) Paint Paint Paint!

 

If you have followed me for a while you will know how I LOVE to paint! I have pretty much painted most things with a range of paint, including acrylic paint, spray paint and chalk paint. Anyone can paint. And it transforms a room or piece of furniture immediately. You can paint benchtops, tiles, floors, walls, furniture, metals, plastic and even fabric!
So there you have 4 simple ways to reuse stuff. You may already be doing them. But it is just a reminder to look at everything with possibility instead of throwing it away.
What is your favourite thing to reuse?
Helen
xx
 **update of a post from 2015