Since this is a new space, I wanted to share some of my favorite past projects. Though I am a minimalist in many ways (which is why I also write a blog on simple living), I do like to create things that are of use to me. But I especially enjoy taking old things and repurposing them. To be honest, I feel like repurposing (also known as “upcycling”) doesn’t get the best name. It is my joy to show just how beautiful repurposing can be. These are my three favorite past projects that I’ve made from old items.
// Pyrography Poe Pog – I had an old wood pog from a convention I went to. It sat tucked away, in a box, unused. So I sanded it down, removed the words that were on it, and in honor of my favorite author (Edgar Allan Poe) I wood burned an image of him on there. I also wood burned a raven on the reverse side. I taught myself wood burning and I highly recommend it. Wood burning is a slow process and so it really teaches me patience. This may sound silly, but I carry around that little pog with me everywhere I go, to be a constant reminder of my love for reading and writing.
// Industrial Tail Light Bulb Necklace – One day our car tail light went out. My husband has gotten used to my “turn trash into treasure” tick. So on his way home from work he bought a new bulb and replaced the old one but he didn’t toss the old one. He handed it to me and said, “hey, maybe you can make a necklace out of it.” That I did. I love that when the bulb burnt it left this purple hue on the glass. So I just used a bit of jewelry wire and turned it into an industrial minimalist necklace that I now wear often.
//Serving Tray From Salvaged Armoire – After coming back from a walk to get the mail I saw this huge armoire next to the garbage. So I hauled that puppy back to my apartment and up three flights of stairs. I used some screwdrivers and a hammer to break it down into pieces. Then I used my electric sander and removed the terrible paint job on it. Followed by using my handsaw to cut out pieces and ended up making and staining two serving trays. We had been wanting trays for using on the bed and got them thanks to one salvaged armoire.
I’m very selective of what I bring into my home, so doing things myself allows me to make sure the item truly fits my need and is something I really want.
Love these projects! Especially the wood-burned Poe! He is definitely one of my favorite authors and such an intriguing man.
I adore each of these! I looovee the coloring on that little burnt light bulb!
You are so creative! I can never believe how much furniture people just throw out in the trash instead of donating or re-using so it’s awesome to see what you were able to do with that armoire. The tray looks beautiful and incredibly useful!
You’re super creative, and I absolutely love the necklace. It’s the cutest thing and I would wear it a lot too!
I am totally in love with that burnt lightbulb!
The serving tray is my favorite! What a neat idea.