Hey there all! Sorry I’ve been offline forever and a day … I got engaged last Wednesday and sort of fell into an engagement hole of sorts. But I’m back online now, and have some great reader-inspired links to share!… Read More...

The one thing I have in spades in my house (besides yarn and scrapbooking items, which don’t count) is spaghetti jars. We eat pasta at least twice a week, and despite my Italian heritage I have yet to learn to … Read More...

Any scrapbooker or paper lover will admit, when pressed, that they have tons of paper scraps sitting around unused and gathering dust. Too gorgeous to toss, these paper bits sit around, waiting to be used as you move on to … Read More...

As summer turns to fall, I see more and more broken down grills waiting for the garbage man to pick them up each week. People are getting ready for new grills for a new season of grilling, and all I … Read More...

Thanks to the 51 amazing comments in this great book giveaway contest! I could only pick one winner, however, and used random.org to help me out. Here’s what I came up with:

Yay, Charlotte! You’ve won the book … I’ve … Read More...

For the avid sewers in the group, you’ll know what “selvedge” is. For the rest of us selvedge is the extra edge on fabric that is technically finished, but does not carry with it the pattern from the remainder of … Read More...

… out of nothing at all. Making Plarn! (sorry)

For those of you who don’t have reusable grocery bags, or for those times that you forget them (we do this ALL THE TIME), Kate Austin has a great tutorial for … Read More...

In asking around for some great ideas for making crafts out of recycled items, one of my peeps over at Homespun Helpers gave me a link to this great idea she had. When your scented candles get down to … Read More...

I love collecting small mementos while on vacation, and I always have the intent to scrapbook them when I get home. But you all know how it goes … you get home, you have to do ten loads of laundry … Read More...

I’m a total DIY Network addict, and the show Myles Of Style is no exception. Her design ideas are amazing, and she consistently works in great crafts using everyday items. Apartment Therapy has been featuring some of her better ideas, … Read More...

(image from Tree Hugger)
While it’s not the home decorating style most people would have in their homes, recycling used coffins into couches definitely fits the bill for a totally unique way to reuse an item! And for the … Read More...

I love all the amazing recycle-themed crafts on Etsy, and Dinner Time Chimes is one of my new favorites. Their gorgeous wind chimes are made from silverware found in estate sales, flea markets and thrift stores. Each chime is unique, … Read More...

Featured on Apartment Therapy, teacup candles are a great idea for anyone who not only loves to collect unique items but loves to have a candle burning in their house at all times.

But don’t think you need to … Read More...

While some reuse their glass jars, most (myself included) simply recycle the pieces of any tin cans they use. Now, thanks to this great tutorial from Whip Up, you can now use those can lids to make gorgeous magnets … Read More...

Rather than get a new couch when you’re tired of your old couch’s pattern, you might consider reupholstering it! Apartment Therapy features this great mid-century modern couch that’s gotten a face lift with some new fabric and potentially some added … Read More...

If putting your used paper into the recycle bin sums up your paper recycling theories, head on over to Kids Gardening for instructions on making NEW paper out of that used stuff you’ve just been putting out by the curb! … Read More...

Nancy of Sassafras Creations combines two of her loves — knitting and recycling — to make beautiful jewelry, like this striking pendant. First, she drills into and cuts up the needles by hand, tiny piece by tiny piece, using a … Read More...

If you’re looking for some alternative materials to add to your jewelry projects, I encourage you to take a look at Nicole Noelle Sherman’s new book, Making Designer Jewelry from Hardware, Gems, and Beads. It’s packed with funky designs … Read More...

Check out this cute pink-and-lime-green shoulder bag made from a vintage tea towel. It’s offered in She-Su’s Etsy shop, along with a sampling of other wonderful wearables reconstructed from neckties, pillowcases, vintage fabrics and other thrift store finds.

Michelle Stitzlein’s new book, Bottlecap Little Bottlecap, is a how-to arts and crafts booklet for kids that focuses on using plastic bottlecaps from milk jugs, orange juice cartons, water bottles, soda bottles, shampoo bottles and margarine tubs. For both … Read More...