I am looking for new ideas for using those "old things" that come into my second hand store at our sheltered workshop. The other day my kids made some birds out of polymer clay and I used them in a neat "remake" of an old teacup and saucer set, and a swinging nest type basket.
I would appreciate some info on crafts or ideas like the following: neck tie sunglasses case, decoupaged photo stash case from an old suitcase, blue jeans purses, stemware and china jewelry holder, etc. Anything to inspire my customers to pick up that "old thing" and make it new!
Hello, I would like to know more about your store. I have been wanting to start such a shop in Pgh for years now, but don't know where to start. Any info you could offer would be most appreciated. If you want to email me it is pghgirl40 at earthlink dot net. Thanks!
Wine glasses make nice candle holders, they look nice grouped together in graduated heights. Also, coffee cups make nice ornaments, tie a ribbon on the handle for a hanger and glue a Christmas pick inside. Another idea I have heard of ladies that quilt buying clothes at thrift stores for the material.
*My daughter used neckties in a collage of an underwater scene. *On HGtv they used an old eye glass case and turned it into 1-pincushion and 2-sewing tools holder for traveling.
Ok, here is the best of my brain at 247am! Old tea cups and saucers can be made into candles.
Coffee mugs can have a small package of gourmet coffee, cocoa, or tea bags and a nice spoon as a gift mug.
Old albums can be made into clocks, and already have the hole in the middle. Dishes that are already chipped can be broken to make frames, serving trays, or small table tops.
Old teapots, kettles, recipe boxes, pots, mugs, and kitchen ware can be made into planters or dried/silk flower pots. Old ladles can be hung on the wall with country fabric for a ribbon to hold keys by the door or small air ferns.
Magazines and calendars can be made into framed art. Craft books and a little imagination can be a craft gift basket. Old broken jewelry can be made into a frame around a photograph, mirror, or shadow box.
Old boots and galoshes can be made into Hen and Chicks planters on the porch, or with dried/fake flowers and change them for each season. Old keys, silverware, and such can be made into a wind chime or mobile.
I collect snails (no, not the real ones) and have a frog, turtle and owl collector on my list. I pick them up all year and give them all at once in a cool basket. Your "planner aheaders" can do the same.
Old puzzle pieces can be made into frames, pins and more. Or, put one together that is intact and seal it (either clear tape or the sealer) and frame it.
Old jeans can be made into purses, planter covers, rugs, blankets, you name it. For that matter, you can find a dress or item of clothing you like and use the fabric or buttons to make frames, jewelry, etc.
I once found a formal for .10!! From that, I got 4 yards of lace, a zipper, 14 pearl-escent buttons and a brooch from the bodice neckline.
Old lace gloves can be stuffed with potpourri, gathered with pretty ribbon, and adding a few glittery pins, hang on the wall for a pompadour.
Old books can be covered with fabric and glue, then stacked from biggest to smallest and bound with a nice ribbon as a table accent.
The first poster is right though, check out some of the cool things others have posted. I sure hope my two cents worth helped!
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
