Conditioner can also be a great shaving cream, and is a great alternative to aerosol cans which are bad on the environment.

I’d stay away from spray paint too… those nasty fumes are horrible for the environment.

Shoes are something I use to go through a lot of until I discovered how cheap it is to get someone to repair them.

Also, check out this site for how to create “tipsy pots” if you’re into gardening.

http://www.gardensandcrafts.com/tipsypots.html

They can be used for flowers or growing your own fresh herbs and can be made out of pots, kettles, old bowls, etc -as long as it’s deep enough for the roots -which depends on what you’re growing but generally 8 inches is safe (or something really wide).

One more thing, old ceramics/dishware/colored glass can be smashed up and glued back together in colorful patterns to create art work in the form of coasters, decorations or to spice up other dishware… I’m sure there’s websites out there with specifics on this.

I slip one over the paint roller tray before pouring the paint in. At the day’s end, or when I have run out of paint, I just draw it off and throw it away. No clean-up!

Other days, when there is going to be a several hour hiatus in said painting, I will put the paint roller or brush in another plastic bag to keep it wet. I HAVE heard of people putting such a wrapped roll in the FREEZER for longer delays. I don’t have that kind of room in my freezer. If I did, it would have ice cream in it.

Before my Service Dog died, I always had a stash of bags in pockets and purses, and a Bag o’ Bags in the car. Even after Gruffydd went to the Rainbow Bridge, I still kept the B o’ B in the trunk for rounding up trash in the car, for keeping garage sale finds together, for packing material when I needed to nestle something that would otherwise tip over.

Ciao for niao

One other tip I’d like to add about magazines:

You can bring them to your local hospital. they usual have a cart they put them on and offer them to patients along with books. Its a nice thing to do for others that are sick :)

Hey Bev,

Love the idea! I would use regular old extra-strength velcro to affix the woven tray to the TV tray base. You could also try something like liquid nails for a less-removable solution. Hope it helps!

xoxo,
s

So I think the repurposing section is the right place for my question?

I am in desperate need of an end table and I have a cheapo unfinished Ikea TV tray that I was thinking about transforming– I was thinking about painting it and attaching a woven tray of some kind on top. Only problem is I’ve never done anything like this before and have no idea where to begin? Your painting “how to” is helpful but what do I do about attaching the tray??? Any ideas/inspiration would be so appreciated!

Thanks so so much!!! I can’t believe I’m even thinking about doing this- you guys are such an inspiration!!

Bev

Hey Ana,

Metal is great at taking paint, and spray painting the tins is probably the best way to get a nice even coat of paint. Just turn the cans upside down on a big piece of cardboard outside (good ventilation is key) and spray them lightly from about 12″ away to keep from getting drips. A few thin coats is always better than one thick one. Then just be sure they’re completely dry before bringing them inside to keep out those nasty fumes. Happy painting!

xo,
s

I am in love with your blog!

I also use old tin cans for my kid’s markers and pencils and loved the idea of painting them! Can you please tell me what kind of paint is good? Thanks!