In this post we’re tackling one of many peoples’ biggest pet hates: wastage. For both economic and environmental reasons, it’s a shame to waste products that are still usable and in good nick just because they aren’t needed for their original use. Rather than throwing away unused leftovers, there are some nifty ways to put them to best use. Here’s our favourites:
1. Make a picture frame out of leftover wood flooring
When you buy wood flooring, it’s not uncommon to be left
with excess once you’ve covered your room. This can of course come in very
handy for repairs – especially if you’ve got engineered
wood flooring, which uses a tongue and groove system that makes for a
fairly simple replacement. However, if you’re left with more than you need, why
not try making a bespoke picture frame out of the leftover wood. It will go perfectly
with your room’s style, and is a great way to ensure none of the excess wood is
wasted. After all, a new wood floor can be a sizable
investment. The last thing you want is to throw money down the drain.
See this DIY
guide to learn how to make your own!
2. Use leftover fabric to create this cute dreamcatcher
If you often find yourself using fabric, be it in
upholstering or creating designs professionally (or for fun!), you’ll know the
struggle of always having a tiny bit of fabric left over at the end. Rather
than throwing these away, save them up until you’ve got a stash of different
colours and styles. These extra pieces of fabric can be put to good use to add
the finishing touches to a decorative dreamcatcher. It looks great in any
bedroom, and it’s likely to go with most designs due to the differing styles of
fabric you’re using.
Learn how to make the dreamcatcher here.
3. Create zipper cases from old plastic bottles
In modern times, we’d hope that most people are
environmentally conscious enough to recycle their plastic. If you’re looking for
a more creative use for leftover bottles, you can create quirky zipper cases
for holding stationery. Not only that, there’s no sewing required! This DIY
mini-project is best left to the sturdier plastic bottles, though. You can mix
and match the colour zippers you decide to use and, because they’re so cheap,
you can make loads to hold more than just stationery. You’re only limited by
the size of the bottle you decide to use!
Make them yourself here.
4. Recycle old pallets into a vertical garden
We’re heading into spring 2018 – although someone needs to
tell the weather! As the time for flowers arrives and we head back into our
gardens to assess the damage and begin to regrow, using old pallets is a great
way to build a vertical garden that looks amazing. It’s really simple to do as
well, so you won’t have to spend hours to get the final result.
Follow this
tutorial to make your own pallet garden.