Upcycle Recycle Inspiration

Recycled old toilets into a planter

This is a clever recycling project.





Table painted pink...

I saw this in a display window in downtown Bloomington, IN

DIY Ugly Table Painted White Thrifty Style

Here is a picture of a table that I just painted white. It was a really ugly wood that had water mark stains. Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of it before. I really think it turned out well.

I went to the hardware store and found some primer that was not mixed as the customer wanted so it was on sale for about $2.  They did not have any paint that I liked the color that was on sale. So, I went to Menard's and found a gallon of antique white in semi-gloss on clearance for only $5. I did some light sanding between coats. I like to use those cheap sponge paint brushes because I think I get smoother coats. I also clean the sponge brushes and reuse them several times.

Gardening Inspiration from my Community Garden Visit

I just visited a community park and garden in Bloomington, IN called Will Detmer park. I just discovered this wonderful place. It gave me lots of inspiration for gardening...for next year since it is already August.

I would like to grow some beautiful tall sunflowers that just kind of look down on you...

and some sweeping rows of black-eyed susan and coneflowers...

I

I also saw pumpkins...

and vegetables in raised garden beds...

Here are cantaloupe and watermelon...

Not sure what these are.  I think they are tomatillos...

More pics of the gardens...

Usages for Clear Plastic Salad Containers

You know these containers and have probably thrown many away. Wait, read what you can do with them.

1. They make great seed starters because they are like mini greenhouses. Punch a few holes in the bottom, add soil and seeds in the container and place in a sunny window and mist with water every day or so.  Transplant to a larger pot when they are about an inch or two high.

2. Send home leftovers with guests or adult children. This way you don't mind that you don't get the containers back.

3. Reuse for the obvious - salads or other cold lunches for work. Remember, you cannot microwave these.

4. Keep things organized - crayons, buttons, all those small condiment packages of ketchup, soy sauce, etc., craft supplies. I am sure you can think of  a million other things to store in them.

5. Use to mix paint for art and craft projects.

6. Cut them up and use as labels for plants. Write the name of the plant with a permanent marker.

7.  Fill with cookies or candy and put a bow on top to give as gifts.

8. Store bulk food items like dried beans and rice that come in bags.


9. Create your own spice rubs and store in the containers.

10. Use in the garage for storing nails, screws, etc.