By Susan Wasinger
Recovering Pillows is a Snap
Upholstery fabric designers produce piles of swatch books filled with beautiful, luxurious fabrics. At year’s end, these swatch books head straight for the trash bin as new books debut. Turn these unlucky swatches into stylish pillow covers. If you already have pillows, simply recover them in the new fabric. Consider making several sets of new covers so you can change them with the seasons and holidays. Is there an easier way to give your space a quick, painless face lift? Request discontinued sample books at a store or showroom specializing in home-furnishing fabrics; they’ll be glad to see their trash turned into your treasure. If you have swatches left after you finish recovering your pillows, use the extras for seat covers or placemats. It’s an easy, inexpensive, and eco-friendly way to decorate on a budget!
String, Glue…Presto! A Classy, Original Lamp
Make a chic design statement by starting with a ball of string, a little glue, and a recycled pendant lamp. The beauty of these lovely pendant lamps is that you probably possess most of the needed materials in your junk drawer or garage. If you don’t already have one of these lamps waiting to be given a second life, ask around. You may be amazed at how many people have one that’s not being used. You can also purchase an inexpensive pendant light fixture at the hardware store. Use your imagination and see how many different designs could incorporate the string and glue. This project is simple enough for kids to help with as long as there’s adult supervision. As an added bonus, these make energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights more attractive.
Gorgeous Green Basket
Are you lucky enough to have some old neckties that are no longer being worn? Or do you have access to neckties at a recycled clothing store nearby? If you do, consider making them into a basket! An indulgently soft basket made of cast-off neckties uses an easy beginner basket-making technique that requires no tools except your nimble fingers. Use a simple braiding technique and let your creativity run wild. Chose colors that compliment your living areas. The finished product makes a beautiful addition to a dresser or nightstand and is perfect for eyeglasses, watches and other precious things that need a soft place to land. A larger version could make a choice location for storing balls of yarn or as a catnapping spot for a pampered feline. Use your imagination and know the possibilities are endless.
Provided by Natural Home - http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com
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