There isn't much out there for k-cup upcycling. This is one of the products that I appreciate the convenience of the item, but not so keen on the fact that it cannot be recycled. The Keurig company has released plastic caps that can be used on these plastic containers to reuse them in the coffee-makers. And there is also a lidded mesh cup that can replace them altogether.
But when going online to find craft projects to reuse these things there wasn't much out there. However I have pinned most of the ideas that I have found, and creating some of my own. Check out these ideas and more to come on Nicole's Pinterest board for these ideas.
Can't wait to post my newest idea on my board and here on my blog! It combines my love of upcycling and loom knitting. But it will take a while. I am still in the testing phase of this particular project.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Curtain Caplets
This project came from my love of everything 1950s. I had been seeing more and more posts of caplets being sewn or knitted all over the internet and wanted to have a matching set for myself and my daughter.
So I decided to take the plunge, however, finances were low so I went to my local DAV Thrift store to see if I could find some fabric there. After thirty minutes of searching their remnant fabric I was coming up empty. I, at that point, decided to take my chances at some other thrift shops. On my way out I found a matching set of two brocade looking curtain panels and one large single curtain panel that was similar. I then went back to the fabric section and picked up the brown floral print that I originally was going to pass on. I figured using the curtain panels was worth a shot.
The matching set was going to be for my daughter, so I set to work on that first. I ripped out all the seaming along the top where the rod goes through as well as the bottom, then cut four matching panels of the curtain and the floral fabric. I wanted to try to make hers a reversible one. It came out nice. I stitched up two panels separately, then sewed them together so that there was the floral print contrast up the back. I had enough of the contrast fabric to make a second sash, if she ever wants to change out the ribbon.
Both caplets are in the photo, adult version on bottom, child's on top. Detail on the design of the fabric is hard to see, but both are shiny. The child version has a damask type look and feel, while the adult one has a more upholstery look. I attached a hair clip to the adult one to show how the look can be altered.
These were fun to make and cost me less than $5.00 to make both. That included the purchase of the curtains, fabric and the ribbon used for the drawstring (which was bought for 98 cents in a bag with other ribbons at the thrift store as well). I already had thread on hand. I had to purchase a leather needle halfway through sewing the child caplet because the needle I had been using was used for a while before starting this project. However, it still did not make the cost go over the $5.00.
So I decided to take the plunge, however, finances were low so I went to my local DAV Thrift store to see if I could find some fabric there. After thirty minutes of searching their remnant fabric I was coming up empty. I, at that point, decided to take my chances at some other thrift shops. On my way out I found a matching set of two brocade looking curtain panels and one large single curtain panel that was similar. I then went back to the fabric section and picked up the brown floral print that I originally was going to pass on. I figured using the curtain panels was worth a shot.
The matching set was going to be for my daughter, so I set to work on that first. I ripped out all the seaming along the top where the rod goes through as well as the bottom, then cut four matching panels of the curtain and the floral fabric. I wanted to try to make hers a reversible one. It came out nice. I stitched up two panels separately, then sewed them together so that there was the floral print contrast up the back. I had enough of the contrast fabric to make a second sash, if she ever wants to change out the ribbon.
Both caplets are in the photo, adult version on bottom, child's on top. Detail on the design of the fabric is hard to see, but both are shiny. The child version has a damask type look and feel, while the adult one has a more upholstery look. I attached a hair clip to the adult one to show how the look can be altered.
These were fun to make and cost me less than $5.00 to make both. That included the purchase of the curtains, fabric and the ribbon used for the drawstring (which was bought for 98 cents in a bag with other ribbons at the thrift store as well). I already had thread on hand. I had to purchase a leather needle halfway through sewing the child caplet because the needle I had been using was used for a while before starting this project. However, it still did not make the cost go over the $5.00.
My next post that I will be sharing will be about a full skirt dress that I am going to be making for my daughter. She is two years old, and I am finally going to attempt to make a dress that has a zipper in it. So for all you girls and boys out there that have never sewn a zipper, this will be the post to read. Because this is unchartered territory for me. I will post some do's and dont's about zippers and what it was like dealing with sewing in a zipper.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
TerraCycling Everyday
One of the things that irritates me the most is how much of a throw away society we have become. It has become such a problem that land fills are popping up everywhere. Eventually the entire earth will be covered with land on top of trash, and the world of Wall-E will become a reality.
I would like to inform anyone and everyone about the company TerraCycle. This is an amazing group of people that upcycle trash for a living. Seriously, they take our trash and turn it into new products. Lunchables containers become trash cans and park benches and tables, chip snack bags get ground up and become other bags and containers, wine corks become new cork material and products. But my favorite?! CapriSun Pouches stitched together to make lunch sacks, and messenger bags.
Be sure to check this company out. I am signed up for a number of the collection programs and even though it is a lot of work, it makes me feel good that we as a family decreased the number of trash bags in half that my city takes to the dump from my house.
Be a tree hugger - sign up, join a brigade and start mailing them your trash!
www.terracycle.com
I would like to inform anyone and everyone about the company TerraCycle. This is an amazing group of people that upcycle trash for a living. Seriously, they take our trash and turn it into new products. Lunchables containers become trash cans and park benches and tables, chip snack bags get ground up and become other bags and containers, wine corks become new cork material and products. But my favorite?! CapriSun Pouches stitched together to make lunch sacks, and messenger bags.
Be sure to check this company out. I am signed up for a number of the collection programs and even though it is a lot of work, it makes me feel good that we as a family decreased the number of trash bags in half that my city takes to the dump from my house.
Be a tree hugger - sign up, join a brigade and start mailing them your trash!
www.terracycle.com
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