Recycle, Re-use, and Enjoy!

Enlarge Image Image Gallery The triangular shapes make a strong graphic statement, but rectangles, circles or even amorphous shapes would also make for an intriguing shade.

Practical Plastic Privacy

An innovative translucent shade can be made from plastic milk jugs that would otherwise find their way into the landfill. Cut geometric shapes out of the sides of the jugs and string them together at regular intervals. Labels can be soaked off in about 15 minutes using warm, soapy water. The plastic is surprisingly pretty when the light hits it, Producing an effect that evokes capiz shells. This simple, striking design is perfect for windows where you want a little privacy without blocking the light out completely.

Raise it up

Here’s a simple idea to help you display your mementos, heirlooms and souvenirs in high style, while putting all those vases in your storage closet to good use. Take a vase and turn it over, so the wide mouth becomes the base. Now you’ve got a stylish stand for small items that you’d like to display in your home. All it takes is a little artful composition and a change of perspective.

Carrying a Different Load

Few things are more difficult to dispose of than old tires and inner tubes. Well, here’s an idea to at least put one half of that duo back to work. Start with a truck-size inner tube (tire stores often have one or two destined for the dumpster). Don’t worry if the inner tube has a hole; you’ll be cutting it up anyway. Cut out a section that’s about 14 inches at the top and 18 to 20 inches at the bottom. Cut the edge open along what had been the interior edge of the tube. Lay it open flat and measure spots for grommet holes. The holes should be centered on the top edge about two inches down and eight or nine inches apart. Mark the spot, then cut a small “x” with the scissors and round it into a hole about 3/4–inch across. There will be four holes, two at the top edge of each side of the trug. Grommet kits are available at most at the hardware stores and will contains the tools you need (anvil and punch), plus an assortment of grommets. Try using #4 grommets with a hole size of 1/2 inch. Once the grommets are in place, feed a 14-inch section of 3/8–inch wooden dowel through the grommets on each side to form handles. The dowel should go in the first hole from the outside and then out the next hole at the other end. The handle will then be “inside” the trug when you’re carrying it to protect your knuckles.  Now you’ve got a handy  trug made to do the hard work in the garden: It’s tough enough to carry your garden loppers, hedge clippers, bow saw, prunings and clippings— yet you’ll also find it handy for transporting prize peonies. Just lay it flat, pile in the stuff, bring the handles together and you’re off.