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The simple beauty found in recyling
Posted on April 29th, 2009 10 comments
Lately I’ve been inspired by books such as A Guide to Green Housekeeping, by Christina Strutt, and Flea Market Style, by Emelie Tolley and Chris Mead. In both books, the authors emphasize that a key feature of living frugally and sustainably is reusing - and repurposing - old items. In particular, I noted the beauty of re-purposed glass; for example,Christina Strutt turns old jam jars into beautifully decorative and practical items for the home.
I was rather inspired to look inside my home for opportunities to pull out the little gems that may have been gathering dust in the back of my kitchen cupboards and actually use them to bring more beauty into my home at no extra cost.
The little jam jar (left) turned into a cute handle holder. This jam jar was in fact used by my grandmother to can raspberry jam in 2007, so it has fresh sentimental value. So do the little butter dishes (right) from my Nana’s antique collection. These little butter dishes used to sit at formal dinners, holding a small pat of butter at each place setting. I have four of them, and as it turns out, they are the perfect shape for tea lights.
These frosty jars are great for keeping beers cold on a summer day. But once defrosted, they could also easily be used for holding a few flowers, or perhaps candles as well.
But then again, they do their job with the beers pretty well. These old fashioned mugs could probably be found pretty easily at flea markets.
I truly love the idea of re-purposing items found within your home to add beauty, as well as practicality, to a frugal life. Of course, I love thrifting and antiquing, which is a great way to decorate a home at low cost and without contributing to any environmental stress. But I also believe that the best way is to make do with what we already have. Not only is it the most frugal and environmentally friendly way to go, it also reminds us of the abundance that already exists in our homes. We can be self-sufficient while enjoying a bountiful, fulfilling, simple daily life.
Is there anything you have found in your home lately that you would like to re-use or re-purpose?
10 responses to “The simple beauty found in recyling”
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Hi there- the tea lights look gorgeous in your grandmothers jars and also in the butter dishes. I need to try this too, thanks for sharing, a great post!!
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I am loving your blog! Thanks for all the great tips!
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Great post! I love repurposing things! It’s funny you wrote about this, I just did a post on how I repurposed a tin lunchpail I got as swag into and handy dandy dental organizer for my bathroom!
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Love your re-purposed items! I don’t even like beer but you sure do make it look good! LOL! I love your blog & was wondering if you have a way I could sub to your blog via email?
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Love mason jar glasses, so summery!
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Melaniesd May 1st, 2009 at 08:55
I LOVE the little butter dishes!
I like to use my crystal vases as candle holders. A white candle burning behind cut glass is so beautiful. I don’t have flower very often so it’s a nice way to still enjoy the vases. Another way to enjoy them is to stuff them with Christmas lights and plug them in.I’m also an antique buff. I love little dishes and nice furniture. I’m blessed to have a fair bit of my great-grandmothers dishes. I try to use them and display them well.
I’ve really been tying to reduce what I throw away and reuse items. Thank you for the tips. Your blog has helped me to be more aware of it.
I am in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Today we are evacuated from our home due to a very bad forest fire. I can tell you I will be very greatful to be able to enjoy my possessions when I’m allowed to return home. It’s only “stuff” and my family is together with our dogs and important documents. That’s the main thing. A situation like this makes you realize how bless we really are to live in a free country and the items in our home are only “things”. We are still so much more wealthy than millions of people in the world, even if we lose our little home.
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Nancy May 1st, 2009 at 09:20
So true, Melaniesd. You really put things in perspective when you face a challenge such as yours. It’s extremely stressful at the time, but it’s also a lesson in gratitude. Thanks..I’m happy you wrote.
SQ, your post reminded me of Oprah the other day, when Ned the designer had the challenge of making over 6 rooms, each belonging to a family in the same neighbourhood. Together they presented their giveaways and each family made up a wish list from the collection. Ned then chose certain pieces from their wish list to integrate into the rooms. He also went into other rooms in their homes and moved accessories into the redecorated room. He only had to spend around $150 extra with new things.
The result was really impressive! It takes a good eye, but you can create interesting decorator looks without buying anything. He recommended that you go into each room in your house and “go shopping”. Take things from one room to the next and use your imagination by playing with what you have.
I believe that homes hold energy, and if you lovingly fill them with things that are meaningful to you, as well as all the good memories that are made in that space, it can truly be a place of warmth, peace and refuge. -
Nancy May 1st, 2009 at 09:26
Oh, yes, one more thing! My daughters and I are planning on doing a “swap accessory” party where we bring our jewellery, scarves, handbags etc and exchange them for a time.
One of my favourite accessories are scarves. Sometimes I start with a scarf in my closet, and work an outfit around that. You can get many different looks with scarves, and so much mileage from just a few scarves without spending a lot of money. Consignment stores are a great place to look for them too. -
Melaniesd May 1st, 2009 at 10:53
Nancy, the accessory swap is a great idea! I think I’ll talk to some girl friends about having an accessory swapping party! Great excuse to eat & drink. : )
That Oprah episode was great wasn’t it? My family often swaps furniture. It makes for an interesting conversation piece! lol!
Thankfully we have been given the okay to go home and are now home safe & sound. The weather is now heavy rain but the winds are high which can still make it tough to fight the fires.
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Saver Queen May 1st, 2009 at 11:16
I can’t wait to try a swap! That will be so much fun. I usually get “stuck” on one or two pieces of jewelry/accessories and wear them until I’m bored of them! The Oprah episode sounds great. Oprah is one of the shows I really miss, not having cable.
Melaniesd - I’m so glad you can go home and that your family is safe. You’re right - it really puts things in perspective. Thank you so much for sharing this!
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