BYOB Project - Construction Details

I meant to do this sooner, but just been hammered this past month so finally here are some additional ideas and suggestions related to the BYOB project converting t-shirts into usable bags!

First I'll show what I did with the pretty blue bag featured in the earlier post.

To create the curve, I folded the shirt in half and used the pins to help determine the curve...of course it could just be sewn straight across. A reminder...you must use your STRETCH STITCH to ensure the bag will stand up to the wear and tear of heavy objects.

I used a white bar of soap (courtesy of a motel stay!) which makes it easy to see on darker fabric and it will wash out, too! So, after marking both sides you can unpin and sew...I also used a decorative stretch stitch just for fun.


To cut the collar and widen the top opening I used a plate as a template...depending on the size of the shirt you may need to vary the size...pan lids would work great, too!

I uaed my pinking shears to cut through the sleeve leaving about 2 inches attached at the top so I can add a key clip and a place to hang my recycled tie cell phone holder. If you don't want to do that you can just cut off both sleeves.

The piece I've cut out I use to create a tie at the top of each sleeve to gather and hold them together.



I cut off the other sleeve completely.

I used my trusty bar of soap to mark off about one inch fringe strips.

I folded the shirt in half again and put a marker on my scissors and did some decorative slits in the main body of the shirt (which I later used for my ribbon assortment!

I even used the collar by fringing it (I eyeballed it) and decided it might be just the right size to put over a small lamp shade and realized it was a great place to hang my fishhook earrings...bonus! It would also be an adorable necklace for a little girl...you could even add some pony beads.


I have provided a pdf file with instructions to create a flat bottom bag, too, click here to get it and quick reminders on the details shown in this post...have fun and remember, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Recycling on a whole new level!

I was inspired by an incredible and fun (and prolific) artist on Etsy named Will W. and he brings recycled things to life! You will have fun and be inspired by visiting his Etsy shop called Reclaim2Fame.

His work inspired me to do a very different recyclying project from the previous ones posted here...enjoy and be inspired! I've named her Rosie.

Some of the items include brass candlesticks, an exotic wood yoyo made by husband which he graciously donated to a higher cause, a vintage brooch and tin and miscellaneous beads and jewelry parts...it's a little girly compared to the shop that inspired me but you get the basic idea of giving these items a new lease on life, things that would otherwise be subjugated to a lonely separate life in a box or drawer now proudly stand as one!

The BYOB Project

I was asked to participate in a local 3R's Fair - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle which is something I love to do anyway so I wanted to present a project that might be fun and interesting and practical, too. So I found a great idea for recycling t-shirts into functional bags...I have a link on our website where you can download a pdf file with some idea reminders that I will also show in this post.

There are a number of variations with this project and it can be very simple and basic or more fussy...it's up to you! I'll show you some of the things I've done with one of my favorite t-shirt bags!

With this shirt, I opted to add a fringe and some horizontal cuts in the main part of the bag which is fun and funky as long as you aren't carrying a lot of cereal boxes but wouldn't it be great for ribbons?!





Detailed instructions to come...

Be careful what you ask for...

Ask and you shall receive...and receive I did! I was one of the few people in this world who would actually ASK for zucchini and large ones at that (most people lock their cars for fear it might show up!) Anyway, I got several donations and have done a variety of things with them that have been tasty options but thought I'd share one we have really enjoyed and that was juicing the zucchini. Paired with a couple of Granny Smith apples it was delicious. One person thought it tasted like Jolly Rancher Green Apple candy...so if you are feeling adventurous, you might want to try it! What a great use for something that might otherwise not get used...I'm going to try using the leftover pulp for bread instead of the usual grated zucchini. Isn't the color wonderful? Thanks for stopping by!

Tie One On!

Well, here is one of my latest projects...I've recycled this tie to use as a cell phone holder for my purse...and judging by the size of my purse, you may well understand why I need a special place for my phone. I wanted to make it longer but it would drag on the floor so I resized it again to fit. I used a heavy clear vinyl to hold it which also allows the tie fabric to show. I added the ring to make it easier to move it from one purse to another...stay tuned I'll be making more!

Not necessary but I did feel compelled to take this adorable
little tie tac and add it as a little bling bling!

Upcycled Jewelry and Etsy find

So I wanted to share some pics of a necklace I made from other older, reclaimed necklaces that didn't really jazz me...and I added some little black beads as spacers...I love the colors and it works with many things I wear not that I have a shortage of jewelry choices but in spite of that don't you often find you are still looking for just the right combination of colors.

Then I found this sweet little vintage set on Etsy. It is a clip-on pair of earrings and decorative clip for creating a pendant effect with a beaded necklace so I thought I would show how pretty it is on a necklace and it creates a fun and different look, too!

I love vintage (and new) jewelry and creating my own special treasures. This treasure was found at YesterdaysMemories09 Etsy shop.

Enjoy and save those old necklace and give them a new. recycled life!

Pretty as a Peacock

My husband and I went to a local sale and found this unusual piece of art...it spoke to us and we decided it needed a home in our office...it's an intricate, well-made and unique so my question to you is what do you think it is made from? Leave comments in this post and enjoy this gorgeous piece of art!