It’s been awhile since we have focused on repurposing projects – we have been busy with events and other happenings here at Goodwill.  However, I recently spent some time browsing our favorite blogs and found some great summer projects – enjoy and remember to check out Goodwill for your all your craft projects!

Repurposing Old T-Shirts

Crafting a Green World had a great post last week on “Memorable Ways to Repurpose Old T-Shirts.“  No need to get rid of that Nirvana t-shirt – simply turn it into an upcycled pillow or quilt.  Not crafty?  They even point out some services that will make a t-shirt quilt for you -  just send in your t-shirts!  You can also make scarves or turn them into wall decor.

Need Kid’s Projects this Summer?

Check out Apron Thrift Girl’s idea to create a thrifed stash basket – she includes rulers, markers, graph paper, shells,  candle-making kits, and various odds and ends she found while out thrifting.  She also advices looking for sea glass, blocks, drawing paper, rubber stamps, corks, and wool sweaters for felting.  Now you have plenty of supplies to keep your little ones busy all summer!

Reusing Old  Mason Jars

Though I’m not sure how this is done, I really love these mounted mason jars used as vases – take a close look at picture – if you can’t figure out how to make them, they are available on Etsy at Post Road Vintage’s Shop.  Enjoy!

In honor of Valentine’s day and the crafting fever that hits us all mid-winter, the Auburn Goodwill store is hosting a Valentine’s Day Craft & Vintage Sale. The sale is this Sunday only and will feature fabric at $.99/yard, shredded wool sold by the bag (perfect for rug hookers and braiders), notions, vintage clothing and jewelry, furniture, and more!

The Auburn, Maine store is open this Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.  For more information, please contact the store at (207) 783-1702.

Here’s a sneak preview of the some of the items

With Valentine’s Day approaching, you may be thinking of gifts or tokens of appreciation for your loved ones.  It is also a great time to draw on your creativity – below are  some of the projects I have been inspired by in the past few weeks – what are your Valentine’s Day creations?

Jewelry Bust/Hidden Jewelry Box

I love this - from Design*Sponge

And other lovely creation from Design*Sponge – have I mentioned how much I love this blog?

Fabric Scrap Flowers from Greenupgrader

Recycled Valentine’s Day Pop-up Card from Crafting a Green World (visit their site for a video how-to!)

Last week we featured some easy handmade craft projects to give as holiday gifts.  This week I would like to share some more projects and gift ideas…look for upcoming posts about experience gifts and last minute ideas!

First up, for those friends and family members in your life who like to craft or aspire to craft, Crafting a Green World posted some new crafting books they recommend:

Green Guide for Artists: Nontoxic Recipes, Green Art Ideas, and Resources for the Eco-Conscious Artist

And for parents, this is a great resource: Green Crafts for Children: 35 Step-by-Step Projects Using Natural, Recycled, and Found Materials.

I really like this one: The Green Crafter: 53 Eco-Friendly Projects for Every Week of the Year.

There are more books they recommend, so make a visit to their site!

Next, the Advent Calendar.  Though it’s a bit late for this year, I also think yo could make one as a present to give to someone for next year’s holiday season.  It’s a very easy project and great for multiple people to work on together.  All you need are some office supplies, brown paper bags, and surprises for each day.

Next, Superhero capes! I really love these and will most likely make one for my nephew next year.  All you need are some old sheets and a sewing machine.  I also know that recovergirl has made similar capes using old towels.

Holiday Wreaths! I have two to share with you – Design*Sponge featured this clothesline wreath last week that is EASY to make and looks great – I really like the subtle colors.  Also, last year recovergirl made a beautiful, colorful felted wreath out of sweater scraps.  Handmade wreaths are great gifts that friends and family can take out every year and think of you!

What are you making for gifts this year?

There are hundreds and hundreds of great gift ideas out there – I can become overwhelmed just thinking of all the possibilities.  But I like to keep the holidays simple and meaningful.  And there’s no gift more meaningful than making something yourself or spending time with others – from knitting a scarf, cooking a meal for someone, taking someone to the movies, etc.  Over the next few weeks, I will feature a variety of gift ideas I have seen at different blogs and sites to help inspire you this holiday season.

First up: Woven Button Coasters

I have to be honest – I really, really, really wanted to make these this year, but I could not find enough buttons of the same size and color to make this project happen – if anyone knows where to purchase buttons in bulk, please let me know!  If you happen to have a great collection of buttons (and some time), this is a beautiful gift to give.

For the fashionistas in your life

If you are giving a gift to someone who loves clothes, what’s a better present than beautifully handmade hangers on which to hang them?  Design*Sponge featured this idea, and again, it’s simple – fabric, pins, a needle and thread, and a hanger.  If you make three of these, it makes for a really nice gift set.

Letterpress Tin Clock

This is a ridiculously easy project that many people would appreciate – who doesn’t need to know the time!  All you need is an old mints tin (repurposing!), a card you like, and a clock kit (which they note you can pick up at the hardware store for around $5).  Ta-da   Instant clock that can be put in any room of the house.

If you have any projects or ideas you would like to share, please leave us a comment and we can feature them in upcoming blog posts!