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!

I am excited to announce that Goodwill and the Portsmouth Public Library are co-hosting a free screening of Handmade Nation, the hit documentary by Faythe Levine, on the rise of DIY art, craft, and design.

According to the press release, “Faythe Levine traveled 19,000 miles to document what has emerged as a marriage between historical technique, punk culture, and the D.I.Y. ethos. For HANDMADE NATION  she and Cortney Heimerl have selected 24 makers and 5 essayists who work within different media and have different methodologies to provide a microcosm of the crafting community. Participants in this community share ideas and encouragement through websites, blogs, boutiques, galleries, and craft fairs. Together they have forged a new economy and lifestyle based on creativity, determination, and networking.”

The screening is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, at 2 pm at the Portsmouth Public Library.  There will also be a curated display of local crafts and vintage and new art/craft/design books from the library collection.  Many thanks to Paige Maxim and Julie Bailey who have loaned us some of their crafts and art for display.

Stay for the after party and enjoy coffee and delicious cupcakes donated by Ceres Bakery in Portsmouth.  The Button Factory is also hosting their open studios this weekend, so get ready to get your craft on in Portsmouth that weekend!

Questions?  Please email me at or Jennifer Moore at the Portsmouth Public Library.

Find the perfect gift and support a local artist. Over the next couple of weeks we will feature online stores of artists in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont that offer gifts made from recycled or re-purposed material. If you are an artist and would like to be featured here, let us know.

Check out local artist Dan Clark of Dan-Clark Designs’ Etsy store for that wonderful one of a kind jewelry gift. Dan is an artist from the Coastal Maine area and has been creating hand-made jewelry since 2000. Many of his designs, like this bracelet made of recycled paper, are from re-purposed/reused material.

This Recycled Paper Bead Bracelet is made from crocheted copper wire and strung with beads made from recycled paper.

If you see something on Dan’s online store and need it customized, let him know! Dan is always more than happy to create a piece of jewelry in a different size or color.