The T-Shirt Lady » Reuse

Empty Toilet Paper Tubes

tshirtlady — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:51:57 +0000

I have a basket in my bathroom, filled with empty toilet paper tubes.

I have a friend who comes over once a month to clean my house as I can’t do any of the heavy cleaning. She asked me today, why I was saving them?

Well, I figured everyone used them! So I showed her. I use them to hold cords from various small items – to keep the cords from getting tangled up with other ones!

This one is the cord from my cell phone. I use one for every type of cord you can imagine. I even use an empty paper towel tube for the cord for my sewing machine, as I have to store the machine when I’m not using it – I have no room to keep it on a table.

Upon seeing what I was doing with the tubes, my friend said an empty paper towel tube would be perfect for those mini Christmas lights that are always getting in a mess.

BTW – here’s a neat link for crafty ideas to use your empty paper tubes.

What do you use yours for??

Saturday morning musings – reusing pillowcases

tshirtlady — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:39:50 +0000

Just changed the sheets on my bed, this morning. As I was finishing up, and putting the pillow cases on the pillows, I find myself with an extra pillowcase again.

Why do I say again? For each set of sheets that I have, I also have 4 pillowcases. Either I bought 2 packages of pillowcases, or made 4 for each set. Whatever. However I only have 3 pillows on the bed. DH uses 2 and I use one. Even tho the bed is a king – those pillows fit nicely across.

Normally I would have a stack of extra pillowcases, but such is not the case.

Here are some ideas if you have extra pillowcases too:

Line a dresser drawer – much better than paper and much prettier too
Wrap decorations that you are ready to put away
Store seasonal clothing if you don’t have a trunk to store them in
Make a dresser scarf by putting a light batting inside and stitching down the edges
Store old photo albums so they don’t become dusty
Use for baby blankets and clothing to save for the next baby
Baby books and rattles and such can be protected the same way
Keep extra board games dust free – bring out when current board games have lost their excitement
Protect photo frames that you are not currently using
Wrap those projects you are working on to keep them clean

I’d love to hear your ideas too!

Sandi

Could Christmas be just around the corner?

tshirtlady — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:02:31 +0000

Christmas always has a way of sneaking up on me! I looked at a counter graphic and found that Christmas is 52 days away. Much closer than I thought.

What are your concerns about Christmas? What kind of gift can I give that won’t break the bank? How will I wrap it? How can I wrap the gift, without having all the wrapping thrown out.

Today, I’d like to make some recommendations!

Let’s start with what kind of gift you can give that won’t be really expensive. With the trend turning back to handmade and handcrafted items, rather than store bought, I’d like to recommend Etsy for your Christmas shopping. And you can shop from home – save gas!

Not familiar with Etsy? Your place to buy all things handmade. Etsy offers just about anything you are looking for in the way of a gift for that special someone.

My Etsy Shop is Handmade By Sandi where I offer a variety of crocheted items, sewn items and jewelry. And custom orders are welcomed!

Do you know someone who loves Starbucks? Use one of these crocheted coffee cozies – replace the cardboard sleeve. Helps to keep the coffee hot and keep your hands cool! A variety of colors are available – just the coffee cozy or some are embellished like this one with flowers.

Have a teenager to buy for? How about a unique choker that can be worn with casual as well dressy outfits? These chokers come in a variety of colors – very soft feeling and ties in the back!

Do you have someone that has everything? Want something truely unique? This bowl is great for potpourri, is crocheted and soft and won’t scratch furniture.

Have a friend who loves to take her own bags to the store? How about one of these?

Now how do you wrap these gifts and any others that you purchase? Save money and the earth. Don’t buy wrapping paper and tape. Try one of my fabric gift bags from Sandi’s T’s. Offered in a variety of sizes and different Christmas fabrics – these gift bags will keep on giving!

Now is the time to order your gifts and gift bags before the holiday rush! You will be greatly appreciated by whomever receives your gifts.

Enjoy your shopping from the comfort of your home!

Sandi

Have you seen Linda’s Latest Creations

tshirtlady — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:29:50 +0000

Recently I wrote about Linda Lewis and the fab critters she and her husband are making. Here’s the post. I talked about her early work. You will enjoy it.

Well here’s the latest!

This one is her Dog with a bone -

When Bambi saw our new “Dog with Bone” yard art through the front door glass, he barked at it!

I can see why – did Bambi think he was being replaced???

Then there is her new turtle.

Newest metal “critter” made for a friend.

As if metal critters were not enough – Linda has taken her Children’s aprons – which she is no longer selling due to CPSIA regulations and possible requited testing – which in essence, would destroy an item – and has used the already painted fabric to make new adult aprons. I’m sure you can find one to enchant you!

I’m not sure if Linda has listed these on her website – but you can look at all her other art work – Here

Etsy Shop of the Week – Beadwork By Amanda

tshirtlady — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:52:06 +0000

Every wondered what happens to circuit boards that get thrown out? Well Amanda of beadworkbyamanda recycles them and makes them into pendants. And you won’t believe how great they look!

But not only does Amanda use recycled circuit boards to make her pendants – she will also teach you how to do them, using circuit boards and a variety of other items!

Check out Amanda’s shop and you will be delighted!

Sandi