The Wild Salvages of Los Angeles are amazing up-cyclers that use remnants and found objects, revive them and then find them a new home. We adore their work! If you haven't already, definitely check out their article on page 53. In the article we have linked here to show you some detailed instructions for your very own leftovers and a DIY project to keep you busy when it's just too cold to go out!
Projects for DIY at heart:
Do-it-yourself-Decoupage
Turn any glass jar or bottle into a
unique, personalized decorative vase.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Decoupage paper (or newspaper)
- Decoupage glue
- Brush
- Scissors or paper cutter
- Glass bottle or jar (cleaned
first!)
- Twine/jute/thread/etc for added decoration
Measure and cut the
length of paper you will need to cover the body of your bottle or jar. Paint on
a thin layer of glue either to the paper or bottle. Then carefully place one
edge of paper up the length of the bottle, and wrap the rest until it covers
entire bottle. You will have a little time before the glue sets to wiggle it
into place if it's a bit crooked at first. For the neck of the bottle, if you
choose, you can spread on another thin layer of glue, then wrap your jute or
thread around and around until it's covered. While you're wrapping, you will
need to paint on some more glue, and then again once you're done (it will dry
clear). And viola! You now can use it for flowers, succulents, or whatever
thrills you!)
Duvet cover
For the savvier do-it-yourself-er
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Material or king size flat sheet in color and print of your
choosing (for top)
- King size flat sheet for bottom (neutral or complimentary
color)
- Snaps.
If you buy material from
a fabric store, make sure you buy more than what your final duvet cover
measurements are. For a queen/full, for example, your final piece will be
88" x 88". These measurements can easily be found online. For a
greener, less expensive option you can use a king size flat sheet you've got
lying around or find in a thrift shop.
Spread out your bottom
flat sheet, "good" side down. Line up your top sheet,
"good" side up, even with one side and the top (closest to where your
pillows will be). You are going to be sewing it inside out.
Two
edges now should line up. Use pins to secure along the top (where pillows will
be). Sew. Repeat along the side that you matched up. The third side is the same
process, but you may need to cut some excess fabric before you pin and sew. For
the bottom, pin about a third of the way from each side towards the middle. Sew
each side. What's left is where you will place the snaps. Hem the top sheet and
bottom sheet individually so it looks "finished." Now you can turn
the duvet cover inside out (which is actually the "right" way for
use). Place snaps across evenly, on the inside of the hemmed edges, and sew
(how many is up to you, but we recommend at least three for a queen/full).
*This modern headboard pictured above was also described in the article - here is the recap:
We found the
King headboard on the street in a very boring, dated stain, we grabbed this puppy
and turned it into a hip and modern piece with some matte black paint and an
eco clear coat.
