The Modern Day Leaf

Back when I was in high school, I decided my final GT Art project would be a dress made of soda pop bottles. I spent the entire semester saving up supplies and the whole school donated. I called it "The Modern Day Leaf." It was a statement about how we cover ourselves. Adam and Eve covered themselves with leaves, to cover their sins. One day, if we don't care care of our world, all we will have to cover ourselves is our trash.

I went on to make a few more recycled "couture" pieces- a dress made from packing material and office supplies, a bra/skirt set made from packing tape and discarded gift tissue, and another from food packaging.

 I decided to pay a little visit to memory lane and share these old images with you. I hope you enjoy them!

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How To: Make Giant Bows For Decoration

How to: Make Giant Bows For Decoration:

1. Cut plastic tablecloths into strips.

2. Take two colors and tie into a bow.

3. Use a pencil or dowel rod for an anchor if you have a hard time tying it.

4. Tape, glue, or tack to the corners of the table or any other object you wish to bow-ify.

Suggestion: for a more permanent giant bow, consider purchasing tulle or heavier waterproof fabric like the kind used for outdoor furniture.

These are great for any occasion, especially ones with kids, because even if something gets spilled on them, they can be washed or recycled! Easy clean up!

For more party tips, check out How To: Make A Wishing Tree.

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You Will Never Look At A Toilet Paper Roll The Same Way Again

Beleive it or not, although there is a snow storm in the North, it is almost seed starting time here in the South. This life hack got me looking for more ways to recycle and reuse toilet paper rolls. I didn't realize there were so many ways to reuse something I tend to toss!

As a seed starter... 

 

Impromptu iPhone holder...

 For organizing cords...

 

For keeping wrapping paper from unrolling...

For wrapping small presents... 

Source: http://factorydirectcraft.com/factorydirectcraft_blog/upcycling-toilet-tube-gift-box/

Add fabric for a jewelry tray...

Source: http://blah-to-tada.blogspot.com/2012/04/jewelry-tray.html

For the birds...

Source: http://fortytworoads.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html

To manage bathroom appliance cords... 

Source: http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2010/05/from-the-tips-box-security-questions-bathroom-cords/

Fun for  your little pets...

Image source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305171903.htm (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio)

For Teh lulz...

Source:

http://www.yousaytoo.com/glove-gun-4-teh-lulz/2804068

Now that we've looked at the practical, what about the beautiful?

 Yuken Teruya has some very beautiful paper craft works of art...

Source: http://www.yukenteruyastudio.com/projects via http://senseandgrace.com/?p=2429

So does Anastasia Elias...

Source: http://www.anastassia-elias.com/view-album/10

What about mini masks by Junior Fritz Jacquet?

Source: http://www.boredpanda.com/weird-toilet-paper-roll-art/

How about something a little less refined but just as fun for the kids? Make a circle or heart stamp for Valentines Day! Use the stamp to make cards and wrapping paper from newspapers!

Source: http://www.aprettycoollife.com/2012/02/weekly-pinterest_18.html

Source: http://www.parenthacks.com/2012/02/toilet-paper-roll-heart-stamps.html

Source: http://creativecarmella.blogspot.com/2012/07/toilet-paper-roll-paintinga-diy-project.html

Christmas Poinsetta Wreath!

Source: http://www.darkroomanddearly.com/2012/12/10th-day-of-christmas-poinsettia-wreath.html

Another crafty option... Everybody loves owls!

Source: http://www.tonyastaab.com/

Just because...

Do you have any awesome ways of reusing paper rolls?

*Original sources are unknown for several of the above photos. If the above are yours, please let me know and I will gladly add credit where credit is due.*

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