Repurposed All Around

I saw this sweet little candle chandy hanging in a cabin on our recent mini-vacation. It was owned by a Norwegian woman who brought it back from Tennessee. I love the fact that 'repurposed' is universal. She's sending some Norwegian interior design websites - so hopefully I'll have some fun things to share from their corner of the world.

If you're interested in having a look at some pics of the Swedish coastline from our mini-vacay, and learn a little about Swedish culture at the same time, hope over to my 'life story' blog at The Accidental Swede for a quick read.

Until next time...

Michael

25 Repurposed Magazine Projects - DIY

It's time for another installment of 'My Favorite Things'. This time I've scoured the net and found 25 of the best repurposed magazine projects. These repurposed craft and DIY ideas range from easy to advanced, some come with tutorials, and others you get to figure out for yourself (or even buy in the case of a few). What do I like best with repurposed magazine arts and crafts...they are low-to-no cost! The downside? They can often be VERY time consuming projects - so beware!

Ready to be inspired?

Home Sweet Homemade

beads

Abstract Octopus

boxes

How About Orange

drink coasters

The Pink Couch

placemats

Craftster

wrist purse

Sew Liberated

wallet

Simply Modern Mom

wall art (leaves)

The Life and Times of a Hot Glue Junkie

decorative bowl

All Things Paper

photo frame

Inhabitots

hanging mobile

la Casa de Crafts

clock

One Mom's World Reflected in Photographs

mirror frame

Let Us DIY

mirror frame

Home Sweet Homemade

wall art

a la mode (with video tutorial)

flowers

Apartment Therapy

a wall of stacked magazines!

Home QN

wreath

Yanko Design

end table

Green Your Decor

vases

Craftstylish

portrait art

Amazon.com

portfolio/briefcase

Amazon.com

starburst mirror

Derek Gores

art

NJU Studio

extra seating stool

Kissa Design

hanging stars

You'll find these and even more inspiration for repurposed magazine projects on my Pinterest board - check it out. Can't wait to see what you create!

Until next time...

Michael

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The Accidental Swede

Today's blog is a break from DIY and crafting projects. But it still has lots of pretty pictures!

The H Clan - my hubby, kids and I - hopped in the car for the 1.5 kilometer drive (barely over 1 mile) to attend a Medieval Days festival today. I can hear it now, "That's SO American!". That's what my Swedish friends are saying (about driving the car for 'such a short distance') as they read this. Cultural differences aside, if you are interested in a fun pictorial that shows a bit of the town where I live in Sweden, a 750-year-old fortress 'in our neighborhood', and a bunch of Middle Ages characters (that's Middle Ages...not middle aged!), then come have a peek at The Accidental Swede, my new blog that gives me a space to show what my life is like in Sweden as a 'love immigrant' and an expat transplant.

Here's a sneak peek at the pictorial:

Jump on over to The Accidental Swede when you have a couple of minutes to read about our day and look at lots of pretty pics! And if you ever want to see what we're up to over here - you'll find a new page tab at the top of this blog that will connect you directly with the Accidental Swede page.

Until next time...

Mike

Unconsumption

Warning:  there are no pretty pictures in this post. It's a short story.


I was explaining some of my repurposed projects to a group of friends one day when one of them piped up with, "When did you become so...thrifty?" The tone of judgement stopped me in my tracks. This was someone that has known me for several years now. At first I was quite taken aback and offended - but then I realized my creativity has been nearly non-existent in those years since we met (something I like to blame on my two kids,  bless them). So, that 'judgement' is forgiven and forgotten. After all, repurposing is not for everyone...and my purpose is not to convert the world (although that would be nice... along with world peace). No, my purpose is to make sure that I'm doing my part, and that I pass along my philosophy to my children. If my style is appreciated along the way, all the better. 


Repurposing and upcycling. I'm not being cheap...it's my way of life. Saving money is just icing on the cake!


On that note...here's another site that's dedicated to the cause. Check them out when you get a chance.  The excerpt below is taken from their page. See if you find yourself nodding your head as you read through their definition of 'unconsumption'.


unconsumption.tumblr.com


Unconsumption is a word used to describe everything that happens after an act of acquisition.

Unconsumption is an invisible badge.

Unconsumption means the accomplishment of properly recycling your old cellphone, rather than the guilt of letting it sit in a drawer.

Unconsumption means the thrill of finding a new use for something that you were about to throw away.

Unconsumption means the pleasure of using a service like Freecycle (or Craigslist, Goodwill, or Salvation Army) to find a new home for the functioning DVD player you just replaced, rather than throwing it in the garbage.

Unconsumption means enjoying the things you own to the fullest – not just at the moment of acquisition.

Unconsumption means the pleasure of using a pair of sneakers until they are truly worn out – as opposed to the nagging feeling of defeat when they simply go out of style.

Unconsumption means feeling good about the simple act of turning off the lights when you leave the room.

Unconsumption is not about the rejection of things, or the demonization of things. It’s not a bunch of rules.

Unconsumption is an idea, a set of behaviors, a way of thinking about consumption itself from a new perspective.

Unconsumption is free.

Simple and Sweet DIY

(för svensk versionen, se nedan)
Some of my favorite repurpose/diy projects are those that are simple and sweet - like this one where guests showed up for a backyard engagement party, only to find themselves attending a divinely intimate wedding ceremony.

Sitting in a Tree Events

Perfectly repurposed decor for a sweet event.

Until next time...
Michael


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Några av mina favorit återanvända / DIY-projekt är de som är enkla och söta. Dessa gästerna dök upp på en trädgårds förlovningsfest, bara att finna sig i en intimt bröllop. Perfekt!


Tills nästa gång...
Michael

20 Repurposed Headboards That Wisk You To Dreamland - DIY

I've got headboards on my mind! More importantly, I've got repurposed headboards on my mind as we continue with our it's taking forever bedroom remodel. So I thought I'd share 20 of the most inspiring repurposed headboards that will wisk you right into dreamland!

Bees Knees Bungalow

- aged oars -

Dreamy Whites
- antique doors - 

Better Homes and Gardens
- framed photography -

House Tweaking
- reclaimed boards - 

Better Homes and Gardens
- antique windows -

Shelterness
- antique metal fence -

In My Own Style
- curtains and crown molding -

Better Homes and Gardens
- fence gate -

DIY Network
- shelves -

Better Homes and Gardens
- vintage scarves -

Better Homes and Gardens
- antique fireplace mantle -

Source: Unknown
- antique fireplace surround and mantle -

DIY Ideas
- antique mirrors -

Apartment Therapy
- IKEA mirrors -

Kara Paslay Designs
-corrugated tin-

Brabourne Farm

- tree trunk and branches - 

DIY Ideas
- oversized chalkboard -

aka design
- wood strips -

Fab Rehab Creations
- 2 frames -

Do It Yourself
- letters -

Which one is your favorite? Have you seen other unique repurposed headboards? Leave a comment and share the creative inspiration!

For more inspiration, check out my Pinterest board.

Until next time....

Michael

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