Everything Old is New Again

Get the most of you money and be resourceful with items lying around your house. Instead of buying something new, look around your house. You can probably make something new of something old!

Make Your Own Lamp
Have some frugal fun decorating your home with the creative use of lamps. If you want to start with a used lamp, that is an easy find. Don't worry about whether a lamp works since it is easy to swap out the electrical system and
the shade if you want to create a brand new lamp:

• Your first step is a trip to the hardware store to check out the wiring kits.
• Buy a clear lamp base that you can find in craft stores. Fill the base with items around the house such as: rocks, shells, little cars, etc.
• Take the base with you to buy the lampshade.
• Make sure that when the shade (or harp) sits on the bulb that it covers it completely.
• Be aware of subtle differences of color. There are MANY shades of white. If your house has very white walls, a cream lampshade is not going to look good.

Decorating Lampshades

• Punch out holes in them that make attractive light patterns when the light is turned on.
• Paint the shade or decorate it with fabric.

Fabric Covered Boxes For Storage And Decoration
Cardboard boxes covered with fabric, wallpaper, or gift wrap can be used to store most anything. Instructions below are for a standard oblong shoebox but can be adapted for any shape or size.

Materials: 1 shoe box and lid, Approximately 1-1/4 yards of fabric, Spray adhesive

• Measure the perimeter and depth of the box adding 2.5cm/1" to each.
• Make a paper pattern of the rectangle, pin it on to your fabric and cut.
• Measure the bottom of the box and cut a rectangle of fabric slightly smaller.
• Beginning with one of the long sides, spray the box with adhesive and smooth the longer rectangle of fabric onto the box, leaving a little at the top and base.
• Continue the rest of the box, spraying and smoothing one side at a time. When you reach the end, fold the cut edge under so it fits the box. Use adhesive to glue it to itself, then, glue it to the box.
• Turn the box over, fold the corners into mitres and glue to the box. Glue the smaller rectangle to the base.
• Cut the fabric for the lid adding 2.5cm/1". If you want a padded lid, cut a piece of batting the same size as the top of the lid and stick this on first. Glue on your fabric and continue, using the same instructions as for the box.
• If you want to line the inside of the box, measure and glue fabric in the same way that the outside was covered or cut pieces of cardboard to fit exactly, pad with a little batting, cover with fabric and glue into place.

Recycle Those Old Towels
If you can hold up a towel and see through it, it may be time to toss it. But, if you can see usable squares, try converting the towel to one of these items.

• Washcloths
  Cut your towel into smaller squares. Sew a double hem around them.
• Washing Mitts
  Trace your hand adding a 1/2 inch seam around the outside and cut two pieces of towel in that pattern. Sew around the edges and hem the bottom.
• Apron
  Make a half apron by draping the towel around your front and cutting accordingly. Attach strips of material to make the ties.
• Rags
  Make different sized rags to use for messes in the car, kid projects, and to wash your car. Cut the towel into the size suitable for your purpose.
• Potholders
  Cut two 8" x 8" pieces. Put some filler between them and sew the edges.