Trash or Treasure?

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

24 Apr 2006 05:55 AM

You may have seen the segment on Decorating Cents where they turn odds and ends into great stuff for the home. There is also a show called Trash to Treasure that is devoted to turning throwaway items into useable things. These shows offer great solutions for using what you have, or picking up inexpensive items at salvage centers, thrift stores, garage sales, or collecting things from friends and family you no longer need them. With a little creativity and effort, you'll be amazed what you can make from odds and ends.

• A block of leftover wood can easily become a great candleholder.
• A tablecloth can easily become a cute pair of curtains by cutting down the middle and sewing a few straight lines.
• An antique wheelbarrow can be made into an adorable planter for your garden.
• Take an old TV or microwave cart and turn it into extra shelving in the closet.
• Picture frames can be made into a message board or magazine rack.
• An old bench may work perfectly as a distressed console table or sofa table.
• Wood that's leftover from another project can be used to make wall shelves or to add shelves to other furniture pieces to provide more storage.

Learn to look at everything with a "what-can-I-do-with-this?" mindset. You'll enjoy the creative aspect and you'll save a lot of money. You'll also be able to furnish your home with great stuff, some of which would cost a great deal of money at an upscale shop that transforms "junk" into cool stuff.

Another great idea is to exchange your items with someone else who may find them useful. Another person may have just what you need, and you can make an even trade. You can swap with family members, neighbors, and friends, but there is also a program called Freecycle that may be the perfect opportunity for you to not only get rid of a few things, but also to acquire some great stuff at the same time.

*Check out these tips for using Freecycle.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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