REPURPOSE Archives

HOW TO REPURPOSE RETAIL BOXES

April 23, 2022

How to repurpose retail boxes for a repurposed life. Please pin or tweet to your favorite retailers. This post has been updated to reflect additional ideas so we all look to repurpose a little bit more.Happy Earth Day

I love the ease of click-and-ship purchases; the convenience, the free shipping and the no hassle returns of my favorite retailers. But, I don’t love the guilt that sneaks up on me when I toss or break down the familiar brown boxes into the recycle bin.

If you have stopped by Everyday Edits for 1/2 a minute (some of you are here less than 15 seconds) you know I love to repurpose stuff.

Like these heavy-duty Anthropologie shopping bags.

After I placed a recent order for hand soaps and candles imagine my excitement when this box was delivered to my front door.

So when I ordered my quarterly Bath & Body Works foaming hand soaps and seasonal candles I was just as excited in the plaid boxes as the pumpkin spice candles.

I had to figure out a way how to repurpose these adorable blue and white buffalo check boxes.

So for a few seasons, I hoarded Bath & Body Works boxes. I just stored them in the basement.

HOW TO UPCYCLE RETAIL BOXES

For a caffeinated fueled moment, I considered framing the flat sides of the retail boxes for my office walls. But, as the caffeine wore off, I decided to start with a less ambitious project. One that only required a roll of clear packing tape.

I folded the plaid facing sides of the Bath & Body Works boxes to the exterior side of the box and secured them with a clear, clean edge of packing tape.

That’s it! Never overthink a way how to repurpose retail boxes.

I used these sturdy boxes when I reconfigured this closet.

With a few boxes remaining (remember I saved them for several seasons) I used one side of a Bath & Body Works box and framed it. I thought it would be a cute way to coordinate the pattern in my office.

With the same idea, I combined two panels and added this inexpensive wall art to my daughter’s room.

I wonder how long until my family recognizes the familiar retailer’s packaging?

And, then I will wait for …

collective eye roll.

There is always an eye roll after mom repurposes an everyday object that deserves a repurposed life.

Seriously, are these not the cutest retail boxes ever?

Are you taking note Chewy? Target? Amazon? Nordstrom? I wish Chewy would create a box with bio-degradable ink and paw prints. How cute would that be! Someone tweet this to Chewy!

Before you go check out what I repurposed to make these placemats!

Who knew recycling could be so much fun? If you love repurposed ideas would you sign up for my easy breezy 4-minute newsletter called the Weekend Edit. It shows up on Saturday mornings in your inbox and I share my favorite finds, tips and one-hour projects.

You can sign up here.

DO THIS WITH YOUR FAVORITE THANK YOU NOTES

August 31, 2021

Sharing a simple way to repurpose your favorite thank you notes

Growing up the best way to kill the Christmas fun was when mom reminded us we had to write our thank you notes before we returned to school.

I dreaded the idea of spending eight minutes of my remaining Christmas vacation writing thank you notes.

But once pencil and paper were in motion it was always a warm feeling of accomplishment. And handwritten thank you was the best memory to thank my grandparents for the Barbie Pop-up Camper.

Now? I am grateful my mom instilled in us the power of gratitude when the pencil hit the cardstock.

DO THIS WITH YOUR FAVORITE THANK YOU NOTES

I save my favorite thank you cards from my kids or my girlfriends or just thank you cards that make me smile. It almost borders on hoarding, but for now, it reminds me of the lesson learned from my parents.

This simple idea hit me when I received the sweetest thank you from my niece. I smiled with her perfect penmanship and heart-filled thank you.

And instead of dropping it into a box dedicated to thank you notes, I tucked it inside my favorite cookbook.

And a new tradition for thank you cards began. Now when I want to save a page I add a recent thank you note between the pages of favorite recipes inside this cookbook.

No more sticky notes between salad recipes.

Instead, I get a mix of thank you notes from friends and family who still write and mail a note of gratitude instead of a text with emojis.

And by repurposing these cards of gratitude I get the unexpected joy of rereading a thank you every time I make this recipe.

Please pin for your upcycle boards!

HOW TO MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY PLACEMATS

August 26, 2021

Sharing how to make eco-friendly placemats.

My husband brought home a plastic tablecloth for a family backyard bbq. You know, the plastic sheet every team parent used for high school banquets to catch the queso dip with 18 rugby players?

I was like, “no, no, no you can’t put a plastic tablecloth on a kitchen or dining room table.

It was like we were speaking two different languages and using hand gestures to make my point.

So I found a way to make an eco-friendly placemat suitable for any table setting. Please keep reading to find out what happens when you repurpose everyday objects.

If you are a follower of Everyday Edits you may remember this super easy repurpose idea with packing material.

So as we bring back brunches and football I scored a Hail Mary when I figured out how to make eco-friendly placemats.

Ones that would be sturdy enough to catch the melted butter and cool enough to impress my kids.

Did I mention they are “free.” Or, that these placemats are made from cardboard and will decompose in the garden.

As an added bonus, the kids, nephews or grandkids could make them for the Thanksgiving table… in minutes.

And the supplies needed are likely arriving on your front porch in a matter of days.

HOW TO MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY PLACEMATS

Okay so if you have followed me for a minute you know I love to repurpose random things. Like what to do with empty toilet paper rolls.

So I guess I inherited the recycle gene from my parents too. Last year was the year of online orders and my guilty conscience got the best of me every time I tossed boxes and packing material into the recycle bin.

Yes, that’s a great step but there was so much packing material and cardboard in 2020.

Packing material varies which adds to the challenge. But most of it is biodegradable and easy to cut with scissors.

REPURPOSED

So now when I get a delivery I pay attention to the textures of the packing material. It is like a free gift with a purchase kind of excitement.

Oh and that little thing that happens when you repurpose? There is nothing more fun than hear your adulting children poking fun at mom’s recycled projects. #wink

As long as I am trending amongst my kids I will continue to find ways to repurpose the everyday objects that make a home.

Before you go would love if you pinned this or follow me on Instagram.

5 WISHES FOR EARTH DAY

April 22, 2021

Sharing 5 wishes for earth day

My parents recycled before it was a thing.

I talked about how my obsession with lighting (and keeping three car lengths between cars) is because of my dad.

My mom has a jar of buttons that were in existence since she was in grade school. I think she has cleaners in her laundry room that are older than me.

My mom never met a Ziplock plastic bag that she did not reuse for later.

And then guess what happened to me?

I married a guy who has never thought to skip a plastic bag for a carton of nails from the Depot.

I have five wishes for earth day. I don’t know if I should send them in a bottle down the Colorado river or maybe write to the dry cleaner industry people.

5 WISHES FOR EARTH DAY

1.WIRE HANGERS

Why can’t dry cleaners switch to a cardboard hanger? Think of the upcycle projects we could create if we had cardboard hangers?

2. PLASTIC LIGHTERS

I talked about my love for old-school matchsticks. But the plastic that comes from disposable and handheld lighters is my fight. This is an interesting read for someone who did way more research on the topic.

3. WATER BOTTLES

Apparently, there is a shortage of aluminum cans. I hope that means more beverage companies are switching to bottles. I dream of a day when we no longer drink water out of plastic bottles

My kids have really gotten me on this and I now travel with a reusable water bottle. I ordered these glass bottles for the family for stocking stuffers (yes I start early).

4. TO-GO PACKAGING.

Can we please get rid of the plastic and styrofoam containers? I mean just the sight of the styrofoam containers gives me goosebumps. Remember the styrofoam coolers- just the sound of the lid being pried off is like nails on a chalkboard for me.

For a to-go bag I always ask for aluminum foil instead of styrofoam.

My daughter asked for these for Christmas and Santa brought her brothers their own sets too. My daughter loves them!

5. STRAWS

Let’s just stop with straws. They give us wrinkles around our lip lines. Enough said.

6. PLASTIC BAGS

My husband has never a plastic bag he can’t accept. I, on the other hand, like to see how many items I can load into my that don’t need the bag.

I found a really fun market bag on Jane and the Easter Bunny brought one for my daughter. Here is a similar one for under $6.00! How cute are these?

Here are some easy ideas about what to do with those empty spray bottles.

SHOP THE POST

How to Repurpose a Paint Can in One Step

October 20, 2020

You would have think I found time to sort through dozens of near-empty paint cans when I came home and discovered this oozing from under the door of our entry closet.

But now that my husband may never leave his home office I need to control something. So I decided to organize and repurpose stuff.

I was this close to tossing the empty paint cans when I got one of my repurposing ideas that drives my husband crazy.

It’s like when Daphne Moon got one of her visions (Frasier on Peacock network).

. That is what my repurpose ideas are like for me .. a vision.

I put aside a few empty cans and forgot about them until I was working on my fall front porch. I was running back and forth from the garage to find a strand of lights for the porch.

And, then I got distracted by the 1/2 dozen empty paint cans. You know the drill, right. Distraction… distraction from the distraction. I am like a squirrel …with a cup of coffee.. on a swing.

Does anyone else get distracted while working on one project and end up on a completely different project?

I abandoned my search for twinkly lights and grabbed an empty Home Depot and headed to the porch.

HOW TO REPURPOSE A PAINT CAN

This repurposed project is a reminder to keep a bin or closet or corner to toss containers into until boredom or a total distraction leads to a practical upcycle.

Like this paint can.

I buy most of my paints at Home Depot with the formulas for the brand’s paint color. It’s convenient to get my paint at the Depot because I can wander the aisles while I wait for 2 gallons of these paint colors.

Save Empty Paint Cans

2. Make sure the paint can is empty & dry.

The best part of this idea is you don’t have to give up your kitchen sink for a half a day to soak the paint can in soapy water to remove the label.

3. Nope, you just pull off the label

and there is this perfect vessel just waiting for a makeover.

That’s the simple tip.

The almost smooth finish is hiding under the label. There is a line of adhesive where the label was attached, but that was easily hidden behind the pumpkin.

It’s like a before and after reveal.

Under the paint drips and the rusty lid is this perfect shade of a chalky black can. It is perfection for a girl who loves to upcycle the most random objects.

It’s like Cinderella getting out of the garage and onto the front porch.

4. Add flowers.

And, congratulate yourself for finding a new use for a can of paint. Villa shared a few more paint can upcycle ideas too.

WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THIS REPURPOSED PACKING MATERIAL

September 15, 2020

I need a directional sign to redirect deliveries to the side of the house. With my husband working from home, he sees the purchases from the easy button called Amazon and other favorite retailers. I am an open book with purchases, but even I noticed that Amazon is my shopping assistant for those must-have items. You know like a10-pound bag of baking soda from here.

This may be one of my favorite repurpose projects. Wait until you see how I repurposed the packing material inside all of those shipping boxes.

You know the packing material that is tucked between breakable items or the 2-pound bag of cotton balls shipped to your front door?

You know the brown paper my husband instinctively throws into the kitchen trash can (and not the recycling in the garage). When I see brown paper and cardboard packing material all I see are future blogs posts.

Like this one.

Or this paper bag idea.

I love this simple repurpose idea and the story behind how it happened.

Curious?

The first time my kids saw me tear the book jacket off of a book they thought I had officially gone mad or one of their siblings was in big trouble. #wink

Now they just say, ” Working on a blog project, mom?” #smartkids

When I hauled out my pumpkins this season I was in a mood.

I did not want to order and wait for the convenient adhesive-backed brown paper. But I wanted something a little different.

I wanted the stacked book look without any additional expense.

While breaking down a few delivery boxes to re-cycle I pulled out the familiar brown packing material. Except this packing material was different.

It had ridges and texture. I was so close to tossing it into our recycle bin but for some reason I saved it.

Not to sound like I took a turn to crazy town, but I think the textured packing paper just said, “Save me.”

So I did.

Yes my thoughts talk to me. Don’t yours?

STEPS TO REPURPOSE PACKING MATERIAL

Supplies: glue or adhesive spray, books (I used a hardback book) & scissors. I love this adhesive spray.

I used a hardback book and chose a dictionary because I love words and we don’t allow i-phones during a family game of Scrabble.

2. Cut packing material to size, spray book’s cover with adhesive or glue. Adjust quickly as the adhesive spray dries quickly.

Tip: If you have packing paper that is too short to cover the entire book cover the top and spine of the book.

No one will know if the bottom of the book is exposed.

You guys I love it. The ridged packing material adds a little texture and durability compared to a roll of brown wrapping paper.

Now if only there was a way to eliminate the bubble wrap in all of those shipping boxes.

What do you think? What is the craziest thing you have repurposed?

If you have a passion for recycling, it is a passion you know, please subscribe to The Weekend Edit where I share my favorite projects in a 4 minute easy breezy read on Saturday mornings. You can sign up here.

Video:

HOW TO REPURPOSE SHIPPING BOXES FOR WALL ART

July 21, 2020

I am a sucker for a re-purpose project. So when I ordered my quarterly supply of Bath & Body Work’s Strawberry Tart foaming hand soaps I was more excited for the boxes. Because this quarter I planned to repurpose the shipping boxes into wall art. I can see my entire family doing a collective eye roll right about now.

how-to-re-purpose-shipping-boxes-into-wall-art

The incentive to order Bath & Body Works’ Fresh Strawberry Tart soaps or 3-wick candles online is the gingham pattern boxes. #noaffiliate

Over the year I shared how I used the fun Bath & Body shipping boxes for storage. I wish more retailers had a bit more fun with their shipping boxes. Girls like me would re-purpose them into a patriotic centerpiece.

The shades of gingham shipping boxes were perfect to create wall art for our daughter’s bedroom/guest room.

HOW TO REPURPOSE SHIPPING BOXES INTO WALL ART

Supplies

scissors or box cutters
packing tape
old frames, picture frames or wood trim pieces
shipping boxes, pizza boxes, retail boxes

That’s it!

This is the easiest project. I used a pair of scissors to cut along the “seams.” I used the packing tape to either attach the shipping box to the frame and/or tape two cardboard pieces together.

The gingham pattern is very forgiving when I needed to add two pieces together.

how-to-re-purpose-shipping-boxes-into-wall-art-everydayeditsblog

I strategically positioned the Homegoods plant along the edge of her headboard.

Tip to retailers: The pattern needs to be on the interior side of the box.

Did you spot the framed wall art on the mantel in the master bedroom here?

The white frames and gingham didn’t work against the planked wall, but I knew they would be perfect in our daughter’s room.

I love the pop of color!

What do you think? What type of box do you have your eye on to re-purpose? Here are a few popular up-cycle projects.

How to Paint Glass Jars

June 29, 2020

My dad repurposed pickle jars before there were blogs and Youtube. His parents and grandparents lived during/through the Depression. My dad will appreciate how to paint glass jars. After all, I am a third-generation repurpose enthusiast. Dad here is how to paint glass jars so you can take those pickle jars up a notch.

I know what you might be thinking: everyone knows how to paint glass jars.

That’s what my son told me.

I get it; this is not a faux paint finish back in the late 1990s. It is paint and a glass jar. I can hear my dad reading this right now and asking me, “Laura, you mean people actually NEED to read a story on how to paint glass jars?” #momblogger

How to Paint Glass Jars

Supplies Needed:

glass jars (clean + dry)
spray paint

This is pretty simple. I always use this one with a matte finish and a built-in primer. And, this spray paint finish is a new favorite after I used it on this project. It sells out quickly at Home Depot. Target carries it too, but limited selection and a few dollars more.

When I buy candles I always go for the shape of the candle jar over the scent. I loved this candle’s shape, but unfortunately, the candle did not smell tranquil.

how-to-upcycle-candle-jars-everyday-edits

I bought several because of the cute glass jars. If you zoom in it is a #madeintheusa find from here.

After removing the labels and the waxy film and wick using this technique I was ready to paint the glass jars.

Tip: When I whip out my spray paint I like to set up an assembly line of whatever I plan to paint. In this case, I had a 1/2 dozen glass jars ready to paint.

In the past I always spray painted the exterior of the jar in case I wanted to serve snacks or nibbles. And, until this project I never even thought about spraying the inside of a glass jar.

But on a whim I decided to go crazy and spray the inside of the glass jar.

You guys! It was life changing for this jar. Spraying the inside of the jar was night and day from the previous jars I sprayed on the exterior.

The finished glass jar looks professional grade smooth. The spray paint process is more forgiving when the drips or misses are on the inside of the jar too.

I tried to capture a side by side, but it was hard to show the exterior side version. But the interior spray technique gave the jar this smooth finish. The jar in the background was painted on the outside where you can see it has more of a flat finish.

The only issue is if you plan to use your repurposed painted glass jars for food. I don’t like the idea of my M&M’s next to spray paint.

Tip: If you plan to serve snacks or candy in your freshly painted glass jars add a cupcake liner or coffee filter. They work great and make for easy cleanup!

I love the look! Am I the last to know this technique?

7 Eco-Friendly Habits

April 22, 2020

I am a Realtor and the year we transitioned to online signatures and electronic contracts was the year our industry collectively saved a forest.

I read somewhere, or maybe Maria Schriver or Hoda said it; it takes 3 weeks to form a new habit. So that means you are only 21 days from a new habit. Well, in honor of Earth Day, I have 7 eco-friendly habits to start today. You could start a new habit for the next seven days and be well on your way to seven new habits.And, you could start today; on Earth Day.

Eco-Friendly Habits

Now before I go all Mama Earth on you there is something you should know about my marriage. I am married to a man who uses a plastic bag to carry one box of nails from the Home Depot checkout to his car. Or, uses a plastic bag for a bottle of mustard. It is a habit and it drives me crazy.

The good news is I believe it is a habit. And, all he needs to do is replace it with a new habit. My goal is to get him to think about changing just one of these eco-friendly habits.

1. REDUCE PLASTIC BAG USE

Think about this; one plastic bag holds 2 cartons of juice; so 2 bags would hold a total of 4 drinks. How many 64-ounce containers of milk can you carry using both your arms?

This is the hardest math you will have to do on this blog.

I love to see people bring in their own bags to the grocery store, but I take it a step further and specifically ask the baggers to not bag the milk and juices and my favorite low-cal lemonade.

Using my math problem above, I can carry the same amount with my two hands into the kitchen.

I take it a step further and ask the baggers not to rebag items that are already bagged or boxed. I make a choice to carry it. And, if it requires a few extra steps from the car to the kitchen I think that is a win all around.

** the no bag at all rule works well with local restrictions on plastic bags.

Just try it for 21 days.

2. REPURPOSE DRY CLEANING BAGS

Repurpose dry cleaning bags. I double knot the end of a dry bag that exposes the hangers’ hooks. And, ta-da I have a plastic liner for my trashcans and for these ideas too.

3. EMPTY GLASSES + TO=GO CUPS INTO PLANTS

What do you do when you are emptying your car of your 1/2 full to-go cups filled with ice? Empty your water glasses into a plant or pot. Or, dump the ice from your favorite mid-day refresher before tossing the cup. The little guy gets the ice cubes from my daily water intake.

4. PARK + WALK

This is my new eco-friendly habit. When running errands in a ~~strip mall~~ retail center (funny story about that distinction for another day). I park in the middle of where I need to go. Sprouts, Michaels and Home Depot are within 60 yards of each other.

My goal is to park once and hit all three stores. If I have to drop off items in my car I park my car in the middle of the three. Try it!

I get a few extra steps and I am not in and out of my car.

Elliott loves to join me if the days are cool.

5. Use What you Have

One of the best ways to practice eco-friendly habits is to organize your crafts, tools, paper, etc.

Use what you have before your run out and buy more. I made this cute spring wreath using everything in my basement.

6. Bring Matchsticks Back

Did you catch this post where I attributed my love of matches to Charles Ingalls and his Little House on the Prairie? Well, what if we ditched the plastic Bic lighters and returned to matchsticks?

I shared the matches label for mason jars here.

7. DROPBOX + GOOGLE +SCANNER APP

I am a Realtor and the year we transitioned to online signatures was the year our industry collectively saved a forest. Why? Because we could access all of our documents online. And, with apps like Dropbox and my favorite app, we can save and access personal and/or work documents through our phones.

All of my photos are stored in “the cloud” which makes social media a little easier too.

And, it turns out Mother Earth has her own wiki page here.

And, if you are interested in other eco-friendly ideas, please check out my upcycle project page.

5 Ways to Repurpose Dry Cleaning Bags

April 20, 2020

I had to find a way to repurpose dry cleaning bags because of my husband’s addiction to starch. Not the carb-loaded starch, but the industrial-strength starch in both the collars and the cuffs in his dress shirts.

Our first Sunday, as a married couple and back from a disastrous honeymoon that almost ended in divorce, I made an announcement; no not that one: I could not iron his shirts. Without going into the details; as a recent grad with career aspirations (interviews), I argued I could not be distracted by the iron.

I proposed two options: he could iron his own shirts or outsource the task. Since I am sharing 5 ways to repurpose dry cleaning bags you can guess which option he pursued.

And, now we have dry cleaning bags and wire hangers. Every time I collect the wire hangers in our closet I think of the cheesy 1980’s movie Mommy Dearest and Joan Crawford’s famous line; “No more wire hangers.” I always shove the wire hangers back into the dry cleaning bag and hope they get reused.

Sidenote: Has anyone thought to replace the wire hangers with cardboard hangers? Do they exist?

Here are a few ways to repurpose dry cleaning bags and other household plastic bags. I have three ideas to repurpose dry cleaning bags. All of these work using the same technique. This is a low tech project.

Start with the top of the dry cleaning bag; the top (end) that has an opening for the hangers. I tie this end together with a double knot to hold the bag together.

1. Cover Seasonal Wreaths:

Some of my wreaths drop their faux leaves just like the Aspen trees in our yard. They create a dusty mess in storage. Now, I cover my wreaths with dry cleaning bags. The clear plastic works great to see which wreath is in what bag.

This is one of my favorite wreaths I found at Homegoods.

2 . Line Small Trash Cans

This idea does not work for your kitchen size trash cans. I tried it and it was a fail. The kitchen trash was too heavy for the drycleaning bag.

However, the drycleaning bags worked great to line the trash can in the bathroom trashcans under the sink.

One of my top ten pre-listing suggestions explains why I advise my sellers to stash the bathroom trashcans.

3. Pack Clothing Donations:

The clear film makes it easier to sort items once they get to the donation center. Now that my kids are potty trained and in college, I am a little more organized with my donations.

4. Crafts + Paint

For quick crafts or paint projects use a dry cleaning bag. The drycleaning bags are lightweight and easy to cover a space before a glitter party or Mod Podge project. I used a dry cleaning bag to catch the drips when my ghost left while hanging out to dry. Made the drying process a breeze.

5. Packing Material

Drycleaning bags make a perfect packing material because the backs are pliable and lightweight. These bags are easy to fit into tight corners of a care package or storage boxes if you decided to do this project.

Thank you for stopping by today! I would love for you to sign up for my once a week (only) newsletter in the sidebar, leave me a comment, ask me a question or follow me via social media below.

HOW TO UPCYCLE RETAIL BOXES

DO THIS WITH YOUR FAVORITE THANK YOU NOTES

HOW TO MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY PLACEMATS

5 WISHES FOR EARTH DAY

HOW TO REPURPOSE A PAINT CAN

Save Empty Paint Cans

2. Make sure the paint can is empty & dry.

3. Nope, you just pull off the label

STEPS TO REPURPOSE PACKING MATERIAL

HOW TO REPURPOSE SHIPPING BOXES INTO WALL ART

How to Paint Glass Jars

Eco-Friendly Habits

1. REDUCE PLASTIC BAG USE

2. REPURPOSE DRY CLEANING BAGS

3. EMPTY GLASSES + TO=GO CUPS INTO PLANTS

4. PARK + WALK

5. Use What you Have

6. Bring Matchsticks Back

7. DROPBOX + GOOGLE +SCANNER APP

1. Cover Seasonal Wreaths:

2 . Line Small Trash Cans

3. Pack Clothing Donations:

4. Crafts + Paint

5. Packing Material