Repurpose
One of my new keywords this year is repurpose: taking an old or unused object and changing it so that it can be used in a new way. If you're a thrifter or a crafter this idea is probably already near and dear to your heart, as it is mine, but I wanted to make it more of a focus of my everyday life and not just something that happens every now and then. If you haven't seen The Story of Stuff gather the kids and watch this short video (20 minutes) on the stuff we all have, where it comes from, and how having less stuff is one way of making the world a better place. My kids loved the straightforward yet entertaining presentation and we all found it to be great motivation for being more green in 2008. I'm adding a new category to my blog for repurposing and I hope to have it full of ideas by the end of the year.
So, what does that have to do with Clementines on cake stands? Well, if you look closely, only one is a true cake stand - the other two have been repurposed. I got this great, no, brilliant idea from Betz White and decided to give it a try. You'll probably need to take a trip to your nearest thrift shop but take a look in your own cupboards first.
Find one pedestaled dish that can be turned upside down for the base and then find another dish for the platter part. I used clear caulking like Betz suggested (I got mine at Target) and it worked like a charm. Betz has a great step-by-step tutorial here so check it out and give it a try :)
Have you figured out which one is the real cake stand? It's the one in the middle!
That is a great idea. I am always surprised when someone doesn't recycle or repurpose. It just comes natural to me. Being raised as a poor family we had to do it or do without.
My favoirte thing I own is a chest of drawers with an overhead kitchen cabinet sitting on top of it and no one knows they were not bought that way. Painted the same color they look like they belong together. The top is perfect for my T shirts and sweaters.
Posted by: Eve | 02/28/2009 at 10:26 PM
It warms my heart that so much talk is happening over repurposing and up-cycling, especially by such talented crafters as yourself. It seems like something we have all been doing quietly for so long but now we can be "out and proud" and slowly change things and mindsets. Am I being overly optimistic? Maybe. But still it is all very inspirational!
Posted by: Tanya | 02/17/2008 at 01:44 PM
Thank you for sharing this video with us. It's important.
Posted by: SDgirl | 02/05/2008 at 09:38 AM
My sister sent me the story of stuff last week, and my husband and I are happy to proclaim that we contribute to 'the arrow' as little as possible. Go, handmade, go!
Posted by: Heidi | 01/28/2008 at 10:51 PM
My sister sent me the story of stuff last week, and my husband and I are happy to proclaim that we contribute to 'the arrow' as little as possible. Go, handmade, go!
Posted by: Heidi | 01/28/2008 at 10:50 PM
I've been repurposing even before it was a word. It is a word now, right? my dh always thought I was crazy but now I am vindicated!
Posted by: Julie | 01/27/2008 at 09:43 AM
Awesome! I just discovered your blog and you are wonderful!!
-Lolly
Posted by: Lolly | 01/25/2008 at 07:42 AM
Thank you for The Story of Stuff. I've contacted school to see how I can get it screened in the classrooms! Boy, it's tough to get off the consumer treadmill, isn't it? Creative thinking is a good start.
Posted by: Nina | 01/24/2008 at 10:08 AM
You and I definitely share a passion for repurposing. I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Betz is a genius, and responsible for my very large collection of thrifted wool sweaters.
Posted by: molly | 01/23/2008 at 11:55 PM
Totally freakin' cool. And a gorgeous pic, too. THANKS!
Posted by: Julie @ Letter9 | 01/23/2008 at 04:33 PM
I love cakestands and this is such a good idea! Thanks for sharing.
Joni
Posted by: jonipossin | 01/23/2008 at 11:08 AM
GREAT idea! Though much of my 'stuff' remains in storage (which is a whole other non-green topic), I think bringing up repurposing ideas is truly vital to those of us truly with too much stuff...
Ever since I chaired numerous rummage sales for the non-profit school my children attended, I can now easily envision the things I currently think I want back to those sales with all the hours of labor it took to price and display them and then (hopefully) sell them... Often, this little exercise squelches my current desire...
Posted by: Amber | 01/22/2008 at 10:33 PM
love the idea, love the category!
will be back for more!!!!
have a great week
Posted by: tamy | 01/22/2008 at 08:59 PM
I'm looking forward to reading about your thrifting/repurposing! I'm definitely making 2008 a very simple and green year for me.
Posted by: Julia | 01/22/2008 at 08:51 PM
I just saw the video today and thought it was so great! It shows so much and what you buy does have an impact.
Posted by: Dawn | 01/22/2008 at 05:48 PM
Hi Cassi,
(Thanks for the plug!) Yours came out great!
Betz
Posted by: betz | 01/22/2008 at 05:44 PM
What a great idea!
Posted by: Miss Scarlett | 01/22/2008 at 01:53 PM
That's so funny. I had the same idea late last year and blogged about it on my blog. It just goes to show you that creative minds think alike!
Here's the link:
http://sassycrafter.blogspot.com/2007/10/tiered-tray.html
Posted by: Kim | 01/22/2008 at 12:49 PM
That's fantastic and thanks for the link!
Posted by: Florence | 01/22/2008 at 12:17 PM
Love that!
Posted by: Karla/Grace | 01/22/2008 at 09:35 AM
I love that you have added this new category.
Thank you for the video link!
Posted by: Carrie | 01/22/2008 at 06:40 AM
I saw it too and like you , glass stand-cake are my favorite but I need to try (in France) the right glue. And is it absolutly stong & secure ?? Hummm, I aske it to me but I will try it too ;-)
Posted by: ElisabethB | 01/22/2008 at 12:14 AM