Old windows and a Free Cable reel

I am always on the lookout for old stuff

I was very excited when I got these old windows a few months ago at an op shop

My new windows

 

I could not resist. 

Though I did walk away the first time (did you hear that dear husband) it was only after speaking to my neighbour and her telling me I am mad to not buy them, I went back and got them 3 days later, knowing full well my husband would not approve of my purchase.

I love old windows and there are so many ways you can use them

My new cable reel

 

I also love old cable reels

I never thought I would be able to get one of these, let alone for free.

Yes it was "FREE"

 

But this time I am not in trouble with my husband - for bringing home someone elses rubbish. But only because I got it for free, which makes it even better don't you think !

All following photos are from Pinterest

 

  They can be made into great things as shown in all these photos 

Maybe a coffee table/book shelf for example

Or a padded stool

A Dining table topped with stainless steel or maybe glass

Paint it white

A sweet Occasional table

Even an Umbrella stand

 

I got mine from a skip - a local school was having a clean up over the holidays and I just happened to come across it.  I looked around for someone to ask "can I have this"  but there was no-one there.  So I went to the house next door to the school and asked if they knew anything about the rubbish in the skip (I don't give up easily).  He didn't know anything about who was in charge of the skip but said it should be okay to take it, and who was I to argue ?? So the lovely man even helped me get it out of the skip and load it into my car.  Woohoo, my very own cable reel.  I have so many other projects I want to get onto, but this one should take priority I am thinking. I think painting the reel white, adding some groovy castor wheels it will go great with my new white Adirondacks!

  

And here are just some of the ideas I have seen on Pinterest for old windows

 

A coat rack

Or a photo frame

or combination blackboard/pinup board/shelf

 

I would love to be able to make them into a cupboard but don't have the handyman skills for that one. 

So best to keep it simple I think, stay tuned for an update on these two projects (thought it may take me a while).

 

Ipad bag for my Mum

My Mum has ventured into the techno world for the very first time in her life.  On her recent holiday here she bought herself an Ipad.  Mum has never ever used a computer, so it was all a new language but she is picking it up and enjoying her new world.  Being able to contact friends at any time of the day was a huge attraction, and I have to say I love being able to flick her an email at any time with just the smallest thought that comes into my head.  Also sending her photos of the kids at the push of a button means she never needs to miss out (she lives in Victoria, we are in Queensland).   She needed a bag to carry her Ipad around with her on her travels.  This is where I come into it.  So I made her this tote bag made to measure from a recycled denim dress.  Complete with the waistband and buttons still intact - I love the finish.  The design came together very quickly, and I have to say I really do love it - wouldn't mind one myself, that would be IF I had an Ipad.  But I don't....

Recycled denim dress and gorgeous Japanese floral cotton

Made to measure to fit her new Ipad

She looks pretty happy about it !!

Recycled Denim

My nephews' christmas gift is done (pictured above)

It's the first of many handmade christmas gifts I need to achieve before December 25. He apparently wants a corner in his bedroom full of big pillows where he can just flop down and read (so his Mum tells me). So this is what I have come up with. A huge cushion - 80cm x 80cm - made from recycled denim jeans and skirts, and a bit of chenille and cotton fabrics thrown in to break it up a bit. I am pretty happy with the result - hope he is too !

close up of the fabrics

Some other ideas for designs using recycled denims

this one is made from waistbands

necklace using denim and lace So don't throw out those old jeans - recycle