Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway: Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book

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Giveaway: Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book: How to Plan Colors and Furnishings That Reflect the Personality of Your Family

Leave a comment in today’s post by October 11th 2017, and you are in the running for this vintage decorating book that is an amazing look into the past.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

Take a walk down memory lane with this 1950s decorating classic, re-released for a whole new generation

The year is 1956. America is a mere decade past World War II. Richard Nixon is next in command to President Dwight Eisenhower, the Dow Jones soars above 500, and Norma Jean Mortenson legally changes her name to Marilyn Monroe. Two words described the decade, as John Updike wrote in the short story “When Everyone Was Pregnant”: Fear and gratitude. And during this boom period, grateful young families thrilled to find themselves homeowners after the uncertainty of the Great Depression followed by a second Great War. Those empty rooms needed filling in order to make the house a home, and homeowners turned to the iconic Better Homes and Gardens brand.

Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book, the first edition of a title that would spawn ten editions over the years, became the new home bible for injecting class, style (and the occasional misguided cowboy wallpaper) into American homes. While exploring numerous styles, the main theme of the book is the on-trend mid-century modern sensibility, a style as appropriate today as it was six decades ago when the book was initially released.

Filled with hundreds of full-color period photos, dozens of adorable illustrations, and decorating tips and tricks that are both helpful and nostalgic, the book remains a fun classic. With this welcome hardcover release, reproduced exactly as it looked and read in the 1950s, everything old is new again.

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Comments

  4. That looks wonderful. I just bought a house this year and am planning to decorate mid century so this would be perfect!

  6. I would love to enter for this Better Homes and Gardens mid-century decorating book, it sounds amazing!

  14. My favorite time period for style. What a treasure this book must be!! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

  15. So smitten am I by all things retro/mid-century, as I was born in ’62. My minor in college was Interior Design, such a rich & fascinating study. Would be thrilled to win this….thanks for the giveaway!

  17. Cant enter- being a Canadian; but I remember playing , looking through that book throughout my childhood…it’s the year I was born.

  19. I graduated high school in 1962 and would like to win this book. What a book to refresh memories!

  20. I love vintage because I am vintage. I would love to have this book. Can we buy this somewhere?

  21. Growing up in the 50’s, I had cowboy wallpaper in my bedroom and loved it, would like to see some in this book.

  23. Love it! I remember Gramma’s house and the home I grew up in and love the retro look. I would be thrilled to have this book!

  24. I would love this book! My son just bought a 60’s ranch and is restoring it back to it’s glory…

Have you read?

Creative Ways to Reuse UNO Cards: Fun Upcycled Crafts to Try

Recycled UNO card ideas

If you’ve got an old or incomplete deck of UNO cards lying around, don’t toss them just yet! Whether the cards are bent, missing pieces, or just no longer in rotation for game night, there are plenty of clever ways to upcycle UNO cards into fun and functional crafts.

Interestingly, UNO has taken a step toward sustainability with the release of their UNO Nothin’ But Paper deck — an eco-conscious version of the classic game made entirely from recyclable paper. It’s great to see big brands making greener choices, but what about those plastic-coated cards you already have? Instead of letting them go to waste, try turning them into something new and creative!

Here are some of our favorite DIY ideas for reusing UNO cards:

 

Playing Cards Purse — CraftBits.com This project turns your colorful cards into a funky, eye-catching purse. By using clear duct tape and a bit of crafting patience, you can create a unique accessory that’s equal parts playful and practical.

DIY UNO Card Game Art – One Mile Home Style UNO cards are bold, bright, and instantly recognizable. Why not use them to create modern wall art or a playful decor piece? Frame them, arrange them by color, or create a heart or mosaic design to liven up a game room or kid’s space.

Upcycling Playing Cards – craftygardener.caThis blog showcases a handful of ways to reuse any kind of playing cards — and UNO decks are perfect thanks to their color-coded design. Use them to create bookmarks, gift tags, or even mini photo frames. You’ll love how versatile they can be once you start experimenting.

Playing Card Wallet — CraftBits.com With just a few supplies, you can turn two sturdy UNO cards into a simple wallet or card holder. This is a great upcycled gift idea for teens, gamers, or anyone who appreciates quirky handmade items.

Clear Duct Tape Card Purse — CraftBits.com Another purse project that uses clear tape to seal and shape your UNO cards into a functional and fabulous little handbag. It’s surprisingly durable and makes for a fun conversation piece.

Great collection of recycled home stuff to use in fun learning activities 

So while Mattel’s move toward eco-friendly decks is definitely a win for sustainability, there’s still plenty of life left in your existing UNO cards. Upcycling them into clever crafts is not only environmentally friendly, it’s also a fantastic way to express your creativity. Whether you’re making wallets, art, or accessories, give your UNO cards a second chance to shine!

Before you head off to raid the junk drawer for that half-deck of UNO cards, here’s a fun reminder — have you ever actually read the real rules of UNO? Because if you’ve played with family or friends, chances are… you haven’t.

Yes, it’s true: stacking +2 and +4 cards isn’t in the official rules (gasp!). And no, you can’t play a Wild Draw 4 just because you feel like it — you’re supposed to only use it when you have no matching colors or numbers. We know, right? Mind. Blown.

So while you’re crafting away with your upcycled UNO cards, maybe print out a copy of the real rulebook and drop it into the purse or wallet you just made. Next game night, you can be the hero (or villain) who drops the “actually…” bomb and sets the record straight. Just don’t be surprised if you get banned from family game night for being that person.

Happy crafting and playing — by the rules (or not)!