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Recycled Book Review: 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse, Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew By Garth Johnson

December 3, 2009 by Stefanie Girard

1000 ideas creative reuse

1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse
Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew

By
Garth Johnson

OK so you are into recycling and crafting. Want 1000 really cool ideas? This is the book for you.

It is the kind of book that just gets your creative juices flowing and you have to read with your sketchbook next to you so that you can write and sketch the ideas that flow with every turn of the page.  I rarely make it though without having to stop and go make something. It’s like a gift that keeps giving and speaking of giving… if you know someone who is into making things from other things it would make the perfect holiday gift. And if you want to do a little Christmas decorating and have a tomato cage lurking around, why not recycle it into a Christmas tree see how to do a simple one here and one covered with a recycled sweater and lights here.

There are a bunch of other books in this 1000 series on Artist journal pages, jewelry, ATCs and greeting cards and they are all great. A real wealth of inspiration and creativity. To see some inside peeks into 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew pop on over here or grab a copy here.

From the publisher:

Artists and crafters have always been recyclers, but for many, it has not only become a thrifty choice, it has become a moral imperative. 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse contains a cutting edge collection of the most inventive work being made with re-used, upcycled, and already existing materials. The work in this book ranges from clever and humble personal accessories to unique and important large-scale works of art, including paper art, fashion, jewelry, housewares, interiors, and installations.

Garth Johnson is a studio artist, writer and educator who lives in Eureka, California. In addition to maintaining the website “Exteme Craft” (www.extremecraft.com) Garth writes about a variety of topics, including art, craft and creative reuse.  He and his wife Claire are currently writing a blog for Readymade Magazine called “Keeping Up With the Johnsons (http://readymadeblogs.mydevstaging.com/blogs/johnsons/). His DVD, ReVision: Recycled Crafts for Earth-Friendly Living was released by Eyekiss Films earlier this year (www.reconstructdvd.com). His artwork was recently featured in solo shows at Gallerie Maxim in Cologne, Germany and the Clay Studio in Philadelphia. Garth received a BFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MFA from Alfred University. He has taught at Georgia State University, Columbus State University and is currently an assistant professor at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA. In addition to teaching, he is a sought-after lecturer and visiting artist, with recent lectures at Ohio State University, Louisiana State University and the Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China.”

[tags]1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse[/tags]

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Comments

  1. Lauren says

    December 3, 2009 at 10:52 am

    I’m in this book! Twice, actually! It’s a great inspiration, it would be cool to see some of the ideas transformed into how-to’s.

Have you read?

30 Brilliant Uses for Empty Pill Bottles You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet

Creative and Practical Ways to Reuse Pill Bottles Around the Home

Let’s be honest—those little orange pill bottles multiply like rabbits in the back of the medicine cabinet. And if you’re anything like me, tossing them feels wasteful. They’re sturdy, compact, and practically begging to be reused. So rather than sending them to landfill purgatory, let’s put them to good use!

Here are 30 clever, crafty, and completely practical ways to reuse pill bottles—from home hacks to travel tips and even a few creative craft ideas your grandkids will love.

Home Organization Hacks

  1. Spare change stash
    Pop it in your car’s cup holder, and you’ll never be caught short for a parking meter again.
  2. Emergency sewing kit
    A couple of needles, thread, tiny scissors, and a spare button fit perfectly.
  3. Tiny hardware holder
    Nails, screws, washers—no more rummaging through random tins in the garage.
  4. Safety pin storage
    Stop chasing scattered pins in the bottom of your junk drawer.
  5. Toothpick travel case
    Because no one wants loose toothpicks rolling around in their handbag.
  6. Matches + striking strip
    Glue a match striker to the lid and toss it in your camping kit.
  7. Mini first-aid kit
    Band-aids, alcohol wipes, and a few painkillers—all in one waterproof spot.
  8. USB or SD card holder
    Label the lid and keep your data safe and dry.

Craft & DIY Ideas

  1. Bead storage
    Perfect for sorting small amounts by color or type.
  2. Glitter containment
    Finally, a way to store glitter without it taking over your whole craft drawer.
  3. DIY travel paint pots
    A little dab of acrylic in each bottle = no mess on the go.
  4. Mini crayon case
    Snap a few crayons in half and toss them in for road trip fun.
  5. Yarn needle case
    Stop losing your large eye needles in the couch cushions!
  6. Button collector
    Keep vintage buttons or those extras from clothing tags neatly sorted.
  7. DIY air freshener
    Punch holes in the lid, fill with baking soda and essential oils, and tuck into smelly corners.

Gardening & Outdoors

  1. Seed storage
    Keep heirloom seeds labeled and moisture-free between seasons.
  2. DIY watering scoop
    Cut the bottom off and use it to water seedlings gently.
  3. Slug bait traps
    Fill with beer, bury level with soil. Say goodbye to slug-munched lettuce.
  4. Travel spice holder
    Take your garden herbs camping with labeled, sealed bottles.

Travel & Purse Essentials

  1. Earbud holder
    No more tangled cords in the bottom of your handbag.
  2. Travel pill sorter
    Instead of dragging the whole cabinet, portion out what you need.
  3. Hair ties and bobby pins
    A small bottle keeps these sneaky little things together.
  4. Lotion or sunscreen decanter
    Much cheaper (and smaller) than travel bottles from the store.
  5. Jewelry protection
    Pop your rings or earrings in a cotton-padded bottle while swimming or traveling.
  6. Breath mint container
    No more rattling Tic Tac boxes—just sleek and quiet.

Kids, Pets, & Emergency Prep

  1. Pet treats
    Handy for walks or training sessions. Clip to your keychain or leash.
  2. DIY “I’m bored” game pieces
    Write fun challenges on slips of paper and store them for school holidays.
  3. Mini flashlight storage
    Tuck in a tiny torch and a few batteries—great for glove compartments or emergency kits.
  4. Tooth fairy bank
    My kids used to leave the tooth and the bottle under the pillow. Easier for the fairy to find!
  5. Message in a bottle
    Classic beach day fun. Bonus points for sealing it with wax.

A Quick Safety Note

If you’re using old prescription bottles, make sure to remove or cover the label completely—personal info should stay your business. And give each bottle a good wash before repurposing.

There’s something deeply satisfying about finding new life for old things. It’s frugal, clever, and let’s be honest—there’s a certain joy in telling someone, “Oh this? It’s just a pill bottle I upcycled.”

Have you found a genius way to reuse pill bottles? Share it in the comments or tag us @CraftGossip on Pinterest or Facebook—we’d love to see your ideas!

 

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