Inspiring Reporpose Ideas for Vintage Books

Live Learn and Improve

Most anyone can appreciate the aesthetics of an old hardback book. 

Jim Rosenau was raised in a house with 5,000 books so needless to say he would appreciate them more than most.

I was originaly attracted to Jim's clocks but after rummaging through his gallery I found shelves, key holders, bookcases, etc... 

 Jim's craftsmanship, uniqueness, and conscious reuse of material has won him much recognition for his work. His site offers a wealthy inventory and is worth taking a peek. New projects will be added by the end of this month. Just in time for Christmas!!!

Finding A New Home For A Reclaimed Shutter

Live Learn and Improve

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania country decor is saturated with nostalgia and is appreciated by more than just the locals. People literally come from far and to wide to experience Lancaster's craftsmanship. 

Pride in their work still remains strong in the heart of these folks.

Bonnie of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania sent me this photo of an old shutter she upcycled to her mudroom coat rack. 

Thank you for sharing Bonnie!

Comfortable With The Idea Of Reusing Disposable Chopsticks

Live Learn and Improve

China consumes 25 million trees in the manufaturing of disposible chopsticks every year. So when Jason Dembski and Ryan Horsman were confronted with the challange of (re)using everyday Chinese items in new ways, they developed this very intriguing stool.

Jason Dembski

Tackling such an extremely overwhelmingly wasted product requires extreme measures. Literally thousands of disposable chopsticks, in addition to bamboo steamers, and simple cushioning material is used to create a completely functional and contemporary piece. Jason illustrates the stool's simple composition on his website. I love this stool's natural monotone character although if you were a color nut I suppose you could have some real fun with this project.

Jason received his BS.Arch from the Ohio State University in 2004 and M.Arch from the University of Michigan in 2009. He is currently working for Davidclovers in Hong Kong.

Vintage plates upcycled to colorful candle holders

Live Learn and Improve

One of my most memorable dining experiences was in a small resturant in Souderton, Pennsylvania. The establishment was located in the town's old train station and it succeeded in maintaining a very vintage look. The one thing that impressed me the most about this place was that their plates, mugs, and utensils did not match. Each piece had a unique and historical characteristic to it which lent to the old time feeling of the restaurant.

Dinner tables are a place where family memories are made. I can still remember the plates my grandmother would serve Christmas Dinner on. From time to time I find that same print at second hand shops and it always takes me back. 

loglike of North East Wales showcases vintage plates that "serve" another purpose....

 

A Green Minded attitude allows them to boast the fact that their products utilize "natural and upcycled, vintage materials"

loglike caters to different tastes by using a variety of saucers (color, shape, design). These are just a few of my favorites...

The saucers are all genuine antique, (or vintage) originals, dating from Victorian times through to the 1960’s. All wooden components are hand-turned by loglike, from reclaimed wood. 

loglike's unique saucer creations can be found on their website or artisan shop folksy.com which also includes a tutorial on the project.

Reclaimed Oak and Railroad Pin Towel Rack in 4 Short Steps

Live Learn and Improve

Reclaimed wood in the home creates a warm and mature setting.

 This is a fairly simple project I've done composed of an oak barn wood board and old railroad pins.

 1.  Brush the barn wood with a wire brush to clean off spiderwebs and dirt. 

2.  Brush up the steel pins with steel wool to remove any rust and give a shine. 

3. Drill holes to match your pins (all the way through the board).  Two things to remember with this step... Drill bit size used should be as close as you can get to your pins (slightly smaller is better than slightly bigger)
Also, be mindful to drill into the board at a consistant angle. The holes I have drilled are perpendicular to the board.

4. Pound the pins into your holes with a ball-pine hammer until their points are flush with the back and the board. Your barn wood should sit flat against the wall. If your holes are drilled correctly your pins should be secure.

This is a very heavy project make sure it is hung securely. Your end result will be a sturdy hanger for winter coats, towels, etc..