How to Upcycle Old Clothes into Rugs - DIY Braided Rug

It's a change in seasons and as you clean out your closet and your drawers of old clothes to make room for new ones, maybe you can also upcycle?

I am all about donating gently used clothing, but what if your's has seen better days?  Instead of adding them to the landfill, you can create your own braided rug.

Check out the video below:

Try to Use Similar Weighted Fabrics...

I have done this many times, and my all time favorite is to use old denim jeans.  But if you want a lighter rug, you can use old t-shirts, tops or anything. 

But I personally have found the braided rug looks it's best with similar weighted fabrics. 

Check Thrift Shops for Discarded Clothes

I found this to be a great source for fabrics.  When people donate to the thrift shops, only the better condition clothes make it to the floor for sale.  They quite often have bags of old clothes that end up in the landfill. 

How to Make a Denim Braided Rug

I bought a bag of old jeans for 5 bucks!  I washed them and then cut them up to make this rug:

How to Make a Recycled Jeans Braided Rug.

Follow the video (at top of page) on how to braid the fabric and attach new pieces.

How to Create Strips of Denim:

1.  Cut up the side seams to the crotch and cut the top part of the jeans off, leaving you two open legs.

2.  Cut strips about 2 inches wide.  

3.  To make this easier, you can create a cardboard template 1.5 to 2 inches wide in a long strip (tape cardboard together for a long piece),  or use a yard stick, and make the outline with a fabric marker.

4.  Cut the strips out using sharp scissors or electric scissors (totally saves your hands from cramping).

Obviously you need to have good sharp scissors, or electric scissors, which I used.  I got them online from Amazon.  Here is a link to 

Electric scissors made the whole process quicker, easier and fun.  Once you have the strips, then create the rug as in the video.

But this is where denim differs.  It is much heavier, and unless you have a specific denim need for your sewing machine, I personally found it much easier to sew the coils together as they formed using carpet or upholstery thread and needle by hand.




This is a much stronger thread, and I found it much easier to work with than trying to fit this thicker denim rug under the machine needle. It is not hard to do.

I simply began coiling it tightly as soon as I could and sewed it together.  As the braid grew I kept coiling it and sewing it by hand.

How to Make Your Braided Rug Safe?

If you are using the rugs for hardwood or tiled floors, then you need to make then "anti-slip".

I purchased this anit-slip fabric from Amazon and they really work.  They keep it in place.

It generally comes in a big rectangle and you can cut it into pieces to fit under your DIY braided rugs. This keeps them in place on any surface to make them safe.

I hope this has got you inspired to cut up those old clothes and create awesome and one of a kind unique braided rugs for your home or cottage.

Feel good knowing you totally upcycled or recycled your clothes!

Under Pedestal Sink Storage Ideas for Renters Under 100 Dollars

\If you rent your space, and have a small bathroom with a pedestal sink, I found these awesome storage ideas that will not touch any walls or cause any damage.

Pedestal sinks are actually not the best use of space.  They may look good, sleek and slim, but there simply is no storage.

If you are a renter, then this compounds the situation as most landlords don't want as much as a nail hole in the walls, never mind re-plumbing the place with a vanity.  So I found these storage ideas are the next best thing.

You can also take it with you when you move.  WIN WIN!



This cabinet, simply sits up against the wall under the sink.  This creates instant storage for all the bathroom needs (especially toilet paper!)  It just keeps the bathroom tidy.  Many pedestal sinks are in small bathrooms, so this works!  Plus it is under 100 bucks on AMAZON.

If you don't like the idea of a closed cabinet, there is this chrome version with open shelves that actually hug the stem part of the sink.


This one is only 30 bucks!

This will give you that extra storage too.  I personally prefer closed cabinet storage so that you can also use the doors for hairdryer racks, and cleaning supplies as well as other bathroom supplies that are kept out of sight.

Need More Bathroom Storage in a Rental?

If you find there simply is not enough storage even by using the under pedestal sink cabinet or rack, I found this super skinny tall cabinet that can fit in the space between the toilet and the sink or the toilet and the wall.  Check it out:


This can store a few things to get them off the floors without having to add shelves etc.  Our landlord didn't want as much as a nail hole, so you sometimes have to get creative.

I was surprised at how affordable it was to outfit a tiny pedestal sink bathroom with storage that caused ZERO damage to walls or floors and still look good!

Don't Forget the Back of the Bathroom Door for Storage!

The back of the door is the perfect place to utilize for storage is a small rental bathroom.  This causes no damage and simply hangs over the door.

This gives you more storage!

The Above 3 Ways To Gain Storage with a Pedestal Sink Bathroom is Perfect for the Renter

...or actually anyone who doesn't want the fuss and mess of a DIY.  I use the Dollar Tree for storage baskets in the under pedestal sink cabinets, and toilet supplies in the tall skinny cabinet and everything else in this over the door storage!

I hope I have given you some ideas for creating a wonderful and relaxing bathroom!  You don't have to shred, renovate or a DIY to create a nice looking and yet useful room with plenty of storage.

How to Make a Easy Book Diversion Safe for Cash or Stash

I like to keep a few dollars and some change in the house for emergencies, bus fare, or whatever, and I used to keep it in my underwear drawer!

Underwear Drawer is the First Place Checked by Intruders!

But according to a police report I read, the underwear drawer is the first place a burglar will look.

So scratch that idea!

I like the idea of some cash simply because when the power goes out in various storms, ATM machines don't work and neither do cash registers, so it doesn't hurt to have some around, plus it is my scratch ticket fund!

You could use it for anything that you need to keep safe that is small.

I decided an obvious change purse was not the answer, so I found this video on how to make your own book safe and add it to your shelf of books.

Hide in Plain Sight!!

This video by O'Neil Sisters, shows you how to hollow out the book using Mod Podge to seal the pages.  She talks about using this box for jewelry or anything, but I love the idea of using this for a

secret stash safe.

Any intruders are not going to spend time going through your books, they want to be in and out quick.  So I think this is an awesome idea.

Do Not Cut Right To the Back Cover

To keep some strength in the book, find a thick one and make sure you do not cut right to the back cover or it will become flimsy.



What you will Need:

Thick old book you have around the house or find one at the thrift store.

Mod Podge

Paint Brush

Sharp X-acto Knife

That's it, you don't need anything else.  Yes you could decorate it, but the idea of the secret book safe is so that you can hide it in plain sight!

Find a Book that Fits In with Your Books on the Shelf

You want your book safe to "blend" with the rest of your books.  But of course only you will know which one it is.  If your shelves are full of sports books, then find a sport book, or if you have a ton of recipe books, find an old thick recipe book.

Make it, Fill it, Place it, Done!

You could make a few of these, for any special things you need to keep safe in the house.  If you don't have any books, start a little collection so this one book will not look out of place.

If you prefer not to DIY your own secret safe, you can purchase them online to blend in with anything such as soup cans, or hair brushes!  Check it out below.

How to Make a Quick Knitted Rug Using T-Shirt Yarn

I love to knit in front of the TV in the evenings, but I don't want anything too complicated.  It is meant to be relaxing for me.   I don't want to be counting stitches and paying attention to a pattern in the evening.

So I came across this super cool video on how to make a soft rug using T-shirt yarn, which is very soft.  The product is called HOOKED ZPAGETTI.

You could also use whatever yarn you like, but I thought the idea of the yarn being from textiles was super cool.

Check out this video below:

I think this type of knitted rug would be nice beside the bed on top of carpet, but if you don't have carpet you can get the non slip pieces that fit underneath your new rug to keep them safe.


This type of rug could also be thrown in the washing machine easily too.  She just uses simple stitches and because she uses larger needles (size 12) and the larger yarn you are done in no time.  She even sews all the squares together by hand, with no needles.  I love the rustic look of this.

It can also be used for making slippers or plant pot covers as seen in the picture here.

It is super soft yet durable and holds it's shape, making it great for any knitting or crochet projects that will hold a shape.

It has never occurred to me to use fabric yarns, but they do knit well and have a bit of "give" to them.




How to Make Your Own T-Shirt Yarn

If you prefer to totally upcycle for your household projects such as the rug, above and other items, you can make your own from old t-shirts.

I found this video, to get you started.  I did it once to make twisty scarves.  So don't throw away those old t-shirts, you can upcycle them into all kinds of cool projects.

I hope this has got you excited to either purchase or make your own t-shirt yarns.  You could even hit the dollar tree and see what t-shirts they have to add to your stash or yarn.

I really love the idea of recycling or upcycling and using t-shirt or textile yarns is a super cool place to start.

Have a wonderful crafting day!

Deco Mesh Wreath DIY for Valentine's Day or Spring Wall Art Decor on the Cheap

I was looking for some different ways to add some color and flair to my home especially at this point in the winter (At time of writing it is Feb. 1st).

In Ontario, Canada it has been a long cold winter, and with Valentine's Day coming up and then hopefully spring in March I thought it would be fun to add some color.

I came across this simple video on making a Decor Mesh wreath with a wire form, some mesh and a few pipe cleaners (I think they call them chenelle sticks now) to hold it all together.

This video by Paper Mart, got me inspired!  You can keep it plain as she has done in the video, or you can also add all kinds of bling and flowers and whatever you want to totally personalize this wreath for your own space.

Check out the video and see if this doesn't get you inspired to add some color to your space!

I found this image above of a gorgeous deco mesh wreath on the Amazon supply page.  You can add all kinds of decor to this beautiful spring wreath.

I found these supplies online if you don't have them in your nearest craft store, or you like them being delivered to your door.


Check the Dollar Store for Additional Bling

Another option is the dollar store, they do sell many supplies too.  You can make each wreath very individual and to your style.

I also found a supply of reds, pinks and whites mesh online for making the same wreath but for Valentine's Day or simply to add some love to your home and brighten February!

Either way, check online to find some good deals on supplies. I found these on Amazon

I love doing DIYs, especially something that is easy.  Not a fan of long drawn out tedious crafts.  I love that you simply secure the mesh to the wire form with pipe cleaners.  No fuss no mess.  I also love that it is not expensive. 

If you sell at craft fairs, this might be something you want to add to your spring shows.  They are beautiful!

Cheap Wall Art Ideas.. Wreaths are not Confined to Doors!

This is a super fun way to add some pizazz to your door or walls.  Wreaths don't have to live on front doors, they can also look beautiful on walls.

You could make a wreath for each season and brighten up any room or give as a gift.  All I know is that February can be dreary (at least where I live) and Valentine's Day got me thinking about reds, pinks and whites, but then spring is not far after.

So have some fun with this super cool material.

How to Hard Boil Farm Fresh Eggs - Easy Peel!

If you have ever tried to hard boil farm fresh eggs, then you will remember the frustration and damage you do to those eggs trying to peel them. 

You end up losing parts of the egg and need a dozen to end up with 8! 

As much as we all love fresh eggs, this is the one downfall if you love hard boiled.

My sister-in-law has a farm and we often bring home fresh eggs.

But I would save those for fried, omelettes, poached and then use store bought eggs for the hard boiled version to make egg salad sandwiches and other dishes.

But I have found the secret to easy peeling and here it is:

Step 1 - Bring a pot of water to a boil and then carefully lower the eggs into the pot.  Make sure there is enough water to cover them completely.

Step 2 - Boil 8 minutes

Step 3 - Leave on burner but turn off the heat and let them sit there for 20 minutes.

Step 4 - Drain the pot and then with the lid on shake a bit to start some cracks in the eggs.

Step 5 - (this is the trick!)  Cover them with ice water.

Step 6 - Leave in the ice water until they are completely cooled.

Step 7 - PEEL and you will be amazed.

This way you can enjoy your fresh farm eggs as sandwiches and any other dishes that require hard boiled and peeled.

Have the Ice Water Ready before Step 4, so you don't have to go looking.

I simply take a large bowl or jug and fill with ice cubes and then fill with coldest water from the tap a few minutes before draining the eggs.

That is it!

The older the eggs the easier they are to peel.  But I totally enjoy the farm fresh ones as I find their yolks to be darker yellow and they just taste better.  Her hens are free range and happy so the eggs are always nice.

Hope this helps you for that next batch of egg salad sandwiches with fresh eggs!

Make Losing Weight and Getting Healthy a Little Easier with this Idea

Well its the New Year, and along with the calendar change comes the resolutions!

Did you make any this year?  I don't usually because it tends to set me up for failure, but this year, after my blood pressure medication was raised, I decided it was time to lose a few pounds and get healthier.

But Just How Can I Lose Weight without Deprivation, Calorie Counting and Misery?

I talked to a dietitian, that was at a local pharmacy handing out information on health issues, and I asked her what was the best way for someone like me to lose weight with no will power?

Her answer "Start with Portion Control" and add an extra walk to my day.

Portion Control??

She said simply measuring out your portions instead of cutting out entire food groups was much easier.  This way you shaved off some calories but still enjoyed your food from all food groups.

She stated the benefits were huge, and you were more likely to stick to it when it was already measured out on the plate.

Benefits of Portion Control

1.  No deprivation of favourite foods

2.  No cutting out entire food groups

3.  No Calorie Counting

I had visions of measuring cups, scales, teaspoons etc!

She frowned and said, why not try portion control diet plates or containers?

Brilliant Idea!

I found this plate on Amazon.  It has a guide right on it.  Fill half your plate with veggies and 1/4 of protein and 1/4 starch.  It is sized in such a way that you can't overfill.



It is a good way to get started.  Actually this is when I realized that my portions had grown, so this brings me back to a normal sized helping.

You could also take a few days and measure out your food and use one of your own plates.  But I just thought this was a worthwhile investment for 10 bucks.

Another option is containers.  These are pre-measured and ready to go for your packed lunches, or simply your entire day of food.  I also found these on Amazon below:


I just know I have to do something, and using aids of some kind, will give me the kick I need to get my weight down.

As it turns out, I ate good healthy foods, just too much of them.

No Calorie Counting!

This is the best method for me.  I am not the best at calories counting, writing my food down, or measuring.  The above ideas, take the guess work out of the size of my portions.

I have also added an extra walk to my day, and make a point of using stairs always.

Anyways,
HAPPY NEW YEAR
May this be the best year ever for changing your bad habits!