Sandwich Wrappers

Andy M. shared with us that once he and his family have consumed their cereal, he uses the wax bags the cereal came in as wrapping for the sandwiches he packs for lunch at work or on a picnic. If you do not like the smell of the cereal possibly interacting with your sandwich, simply turn the bag inside out!

Cheese and Bread Boards from Old Flooring/Barn Boards

With safety gear and best safety practices in place (eye protection, ear protection, safe cutting spaces, etc.), use a mechanical saw to cut a piece of old wooden flooring to the size of a bread or cheese board you would like. If you would like to hang the board, drill a hole at one end or the top of the board. Using an orbital sander, smooth the surface and sides of the old wooden flooring until they are free of splinters, paint, and any old coatings on all sides. With a commercial food-safe bees wax, coat and buff the side of the board you want to use until it is smooth and all the cracks have been filled. To clean, rinse in warm, soapy water. Add a leather loop or old boot lace to the hole for hanging purposes, if you so choose.

Woodstove Starters

If you use a woodstove, don’t throw out that cardboard paper towel or toilet paper role! Instead, collect your dryer lint in the tube of a roll. When it is full, place it in your woodstove where you light the fire and when you start your daily fire, light the tube as well to facilitate the quick start.

Homemade Bags Handles – Roadside straps

If you happen upon a strap or two from a tie down that has broken off a vehicle – or one of your own that is broken – gather it safely (especially if it is on the side of the road!). Cut the metal pieces off (save for another DIY reuse project) and place the straps in a fine washables bag and launder them in your washing machine. Hang them out to dry. Cut your straps to size to use for your reusable shopping bags! Check out bag tutorial

Toilet Seat Frame or Wreath

This works especially well if you have an old wooden toilet seat. Be sure to wash and disinfect the toilet seat well before working with it. Remove the lid and set it aside for a future reuse DIY project. Determine whether you want to mount the picture – or pictures – vertically or horizontally, if using as a picture frame. Drill holes and then screw in picture frame hangers into the underside of the toilet seat. If using for a wreath, hammer small nails in at intervals to weave materials through.

If it will be a picture frame, choose your picture and consider using a clear piece of plexiglass to protect the picture. You can fasten this with the hardware found in a DIY framing kit or foraged from screws and assorted items on or near your work bench. If using as a wreath, begin weaving the natural or plastic or textile materials to create the perfect festive addition to your door. If using as a frame, add your picture and mount with a thin piece of repurposed plywood or thin wood cut to size.

Paint Strainer

If you have some paint you are not quite ready to safely dispose of, use an old panty hose as a strainer. Simply cover the can with the old panty hose, rolled up on one leg, and strain over a container you will use for your next project. When done, dispose of the panty hose safely at your local transfer station.

Pickle Jar for your own Pickles – with recipe

Save the jar from your pickles. Wash it and set it aside. Use the following recipe (adapted from Eitan Bernath’s “Quick-Pickled Onions” appearing in the May 2, 2021 Parade Magazine) to then fill the jar with your own pickles:

• Several pickling cukes (or red onions)

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar

• 2 Tbs. sugar

• 2 tsp. Kosher salt

• 1 cup of ice

Slice cukes or onions to your preferred size and put over the cup of ice in the jar you will use.

Mix the sugar and salt into the vinegar and heat the mixture up until it is just simmering and the sugar and salt are dissolved.

Pour heated vinegar mixture over cukes and ice. Shake vigorously and seal the repurposed jar. Within 15 minutes you will have crispy pickles! Refrigerate and enjoy at your convenience.