Natural pigments can be made from many items for their desired hues, and is perfect for crafting or smaller painting tasks.

Unexpected things, like soil and berries, can be used to for painting and dying fabrics due to their naturally rich colorants.

Rhonda R. Janke provides a handout on creating paint from local materials, like soils. Interested in making her own paints, she developed a skill for formulating colors from natural substances like soil. In addition to other resources, she provides tips for making your own organic egg-tempera, gouache and oil paints.

Considering the most harmless materials to be earth based colors made from soil, she notes that dirt acquires its shade mostly due to either iron, sulfur or magnesium presences. Using native materials like walnut shells and different colors of dirt, various tones can be achieved.

Image source: Parideaza Farm Art

For examples she offers some samples of pictures made with water-based paints formed from soil, plant dyes and earth pigments.

Janke also refers to place-based art, or art in its natural environment and context. Art does not have to be a scheduled exhibition, for instance, but can be local architecture, art from around a neighborhood or any striking vision piece. Looking for natural resources to incorporate as mediums can be drawn from these built-in surroundings.

Another interesting technique for adding color comes from Studio Swine. Their Seed Socks project, which was specially made for New York Fashion Week in 2011, is a unique hand dye kit. It is a transportable workshop that contains necessary equipment and plants viable for using as dyes.

Image source: Studio Swine

The kit also holds the implanted concept of combining seasonal fashions with in season foliage, calling for an ecologically based, slow produced fashion approach. Using ripened berries, they showcase how nature’s brilliant colors can transform once plain bamboo fiber socks.

Plants and other earth based objects have been used for centuries for safely applying color. Looking for and gathering natural sources for coloring art and craft applications is almost as much fun as making them.

The following are a few activities for repurposing, but take warning: if you are one that has a passion for fabrics, you may need a designated drawer to begin saving swatches and fabric leftovers.

The Upholstery Shop renovates furniture and upholsters the finished pieces with restored textiles. Their chairs and sofas make reusing more than practical but stylish, too.

Image source: hautenature.com

Craft Stew has 20 projects with instructional links for using up fabric scraps. Many plans are also suited for younger designers in the making with a bit of adult help.

Ideas like fabric collages are simple but decorative. These can be personalized and make easy to do, yet still attractive homemade gifts. Designs can be as intricate as desired, and different applications can be used like layering or experimenting with different textures.

Homemade fabric bookmarks are another way to use up fabric pieces. Adhesive sheets, fusible fabric webbing, double sided tape or fabric glue can be used to adhere cloth pieces. Scissors or corner-rounders can be used to finish off the edges.

Image source: howaboutorange.blogspot.com

Fabric postcards and artistic trading cards are also good crafts for recycling cloth swatches. If you know anyone who likes to collect and trade cards, which can be an expensive hobby, introduce them to this. Cards can be custom-made to reflect any favorite character, team, scene or particular interest. A handmade card will hold way more collector value amongst a circle of card traders, especially if they have taken the time to hand craft it.

Martha Stewart has tons of designs that incorporate recycled upholstery and fabrics. Crafts like making doll clothes are ideal for remnants.

Image source: marthastewart.com

Fabric samples are also the perfect size for making simple sachets. Filled with dried lavender, jasmine flowers or cotton scented with a few drops of a beloved essential oil, you will want to place these in every closet and dresser drawer.

Purse and bag pouches made from cloth swatches are great for holding those things that seem to always get lost around the bottom, like pens, phones and other devices.

Image source: marthastewart.com

From large furniture pieces to small, decorative touches, saving fabrics for projects is a clever way to reuse.

Typically used for function and no so much for fashion, there is a new focus on these small fixtures.

The fashion savvy know that even the smallest details matter. This sense for style, combined with a new way of attaining materials, imparts a truly interesting way to fasten that won’t permit buttons to go unnoticed.

High end fashions incorporating dramatic buttons are prevailing ways to wear them as accessory pieces.

The following photograph from Studio Swine showcases them as eye catching additions. Their Button series was inspired by architectural elements.

However, bringing attention to the details isn’t only in the design.

Hoyan Ip, a designer with an uncommon eye, has found a new way to make buttons, and her embellishments definitely stand out. Taking the problematic issue of food waste and using it in her line called Bio-Trimmings, she actually makes buttons and other accessories from tossed out food.

Using a readily available resource, extremely unique creations are made which make the observer question whether or not they would be willing to wear an item constructed from the leftovers on dinner plates. The process may not be pretty, as it involves saving, blending and molding food scraps, but the end result does make it a little hard to believe what medium was used for manufacturing.

Destroying the boundaries between conventional fashion and recycling, this project is a thought provoking way to reuse while bringing attention to issues like global food insecurity.

Producing buttons is not just reserved for the fashion industry, though. Collecting and reusing buttons to create striking do-it-yourself designs is a great way to switch up an existing wardrobe or add intricate details to objects.

Crafting a Green World has compiled a few tutorials that have recycled button ideas. Techniques for making them from tree branches, paper and #6 plastics, as well as using fabric remnants to make covered buttons, are included.

Image Source: Hoyan Ip’s Bio Trimmings

Recycled war remnants can turn fragments of historic events into strong statement pieces.

Mati Karmin, an artist who uses a distinct material for his works, generates solid furniture pieces using discarded metal husks that were left behind from Russia’s withdraw from Estonia in the 90’s. He has created a series titled MARINEMINE: The Mine Furniture.

Chairs, cabinets, beds, bathtubs, swings and grill ovens are just a few of the solid productions. Recycling these colossal naval bomb shells into furniture is definitely an original and conversational concept.

Ezri Tarazi has designed an installation of furniture from reclaimed materials gathered from war torn and politically volatile areas. Using wood, aluminum, steel and other salvages as well as objects like ammunition boxes, living room structures are assembled as furniture. Pieces like tables, shelves and sofas formed from sandbags bring the discarded to the forefront, a bit uneasily representing comfort and function reproduced from the origins of war.

A bright collection, From War to Peace turns weaponry into wearable art. Jewelry pieces made from items like recycled copper taken from deactivated nuclear weapons were used to create their Peace Bronze line.

From War to Peace’s Mission Statement:

We turn weapons meant to destroy us into art meant to restore us, swords into plowshares,
bombs into beauty,
hate into love, &
war into peace

Though not contrived from recycled war scraps, a series known as Guns by Leaves and Flowers and Plants can induce reflection.

Designs from unexpected materials have the capability to implement pause and contemplation for where the original objects came from. Propelling thoughts about significant events through physical creations and reinventing, yet still remembering the past, takes a skillful balance.

Image Source: Mati Karmin

An award winning artist and environmentalist, she uses recycling as a medium for her designs, making a mark in the fashion world without creating excess waste or using industrialized processes.

Noting the sheer carelessness of things that are made only to be discarded, like food packaging, she has formed and sewed them into wearable art like trenchcoats, jackets, dresses and sturdy, neat looking carry-alls. Along with thrown out packaging, she repurposes items like rags, old clothing, towels, and even items like parachutes and inner tubes.

She works with donated materials and well-intended contributions, referring to learning the importance of reusing as a child, which no doubt helped in forming her creative eye.

Part of the beauty in her designs is that they seem somewhat sculpture-like, but also elaborately fused with a tailored fashion sense. Her own line, ART D’ECO, was started at a time when the reference eco designer was a mostly unheard of concept. Without mass market means and using such a hands-on manner for her productions is a distinguished feat in the fashion trade, as it has a tendency for fast such paced demands.

Her bags, along with some of her other pieces, are being featured in upcoming exhibits.

Particularly wasteful she contends, are wedding gowns, which are worn typically one time and only for a few hours, then hung up in a dark corner or passed down to another for a few more hours of wear. In response, she has created a wedding dress made completely from reprocessed materials like pulp that was created from textile discards and remnants of cotton and lace from old clothes.

In addition to her clothing line, she has also repurposed rejected x-rays and floppy discs, transforming them into unique notebook covers.

Originally reusing the ordinary in such an unconventional way, Gélébart has mastered art pieces that have both an underlying but also upfront message which emanates from her colorful creations.

Image Source: Katell Gélébart

Using mainly old clothes, fabric remnants or inexpensive thrift store finds, you can make your own tiered dresses and skirts, and the same technique can be used to make designs to fit both child and grown up sizes.

Additional supplies needed are scissors, thread or fabric glue and a sewing machine or endurance abundant sewing hands. Portions of clothing or other recycled fabrics are ideal for this project, as are things that are never worn, like old miniskirts or other pieces.

If you want to change up a skirt or dress by adding tiers, straightly cut through the fabric at the length where you want to start placing the panels and begin adding the strips. If trying to attain a longer look in an already existing article, sew on tiers until the desired length is achieved. The strips can be cut narrow or wide, and either a few or several can be added.

The same color tiers can be used for a solid piece, or shades can be incorporated for a contrasting color blocking effect. Mixing and matching a few unused dresses or skirts can extend a wardrobe without overextending a budget.

When using repurposed clothing and fabrics, save the leftovers for other projects. For example, use fabric pieces to turn into belts and buttons for other clothes that may be missing some.

For instructions on how to make a simple tiered dress happy together provides a guide, and noelle o designs has a tutorial and pattern for designing a tiered skirt.

For a variation, look at the tiered pillowcase dress directions from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.

If you don’t have access to a sewing machine or prefer to make an unstitched version, the same idea can be made in a no sew style. Use the same basic steps, however instead of sewing the strips together adhere them with fabric glue. Place a decorative ribbon, lace or un-frayed strip on top of the seam and glue in place so the raw edge will not show. When finished, iron until it is fully set.

Want something a bit more upscale? Check out this pattern from Weekend designer for a tiered evening gown using an Oscar de la Renta dress for inspiration.

While it is a little more than basic, the instructions are thorough and the idea is mostly uncomplicated. If you don’t want to put in a zipper as listed, use the same idea for the above girl’s tank top tiered dress. This elegant design can be made using a camisole, t-shirt or blouse, then just adding longer panels with a shorter one at the bottom for a ruffled effect. As for the waist detail, just fold the top of the fabric over an elastic band and sew together on the backside, allowing room for the band.

This type of design is a fairly simple concept, and once you make a tiered fashion you will probably already be planning out your next one.

Image Source: Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

Help them dress the part with fabrics and crafts that reflect their inner crusader. Many children’s costumes can be made with things from around the house and often no sewing is even involved.

The following designs are ways to recycle fabrics, felt and materials into cool costumes.

Living with punks has super bat masks and a downloadable template. If your little hero doesn’t want a bat mask, alter the pattern a bit then decorate it with fabric glue and their choice of trimmings. For example, animal masks can be made with fake feathers, cotton balls or other fur like material. Sequins, beads, flowers and glitter can be added for super princesses.

Have a traditionalist who prefers old-school superheroes? See if there is a template for one of their favorites among these superhero masks.

If a superhero utility belt is necessary gear, check out this crafty construction diagram to get your rough sketch going.

Kid crave has put together several neat do it yourself projects with links to the tutorials.

You need a cape to fight crime, so projects like capes made from towels and T-shirts are great ideas for repurposing items that may be worn or have holes in them. Martha Stewart also has a superhero cape and T-shirt instructional complete with alphabet, lightning bolt, planet and star templates that are perfect for using up fabric remnants.

Also, important accessories like cuffs and winged shoes can’t be forgotten. For defense against villains, they may need a magical shield that can also fly. Made from colored duct tape and cardboard this is a great idea for using up those round, cardboard inserts from pizza boxes. Consider this for an after dinner activity at your next pizza party.

Oh, and the rocket fueled jet pack is a must for quick getaways and adventurous travel, and it can also teach the fun in recycling plastic liter bottles. And don’t worry, there are no harmful emissions with this earth friendly design.

Imaginative play is a significant way for children to be creative, explore and develop their superhero skills.

So, save up fabric scraps and supplies, save a little money and recycle while crafting costumes that will be the star at playtime.

Image Source: Martha Stewart: Superhero Cape and T-Shirt Designs

Whatever the reason these end up in the back of the closet or sitting in a box to be shipped to the Salvation Army. If they are still in decent condition, donating used clothes is the best option.

However, if in a state of disrepair, clothes can be reused to create something new. Shirts are especially versatile. You can take old t-shirts, and by sewing of the bottom closed and some altercations of the sleeves, make bags.

These bags are great for toting books or supplies, and to replace plastic bags at the grocery store.

If you have a larger sum of un-wearable clothing, quilts can be made from them. You need only to cut identical squares out of the clothing and then sew them together. And just because old items were used to make the quilt doesn’t mean you can’t liven them up a bit.

The opportunity for embellishment is boundless. Adorn the corners with buttons and create art from thread if you are familiar with stitch work. Have fun with your crafty side.  If you don’t have particular need for the quilts, at least they could be donated. And would especially be appreciated in the winter months.

You can easily make cushions by sewing the bottoms of a shirt or skirt closed, filling it with stuffing and then sewing closed any other openings, such as sleeves and neck holes. These cushions can offer extra padding to pet beds or on the floor for light reading.

When the possibilities seem few, you can always use old clothes and towels to make cleaning rags. These rags could be dressed up for use in the kitchen or bathroom. Or kept away for quick clean ups in the garage.

If the clothes have truly extended beyond their lifespan, you can keep scraps of fabric on hand for crafts. So whatever the state of your old garb, there’s always room for reinvention.

Now, go clean out that closet!

Or, maybe you are just the type of person that stands staring into your closet and can’t find a thing to wear.

Do you want to look great without breaking the bank?  Allow me to tell you how you can do so.

Start shopping at more flea markets, garage sales, thrift stores, resale stores, or on Ebay.

In a rough economy we all start to count pennies, but by shopping smart you can buy name brand or simply nice, fashionable clothing for an affordable price.

When entering a resale store, garage sale, or thrift store it is easy to become discouraged.  Since these places are where a lot of unwanted clothes end up, it makes many want them less.  You will also find that it may take a while before you find clothes that you like.  But, it is worth the time you spend.  These stores have amazingly low prices and nice things.

Resale stores and boutiques are new to me, but I love the idea.  Not only do they sell clothes and other fashions, some buy your old or unwanted jewels, scarves, clothing, bags, and shoes.  If your item is sold, you receive a percentage back upon the sale.  Any merchandise not sold or no longer wanted are donated to those in need.

These stores have become relatively popular amongst the fashion-driven people out there.  It provides shoppers with a good eye for fashion affordable prices to work with.  It also provides the less fortunate or money saving crowds with gently worn clothes as opposed to full priced new clothes.

I have purchased many things from resale stores and have yet to complain.

I just bought a couple of tank tops this summer that sell retail for $20-$25 each.  But, I purchased the two name brand tank tops for $13 total.  While I was there I saw a Nike performance shirt for only $7 and a fleece Columbia jacket for $11.

Reusing has become an art form and you get to save money doing it.

Now imagine all those tires that sit in landfill and how they could be used for shoes. Tires are built to last for some 50,000 miles and wouldn’t that be great for the soles of your shoes.

One would have to wonder how long it would take a teenage boy to wear out a pair of sandals fitted with tire soles and straps.

The Abarcas are made by entrepreneurial indigenous Aymara women in El Alto, which is the twin city of La Paz, perched high in the Bolivian Andes.

The Aymara women find old tires in the dump and convert them into sandals called Abarcas. They craft the Abarcas in workshops at their own homes. They cut the tires and assemble them into Abarcas sandals. The Aymara craftswomen sell them in the country’s largest market, called the Mercado Negro, the black market, where you can find everything from old airplane parts, to live lamas, and even fake taxi licenses.

In many of the rural communities the population is wearing Abarcas, which are also known as Ojetas. The Abarcas or Ojetas are made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled material.  The tires these women use would otherwise sit in dumps near residential areas forever. Five dollars from every sale is also donated to a Bolivian public health NGO of the buyer’s choice to help benefit health care in Bolivia.

Many may think that a tire sandal would be uncomfortable but what if you knew that they can wear to shape of your feet. If they are stiff just add a bit of olive oil to the sandal and have fun wearing them in. The best attribute about the sandal is the environmentally friendly aspect and the hand crafted quality.

Source:
Bolivian Abarcas