Alternative Uses » Curbly | DIY Design Community

How To: Create an Art Easel from a Pair of Recycled Crutches

By: Chrisjob Feb 19, 2009

I know this is weird, but when I was a kid, I longed to break my ankle or a foot so I could walk around on crutches. I know, I know, but the kids always got to leave class early, and everyone did all these nice things like carry their lunch tray....

Had I broken something, and were there a pair of 12-year-old crutches in my parents' basment, I'd probably make one of these: an easel. And even though I don't have a pair, the technique… Continue Reading

1423 views | Comments (4)

How To: Print With Bubble Wrap.

By: Chrisjob Jan 23, 2009

The repeated circular pattern with the inconsistencies of air makes bubble wrap a fascinating stamp for inking and printing. DaisyYellow has a great tutorial here.

(Honestly, I find the photo of the material as attractive as the results.)

Via.

496 views | Comments (0)

Weave Magazine Coasters

By: Lilybee Jan 21, 2009

I have a squillion magazine and no coasters. Fidgety Fingers has a solution!

Their coasters require nothing but some magazines that you're prepared to sacrifice, opposable thumbs and a little up-cycling wiliness.

created on: 01/21/09

The tutorial has fairly clear pictures and once you get started you can whip up a few dozen in no time. I'm thinking that junk mail and… Continue Reading

1438 views | Comments (0)

Vintage Quick Tricks Using 7-Up.

By: Chrisjob Jan 17, 2009

TipNut has scanned a vintage cookbook from 1961 offering some clever and alternative uses for 7up. I imagine they'd still apply with a bottle of fresh soda.

* Tangy 7up Cubes
* Pork butt or ham glaze
* Mock champagne punch.
* 7up basted fish fillets
* Chocolate sauce for ice cream
* Zip up fresh fruit
* As liquid in fruit pies

511 views | Comments (0)

15 Alternative Uses for Credit Cards

By: Diy maven Jan 09, 2009

Has the economy prompted you to cancel a credit card or two even though you’re still getting those fake ones in the mail? Here’s 15 ways to make use of all of them that won’t cost you a thing. Actually, in some instances, they’ll even save you money.

Open a spring latch lock. (Doesn’t work on a deadbolt, thankfully.)
Ice scraper.
Paint scraper.
Aquarium glass scraper.
Caulk edger, like… Continue Reading

3902 views | Comments (2)

At Least 30 More Ways to Reuse Gift Wrapping Paper.

By: Chrisjob Dec 26, 2008

Wait, wait, wait! Don't take that garbage bag of wrapping paper to the recycling bin just yet. After you've created a paper fan and weaved yourself a handbag, unwrap these lists for a whole heap of new ways to recycle your used wrapping paper. It just keeps on giving.

2799 views | Comments (0)

Brilliant Wine Packagine Converts into a Lamp.

By: Chrisjob Dec 16, 2008

From Inhabitat:

"When creativity, ecology and innovation collide, packaging becomes the product. This sleek wine box by Ciclus converts into a table lamp with no extra parts required. The packaging is made with wood from local, managed forests and recycled cardboard. Inside is a locally and ecologically produced bottle of Cava, Spanish sparkling wine."

Here's to the light!

427 views | Comments (0)

A New Twist on the Recycled Jewel Case Lamp.

By: Chrisjob Nov 21, 2008

Over the past two years, Curbly has featured plenty of clever reuses for CD Jewel Cases: from a mini-greenhouse to a calendar or wall art (and 13 other ideas).

And certainly, if you've been about the DIY blogosphere at all, you've run into a fair share of how-tos for creating lamps out of jewel cases, or even used CDs themselves. So, here's another simple and beautiful entry from Make Grow Gather.

Via.

1294 views | Comments (0)

Sea-Urchin Chair: Made with Over 8,000 Zip Ties.

By: Chrisjob Nov 14, 2008

Studio Ooms fabricated a simply RVS frame and, presumably with the help of A LOT of interns, covered it in 8,000 cable zip ties to create this outstanding chair that looks exactly like its namesake, the Sea-Urchin.

Via.

465 views | Comments (3)

Lego Kitchen Crafts.

By: Chrisjob Nov 06, 2008

Oh, you geeks. The fun never stops.

858 views | Comments (0)

10 Laundry Boosters Using Vinegar.

By: Chrisjob Sep 01, 2008

TipNut scores with another excellent household top ten: Using vinegar to make your laundry efforts a bit more successful.

1. Color Brightener.
2. Color Protector.
   3. Whiter Whites.
   4. Restore Whites.
   5. Preserve Linens.
   6. Yellowed Items Reviver.
   7. Heavy Duty Pre-Soak.
   8. Lint Busters.
   9. Fabric Softener.
10. Ring Around The Collar Remover.

1082 views | Comments (2)

More Uses for Powdered Milk Than You Could Ever Imagine.

By: Chrisjob Aug 26, 2008

Admit it: you're surprised there's at least ONE use for powdered milk. So you, like everyone else, can appreciate that there are, like, a whole heap of 'em. Here's a great list assembled by Wisebread. Now, all you have to do it figure out where they keep it in the supermarket... (baking aisle?)

Recipes
Cream (Or Something Like It)
Instant Hot Chocolate
Whipped Topping
Homemade Yoghurt
Curds, or Cottage Cheese, or Ricotta

In The Kitchen
Thawing… Continue Reading

1528 views | Comments (1)

15 Alternative Uses for Lemons

By: Diy maven Aug 20, 2008

When life gives you lemons, make....acne remover????? Apparently so. But if acne isn't a problem for you, maybe one of the other 14 alternative uses for lemons might be useful.

1. Fingernail Cleaner

2. Acne Remover

3. Guitar Cleaner

4. Sore Throat Treatment

5. Food Preservative

6. Antibacterial Soap

7. Natural Insecticide

8. Stain Remover

9. Cheese Grater Cleaner

10. Metal Shining Solution

483 views | Comments (2)

7 Deadly Homemade Weed Killers.

By: Chrisjob May 29, 2008

Cheaper, less smelly, homemade, and WAY better for the environment and your own health, these seven techniques to rid your garden, walkways, and lifestyle of unwanted green growth provide a great alternative to commercial chemicals.