Surprising Uses for Aluminum Foil

We've all been there, right? No, I'm not talking about being in the position of a character from the movie Signs, I'm talking about using that foil for (other than alien mind barriers) baking potatoes, cookie sheet covers, grilling, and not knowing what the heck else to do with it.

I ran into this problem when for a period of time I thought it wise to buy rolls of aluminum foil every time it was on sale for $1. The sale occurred frequently, so frequently in fact, that I recently discovered another roll of it out of place in my spice cabinet because it could not fit in the drawer with the other rolls. Yes, that's plural.

Well, what's a non-conspirator to do?

Thanks to Reader Digest's publication of More Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things I learned some impressive uses for aluminum foil.

1. Scour

Tin foil is rough enough to scour plates, pots, pans, and baking dishes to a state of utter perfection. I used to buy copper scrubbers, but tin foil works much better! Plus, food doesn't really stick to it making it usable for longer. Simply crumple in a ball and use until its filthy. Generally, after I bake a potato, I crumple the tin foil and store it under the sink for extravagantly grimy dishes. It usually lasts me a few weeks.

2. Remove paint from table or crayon from wall

I have a white lacquered table which had acrylic and oil paint splatters on it thanks to my messy, five year old self. I used a cleaning solution from Maidorganic which I have seen take off crayons from wooden surfaces (I used to be a house cleaner for the company)! I sprayed and sprayed and scrubbed really hard, but nothing worked. I came to accept that my table was going to have to stay that way -  until I tried crumpled foil. Instead of a rag, I scrubbed the paint stains with tin foil on the wet surface and they came right off! It took some elbow grease but it worked like a charm! The best part is because the tin foil was wet, the edges became flattened and didn't scratch the surface. I am not sure how this would do with untreated and varnished wood surfaces, but it should work wonders on walls with crayon markings. *Note: I did use a bit of vinegar which added TONS of cleaning strength!

3.  Alternative to Dryer Sheets

I have yet to try this, but supposedly, crumpled foil can be used in place of dryer sheets to remove static from laundry. Just throw a few foil balls in the dryer with your damp laundry. I have read about others doing this with no problem, while others say it doesn't work. It's definitely worth a try should you need a standby.

4. Camping Gear

Next time you go camping, don't forget the foil! Spreading a large piece under your sleeping bag will prevent dampness. Packing foil will also save you weight and space in bags as it can be used for makeshift utensils, plates, and pans. I personally haven't been camping in years, but next time, I am definitely bringing some.


A little foil can certainly go a long way. I feel better prolonging its use after baking. I am never buying copper scrubbers again!

Alternative Uses for a Quilt Rack

The most difficult inconvenience that comes from living in our rented apartment is refraining from putting holes in the walls. 

In our place the only way things get hung is a) with a thumbtack and b) if there is a hole already in the wall. I bought two new shelving units and can't even hang them! It's so frustrating! 

Instead of covering up the damage when we move out, I think it is easier to come up with solutions around hanging. 

Easier said than done.

I have stuff lying around and I can't take it anymore. My solution - at least for one room - is an antique quilt rack gifted to me by a dear friend.

This up cycle demonstrates how to use these handy contraptions for the following:

1. Hold bottles by hanging nozzles or balancing against center and top rungs
2. Balance boxes and baskets on bottom rungs
3. Hang your scarves and hats
4. Add hangers for secondary closet space
5. Hang your jewelry
6. Create extra shelving for books, artwork, and pictures

I'm sure you have heard of ladder shelving. Well, quilt shelving will soon be the trend to follow!

You've seen it here first, now let's get crackin'.

Grab your grandma's quilt rack and find shelf stabilizers. I used empty picture frames and turned them upside down. Don't have any? Try shoebox tops, books, binders, notepads, or even cardboard.

Place them according to your display preference. I placed mine sporadically. You can line a whole shelf if you want.

Put your picture or artwork on the frame.

Repeat until you finally like what you see. It took me a good five tries.

 

 

That settles it. Nails aren't necessary for heightened organization after all. 

Hope this gets your creative juices flowing!  Think of me when you see "Quilt Shelving" on Pinterest! ;)

HOARDING CRAFTS: WHEN IT HELPS, WHEN IT HURTS

When I hear the word hoarding, my mind is immediately flooded with horrifying pictures from the TV show Hoarders. I imagine stacks of papers to ceilings, rotting vegetables, and mounds of garbage in a living room.

The Google dictionary defines hoarding as:

:  a temporary board fence put about a building being erected or repaired —called also hoard

 Hoarding is a billboard.

Thanks, Google, for once again attempting to prove smarter than the human mind and revealing my inept ability in correctly speaking the English language.

It seems I should be researching  to hoard - let's try again.

Google defines hoard as:

1. 1. amass (money or valued objects) and hide or store away.

      "thousands of antiques hoarded by a compulsive collector"

Okay, that's pretty bad. But what if you find something and you swear you will use it in good time for a specific purpose?

If you come across a good deal on things you KNOW you will use, I think hoarding is completely acceptable. Here are some tips if you're thinking about hoarding some items for crafts.

First thing is to know what you have!

This is so important. I can't count the number of times I have gone out of my way to purchase something only to find that I DID have it all along. Nothing is worse than wasting time and money on what was never needed in the first place.

Before stockpiling for craft projects ask yourself:

       1. Do I have a plan for it?
       2. Do I have a place for it?
       3. Do I have a budget for it?
       4. Can it be used in multiple ways or multiple times?

If you answer NO to any of these questions, it is probably best to pass on bringing it home or keeping it. The point of appropriate hoarding is to have things on hand to make something. Ultimately, your goal should be to save money. If your purchase won't save money in the long run, don't buy it!

Another thing is to set a price ceiling.

Here are a few items I collect and the maximum price I will pay for them:

        1. Natural wood and antique frames - $1.00
        2. Ribbon - $3.00
        3. Tissue paper and gift bags (save from gifts) - $0.00  I only reuse!
        4. Baskets - Depends the size and quality.
        5. Wood trays $3.00
        6. Stuffing for pillows - $0.00 - I only reuse!

By setting these standards, which may seem unrealistic, I am forced to go to thrift stores, consignment shops, Good Will, Craigslist, Ebay, and tag sales for my all of my craft needs.
I also buy clearance at commercial craft stores like Michael's and A.C. Moore.

I also try to make sure my creations will create profit. If no one will buy what I am making, or if I won't use it myself, I often find myself re-thinking projects and going through my inventory.

What collecting shouldn't be is doing it out of compulsion, anxiety, paranoia, or just because you can.

My fortune teller and tea tag collage board is a perfect example of how I successfully utilized (and diminished - which is a plus!) my resources of cards, frames, and fortune cookie tellers and tea tags.


It's surprising how drastically a single project can deplete your stockpiles, so at times, more is better.

Keep your resources simple and try to DIY as often as possible!

Hopefully, your hoarding will HELP your projects. If it is hurting your space, wallet, time, and relationships, then deplete your resources and purchase as you need them. Not all of us find it easy to manage time and resources in advance of their use, and that's okay, too.

Stick to these tips and your aggravation should be spared no matter how you gather your craft ingredients.

Happy Hunting!

FORTUNE COOKIE TELLER AND YOGI TEA TAG COLLAGE BOARD

I am a hoarder.

Of fortune cookie tellers and Yogi tea tags.

Does anyone else share this problem with me?

I only hold on to those I find humorous or inspirational, but after there's a stack of 'em on the fridge, or on the counter, I realize two things:
          
                 1. I eat far too much Chinese take out
                 2. I do not drink enough tea, but spend too much money on Yogi tea

Who needs discipline when you have creativity? Am I right?

Instead of cutting down on Chinese food and Yogi tea splurges, I find it helpful to justify my irrational behavior by making these teensy useless papers necessary for everyday life.

My solution is a fortune cookie / Yogi tea tag collage board. It's just a cool way to get all these paper friends together and make a party of their presence. I like orderly art, so I used a picture frame I had with multiple windows. As matte under the fortune cookie tellers and tea tags, I used pretty cards I saved (hoard) from birthdays, etc..

ONE: Select frame and separate glass from base

TWO: Use marker (Sharpie is best) to trace frames.

THREE: Cut matte to size and glue. Allow to set and dry and glue fortunes / tags to matte.

I was lazy here and after all that tracing decided to glue their entire base surface. This was a FAIL!

The glass shattered as I was reassembling the frame because the card stock was too thick between the frame and glass.

Therefore, I recommend cutting the matte to size the glass frame.

FOUR: Glue fortune tellers and tags. Allow glue to set and dry. Reassemble frame.

FIVE: Hang and admire.

This didn't come out as pretty as I hoped, but I still like the idea.

Another idea is to take your collection and put them in a bowl on your coffee table and let guests pick them as a fun accompaniment with dessert, or invent a game with them.

There is no wrong or right thing to do with these. However you use them, it is a great way to brighten a room and add some thoughtfulness to your day.

Happy Creating!

Pantry Staple Alternatives You Already Have

It's funny. I never really understood why pantry staples were considered staples. I mean, I try to stock up when I can. I've even checked off lists I found online. But, I don't really use them! 

Well, I finally get it, now!

Staples aren't necessarily cans or jars of stuff to have on hand "in case" you need a quick fix meal, as I demised.  No, no. Staple ingredients are a base for other staples!

I suppose a staple would be different for every person.  Key ingredients vary with diet restrictions and preference.  This gal prefers stuff to create her own flour, milk, and baking additions.  

My Choice of Staple Ingredients:

These ingredients get way more bang for your buck because of their many methods of use.  Personally, I plan to buy oats and rice in bulk to use as flour bases while using them as ordinary meals. 

Here a few simple ways I plan to maximize my purchasing power:

The Methods:

1. oats, almonds, or rice + grinder = flour
2. almonds or rice + boiling water + time =  milk
3. cocoa + agave + oil + heat = chocolate sauce
4. chocolate sauce + freeze & chop = chocolate chips
5. vinegar + milk = buttermilk
6. peanuts + blender = peanut butter

Yes, creating these concoctions is way less convenient than purchasing from a grocery store.  But, the health benefits are exponential.  

Fresh flour made at home contains far more nutritional value than flour packed, shipped, and sedentary on shelves.  Also, home made means no unnecessary additives! It's pretty fantastic to be able to pronounce every word in your food :)

It will take adjusting, but the fulfillment of being able to supply my own pantry is an added benefit to learning patience up the wazoo.  

Cheers to no more frantic Big Y runs for a single bag of chocolate chips only to walk out with an entire cart of unplanned groceries!

Everything from Scratch: My Goals to Eat Healthy and Save Money

http://www.ucsf.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_files/sugar-infographic1.jpg

I know it's sad, but Yahoo! is my primary source for news.

It is unfortunate, but the perk is Yahoo features headlines and articles like this on the same page.  

Now is a good time to admit my fanaticism for organic and local foods; I firmly believe everyone should be given a plot of land and learn self-sufficiency. Food is our medicine, and unfortunately, greed is precedent over consumer health. I digress.

There. Now you know why the article on Yahoo! (featured within a myriad of celebrity gossip) caught my attention. 

Supposedly, a family omitted (unnatural and added) sugar intake for an entire year.  The results?  

More energy, stronger immune systems, a distaste for sweets, and a cleaner diet.  

The entire time I read the article I was thinking of the massive jar of sugar I have on hand for baking and adding - in enormous amounts - to coffee.  

Well, after hearing about their experience, there are only two words to describe how I am feeling . . . 

...Challenge Accepted.

Maybe it won't last for a year, but I solemnly swear to READ the labels of every food purchase.  I don't buy processed foods too much , but I will dedicate even more time to creating home made snacks and meals and leaving the sugar out!

My progress so far?  

-Home made pizza dough and granola (in place of cereal)

YEA! I am on my way!             <---that is sarcasm

My goal is to expand to bread, milk (almond or rice), snacks, peanut butter, and well, everything. I am most excited for the summer to can fresh veggies! 

It won't be easy, and it won't be cheap upfront, but learning to use ingredients in a variety of ways saves big bucks.  Give it a try and see how much your creativity can save you!

UGH...and DIY Scarf Pillows

I did (or should I say, didn't?) it again.

It's been over a month and I didn't post anything!

I've no excuses, really. But, I can tell you that I am at the moment preoccupied with a relocation to Massachusetts.  The boyfriend got a job transfer near there, and we selected an apartment in Salem.  I am super excited about it! It is a gorgeous place to live - quite touristy - but that's a good sign, I think.

Our new place is minutes from the marina, beach, and there is tons of parks and trails.  Also an amenity is the local dog park. Seems like we will have no troubles feeling at home there!

Lots of packing, Goodwill runs, and E-Baying going on right now.  All that to say, A Dash of Effort has been neglected :(  

These changes have brought on opportunities to declutter and think about my vision of our future home.  I already am beginning preparations for container gardening, and this time, I am opting for a minimalist approach to decorating.  That being said, I will have lots of inspiration for new posts!

Today I spent lots of time on Apartment Therapy and came across this awesome DIY scarf pillows article.

This is dangerous because I find lots of scarves at thrift stores.  Whenever I find ones I like, I am able to stave off temptation because I don't really wear scarves. But, with this tutorial...the possibilities are endless!

Do you have any DIY tips for pillows?

Repurposing = Fair Trade Everything

I recently saw the movie Blood Diamond.  The movie shows unrest in Africa as a result of the diamond industry.  While watching I was reminded of the corruption of consumerism.  Just about every item imaginable is created using means of slavery and child labor.  Beyond self-sufficiency, the reason I am adamant  about reusing items, consignment store shopping and DIY stuff, is to take a stand against slavery.  

While we can't control government policies or national politics, we can control how we spend our money.  I really try to limit it  to fair trade goods (goods using production methods providing fair treatment, wages, and working conditions to laborers).  After a while it becomes rather easy to find substitutes for everyday items.  I still have so many purchasing preferences to change.  For example, I have to find fair trade alternatives for cocoa powder, sugar, and coffee.  If we stop demanding, they will need to stop supplying.  Little by little, we can make a significant change.

It's so crazy to think how our actions influence the world.  I try not to buy anything made in China and I avoid mall and retail stores so I am not giving corporations a direct sale.  Although Consignment stores do sell second hand clothing manufactured by corporations not practicing fair trade, the profits do not at all aid them in their operations, which is why I think consignment stores are a better bet.  I hope to make my own sheets and clothing one day to further promote awareness and options for fair trade goods that everyday people can afford. That also happens to be the inspiration behind my store on Etsy.

Not only does it save money, but re-purposing helps me be content with what I have and not be greedy. As a result, I am more fulfilled, more aware, and more productive with my money and time.  

Not For Sale is an awesome campaign educating how our money fuels slavery and how we can stop it.  The organization's self titled book is an easy read and taught me so much. Buy it here.


Also check out this list of products of slave abuse from the Department of Labor.



 

Take A Gander...

...at these awesome articles sharing ideas for re-purposing and up-cycling stuff!

 

Twisted Sifter is a great place for creative minds.  I am constantly thinking.  When I am overcome by curiosity, Twisted Sifter helps me sort the contents of my mind, and can help project ideas become a reality.  The link below shows practical and convenient ways to rethink the way you use ordinary items.

http://twistedsifter.com/2012/06/creative-ways-to-repurpose-reuse-and-upcycle-old-things/


I do not have a Pinterest account.  Come on, I can barely navigate Facebook  while resisting urges to click on every.single.profile of people I may not really know.  Unending pictures of "cute" decor and recipes would kill me.  But, I did Google search "re-purposing aluminum cans" and this link appeared in search results.  Oh. My. Pinterest, you have my heart.  You'll see what I mean when you click the link below...be warned.  You will feel guilty for discarding cans from this moment forward! (sorry and you're welcome;) )


http://www.pinterest.com/ariaism/cans-upcycled-recycled-renewed-reused-repurposed/

ENJOY!

Cookie Sheet as a Snow Shovel

Connecticut is being pummeled with snow and I am loving every minute!

Well, every minute except those few I have to dig my car out before the snow plow comes...without a shovel...

 I am just one of those people who refuses to buy a snow shovel while living in an apartment. I don't want to keep a snow shovel in my basement, car, hallway, or closet. I just won't do it until I get a house.  The perfect solution?  A cookie sheet, baking pan, or serving tray.  I swear by this.  

Last year, I dug my car out of three feet of snow with a cookie tray.  It gets around the wheels and can dig a car out in a jiffy.  Yes, there is more bending required, but for me, it is much easier than a shovel!  Shovels become very heavy when packed with snow and are hard to lift.  I like the cookie sheet because it gives me more control over the weight I use to move the snow.  This morning I cleared a pathway, cleared the porch, and cleared two cars in an hour. I think that's pretty good for eight inches deep.  

Also, it makes sliding the snow off the top of the car much easier.

I wonder what my neighbors think of me . . .

 

 

AC Moore :D and other rants

Holy Majoly.

I scored big time at AC Moore. I went in to grab two sponge applicators for under 1.00 but walked out with 3 bags of stuff for 46.50.

This always happens to me.

Allow me to set the scene for you.  It is Saturday afternoon.  I have somewhere to be so I rush like crazy walking to and fro the ends of the store until I finally find the applicators.  The store gets busy with slow shop browsers.   I almost make it to the register ...

*BAM*  I see it. The tall, overflowing shelves of d.i.s.c.o.u.n.t. fabric. Not just any fabric.  Not your cheap, pastel, ugly fabric that no one will use (sorry if I offend all you pastel lovers:/ I'm a color hater...unintentionally). These are off white, navy blue crinkle pattern suedes and lined black and gray wool hemmingbone cut fabrics.

I'm almost late for work and there's a rather irritating line at the register. I wait.  and wait...and tell the cashier to put my stuff on hold because this one stop quick pick-up lady is gonna browse tomorrow for some sexy cuts of fabric (And I did) :) ... Okay, that's not ver batem..but close enough...PS when I retell stories, in my head I'm a loud, vivacious black women, so when you read this make sure you're doing the tone of voice right ;P

I want to live in a fabric mill.  Seriously. I love fabrics. I love textures.  Maybe one day I will resell fabric for a living.  That is a dream come true for me! :)

I also got lots of fabric quarters for a buck a piece.  I did this around Christmas, too.  I swear, one day I will make napkins with these quarters.  I have to.  I don't have another use for them.  As soon as I can control my sewing machine I'm gonna be napkin makin' happy! Woot Woot!

Help!

I recognize my blog needs more posts. . . which means I need more projects . . . That is my issue.

The most challenging thing about having a blog displaying personal projects is the ability to remember that you will post the projects on the blog.  I'm supposed to take pictures before, during, and after the projects, but usually my crafting comes from a genuine hastiness to just complete the darn thing after months of brainstorming.  So, the day I actually get around to crafting means the last thing on my mind is taking pictures...and then when I am all done I realize the reason I created this blog is to showcase my skill and to hopefully inspire craftiness in others.

I do many projects through out the year re-vamping old to new and constructing things which never were, but documenting all these projects is a whole project in itself!

Well, I guess I am apologizing for not keeping up as I should with my blog.  I have yet to complete the chenille pillowcases which will (eventually) be listed on my Etsy shop. 

I am also asking for your help.

I don't have the greatest pictures to help you in your decision, but you must help me decide on my next project.

Below are pictures of Indian sari fabric I purchased.

Fabric 1

    

Border Close up - Fabric 1

Fabric 2

Border Close up - Fabric2

The original plan for them was to create pillow covers for my living room.  Now  I'm thinking three things:

1. Hang fabric as tapestry on the walls
2. Create pillowcases (predictable, aren't I?)
3. Create scarves 

What do you think I should do with the fabric?

-

Ta Da! The pictures I promised you...

Okay. My last post was about using unused throws as upcycled scarves and pillow covers / seat cushions.  

Without further ado I present to you the results of thrashing my throws!

         

 The scarf came out awesome!  It doubles as the perfect shawl to wrap around my shoulders.  

You know you created something well when it receives compliments. It feels pretty good to respond with a "thank you. I made it ".  Even better, though, is the shocked faces upon my response.  

I love the edges on this scarf. I tried to capture it best I could (picture to the right). The edges are frayed white.  I love that there are no stitches showing.  Another plus when using blankets for upcycled items.

Man, I LOVE these chenille pillow cases.  They are SOOOO soft! I have an eclectic taste in patterns, but I dig the country plaid/classic neutral color combo.  The texture is perfect for winter decorating, not to mention for cuddling when watching a movie. (I'm a big time pillow hugger -   hopefully I'm not the only one...)

Chenille is delicate because you can't pull it too much while sewing and if you make too many holes it can shred.  I had to be very careful but it came out great.  The edges came out better than expected, virtually seamless.

There ya have it! A new scarf and pillow cases without leaving my home or spending additional money.  I handsew everything I make because I am still very much afraid of my sewing machine (it eats all the fabric I put in ). Yes, I know the tension must be adjusted and so on and so forth.  But, one thing I don't have much of is patience, and it is easier for me to hand sew even though it takes far longer.


The pillow cases will soon be available in my Etsy shop A Dash of Effort. I'll post a link on my blog soon.  I have some final touches on listings and products, and then I'll be open for business!

I am contemplating a give away for one of my scarves ( I made two).
 

Thanks for reading, feed back appreciated, and I'll write ya later!