Make bookmarks or gift tags from product boxes - recycle DIY

Sometimes the product packaging is as impressive as the actual product.  I have kept many empty boxes with the hope of somehow reusing them.  Usually, I end up tossing them in the recycle bin after they've sat around my studio for a year or so. 


One of our favorite scents is Frasier Fur by Thymes.  My MIL gave us a reed diffuser for Christmas and it smells terrific. The design on the packaing is so pretty.  I'm a sucker for faux bois. And the weight and quality of the box is simply lovely. Yep, I'm a big ol' paper nerd. So, I decided I couldn't let it go.

Using my metal ruler and sharp X-acto knife, I cut the box apart for maximum usage.  I made 3" x 1" strips that will be perfect as gift tags or bookmarks (both of which I use a plenty throughout the year).  I punched a hole in each strip and added some embroidery thread.

 Alternative use:  I love sticking something small like this into orders that I package up from á la mode.




Pin It

Make a business card holder out of an old cassette tape case

Many may recognize what this is and some, like me, may have boxes full of them - old cassette tapes.  I don't even own a cassette player anymore but can't part with my collection of 80's and 90's alternative music and mixed tapes (aka playlists).

For those of you unfamiliar, cassettes were our alternative to MP3 players or CD-Rs.  We could record music from our friends and the radio OR buy albums to conveniently listen to in our cars or Walkmans.  They were much more convenient than clunky old 8 track tapes.  However, they seem archaic now.  As you can see this was my well worn Smiths, Cure, and Echo and the Bunnymen mixed tape (ahhh, emo guys with funky hair and eyeliner).

Rethink + Reuse = Resourceful

 

Reuse those old cases as business card holders!  They make great conversation pieces!

Draft guard DIY video tutorial - 5 minute project using blue jeans

This is a very easy project that you can do with an old pair of blue jeans and insulation tubing from your local hardware store. I apologize for the shaky "Blair Witch" video affect. If you are easily prone to motion sickness, be aware.