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.




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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!

5 easy rethink/reuse ideas for your home

I get a great deal of satisfaction when I see an object and come up with a new way to use (reuse) it. I've shared various rethink/reuse ideas in the past like my slinky business card holder or my credit cad spatulas.  Here are some great ideas I've recently come across.

Great rethink/reuse idea.  Wouldn't it be cute to hold rings and things, or tacks and paper clips? [source]

Take old frames and hang them as art work. Paint them all one color, use the same size or mix them up for an eclectic display.

 

Save your wine corks and make a bulletin board.  This one is made with an old door.

Attache some door knobs and locks to a board to make a unique coat hook.  I love that your keys can be stored in the locks or knobs.

Collect salvaged drawers (or even crates), paint them one color, add decorative paper and make yourself a great shelf display.