How to Support Your Community and Fill Your Book Shelves at the Same Time!

One of my favourite things to do during the summer is to take in one of the Edmonton Public Library's seasonal book sales, hosted about four times a year at the Stanley A. Milner Branch, in the basement that you probably didn't know existed. These three-day sales feature some of the library's excess books, CDs, and DVDs at absolutely bargain prices. Even better than snagging a literary classic for $1 is the knowledge that my dollar goes to fund the library's literacy vans and Welcome Baby reading program. The latest Books2Buy sale raised $32,000 for these community services!

A visit to the library book sale has become a tradition for me and my bookish friends, and none of us ever leaves empty- handed. There's always a great mix of classic and contemporary items on offer,  almost all of which are exclusively in great condition. In past visits, I've picked up everything from classics like Poe's The Raven and Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau, to books on modern home design and tips for stress-free living. 

The book sale also offers a wealth of crafty books, from gardening and woodworking to knitting and scrapbooking. Basically any topic you can imagine is well represented at these events, and you'd be crazy not to come armed with your biggest reusable bags. And while the written contents of these books may prove useful for your purposes, the actual books themselves can make great crafting materials!





Over the years I've come across some interesting craft ideas involving the use of books, including sculptures, boxes with secret compartments, and even tablet covers. With a great selection of both paperback and hardcover books of every size and shape, you're guaranteed to find something suitable for these types of projects and more for an extremely affordable price. And don't forget, while you're stocking up on great reads or craft materials, you're also supporting the Edmonton community! I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend.

For more information on this book sale, including upcoming dates, hours, and pricing, check out the library's Books2Buy page!

- Nichole (Volunteer)

Tips for Green Spring Cleaning!

Now that the snow has finally disappeared (fingers crossed), it’s time for get ready for spring and summer! One thing that I do, as I’m sure most of you do too, is spring-cleaning: one of those things you kind of dread, but feel so satisfied afterwards. 

Here are some reminders of what you may want to clean, with some tips that will hopefully make the process a little less arduous and leave your house looking spring-fresh! And the great thing is, you don’t really have to spend any money; most of the cleaning items are probably already in your home.

• Looking for a great cleaning agent? Currently throwing away your eggshells? Great reuse news! You can make a great cleaner with a mild abrasive by pulverizing old eggshells with a touch of water and detergent: http://www.fivespotgreenliving.com/eco-friendly-uses-eggshells/

• Organize your closet – this is a great time to donate unused winter items! If you didn’t wear it this past winter, is it really worth holding on to for another winter of gathering dust? Or, host a clothing swap! (see earlier Clothing Swap blog post)

• Use old paper towel holders and muffin tins to hold all that extra jewelry – displays it nicely and helps you remember which pieces you own! You can also use old candle jars to store loose items such as hair ties, bobby pins, make-up, etc.

• Dust books and shelves, and rearrange them in a fun new way.

• Dust lighting fixtures and other items that aren’t dusted on a regular basis, e.g. artwork on walls.

• Clean painted walls – start with clean cloth / sponge and water. If this doesn’t work, add some dishwashing liquid. For the full details, Check out HouseBeautiful. 

• Clean bathroom tiles with a cleaner with a “neutral pH.” Check out HouseBeautiful for more information.

• Wash window screens – scrub with a brush in warm water and dishwashing liquid, and rinse. Don’t forget about washing the windows and window sills!

• Clean our your fridge and oven with baking soda and water.

• Clean your  microwave by heating some water with lemons for 3 minutes for it steam the interior. Let it sit for five minutes, then wipe it clean.  Website, Clean Mama, has other great appliance cleaning tips.  

Feeling a bit daunted? PopSugar has a printable 30-day spring cleaning challenge, so you just do one item a day, and in a month, you’re done!

Have fun cleaning house and enjoy the warm weather!

- Tamara (Volunteer)

March Reuse-it item: 7 ideas for Fabric

At our last Blogger planning meeting, we decided that each month in 2014 we would to put together a monthly post offering suggestions on how to reuse a particular item on the Reuse Centre's accepted items list. March's item is (raw) fabric and below are a myriad of suggestions on how to reuse fabric cheaply and creatively. Share your own ideas for reusing fabric on our Facebook  page or below in the comments!

Michelle

Here is a simple t shirt head band idea. I have been meaning to try this DIY for months now. Hopefully I will have it done for the summer. Not all store bought headbands fit me that well. Some are too tight. Some just fall off very easily. I think using t shirt or jersey material can eliminate some of the problems I have been having. Check this tutorial out from The Pink Door Mat. Using strips of old fabric you can achieve this headband look. Post pictures on the Reuse Center's Facebook page if you gave this a try! I would love to see them.

Lana

The quickest living / dining room makeover I know: With a large swath of fabric make an instant tablecloth or sofa cover that adds colour and pattern that you can easily change! One day I might actually customize these drapecloths with embroidery or stamps but in the meantime, I'm plenty happy how they can create a big impact and hide clutter instantly.

Emma

You don't always need big plans or complicated designs to make the most of your Reuse Centre fabric finds, small pieces of fabric in the same colour scheme were used to make this dolls quilt for a child. A simple but traditional Dresden quilt design shows off some interesting patterns in similar colours.

Dresden quilt (Source: Flickr: Ruby Murrays Musings)

You may even be lucky and find a half finished gem like this complete quilt block. A completely original find, add some co-ordinating fabric backing, a pillow insert and voila a gorgeous quilted cushion without any quilting know how! I've been lucky enough to find two totally different quilt blocks just ripe for cushion making, these are the holy grail of Reuse Centre finds for me.

Quilt block (Source: Flickr: Ruby Murrays Musings)

Kelly

I previously put some scrap silk to use by making an eye-pillow. It's a 4x10" pouch filled with ½c flax seeds and ½c dried lavender - and mega relaxing. Flax seeds' oil makes for better heat retention, for a thermotherapy bonus from brief microwaving, but rice may be substituted. With different dried herbs, flowers, or teas, even a couple drops of essential oil, the aromatherapy aspect can be tailored as well.

Sarah

This Zip Pouch project requires very little fabric, so it's a great way to use up scraps or small pieces. You could even make one of these with an upholstery fabric sample from the Reuse Centre! It's super simple, and could easily be done by hand if you don't have access to a sewing machine. A little pouch like this is great for organizing change, loyalty cards, or other small things in your purse or backpack.

Nichole

This is the craft I've been looking for! I've been holding onto scraps of fabric for years - too small to do much with, but too big to be trashed. These coasters, made from fabric scraps twined around a length of rope, are such a clever and colourful way to finally make use of this clutter.

Hayley

I love a good keychain and by good, I mean one that lasts longer than six months (I'm a bit hard on them). I found this awesome tutorial on how to may your own key chains from those small bits of fabric that are hard to use. They are durable, stylish and make thoughtful gifts! 

- Reuse Centre Blogger team

Blogger Team's New Year's Craft Resolutions

The Reuse Centre blog team got together recently, to touch base and brainstorm for the next year of Reuse-It Edmonton. As we traded ideas and proposed topics, discussion turned to our own personal New Years Craft resolutions. It seemed like each one of us had something we wanted to learn, or a neglected project that's been languishing in the back of a closet somewhere.

We made a pact - each one of us is going to try and tackle one of those things, and we thought it would be fun to share our crafting goals with you!

Sarah

Meet my refashion pile. It's huge, it's embarrassing, and my boyfriend probably thinks it's gained sentience because I keep moving it while he's not looking, in the hopes that he'll forget it exists.

My 2014 craft resolution is to get through this pile and refashion everything so it can be reintroduced to my regular wardrobe. And, of course, to stop adding to it!

Michelle

My craft goal for 2014 is to build a dog bed or house. I don't have a dog but my best friend has a puppy named Bella and stays with me quite often. She is a one year old long haired Chihuahua, so a very tiny dog. Here is an idea that inspired me to do this. I want to reuse old items to create the structure, maybe a stool or old furniture. I am not really sure what the exact plans are yet but wish me luck!

Hayley

2014 is the year that I will learn how to sew! I have been inspired by all of the incredible crafty people I blog with and also our customers at the Reuse Centre. I have signed up for a Learn to Sew class in the spring and I am really looking forward to learning these essential skills.  My ultimate goal is not to make clothes for my cats (as my sister suspects) but to be able to mend my own pant legs to the proper length, and after that use my new found skills to make a duvet for my bed and try other home decorating projects (so many great ideas on Pinterest)!          
Nichole

My craft goal for 2014 is to furnish my new apartment with as many antique and repurposed items as possible. I found a craft book with ideas on how to make candle holders out of plumbing parts, and bulletin boards out of pegboard and rubber bands.

Lana

I loved the book Generation T by Megan Nicolay since I first looked through it (almost 10 years ago!). It fully convinced me of the versatility and wonders of cotton jersey knit. Since then I’ve saved up every promotional T-shirt that came my way, but I didn’t get much further than that. My 2014 craft resolution: Use those T-shirts (two garbage bags full) to make some of the projects in this book and its sequel.

Kelly:

This year I've resolved to upcycle thrift finds into more current pieces rather than supporting disposable fashion. For the same price, you can thrift unique, quality clothing that really only needs some creative tweeking to be perfect. Bloggers like A Pair & A Spare's Geneva Vanderzeil and Love Aesthetic's Ivania Carpio are great inspiration for fashion reworking!

Emma

I have sooooo many projects in the works at any one time so I resolve to finish a WIP (work in progress) a week. Since I like to have too much on my hands. I also resolve to hone my knitting skills. There's nothing better than a crafty new years resolution, can't wait to see how far my knitting takes me in 2014!!

We would love to hear your reuse crafting New Years resolution! Share them below!

- Reuse-it Edmonton Blog team (Staff and Volunteers)

Valentine's Day on a Budget: Quick and Easy Candle Tutorial

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, store windows are filled with red and pink, and we are being encouraged to buy, buy buy! But there are plenty of ways to be thrifty and environmentally friendly around what is often characterized as a very consumerist holiday. For example, if you're thinking of buying flowers for your sweetheart, why not bring in your own vase instead of purchasing one? Most of us have a selection of rarely used vases, and Valentine's day is a great excuse to bring them out and show them off! Remember that it's a busy time for them, but with a few days' notice, most florists will be happy to create a beautiful arrangement in your own, special vase or container.

Dining out can be a major drain on your wallet, when you can usually buy the ingredients to make the very same meal at home for a fraction of the cost. Grab your partner, don your aprons, and have fun cooking a meal together.

So now that we've got flowers and dinner on the table, it's time to set the mood. Dim the lights and impress your sweetheart when you light up your very own, home made Valentine's Day candles.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

- A mold of some kind. Pictured is a silicone ice cube tray, but I also had success using a heart shaped cookie cutter and a sheet of tinfoil.

- Wax. You can use new paraffin wax or melt down old candles, which is a great way to use up the stubs and bits of those leftover red and white Christmas candles.
- Candle wick. You can buy this at any craft store, or if you're reusing old candles, you can actually reuse the wick as well
- Crayons in red or pink to give colour to your wax mixture.
- A pot and an empty tin can for a makeshift double boiler. A deep pot with a narrower top is the best, so that you can fit the can easily inside with room around the edges for water.
- Cooking spray

THE PROCESS

Set a pot of water on the stove to boil while you prep your other ingredients. You'll want to clean your tin can thoroughly and remove the label from the outside. Be sure to take care as the opening of the can may have some jagged or sharp edges. If you are using older candles and crayons, make sure to wash any dust or grime that may have accumulated on the outside. Remove any paper wrappings that may be around the crayons, and spray your moulds lightly with cooking spray.

If any of the wicks can be easily pulled from the candles, do it now.

Toss all of your wax and some of your crayon bits into your clean and sparkling tin can. Breaking up the pieces or shaving them down will reduce the time it takes everything to melt, but it isn't strictly necessary. If you are intending to reuse the wick string, make sure to leave it intact inside the candle chunks!

Using caution and a pair of oven mitts or kitchen tongs, lower your tin can into your pot of boiling water. If using a lot of wax, the can will be fairly stable. If not, you might need to hold on while things melt so that the can does not tip over.

I got bored and hot standing there above a pot of boiling water, waiting for my wax to melt. A quick dig through my cupboard turned up a metal strainer that, when set on the pot, still allowed the can to sit in the boiling water without tipping over. Using this method, you no longer have to hold on but it is still important to keep an eye on things, as you would when cooking. You may need to top up the water level every so often.

 If reusing old candles, fish out the wicks with a utensil after the candles have melted. Be prepared with an old plate or a piece of tinfoil, as this process can be a little messy. Use caution; the tin can, wax, and wicks will all be hot enough to burn your skin. Lay the salvaged wicks out to cool for a few minutes before attempting to handle them with your bare hands.

Pour your melted wax into your prepared mould and allow it to sit for several minutes so that it is not so liquid when your place the wick inside, or else you will be standing there holding on for quite some time. After the wax has solidified just a bit, the wicks will stay in place on their own instead of flopping over sideways.

If using a cookie cutter and tinfoil, make sure to press down on the cutter and hold while you pour the wax in order to minimize seepage out the bottom. Again, be careful! The wax will be very hot and if using a metal cutter, it will also get quite warm. Hold for about a half a minute and lessen the pressure for a few seconds. If there is major leakage, press down for a bit longer. If it is minimal, you can leave it to harden. Cooling time will vary based on the size of your molds, so it is best to leave them for at least an hour. Putting your wax-filled molds in the fridge will cool them more quickly.

Once your candles have cooled and the wax has hardened through, you can pop them right out! If the bottom of your mold was not completely flat, you can set your new candles on a warm surface (like a bit of heated tinfoil on a cookie sheet) for a few seconds to melt them into a flatter shape so that they don't wobble. If they are small, you can also try floating them! Trim the wicks and they're ready to light!

Now you have some cute candles to share with your Valentine. 

- Sarah (Volunteer)