Sunday, July 11, 2010

Coffee Cans at their finest

I recently started receiving Real Simple Magazine and an issue highlighted a wine rack made out of coffee cans.  I think it was then that I realized I'm crazy for cans! Coffee cans are getting harder to find as more companies are starting to use plastic or bags.  However, if you're coffee still comes in metal cans, here are a few great ideas on how to reuse them.  Many uses can also use plastic containers.

In the Kitchen:
  • Add a handle (think cabinet door handle) to make a scoop for dog food, grain, or ice melt
  • Keep in your kitchen for composting - the tight lid is perfect for smelly compost.
  • Pour your used kitchen grease and keep under the sink
  • Great for dry storage - macaroni, flour, sugar, etc
  • Use as a double broiler - put a metal can in a pot of boiling water to melt chocolate or left over wax pieces to make new candles
  • Glue several cans together 12 or so to make a wine rack (Real Simple Magazine)


In the Home:
  • During dry heat seasons, place a can of water on your furnace
  • Use as a vase
  • Use to boil water while camping
  • Keep handy for upset tummies - their tight lid is way better than a plastic bag
In the Bathroom:
  •  Use to store travel size toiletries, toilet paper, sewing kits

 In the Garage:
  • Poke a hole in the lid and place a spool of twine, rope, or other item in the can to keep it untangled. 
  • With their tight fitting lid, they are great waterproofing for camping
  • use for organizing screws, nails, or other hardware items.
In the Craft Room: 
  • Poke holes in the can, add some sand and a cable and use as luminaries.  Paint for a more dramatic look.
  • Use for arts and crafts with kids and make a pen holder, bank, etc
  • Decorate or decoupage for gift packaging.  Check out Folgers for a link to templates for decorating cans.


What else do you use your coffee cans for?

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Cloth Diapers

When we found out we were pregnant, I spent more time researching cloth diapers than I did anything else.  We jumped on that bandwagon pretty quickly.  Within the past few years, cloth diapers have gotten adorable, easy, and popular. 

I won't bore you with all the details of cloth, instead, I'll just show you how cute they are!  We'll save details for another post. 

Friday, July 2, 2010

First Friday Art Walk

Still looking for plans tonight?  Check out Portland's First Friday Art Walk.  Visit Lalo Boutique at 142 High Street Suite 222 to see some awesome locally made items.  Reuse Zone's reusable bags are on display in some cool fabrics.  Our first retail adventure!