Sea and be Scene

Posted: May 10, 2012

I love finding new uses for old things. Refurbishing, re-purposing, up-cycling... whatever you want to call it – it's amazing when you can take something destined for the trash and turn it into treasure.

Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of imagination – other times some serious elbow grease or artistic finesse, but the satisfaction felt when finished is just as sweet.

I'm over the moon about my great GRATE earring holder (pictured above). My friend Kelley Edwards sent me a picture of one already made that she found on Pinterest – and I made mine right away.

Who hasn't had a box grater go from shiny to rusty...and yes they do look pretty with a candle inside – but if you're like me and have all of your jewelry in a tackle box...this just makes it so much easier to see what you have and wear it.

And that's how the idea for this feature began... I'll be adding a few more projects that I'm working on once they're done (please no wagering) AND I'd love to share YOUR creations too so...

Please do share by emailing a picture of 'dat' that you've created to info@seaandbescene.com Be sure to include a brief note on the 'what' and the 'how' of it all along with your name and where you're from. Please put “New Life” in the subject line.

Enjoy what we can share so far and check back when you can for more ideas. SABS

Based in Nova Scotia, Barb & Bill O'Hearn enjoy creating unique handcrafts from found and reclaimed materials. They call their work TO THIS FROM THAT... perfect for the truly cool creations that include everything from Scrabble clocks and jewelry to button rings and mini-lock lockets. I discovered Barb at a farmer's market in Chester, NS and picked up the happiest little flower ring I've ever had.

For more info call 902-499-2726

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This is most definitely a treasure!

St.John's, NL based artist Janet Peter uses discarded paper from local printers along with no longer usable used clothing to create her one of kind masterpieces.

To see more examples of her artwork check out our feature on Janet entitled "Marvelous Maché" by clicking here.

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Here's a 'picture perfect' example of re-purposing. Lesley-Ann Campbell used matching wooden frames - with cup hooks screwed into one and wire mesh screening tacked into the other - to create a wonderful and functional jewellery display.

Shirlee Hogan, Heather Tweedy and Bette Young are the 3 sisters that run Pastimes PEI Rug Hooking Studio Gallery. Yes, they sometimes use new fabrics in their works - but they'll tell you the true joy comes when they can incorporate old woolen clothing and over-dye used materials to create their beautiful rugs. Shirlee told us "It's rewarding to tear apart an old green plaid skirt for example and see how it becomes the 'pasture' in a sheep field." To see the complete feature on this wonderful business in Prince Edward Island click here.

After years of seeing it in magazines and on home improvement shows - I created the headboard of my dreams. You can read the full story about this old mantle make-over by clicking here.

This is a great example of 'making the best of bad situation'. I picked up a great wool sweater at Frenchy's for like $5. But funny thing about wool... let's just say things went awry in the wash cycle and I inadvertently felted my great find. I had seen this bag idea in a magazine and decided to give it a try. And since I'm always looking for something to throw my knitting in and go - I used the sleeve as a needle holder too. Felting makes the fibres bind so sewing is minimal and this project is easy! I've told a ton of people since I showed it for the first time on BT (watch)

Keep checking back - we'll add 'em as we get 'em and remember...

If you've created something cool from something else send a picture of it to info@seaandbescene.com Be sure to include a brief note on the what and the how of it all along with your name and where you're from. Please put “New Life” in the subject line.

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