Friday, December 6, 2013

Making and ReMaking at a new blog!



Hi there ReMakers! It's been a while since my last post and I wanted to give you an update on what I've been up to. I'm still ReMaking anything and everything that I can get my hands on. I've just been contributing more regularly to the super-awesome website Made + Remade over at the DIY Network. So..... rather than simply duplicating posts and projects I'm doing over there on here, you should go straight to the source! Check back regularly at Made + Remade to see my latest in remade projects. It's sure to be jam-packed with do-it-yourself recycling goodness!
Have a great, upcycled holiday and keep on ReMaking It!

Friday, September 20, 2013

ReMake this blockbuster lamp!



If you're in New York this weekend, come to Maker Faire and ReMake projects with me and the rest of the designers, hackers, makers and creators there!

Catch my old movie filmstrip into lampshade project on Saturday at 11am on the Maker Square Stage. Plus the first 25 of ya'll will get your own materials to create a gift bow.

If you can't MAKE it there, then ReMake this lampshade by following along with the instructions I wrote up for Made + Remade over at the DIY Network.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

MAKE it this weekend!



Hey ReMakers! The Greatest Show (And Tell) on Earth is coming to NYC this weekend and I know I wouldn't miss it. This fourth annual World Maker Faire will launch on Saturday and Sunday at the NY Hall of Science. Where else can you make something explode, solder a circuit board, learn to knit, pick a lock, find a secret restaurant, upcycle your soda bottle, and just join one big celebration of geekdom with your fellow Makers? Maker Faire - that's where!

I'll be on-site on Saturday at the Maker Square Stage from 11 - 11:30 showing you how to upcycle movie film into a lampshade and more. PLUS, the first 25 people at my demo will get their own kit of materials to ReMake a gift bow from movie film which I'll walk them through step-by-step. These projects are easy to do - and they're sure to be blockbuster hits.

If you can't make it to the NYC Faire, then see if there's an event in your neck of the woods. I hear there's even Maker Faire Rome coming soon. A world of Making is out there!

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Breath new life into old tents



Here's the perfect summer project that lets you bring a little bit of the outdoors inside. When your old curtains are ready to take a hike, upcycle retired tents into new window treatments.

I created this project just for the good folks at the Made + ReMade site on the DIY Network, where you can find the complete how-to. Not only will you create one-of-a-kind curtains for your lovely home, but if you're using old materials, this budget-friendly project can't get much cheaper than free. And that's something that everyone can go wild about.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Yes you "can" upcycle your paint cans!



Give a splash of color to your kitchen with fun paint cans turned planters. Simply use any leftover paint to paint the outside of the can and plant your favorite seedling inside. The complete how-to for this project is over at DIY Network.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Bottle cap magnet photo mementos!



This project is picture perfect for that next summer wedding or graduation that you're headed to. Once you've collected all of the supplies, it takes less than an hour to create. It's a great way to add your own handmade touch to your gift and preserve some precious memories... the upcycled way! It's even easy to do for the not-so-crafty. Just crack open a beer (or glass soda bottle), save the cap, and get to work.

You can view the complete how-to over at Made + Remade.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Tea Thyme!



Here's a great way to dish up your plants this summer - transform mismatched teacups into pretty planters. It's a great way to display herbs and flowers in your window or as a table centerpiece. The complete how to is over at DIY Network.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Destination: Maker Faire, San Mateo, California!



It's been five years since I last attended the Mother of all Maker Faires in San Mateo, California. And I'm very excited to be returning this year with GoGo squeeZ and TerraCycle!

If you're out that way, it's a must-see event. I've attended Maker Faires in Michigan and have a soft spot in my crafty heart for the one in New York City. But there's nothing like Maker Faire when it's hosted in its own hometown in California. You don't even bat an eyelash when you're standing in line at the coffee stand behind a motorized cupcake. Or when a car passes you adorned with robotic, singing fish. It's hacker-overload when you're at the Faire, and will hold promise to blow your crafty mind. Even though it's only a weekend long, you're sure to run home afterwards and want to make stuff, which is a mindset much longer than a weekend.

If you're at the Faire, be sure to stop by the GoGo squeeZ booth, get some free samples of delicious (preservative-free) applesauce, and Make some do-it-yourself goodness with me. I hope to see you there! Happy ReMakering!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Made + Remade !



Hey there readers - get ready for more upcycled fun at the newly launched Made + Remade blog! This site is hosted by the DIY Network and I'm excited to be one of the regular bloggers posting projects and ReMaking anything that comes my way.



My first posts are great crate designs made from upcycled wooden wine boxes. I've written and illustrated step-by-step instructions for turning a wine crate into a under-the-counter stemware holder. I've also provided the how-to for creating a minibar from two empty wine crates.



Help get the word out! If you want to "like" or "share" my projects, I wouldn't mind.

Put this new blog on your daily check list because new projects are posted every day. This new site is only just beginning of the Made + Remade posts. There will be a whole lot more do-it-yourself goodness coming your way. Let's hear it for Making + ReMaking! Hurray!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

A recycled recycling bin?



Well, what else would you expect it to be made from?

I'm pleased to share that the crafty RePlayGround crew will be at the Queens Library over the next few weeks helping to spread our do-it-yourself recycling goodness to the good people there. These events not only include fun, upcycling projects, but they're also free and open to the public! Woo hoo! Our first stop is the Fresh Meadows Library at 4pm, this Friday, May 3rd.
Other locations and dates include:
Flushing, May 8 at 4pm
Windsor Park, May 13 at 4pm
McGoldrick, May 13 at 5pm
Central Library (Jamaica), May 22 at 4pm

We'll be demonstrating how to create a recycling bin from 2 hardcover books (retired books, of course!).

Why buy a new recycling bin when you can create your own? This one already has a great story!

Monday, April 22, 2013

Have a sweet Earth Day!



I know it only comes one day a year, but it's definitely the quality that counts! And I know that you've heard it before, but let's hear it again for some of those fave Earth Day phrases that do ring true - "It's all up to you!", "A little bit goes a long way!", "Do just one thing to help the Earth today."

There's no better time to be an Earth Day cheerleader than today! Woo hoo!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

New! At the Brooklyn Brew!



The super brewers over at the Brooklyn Brewery are featuring brand new magnets and journals remade the upcycled way. You can pick them up in their online store or in person at the brewery shop.

The journals have you drinking write. They're made from upcycled 6 packs holders and are filled with 75 pages of lined paper (with recycled content, of course). Then you'll flip your lid over the new magnet sets with super-strong magnets. Drink up and support these local, handmade goods!

If you'd like to contribute your own collection of Brooklyn Brewery bottle caps to the creation of new magnets, send me an email to tiffany replayground com. I'll work out shipping details with you and will gladly cover costs if you have 250 bottle caps or more.

Happy ReMaking!





Wednesday, April 3, 2013

DIY wedding photo booth!



A good friend of mine got hitched to her honey this past weekend. I was honored to be assigned the project of capturing photos of guests while the wedding party was off with the wedding photographer getting their more traditional photos taken.

It's the perfect easy project to catch fun wedding pics. Plus who doesn't like to try on different mustaches for size?
Congrats Josette and Ajay! Hurray!


Materials you need: Props on a stick (like these from Etsy)
Dry erase board for writing messages to the bride and groom
Digital camera
Flickr account
Tripod
White wall or other plain background
Enthusiastic wedding guests!

Instructions:
1. Create (or order) your props.
2. Set up your tripod and digital camera. Test out a picture or two to make sure lighting is right.
3. Recruit wedding guests to try on a mustache, bow tie, or other prop. It helps to have a little champagne and a friend to help recruit guests!
4. Snap your shots.
5. Download from your camera, and upload them to a Flickr or other photo account. Share the memories and enjoy!





Monday, March 25, 2013

DIY treehouse!


Image courtesy Apartment Therapy

Even though it was snowing on the east coast this morning, Spring is definitely on its way. No better way to celebrate than to add a little play to your day.

I was happy to come across this simple treehouse with easy instructions over at Apartment Therapy.

Plus, as your carpentry skills increase over the years, you can always add on a level or two.


Image courtesy Inhabitat

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Get growing in upcycled containers!



Show off your green thumb this St. Patrick's Day and plant a windowsill herb garden in upcycled containers you probably already have in your kitchen.

It's super simple to create - simply decorate any plastic container and then add your dirt and plants. The complete step-by-step is on TerraCycle's DIY website. Better yet, there's even a video where I'll walk you through it before you can say "parsley, sage, rosemary and....."

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

65,000 CDs float to a new tune


photos courtesy Bruce Monro

What do you do with 65,000 CDs? If you're Bruce Monro, you upcycle them into a floating art exhibit of oversized, upcycled waterlilies in Pennsylvania. A friend forwarded me this art installation which isn't too far away from where I'm located now. It's not clear on if the exhibition is still on display, but it's nice to read that no CDs were harmed for the creation of the exhibit and all materials will go into future art installations.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Make your own fingerless gloves!



I'm excited to share my latest DIY project that I wrote for the always-fantastic DIY Network. This project shows you how to transform old sweater sleeves into new fingerless gloves. Show off your crafty handiwork and reuse some of those old sweaters you have laying around. They're the perfect crafty accessory because your fingers can move freely... a necessity for creating even more craft projects!

Get the complete instructions in the decorating section of the DIY Network.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Help with my Happy project!


image courtesy Pinterest

Hey there RePlay blog readers! I recently moved and am having a blast decorating my new space. I have a large wall over my fireplace that is just begging to have a large-scale art piece and upcycled is my favorite genre of art. When I was a kid (and heck, even now) I always loved Happy Meal toys. I even had quite the collection when I was working at a toy company about 10 years ago. I don't eat so much fast food these days, but still love those toys and have some grand plans for my art project.

If you have any fast food or similar sized toys, send them to my way! Email me at tiffany(at)replayground(dot)com and I'll help to figure out shipping and the easiest way to get them to me.

Stay tuned. I'll be sure to post the finished work on this blog.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Re-bi-cycle


photo courtesy Fast Co Design

A bike made out of cardboard. That was the subject line of an email my brother recently sent to me along with this link. Pretty straightforward and certainly had me curious to click through.

Apparently the cardboard bike was inspired by a cardboard canoe, cost around $9 to create and could carry up to someone who weighed 300 pounds. This bike certainly gives new meaning to the word re-cycle.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

How to make it (and ReMake It) Green!


Interested in greening your business practices? In the New York City area? Come visit the Uncommon Goods Design Panel this Tuesday, February 5 in Brooklyn, NY. I'll be speaking alongside Rebecca Krauss of EcoBiz NYC and Yuka Yoneda of Inhabitat at this fun eco-event.

It's at Powerhouse Arena in Dumbo Brooklyn and is sure to be loaded with "trash talk" and other eco-tidbits that you can take with you and apply to your own biz. Space is limited, so check it out and register today!

Happy ReMaking!

Monday, January 21, 2013

A "Visionary" Chandelier



I recently saw this light fixture made from used contact lens cases over at Core77. The chandelier is made by Klaus Rosberg of SONIC.

I've been collecting my own contact lens cases, just knowing that someday I'll find the perfect project to apply them to. I think this chandelier has a visionary look and is focused on a great, upcycled solution.

Monday, January 7, 2013

A dog to the rescue!



My favorite holiday gift was something that I picked out all by myself and was recycled, too! I'm pleased to share that the newest addition to my household is Tomatilla (Tia for short) who I found through Operation Ava in Philadelphia. She's super tiny at only about 8 pounds, but makes up for it with whole lot of personality and love. She was found on the streets of North Philly and they estimate her age at about 3 years old. She came very well trained and luckily does not have the habits of a yippy dog.

This Pomeranian is the best thing I could've brought home for the holidays and was a huge hit with my niece and nephew. I absolutely love her. One of my friends even called her the "cutest dog in the world" Her words, not mine. Although I do agree. I highly recommend getting your own rescue dog to spreading more recycled pet love.