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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

ReMake the holidays at NYSci!

Hi friends! If any of you are going to be in the NY area between Christmas and New Years, then a visit to the NY Hall of Science is a must!

We'll be there from noon to 4 on December 28, 29, and 30th helping them ReMake the holidays!

On December 28th we'll help you set your new year to the perfect tune by helping you create a recycled rockband. We'll provide the tissue box, some rubber bands and you reply a little bit of crafty power!



Then, on December 29, we'll help you frame your holiday with a picture perfect project made from scrap paper.



And we'll finish up on December 30th helping you create your very own soda tab bracelet. If you can't make it to the NYSci over the holidays, we created a video together to show you how to ReMake It on your own.



Happy holiday ReMaking!

Mosaic everything!

I was exploring the Magic Gardens with some friends in Philadelphia this weekend and when I left I had this amazing urge to mosaic everything in sight! The artist, Isaiah Zagar, is a true inspiration, maker, and artist.

I feel like I already have a pretty open mind when it comes to transforming found objects, but Isaiah opened it even further... and filled with glass bottles, toy animals, ceramic remnants, bicycle wheels, and just about anything else that others might consider scrap, but is actually wonderful in its new life.

Putting a new spin on Maker Faire!

We’re ReMaking it at Maker Faire in New York City again this year! It’s coming up this weekend from September 29 – 30th and being hosted by the nice people at the New York Hall of Science.

This year’s RePlayGround project is a DIY pinwheel made from scrap materials (what else would be use?) attached to a straw. It’s one of my favorite new projects and definitely takes upcycling for a spin.

If you’re there on Saturday be sure to check out my soda tab bracelet demo at the Maker Square Stage from 1 – 1:30. Bring your own soda tabs or be one of the first 20 people at the demo and get free supplies to make your own bracelet. If you can’t make it to the event, you can always check out this easy how-to video.

Hurray for ReMakers and Faires!

You've got upcycled mail!

The latest upcycling project at TerraCycle has been turning these super sweet, super vintage mail bags into products. We created them in partnership with the USPS. You can choose from a tote bag, ipad case, or coin pouch. Or get one of each! You're certain to have a first class look when you're carrying one of these items. Buy them online at Uncommon Goods.


images courtesy Uncommon Goods

Weave your way to Maker Camp!

Can't get away to camp this summer, but still have that bug to make cute and crafty things? Maker Camp is virtually the best camp for you! It's hosted on Google Plus so you can tune in from your own home.

There are tons of projects like making your own junk art robots with with Joe Szuecs, and creating marbled paper with Dale Dougherty. And I'll be on hand Monday August 13 doing a do-it-yourself woven scrap paper basket. Check out the schedule for what you want to make. Material lists and instructions are posted just before the project week starts.

Come to Camp and Make stuff!

Upcycled fashion design!

There's no better way to explain ReMaking than to wear it on your sleeve. So that's what we've done here! Here are a few of my favorite upcycled fashion items that I've created from something almost trashed. Can you guess each scrapped material?



The design of this dress started out a little baggy, but I transformed it into a dress with a little upcycling magic... and some help from my iron and sewing machine.


This dress fits Kathy to a T.


Perfect for a rainy day, you can even find instructions for this skirt on our website. If that isn't enough of a hint, then our clues are all dried up.

Guesses? Ideas? Have you made your own upcycled fashions?