Tupperware FX Pedal

The New York based band Globular Cluster has recycled flair! Guitarist Jake Adams performs with this effects pedal which is designed by artist Brendan Byrne. Byrne modifies effects pedals and rehouses them in plastic tupperware containers for easier access to the controls. This would make any Tupperware party 10X cooler.

To see more of Byrne's work, click here!

photo courtesy of Jake Adams

ReMaking my entertainment center!

My computer area has been in serious need of a makeover. I had been ignoring the poor little area being taken over by cords and piles of paper. But it's a new year, and the perfect time to freshen up my space. But there's no need to buy new. It's the perfect excuse to ReMake It with thrift store finds.

Here's the before:


I reused the existing filing cabinet and computer table. Then added thrift store end tables, a desk, and a lot of white paint (low VOC, of course!). And here's the brand new version:


The new version has the perfect spot for my printer, my many supplies, a pile of ReMake It books, and plenty of room leftover just waiting to be filled with new materials! Plus this whole set up will be appearing as the background in some new DIY videos to be coming out soon. Stay tuned for those.

To purchase end tables that fit together perfectly, I took measurements at the thrift store and planned it all out before buying anything. The desk that is smack dab in the middle was the perfect find from the Meeker Avenue Flea Market because it had adjustable feet, perfect for resting on top of different heights of tables. And to top it all off, there's a thrift store teapot turned vase for daffodils.

Happy ReMakovering!

RePlayGround at the American Folk Art Museum!

This February 2nd, 2012, RePlayGround will be hosting Make It Thursday at the American Folk Art Museum! We'll spread some crafty recycling inspiration with an upcycling talk, then we'll teach how to make your own soda tab bracelet. ReMake It! author Tiffany Threadgould will also be available for a book signing.

Admission to the event is $10 and includes refreshments. For more information on the event check out the museum website: http://www.folkartmuseum.org/index.php?p=folk&rd=9568&id=8998

American Folk Art Museum

2 Lincoln Square

Columbus Avenue at 66th Street

New York, NY 10023

Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 6pm - 7:30pm

Create with Crates!

We recently added some upcycled storage space in our RePlayGround studio. We used discarded wooden wine crates, and stacked them to create shelving space. Colorful clamps secure the boxes together.

For a few more DIY storage crate ideas, check out these easy instructions:

Add casters to the bottom of a crate to build a moveable bookcase by Factorycraftdirect.com

Build floating kitchen shelves by planetgreen.com

Spice up your garden with these crate planters by re-nest.com

These storage projects are the cratest way to get organized!

DIY wine cork stoppers

Elsie Larson's blog A Beautiful Mess is a great source for DIY upcycled inspiration. We love her thread spool wine cork project, and you can learn how to make them here!

RePlayGround is always thinking of ways to upcycle wine corks as well. Our favorite use for old corks is to make them into a trivet. Check out our ReMake It trivets here!

Tote Overload in New York Mag

New York magazine recently ran an article called Tote Overload (Dec. 12 2011). The article makes a good point about consumption. There's no argument that reusable totes make an impact on the burgeoning plastic trash problem we face. But over consumption can still occur with the eco-friendly tote bag. Professional personal organizer Beth Zeigler came up with an innovative solution. She staged a redistribution drive this December in L.A, and collected 1,900 unused reusable bags for redistribution. Great! Now let's get these drives to catch on in cities nationwide!

To view the entire article, click here.

Create a CD jewel case calendar. Just in "time" for the New Year!

This calendar project will make a "clear case" for recycling projects this year! All you need is a CD jewel case, some scrap paper and a pair of scissors. You can even recycle last years calendar pages into this crafty creation. Check out my complete how to with instructions and illustrations over at the superfab Craftzine.com.

Happy 2012 everyone and let's start ReMaking this year off right!