Inspiration Index: Windows

Have you ever heard somebody say, "you make a better door than a window"? (so rude, we know.) Well, these windows make better tables, mirrors, garden sheds and shelves. Repurposing these paned glass beauties is great for your wallet and even better for the environment! 

Read on for a wild walk through the wonderful world of windows. Then put your project pants on, hike up your tool belt and break out a little elbow grease. Make sure your watch is on, because it's time to get DIYing. 

For even more ideas, follow us on Pinterest for a plethora of perfectly pleasant projects.  

This rustic window is the perfect backdrop for a romantic mantle
Books + window = perfect coffee table
Replace the glass in an old window for a chic mirror
Eat your heart out, Anthropologie! Love this dreamy DIY

Easily create a faux stained glass window with a bit of paint
One resourceful couple made a stunning country retreat completely out of windows!
Let the light shine with this Do it Yourself greenhouse
This mirror lived a previous life as a window. Fantastic!

Use a window as the perfect canvas for your artistic creation!

U-S-A! D-I-Y! Let your flag fly with this patriotic project

Remind everyone of bathroom protocol with this great sign

A reused window becomes a tray with this chevron-styled DIY project

Inspiration Index: Let there be light (fixtures)

We've all seen them: sad, dusty, slightly dingy light fixtures. Often missing parts, covered in a thin layer of grime, these once brilliant luminaries seem lackluster and limp. Should we just toss them? Pass them by at our local reuse center or thrift shop? Sigh and think of their former glory days with nostalgia?

Of course not! A quick cleaning, some slight modifications and POW, these light fixtures are good as new (better, some might say!). SHAZAM, a chandelier is repurposed into an earthy planter. WHAM, a pendant light is upcycled into a hip terrarium. ZONKS, a ceiling light is transformed into a tranquil bird feeder. Holy reuse, batman! 

Check out these great reuse ideas, then dust off a light fixture and make it something awesome. For more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest. We're super pinners. 

Remove the bulb and electric parts. Fill with succulents and sand. Enjoy.
Easily turn a ceiling light into a tranquil bird feeder.
Paint the glass panes of a light fixture for an Anthropologie knockoff mirror.
A glass paneled light makes the perfect hanging planter.
Bring Jurassic Park to your desktop with this luscious terrarium.

Give your pots a hand (or 10!) with help from a chandelier.
A pendant light makes a gorgeous, inexpensive terrarium.

Follow PlanetReuse Marketplace's board Bright ideas for upcycled lighting on Pinterest.

Write on: Delightful Desks Made From EcoFriendly Materials

A good desk can make all the difference. It's a catalyst for creativity, a push towards productivity, a gentle nudge in the direction of neatness. We've rounded up a collection of DIY desks that use reclaimed building materials in really beautiful, unexpected ways. These desks aren't just functional (which they are), they're also a surprise in stylish sustainability. Lumber, pipes and bolts never looked so good! 

So grab a couple power tools, carve out a few hours of time and get your build on. Whether you're using to read, write, craft or create, you'll have a piece of furniture that's sure to be on your (very short) list of favorites. 

Pipes give this desk a sturdy, industrial look. 

This funky, functional desk makes use of upcycled organizers. 

This table, made with repurposed machine legs is "sew" cute!

Hairpin legs + reclaimed wood = fantastic

Salvaged corbels make for a very "game of thrones" vibe. I dig it. 

Book lover? Prove it with a geek chic table desk. 

Old doors make the perfect tabletop for a new desk. 

Like the bat cave, but for crafters. This hidden desk is so awesome. 

Book cases do double duty in this smart desk DIY.

Our nerd hearts are rejoicing over this novel-stacked desk. 

Reclaimed materials give this desk a wonderful, farm feel.

By: Sarah Rendo

Last Minute Halloween DIYs that Reuse, Recycle and Repurpose

Happy Halloween! We're so excited to celebrate with trick-or-treating, an afternoon party and lots (we mean LOTS) of tiny candy bars. If, like us, you tend to wait until the very last minute to make those holiday decorations, fear not! We've rounded up a handful of scarily smart Halloween-themed DIYs that aren't only spookily stylish but also reuse items you have around your house!

Recycled glass bottles are the basis of this bloodsucking decor. 

The kids will love this: upcycle TP rolls into fun monsters!

Need a quick costume? Make this Lego Man from 2 cardboard boxes! Awesome! 

This adorable haunted house is made from several repurposed shoeboxes.

Reuse toilet paper rolls as candy holder "poppers"

Show trick-or-treaters the way with tin can luminaries. 

Leftover wood becomes chic halloween decorations.

Who needs pumpkins when you have milk jugs and christmas lights? Love it! 

Inspiration Index: Doors

Ah, doors.

Not long ago, they were thought of as just a way to get in or out of a place, simply an entrance or an exit. And maybe a band. But with the advent of Pinterest, there are a plethora of projects to be made with repurposed doors. From headboards to bookcases, dining tables to desks, a door is the perfect jumping off point for creating something wonderful.

Below are a few of our favorite repurposing projects from around the web. And if you're thirsty for more door ideas, head over to our Pinterest page for a deluge of DIYs. Follow us for a steady stream of upcyling awesomeness.

www.awesomecraftpins.com

www.dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot

www.Thisrepurposedlife.net

style-files.com

 bhg.com

porchswingsnhoneysuckle.blogspot

      

theredchairblog.blogspot

         

http-//www.designsponge.com

Jim says thanks for repurposing.  

Posted by: Sarah