A Green Idea Chain Game 2010

[darkrose020]

1. You can glue them to the outside of glass candle holders (such as in the link) to make rustic candle holders. http://www.homedit.com/beautiful-diy-wood-sticks-candle-holders/

2. You could make a star burst wreath or a star burst mirror.  Maybe spray paint them silver for a cool futuristic look.

3. You could use some of them to make antlers on a deer sculpture, if you're sculpturally inclined.

4. Oh! and what I did with the small twigs was use them for the base of God's Eyes. http://gingerbreadsnowflakes.com/node/73  I love how this person beads hers. I'm planning to do this when I get more yarn.  I already have the beads, monofilament and twigs!

OK, now...what can I do with old blankets?

[dewshinesdopp]

You could: make wreaths, use them to cover the outsides of pillar candles to make them more decorative, make fire starters by wrapping them in dryer lint (just make sure it's natural fiber)...umm.  Probably more, but that is it off the top of my head.

What can you do with all those "silly bands" that the kids no longer want, but you still have all over the house?

[Dr. Craft]

Old blankets can be easily turned into tote bags (particularly because they are already "lined". Just cut one 18x36 inch rectangle (or double the approximate size you want at the end) and two pieces that are 5x20 for the handles (or adjust to the length you want.
Then with right sides together, sew the sides of the main piece, and fold in the open top about 1 inch all around and seam to get a finished top. Fold the long edges of the pieces for handles to meet in the center, pin and sew down that seam with a wide zigzag stich. Attach the handles as you want and you're done.
There are simple variants that can make this nicer with plenty of tutorials on line.

Or, if you don't need totes or don't sew, donate them to dog shelters (at least the one near us takes old blankets and towels that the dogs use to play and chew.

[Dr. Craft]

Forgot to include the next item to use up:

What can you do with double knit fabric (that synthetic stuff from the 70s - wears like iron, but really heavy and generally uncomfortable)?

[ThriftyLiving4U]

Double knit fabric:  Make fabric yarn (cut into small strips) and crochet/knit a rug.

Different way to use PET bottles?

[lovesclutter]

Had to google that. It isn't good to melt any type of plastic, and I don't know what ways you are referring to, I just recycle that type of things, but if I had any of those I wanted to craft something for, if they are clear I would fill with colored water and hang in a window for color, but if they are dark, I can't help you.

I have a lot of broken jewelry and no tools. Any suggestions?

[bookstorebabe]

Are you wanting to mend it or make something with it? Necklaces, or all kinds of jewelry? A couple of pairs of cheap pliers will let you do a lot. You could use old jewelry to make new jewelry, you could use necklaces in a windchime or mobile to look pretty. Just hang them up in a window. Clip earrings can be shoe clips to dress up your shoes, or made into pins and brooches. Earrings can become thumbtacks on a bulletin board. Or just offer to trade it to someone else for supplies you will use, put it in your sig.
And, I don't have a question of my own to add-next person?

[lovesclutter]

Those are excellent ideas, mostly necklaces. Thank you.

[dewshinesdopp]

My "silly bands" got skipped.  Looks like there were two replies at once.

[Antidigger]

I might have thought of something, but unfortunately I don't know what silly bands are . I know, no kids=no clue.