repurpose

For example, I save all of the little yogurt containers, plastic lids, jars, coffee cans, oatmeal containers, etc. They are always being repurposed by the kids into crafts.  But many of those things can be reused by grown ups as well!

Some ideas:

Cover those cans and containers with beautiful scrapbook paper or contact paper. You have a pretty way to keep things organized. We use this one for our boredom busters jar.

Liquid laundry detergent caps are perfect for holding paint when the kids are painting.  I keep the brushes stored in jars, and when they want to paint they can fill a cap with water and the rest with some paint.

 For littler brushes, simply use a large plastic lid from a container and turn it into a pallet!

{I saw this one on pinterest} Use your pack and play as a ball pit! {Genius!} Fill the bottom with plastic balls and you are sure to keep little ones happy and entertained!

Mason jars as flower pots, food storage in the pantry, candle holders, craft holders, gift jars, pencil holders, for science experiments; the list is endless for the use of these versatile jars.

Baby food jars are perfect for so many things. Holding little supplies in the garage like nails, screws, etc. Or inside for holding craft supplies.  Or in the kitchen as repurposed spice jars. So many options for these little jars!

Old cookie sheets as magnet boards for preschool letters.  Or to use for crafts-we use them to put under paintings to protect the table, or to play with {homemade}playdough on.  I always stick one under Ethan’s crafts while he works.

Old dishwasher utensil holder or a counter drying rack is perfect for holding art supplies.  The drying rack can hold papers, while putting crayons, markers, brushes into the silverwear caddy.

Masking tape. Use to make a track all over the room for matchbox cars, trains, etc.  Best things is, everyday can be a new track, and it is simple clean up!

Yarn from old sweaters.  Homeschoolers are notorious for craft projects. We are always looking for string or yarn for some kind of project.  Before you throw out that old knitted sweater, unravel its yarn. Save it in a bin for projects later.

Old pillowcases: Cut a hole into the stitched end and pull over your child’s head for an instant costume for dress up. Tie with a sash and you have a tunic.

Use old button down shirts for smocks.

Remove buttons from any old clothes before tossing.  Save them for crafts, manipulatives for math, or when you are in need of a button for clothes later on!

Old socks can instantly be used for puppets, filled with dried beans and you have bean bags, or put over your hands and you have a homemade swiffer. Better yet, put over your swiffer when you run out of refills and you have a duster on a handle.

Old towels can be cut into rags. I roll them up and keep them in a basket by the sink.  Instead of reaching for a paper towel for every spill or wipe, I grab a rag.  {It has saved us enormously from going through tons of rolls of paper towels.}  I also keep old fabric napkins by our table, so we use them at dinner instead of paper.  Simply wash and reuse as needed.

The point is to look at things differently.  Be a good steward of what we already have.

Instead of fostering the notion in our children that everything is replaceable, and we can buy things when we need them, teach your children to make the most use out of what they have. It fosters gratitude, appreciation, and even creativity!

So before you throw something out, really look at it and think of a new life for it.  I promise you, finding new ways to use things will be fun!