Upcycling - A "New" Craft Supply Container

Hooray!  I learned something new today: the difference between recycling and upcycling.  Some of you may already know this, so bear with me, ’cause I’m new to this bandwagon.  Apparently:

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Recycling is altering, adapting, treating, or processing something in order to reuse it (i.e. processing plastic bottles to create new products.  They cannot be made into plastic bottles again)

Upcycling is reusing something without changing its composition. (i.e. what I have done below…)

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This whole thing starts with one of our favorite summertime drinks, lemonade! While making fresh lemonade is generally preferred, the best quicky way is Country Time Lemonade Powder.  I found them on sale for $1 a container (which is amazing!!).  So I bought (ahem) 10 of them.  Now we are not only swimming in lemonade, we are swimming in lemonade containers like this one:

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I actually really love the shape of these containers, so, I thought of a great way to re-use them as we polish them off.  They can hold our crafting supplies!  And our first order of business was to collect up all of the beads we have.

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All you have to do is peel off the label and give the container a washing.  I went simple with decorations, and just used a purple permanent marker to write what the contents would be.  I will probably have Skylar decorate these a bit more later, but first we just need to get organized!

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I love how the container is just clear enough that the colors of the beads come through.

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Then I put all of the strings into a ziplock bag.  I was able to just fold up the bag and put it in the container on top of the beads.  (Sidenote:  I love using ziplock bags to store things for kids, but I prefer to use the ones with the slider.  I know they cost a little more, but then the younger kids can open and close them without any help)

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Another great thing about these containers is that the top can be used like a bowl to hold the items when in use.  This way you can see the beads when you’re trying to pick some out.

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I plan to use more of these for other tiny craft supplies that need a good home like gems, sequins, pom poms, ect.

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Another great way to use these containers would be for painting.  The curved top of the container would help keep drips and spills under control, and the lids could be used for mixing colors.  Then when the paintin’s done, you can just screw on the top and keep the paints fresh for next time.

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What would you use these containers for?  I’d love to hear some suggestions!

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Have a great day everyone, and I hope you learn something new today too!

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Lizz

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I will be sharing this post at these parties:

Linkin’ with Lil’ Luna @ Lil’ Luna

Thrifty Thursday @ Thrifty 101

Creative Juices Thursday @ Momnivore’s Dilemma

100 Ideas Under $100 @ Beyond the Picket Fence

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

For the Kids Friday @ Sun Scholars

Feature Yourself Friday @ Fingerprints on the Fridge

Simply Link Party @ Simply Designing

Sensational Sunday @ What’s for Dinner?

Link and Learn @ No Time for Flashcards

Made By You Monday @ Skip to My Lou

Craft-O-Maniac Monday @ Craft-O-Maniac

Inspire Me Monday @ Singing Three Little Birds

Made It Myself Mondays @ You Had Me at Craft

Craftastic Monday @ Sew Can Do

Tip Me Tuesday @ Tip Junkie

Tuesday Time Out @ Reasons to Skip the Housework

Too Cute Tuesday @ Funky Polka Dot Giraffe

Party Mindie Style @ Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo

Creative Bloggers Party and Hop @ Homemaker on a Dime