Wine o’clock on a Friday is one of my favourite times of the week. On the other hand, filling up the glass bin is much less fun. The same goes for organising cans and jars…
However, if you think outside the box (or bin, in this case) you might come across an idea that will turn your trash into something to treasure. Why not reuse it to create something new?
Here are some ideas to help you get crafty with your rubbish:
Tin Can Pots
Tin cans may not look very special when they’re covered with a food label but with a little work, they can be made into something super pretty. Simply soak in warm water to remove the label and glue. Once it’s dry use a paint formulated for use on metal such as acrylic, chalk or spray paint. Remove the sharp edges, and the kids can get involved with decorating by glueing on stickers, fabric or wrapping paper. You can then let them help you decide what to use it for. Fill with compost and plant a flower; sow some vegetable seeds; or use it to house their pencils or your makeup brushes!
Wine Bottle Candle Holders
Most of us go through more wine bottles than we’d like to admit, and it seems such a waste to get rid of something if it has another use. As Paw Patrol’s Rocky says, "Don’t lose it, reuse it!" I’m obsessed with candles and am always looking at new ways of making our dinner table look on-trend. I’ve often marvelled at the simplicity of restaurants using wine bottles as candle holders but hadn’t actually tried it myself until recently. Turns out it’s as easy as popping a cork on your favourite bottle of bubbly. All you need is some taper candles (I’m loving green ones at the moment) which can be inserted into a clean bottle. Instead of using force, melt the bottom of the candle until it’s soft and push it in carefully. Then voila, your reuse it skills will have your table looking as chic as a French restaurant!
Jamjar Glasses
Another thing I love in restaurants and cafes is when you’re served a cocktail or juice in a jam jar. My kids love their jam on toast, so we regularly have leftover jars. All I do is soak and wash them in hot, soapy water to remove the excess jam and stickers. Then stick them on a hot cycle in the dishwasher to ensure they’re squeaky clean. Next up, fill with your favourite cocktail (or a smoothie for kids that are old enough to use a glass), stick in an eco-friendly straw, kick back in the garden... And relax!
And, if you need something extra to help with the ambience, why not put some fairy lights (that are suitable for external use) in some of your spare jars and use them as a twinkly centrepiece.
