Summer is a hard time for me to think about decorating; I mostly turn my focus outside to my garden and porch. But I do use these months to edit my closets and clear the clutter. (I am inspired by all of the tag sales taking place in my neighborhood every weekend.) Aside from donating a fair share of goods to my local thrift shop, I try to concoct new uses for old stuff. Here are 10 super-easy ways to give everyday items new purpose. In most cases, all you need is a few minutes, scissors, tape and glue.
Vases: Have a cylinder glass vase left over from a flower arrangement someone sent you? Rather than have it collect dust in a cupboard, why not turn it into a picture frame? Not only is it pleasing to look at, but you can also hide stuff behind the picture — like your television remote controls. First cut a band of colored paper the same height as the vase. Center a photo on the piece of paper and affix it with double-sided tape. Bend the paper to fit inside the vase.
Empty tins: Transform old tins by covering them in Japanese washi tape. Similar in texture to masking tape (in that it’s super easy to tear), washi tape is much more durable and comes in tons of pretty and stylish patterns.
Maps: Rather than have your maps sit unused in a drawer or glove compartment, you can turn them into place mats. Choose maps of where you live, favorite destinations or somewhere that you are about to go on vacation. Cut them to size and laminate to reuse, or use once and dispose of.