After this latest stint at home, we’re willing to bet that you’ve had at least one ‘Marie Kondo’ moment. And if you’re anything like us, the kids’ toys have probably been the main focus of your efforts.
But wait – before you throw out every last LEGO piece and get rid of those old puzzles, take a second to think about how you can give those toys new life. Last year, as many of us cleaned out our homes, cities all over Australia saw a significant increase in illegal dumping – costing not only the environment, but a lot of council money.
Alexis Todorovski is an executive of Australia’s largest and most innovative recycling company for Australia’s unwanted clothes and household items, SCRgroup. The queen of DIY upcycling, she has plenty of ideas not only for finding new ways to use old items, but also for keeping kids in lockdown entertained.
Teacup bird feeder
What you’ll need:
- Old teacup and saucer
- Ceramic glue
- Birdseed
- S hook
Directions:
- Apply glue to teacup. Make sure teacup and saucer are washed and dried before you draw a line of glue from the rim to bottom of the teacup.
- Glue teacup to saucer. Hold the cup on saucer so that it leaves half of the saucer free. Ensure the glue is dry enough for the cup to stand without help then leave until completely dry.
- Time to hang your creation. Find a location in the garden and hang bird feeder on an S hook from the cup’s handle. Empty birdseed into your new bird feeder and enjoy!
Kitchen sieve to planter
What you’ll need:
- Old kitchen sieve
- Flowers
- Potting soil
- Coffee filters
Directions:
- Add your lining. Use coffee filters to cover the holes (this will help stop dirt from escaping when you water your flowers).
- Plant your flowers. Place flowers into the kitchen sieve, making sure they are level with the top. Surround the flowers with potting soil to fill the planter.
- Enjoy your beautiful new planters!
Kids’ DIY toy planter
What you’ll need:
- Old toy truck or dinosaur
- Potting soil
- Flowers
- Sharp knife
Directions:
- Prep your toy: For the truck, choose a toy truck that has an area for the flowers and has a drainage hole underneath. If your toy does not have a drainage hole, use a drill to create one; For the dinosaur: Use a sharp knife to cut a large hole in the top of the toy for flowers. Make sure you remember to create a hole in the bottom for drainage.
- Fill toys with soil and flowers.
- Fill the truck or dinosaurs with potting soil and place flowers in the toy. Add more soil if needed.
