Treasures from Throwaways, Part Two: The Do-able Ideas Marge Missed

Last week our maniacal, made-up crafter "Marge" went on a complete trash-to-treasure redecorating binge based on a 1976 Better Homes and Gardens book called Treasures from Throwaways. For folks who weren't sure this book wasn't as fictional as our friend Marge, I've included a real-and-for-true cover scan here as evidence. You can call it "Exhibit A."


But today, I'm afraid Marge won't be joining us. (Yes, I feel that sigh of relief myself!) And why? Because I thought we'd talk about some of the more positively inspiring projects from this book-- ideas that you might be able to use and adapt for your own trash-to-treasure projects... and not make your friends and family worry much about your sanity!

What I liked in particular about the projects featured here today is how the "trash" items they use actually seem to transform beyond their mere individual components, into interesting, useful or artistic pieces on their own.

Like these "Striking Candlesticks"...

These exotic metal candleholders are made of tuna cans, juice cans, gelatin molds, tab top rings from old soda cans, chair glides, drain pipe, beads, a steel rod, nuts, bolts and wire.

When I saw these, it occurred to me that folks who enjoy making garden totems would recognize that these candlesticks are done much on the same general principle. Just some ideas for a different sort of treatment of the same concept. And fire-resistant, too!

Next, we have an unusual way to spruce up a plain table using imported olive oil cans...


Not only does a plain old table get a new lease on life, but you get a fairly durable, flat surface to put beverages on, reasonably resistant to moisture. The design becomes solely up to you, depending on what Olive Oil brands and packaging you choose.

Next we have a project that looks time-consuming, but I thought was quite unique. Can you guess what the delicate doll furniture below is made of?


Need a hint? The secret is tin cans, fabric scraps, cotton and enamel paint!...


Tiny dressing tables, chairs, beds and more, all seem possible through some clever, careful snips of the can!

Now this next piece is a bit unusual, but I could see this working in some variation as inexpensive wall art for a very modern kitchen...


The book calls this the "Utensil Safari Wall Mount." But it sort of reminds me of a "Kitchenalia Death Star." Even so, interesting utensils in varying sizes and shapes are mounted onto a backing board and all sprayed a unifying color. The effect offers variety, and is certainly unique.

And last, I wanted to show you three different ways to create fun chess sets from unexpected items. Any idea what these painted wooden chess pieces are made of?...

This particular set is put together from Tinkertoys! Wheels, spools, cyllinders and beads combine to make easily identifiable Kings, Queens, Rooks, Bishops and Pawns.

Another chess set calls for empty thread spools in varying sizes. These have been painted up in checks and harlequin patterns in navy and white, and red and blue...


And this one below is my absolute favorite-- largely because this set has look that is somehow both modern and vintage at the same time... What to do with those old TV tubes?

Here's a closer look...


The tubes sit on bases made of 1/4 inch clear plastic, to retain the translucent, high-tech feel.

Well, I hope the projects featured today might spawn some ideas for you clever t-to-t'ers out there.

• For folks who missed part one of this book, Treasure from Throwaways -or- Marge Gets Maniacal, click here.

• And if you'd like to check out last Treasure Box Wednesday, where we look at some fun thrift store and flea market finds, click here.

I hope these Dog Days of Summer are finding you happy, well, and able to do the things you enjoy most.