Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Inventive Uses for Everyday Objects

Richie and I have spent a lot of time in Baja and in Mexico itself.  I'm amazed at Mexican creativity -- got two long planks and some short ones?  Make a ladder!  It's generalization to label a whole nation as made up of people who hand it down, use it up, wear it out, but they do!  Trust me!

Much closer to home, Richie has a growing stack of the green plastic mesh baskets that strawberries and such are sold.  He keeps meaning to bring them back to the guy he buys strawberries from but so far, has forgotten to do it. 

Turning to "Practical Problem Solver" my go-to book.  Some of these are kind of silly so I list them last.

Berry Baskets

Make an orchid planter - line a basket with sphagnum moss, put in a little potting soil, plant an orchid and hang it up with fishing line. 

Plant protector - put it upside down over new seedlings OR put bulbs you're planting in the basket in the ground to discourage underground eaters, like moles.

If you're mailing presents and have made a big, fancy bow, tape a basket upside down over it to protect it in the post office.

String dispenser -- fasten two baskets together around your ball of twine and pull one end out through any of the holes.  

Flower arrangement "frog" - turn one upside down in the bowl and stick your flowers through the holes.  

"Show and Tell" cage for such as mice, toads, rats, turtles -  fasten two together to make a "cage." 

Silly or impractical:  Weave ribbons through the baskets and use as party favor holders.  Do only if you don't have a 99 Cents Store or equivalent.
Dishwasher basket for small things - not a good idea unless you would enjoy green plastic lumps wrapped around and over whatever you'd put in them?
Hang one upside down over baby's crib and tie ribbons, strips of cloth or paper to it. 
Easter basket - make a pipe cleaner "handle" and fill with artificial grass.   See 99 Cents above.

Best:  take them back to the vendor.  They last forever! Recycle!


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