Finding Purpose in Repurposing
Rather than lament the old ways that are currently on hold - shopping on a dime for something or someone, or taking a spur of the moment walk, I've been forced to find new ways to look at myself and all that I have accumulated. It's been an eye-opening time for me. Why have I held on to so many dried out gluesticks and hard-as-rock paint brushes? Add to that list: clothing I haven't worn for years, paper, books I’ve never read, batteries that don't work. I've discovered a number of cardboard boxes in the back of the garage and I no longer know what is in them. All of those things I've placed up high, or in the back - deliberately. It's time now to get them out. Expose their contents, ask and listen.
Repurposing works. From books to ladders; scraps of fabric to clothes. Before you throw your old things away…look at them and see how they could be useful to you or someone else.
I have cleared so much space for the new. I find my mind working in different ways. I also want to work with my hands. Perhaps the best find was a box of trimmings from an interior designer who made our drapes when we first moved in to the house. I made a new pillow this week from these “scraps,” I was so inspired. Who knew that these odds and ends would turn into something so beautiful! I re-envisioned a scene from my trip from Africa and cannot believe that I was able to do this with what I already had in the house.
Then I came upon this tray. I have about 15 trays (that was also quite a discovery). I've looked at this tray and I've never really ever liked it. Why don't I paint something I do like? I bet I'd start using it again. And, so I did!
I think that when we are all so busy, we forget about creativity. We forget to look at the objects we already have and how to make them beautiful again. Clean your windows, break out your colored pencils. Read the books you've collected to read. You have time NOW to sew and write and re-envision. You are an individual and no one can create just like you.
While we all must appreciate the seriousness of what is being asked of us — to stay indoors — I hope you can find ways to brighten and cherish your surroundings.
Health is of the utmost priority. And if you are healthy, use this unprecedented gift of time and lack of obligations to heal. Find out what is important to you. Make a list of what makes you happy. Make a list of things to make. See what you are capable of doing with this gift of unscheduled time and get to work — for you!
Some creative ideas:
Repurpose your old ribbon!
Look through old magazines to create journals or notecards.
Reuse old gift bags for new gift bags!
Make a miniature bouquet with some flowers from your walk!