By Susan Wasinger
Bamboo Projects
Bamboo is an amazing plant. It can grow up to 1 foot a day, it is strong, pliable, and water-proof. And what about beautiful? If you cut bamboo, you can bring out its inner beauty and practicality. By cutting it crosswise, it makes lovely bud vases; by cutting lengthwise, it creates the most enticing little organizers, suitable for any part of your bathroom space.
A hand saw can make the cross cuts with ease. Ask a woodworker or cabinetmaker to make the lengthwise cuts with a band or table saw. Skinny (1- to 2- inch diameter) bamboo is readily available at hardware and garden centers. Some larger bamboo can even be found online at natural craft stores/ Some bamboo can be purchased already split for projects. A few swipes with the sandpaper to soften the edges is all these willowy beauties need to add a hint of the rainforest to your bathroom.
Floating, Floating, Naturally
Looking for a recycled way to keep track of your soap in the tub? Try this easy and green project. It won’t take long and you’ll wish you had thought of it sooner. Take twigs cut to length and tie them together with twine or copper wire to make the perfect flotation device for your soap, loofah, or even a candle. With your supplies in tow, be creative! The possibilities are endless. Why not make a few extras as cool, handmade gifts to accompany soap or candles in a relaxation basket for a friend. One of the best things is that you can make them any size you like.
A New Twist on an Old Window
Natural light in the bathroom is a luxury everyone would like to have, but it’s sometimes difficult to obtain because curtains usually are needed to provide privacy. With this project, you can have both light and privacy! Here’s a simple way to obscure the view in (or out) without blocking valuable light.
As friends, relatives, or look at yard sales and thrift stores for an interesting old window. One with multiple panes may work best and add interest. Make sure it is several inches smaller than the built-in window you are trying to cover. Some sandpaper, a wire brush, and a bit of elbow grease should clean it up in a short amount of time. Be sure the glass panes are still intact and secure in the frame, and clean and dry them thoroughly.
Next you will need pictures. They can be interesting pictures from your own collection or from magazines or art books. Pictures from a recent vacation is also a fun theme to follow. Size the images to fit your window panes and then print or photocopy them on to translucent vellum. Apply paste and position the print on the glass and smooth it into place. Perfection is not necessary; a few creases can even add character. When completely dry, use screw eyes and picture wire to hang the new window in front of the existing window. Not only can this project be made from recycled pieces, it can serve double duty as a privacy screen and as chic artwork. If you happen to need something similar for a kitchen window, instead of pictures, try using printouts from menus. It can add privacy while making a fantastic conversation piece.
Decorative Shower Curtain
Liven up your bathroom décor with a simple leaf printing process. Start with a plain cotton or linen shower curtain. Collect some leaves that you find interesting. Even houseplant leaves can be used if you find their texture interesting. Choose leaves that have large veins as they will work best. Using nontoxic fabric paint or fabric dye such as Deka, paint a coat on the veiny underside of leaves. Position the painted side of the leaf on the fabric, lay a piece of paper over it, and press the paper and leaf carefully into the fabric with your hands or a rubber roller. Thorough but gentle rubbing of the entire leaf surface will result in the most dramatic prints. Most dyes can be set with a vinegar bath, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for color fastness. It’s an easy way to dress up a plain shower curtain and you can decorate the curtain with as many or as few leaf prints as you like.
Your Own Private Beach
Just picture it. You are walking barefoot on a beach. It’s one of the most relaxing feelings in the world for your feet. You can now enjoy that experience every time you step out of the shower or tub. A simple recycled wood frame, lined with wire mesh and filled with small smooth stones, can create a practical and beautiful bath mat. Best of all, the stones can be collected in your beach-combing adventures, a favorite vacation, or purchased by the bag at garden centers and stone yards for just a few dollars. The fabulous, toe-tingling foot massage is absolutely free and available any time you wish.
Provided by Natural Home - http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com
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