Thursday, January 15, 2009

Creative Reusing


About two years ago I picked up my kitchen sponge and said, "YUCK!" for the last time. I asked myself how I could replace it with something I already had. I crochet dishcloths, and those are fine for washing and wiping, but I really needed something tough for scrubbing. With four kids, one thing I always had a surplus of was old t-shirts. That is how the Recycled T-shirt Scrubber was born. That year I gave them as Mother's Day gifts, along with soaps my youngest son and I made, to friends and family. They were such a hit I decided to sell them on Etsy. Well, two years and many, many t-shirts later, I have sold over 475 scrubbers! Of course, I'm not going to get rich off of them, but I have been able to pay a few bills and buy my kids some gifts with the money. I now see other people on line making and selling them. Is copying really the best form of flattery?? Anyway, back to the point. Take a look around your own home and see what changes you can make. Even if I hadn't started selling my scrubbers, I still would have saved about $30 a year from not buying the sponges I was using. Since each scrubber lasts years, I am also saving sponges and t-shirts from the landfill.

5 comments:

Meredith said...

They look so soft and squishable--love the colors!

What a clever idea. Wish I could make some for myself!

Unknown said...

Your store is really cute! Great idea on the pot scrubbers

CMZ Art/ Rustic Goth said...

I think these are a brilliant idea. I must get me a couple to see what I think!
Thanks for sharing!

Right Brain Thinker said...

Thanks for the kind words. I find your art very emotional, and am happy to have finally made a purchase. Andi

Harvest Moon by Hand said...

That's a clever idea. Am always looking for innovative ideas about creative reuse. Added your Etsy store to one of my favorites. (From FreeSpirit66 on Swap-Bot.)