We can be inspired by one idea to then create something we’ve never imagined, simply by keeping our minds and eyes open.  This happened to me recently after watching episode 2 of “The Antonio Treatment” with designer/craftsman Antonio Balletore.  His assignment was to redesign a local Los Angeles pub Little Bar, and take the design aspect to the next level, all the while maintaining its neighborhood-friendly, east-coast vibe.  One of the many highlights of Antonio’s renovation was a funky-cool light fixture made from a recycled tin feeding bin. It struck a creative and reminiscent chord, transporting me to the days of the 1930’s, when my mom and her six siblings grew up on a Minnesota farm, raising animals and essentially living off the land.

See if you experience a “light bulb moment” with these great ideas for creating unique and functional light fixtures made from recycled materials.  With posted items on DiggersList, you’ve got a jump start to a fantastic weekend DIY project.

Recycle your old blender into this quirky and fun table lamp for your kitchen or bar. Blender lamp photo courtesy of webecoist.com.

A string of used utility lights combined with the blueprints of your last home renovation evolve into an inspired and creative light fixture sure to stand out as a personalized feature in any room. Go DIY with large balloons and paper mache. Architectural lamps photo courtesy of greatgreengoods.com.

Turn an outdated country French chandelier into an updated country farm decorative light feature using colorful mason jars. Mount the jars upside-down (drill hole in lid) for a different take on the chandelier shown above. Mason jar light photo courtesy of prana.com.

What better way to keep plastic bottles out of landfills and oceans by forming them into this magnificent piece of light art. Water bottle chandelier photo courtesy of trendsinc.ca/blog/.

Now that you've converted your incandescent bulbs to compact flourescents, no need to throw them out. This literal "light light" recycles and showcases the beautiful lines and practical functionality of Edison's luminous invention. Light bulb light photo courtesy of modernurbanliving.com

Note: For available “how-to’s”, visit the websites listed and search “lighting”.

This week’s hot picks focuses on front-of-the-house appeal and how we can spruce up this space for less.  Take a look at these deals posted by DiggersList users that will put a smile on the faces of your neighbors and the presidents in your wallet.

Add instant charm to your home by framing front windows with exterior wood shutters. Designer photo courtesy of sunbeltshutters.com.

Create a cozy sitting nook for your patio space with cute outdoor furniture. Customize this set by covering cushions in desired fabric, then add accent pillows to deepen the color pallet. Designer photo courtesy of stylestudiowest.com.

Utilize unique artistic stone to welcome and impress visitors and neighbors alike. Designer photo courtesy of desertpresscrest.com.

Plant an oasis of palms to bring drama, height, and shade to your front yard garden. Designer photo courtesy of realestateground.com.

Reclaimed lumber transforms into beautiful front patio decking and curb appeal. Designer photo courtesy of houzz.com.

Note:  Search your city for these “DiggersList Hot Pick” items.  If they aren’t available, be sure to post a wanted ad.

The precariousness of a “moving target home improvement budget” often finds us gripping the bow and straining to keep our eye on the center; but with a bit of knowledge and planning, we might succeed in hitting close to the bullseye.  Check out this fantastic article written by Shannon Dauphin of oldhouseweb.com that could help perfect your aiming skills.

It’s amazing the amount of cash we have gathering dust in our homes.  Boxes of tile, wall paper, those bamboo blinds that were never mounted, an unused fridge or freezer in the garage, power tools you wish you had the time to use, and on and on.  If you’re anything like my mom, the fear of “letting go” of the stuff you think you just might use one day is often the thing that’s preventing you from enjoying things you actually need and can use today.  Additionally, the adage “Another man’s trash is another man’s treasure” can greatly work in our favor.  According to a recent interview on the Glen Beck Program, many homes contain thousands of dollars worth of sell-able  items.  It’s a veritable treasure trove.

Here is a list of items that other people dug up in their houses. Check out this list which might help you with a “jumping off point” to start digging around your own home improvement stuff:

• Bamboo blinds (2 sets, still in boxes)-estimated value = $49.99 each
• Can of 3 month old paint (zero VOC)-estimated value = $45
• Push lawn mower-estimated value = $36
• Leftover wood trim-estimated value = $20
• Picket fencing (flower bed border fencing)-estimated value = $15
• Bamboo flooring (24 sq. feet, still in box)-estimated value = $80
• Mini fridge-estimated value = $36
• Area rug (90″ x 66″)-estimated value = $95
• Patio chairs and table-estimated value = $90
• Tile saw (2.5 hp, 10″ blade, 120 v. 34-50rpm)-estimated value = $500

Here are ten items with an estimated total value of $1,016.98.  Let’s say you sold these items on DiggersList at .50 on the dollar.  With a total of $508.49, this could easily be enough to purchase a new barbecue, a month’s worth of groceries, some nice clothes, or pay down a couple credit card bills.  The crazy thing? All these things were sitting around, collecting dust, just waiting to be dug up and sold.

Let’s face it…dorm life is a sweet and sour experience that, if missed, is well, missed. Aside from the unknowns of roommates, privacy, and noise control, we do have the ability to add sugar to the situation and design a dorm room to accommodate most of our needs.  One being, ironically, to increase the space of a very small space.  The average square footage of a college dormitory is approximately 12′ x 19′, and with two people, that’s pretty tight.  Solution?  Create a loft for your bed to increase the space for a study or sitting area. Sweet.

Follow these straight forward instructions, by Eliazar Platt of eHow, along with our DiggersList “Things You’ll Need Listings” for discounts on supplies.  Grab a buddy, or invite your parents for a DIY visit to your school, and have “lofts of fun” with this project.

Things You’ll Need + DL Listings:

• (1) 4 foot x 8 foot or 5 foot x 10 foot piece of 3/4 inch plywood.
• (5) 8 foot long 6 inch x 6 inch beams
• (6) 10 foot long 5 inch x 3/4 inch planks
• Circular saw
• Drill
• Wood screws
• Orbital sander
• Stain or paint
• Tape measure
• Step ladder

Instructions

1. Measure. The size of your bed, the height of your ceiling, the distance between the top of your head and the bottom of your mattress when you are sitting up in bed. Also think about what you would put under your loft bed (e.g., a couch, a chest of drawers, a desk or general storage).
2. Cut the plywood to fit your bed. Make it at least 3 inches longer and wider than your mattress.
3. Cut all five 6-inch x 6-inch beams to length. For example, if you have a 10-foot ceiling you could cut the beams to 6 1/4 feet, place a 10-inch mattress on top and still have 3 feet of headroom.
4. Cut the 5-inch x 3/4-inch planks to length. On three sides these planks will be 12 inches shorter than the length of the plywood. On the fourth side, you’re going to build a ladder.
5. From the additional 5-inch x 3/4-inch planks cut to length support braces. Though the plywood will hold most people’s weight, it’s always better to have a little extra support. Three should be plenty.
6. You will have additional 5-inch x 3/4-inch pieces. Cut 6 to the same length (18 inches or so) and miter on both ends to 45 degrees. You will attach these to the beams and the plywood for even more support. Cut an additional six 3-inches x 24-inches for rungs for your ladder.
7. Sand all surfaces.
8. Stand the plywood on its longest edge. Lay the 6-inch x 6-inch edge of two beams against it. Attach the beams flush to the bottom and the outside of the plywood using at least 2 screws.
9. Carefully stand the beams up. Make sure you support the plywood with one hand so that its weight won’t pull out the screws.
10. Make your buddy hold the plywood aloft while you attach 2 more beams on the other side. Now you have what looks like a really high table.
11. Attach the fifth beam 24 inches from the beam closest to where you want your ladder.
12. Attach the 5-inch x 3/4-inch pieces flush with the outside edge of the legs.
13. Attach support braces.
14. Build your ladder. Space the 6 rungs evenly (if you need all six). Use at least 2 screws making sure they’re long enough to support your weight.
15. Attach the mitered pieces. Place them directly behind the 5-inch x 3/4-inch planks. They will be set back 3/4 inch on the beams.
16. Stain or paint.
17. Toss your mattress up there, climb the ladder and enjoy a good night’s sleep. You’ve earned it.

There are some DIYers who complete projects more out of passion than need.  Last week’s blog, “Kitchen Makeover On A Tight Budget” explained how painting your appliances was one way to give your culinary space a “face lift”.  Below, are some examples of hand-painted refrigerators taking this advice to the extreme.

“The Biker Fridge”

“The Chalkboard Fridge”

“The Masterpiece Fridge”

“The Simpsons Fridge”

“The Roxie Chick Fridge”

“The Chicken Coop Fridge”

and…drum roll please…

“The Ronnie Wood Rolling Stones Fridge”

Hand painted by Ronnie Wood for charity.

I love easy how-to projects, especially when the instructions are as clear as black and white.  Reclaiming furniture is satisfying artistically, economically, and environmentally – not to mention, it builds “do-it-myselfing” confidence.  All kinds of items to reclaim can be found on DiggersList like this chair, which can be transformed using the how-to instructions below.  Have a look-see at today’s syndicated article and feel free to email us with your own reclaiming results-the best will be featured on an upcoming blog.

Originally posted 01.04.2010 by Craftynest.com

Before & after

Reclaimed dining chairs

Supplies

• black latex paint (I used Benjamin Moore Low Lustre Metal & Wood Enamel [363-4B])
• 1/2 yard of fabric (I used “Arboretum Toile Cinder” found at Calico Corners or Fabric.com)
• artist’s medium (I used Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish)

Tools

• screwdriver
• paint brushes
• drop cloth
• hand or electric sander
• fabric shears
• ballpoint pen

1. (If your seats aren’t cracked, you can skip step #1 – 4.) Remove the seats with a screwdiver.

2. Apply a generous coat of wood glue at the break.

3. Adhere the two pieces together, clamp, and wipe off the excess glue with a paper towel. I used nylon backpacking straps as a clamp. Let dry for a couple hours.

4. With the straps still on, drill pilot holes and screw two mending braces on the underside of each seat for reinforcement. Let the glue continue to dry overnight.

5. Sand down the lumpy imperfections in the paint. (These chairs really needed to be stripped first, but I didn’t have the desire to pay for—nor breathe—the chemicals required to do so. Besides, the black paint will hide imperfections.) Wipe clean with a damp paper towel. Paint the chair frames, taking care not to paint the back where the fabric will be placed. Let dry overnight.

6. Lightly sand the seats, then place upside down on top of the fabric. Trace the seat with a ballpoint pen onto the backside of the fabric.

7. Cut it out, taking care not to fray the edges.

8. Apply a layer of artist’s medium, then lay the fabric on top and smooth it down. Trim the excess fabric, if necessary.

9. Apply 3-4 coats of artist’s medium over the fabric, letting it dry a couple of hours between coats. Be sure to generously coat all the fabric edges to prevent fraying.

10. If the back of the chair is too curved to trace (like these), just cut a piece roughly to size. Then repeat step #8 and 9.

11. While the medium is drying, apply a second coat of paint to the chair frames. Using a smaller paint brush for precision, paint the edges of the seat as well. (Actually, it’s much easier to paint the edges first, then apply the fabric and medium after the paint is dry.) Let dry, then apply a second coat.

12. When the paint and artist’s medium are dry, reassemble the chairs.

There’s nothing like a great deal when designing (or redesigning) a room.  Take a look at these hot picks posted by DiggersList users that are both aesthetically and economically pleasing.

Uncommon seating (like these concert chairs) refurbished with fun, whimsical colors and new cushions add interesting lines and unexpected architectural sophistication. Designer photo courtesy of polkadotbride.com.

One DIYer's leftover imperial stackstone can inspire another (for less) to make something spectacular like this unique focal wall. Designer photo courtesy of norstoneusa.com.

With some imagination, reclaimed wood and paint overage can be transformed into a very distinct and one-of-a-kind piece of furniture. Design photo courtesy of blog.michellekaufmann.com.

NOTE: Find the DiggersList Hot Picks for the DIY project above: Reclaimed Wood & Assortment of Paints.

Go bold with lighting (like this tiffany-style shade) to add pops of color and an ecclectic sense of style to your space for as little as .50 on the dollar. Designer photo courtesy of delatiffanylamp.net.

This beautiful sea green window or hall bench will welcome any passerby to have a seat or neatly tuck away items for easy access. Designer photo courtesy of manolohome.com.

Note:  Search your city for these “DiggersList Hot Pick” items.  If they aren’t available, be sure to post a wanted ad.

Taping the Radio Show-Matt, Karl, and Cort

DIY Network’s Karl Champley, host and master carpenter of “Wasted Spaces“, is also host of his own radio show “Home Live“.  Below is his interview with Matt and Johnnie (Co-Founders of DiggersList) as they discuss the importance of reusing building materials, what users can find on DiggersList, and how they can use these valuable resources in their own DIY projects.

To listen to the radio interview podcast with DiggersList on JULY 24th, 2010 click here. You can read Karl’s bio and learn more about his radio show here.

Deconstruction is to the Big Dig House as painting is to the Sistine Chapel-outrageously masterful.  This prototype building, modern and luxurious, located in Lexington, MA is quite literally a monument to the new “Green-Age” of architecture, design, and construction.  Not only was its 600 pounds of building materials deconstructed, salvaged and reused from elevated portions of the dismantled I-93 highway, but because they were originally designed to take on much higher carrying loads (cars, trucks, shifting earth, etc.) a large scale roof garden was allowed to be amalgamated into the plans.  What’s exciting about this kind of building project is the potential to integrate the deconstruction of infrastructure (old buildings, roadways, bridges, etc.) into the planning of schools, libraries, and housing, conserving valuable resources, utilizing expended energies (previous planning, materials, man hours, money), and saving taxpayer monies.

Here is a quick run-down of additional advantages to deconstructing infrastructure for this project:

• The use of the steel structures and roadway panels decreased the foundational phase of building from 2 weeks to 12 hours
• Structural pieces were used as-is to lessen overall construction time and expense
• The roof garden is a natural insulator, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating
• Harvested rainwater is used to nourish and moisten plants and garden

As-is highway structures are utilized in building.

Materials deconstructed and salvaged for the building of the Big Dig House.

This freeway steel structure was utilized as infrastructure and as a very cool design feature.

Construction sequence (top) and section through living and roof garden (below).

A highway is now a home today.

Photos courtesy of SsD Architecture + Urbanism.