Rustic Birdhouse… But What Did It Used2bee?

18 Saturday Apr 2015

Posted by used2bee in How To, Projects, Puzzle, Recycled Art

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Tags

birdhouse, reclaimed, recycled, they might be giants, tree decoration, upcycled

Say I’m the only bee in your bonnet Make a little birdhouse in your soul

-They Might Be Giants 1989

Sweeeet!

😍

These little tree decorations are all made from recycled materials, but what are the materials?

😏

There are 3 items that go to make up each one

😧

The main body, the roof, and something to hang it up with

☺️

There is also a nail perch, but i will give you that!

😁

Ok, so whats your guesses

😀

Here are the Answers….

The main body is made from pallet wood

The roof is made from tin cans

The hanging wire is made from electric cable

😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

Thanks for playing

These are available in our Torquay shop TQ26EL

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Recycled Ant Sculpture…But What Did It Used2bee?

17 Friday Apr 2015

Posted by used2bee in How To, Projects, Recycled Art

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Ant, art, craft, eco gifts, reclaimed, recycled, recycled gifts, sculpture, torquay recycle shop, upcycle, upcycled

Ant Figures Made from Recycled Materials

…but what are they made from?

what do you think?….

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

There are 3 different items used to make these Ants bodies, antlers and legs.

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The objects are drilled, glued and then spray painted different colours to finish

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Each Ant measures around 12cm long and about 5cm high

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The body of the Ants were found and used outdoors

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The legs were made from something found in a bedroom

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The Antlers were made from something used everyday all around the home

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Hmmmm! puzzled…have a think…

♦

Sooooo! ok whats your guess? 3 objects made the ants… 1,2,3…..

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

The Answers Are….

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

BODY- Golf Balls

LEGS- Wire Coat HangersANTLERS- Electrical Cable Copper Wire

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Did you get it right..?

If you love these Golf Ball Ants you can buy them now!

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How To Make A Wind Generator From Scrap

22 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by used2bee in Advice, How To, Projects

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

bike, bike frame, cycle, Devon, devon england, diy generator, homemade, plastic blades, plastic bottles, recycled, treadmill motor, upcycle, used motor, used to bee, Used2bee, wind generator, wind power, wind turbine

Colourful Homemade Wind Turbine

Using a few simple tools, you can set up a homemade wind generator. This device will help in reducing your dependence on other energy sources. This in turn means more savings down the line.

Required Tools and Materials

Treadmill motor
Hose clamp
Hacksaw
6 bottles (2 liter)
1 inch pipe
Scissors
Zip ties
Metal bicycle frame
Welding tools
Instructions

One of The Things You’ll Need

Mount The Motor

Use the welding tools to modify the motor so it is centered on the bicycle pedal’s axle. Before you do this, remove the pedal. Use scaffolding if necessary. Put the motor housing in place by welding a pipe. Make sure the welded material connects the frame section up to the motor housing.
To ensure this homemade wind generator works, double check the motor housing. Make certain the motor is fastened. If it isn’t, the housing will spin along with the axle.

Recycle a motor from a scrap treadmill

Create the Blades

Get the bottles and secure plastic with the zip ties. Set the spokes so the wheel will spin when the wind blows. Make a cut on the bottle (2 inches) in a spiral manner. Punch a hole and set the zip ties here. Put in another zip tie if there are spaces left.
Make sure about 30% of the wheel is covered with the blades.
Slice the blades so they don’t hit anything when they start spinning. With this homemade wind generator, you can take away the rest of the bike’s components; they are not necessary and will only take up space.

Make Plastic Turbine Blades

Mounting the Generator

Position the generator high up. Use the scaffolding or ladder if necessary. A pole is the best option. Now set the wires to the power location. You can use batteries. However they can present problems. Number one, they can overcharge. Secondly, it might run the motor and not get a charge.
If you’re going to use batteries, install a heat sinker so it won’t overcharge. If you’re not sure how to set this up on your homemade wind generator, talk to an electrician. Don’t try installing the batteries if you are unsure.

Tips and Warnings

These treadmill motors can be found in a variety of places. Your best bets are the apartments near colleges. These are usually just placed by the dumpster. You can get one there. The Web is also a good place to look for treadmill motors near you.
Be careful when using welding tools and equipment. Follow all the instructions. If you’re not sure how, have a welder shape the pipes for you. Do not stand near the blades when they’re running.
If you are having trouble mounting the generator, have some of your friends help you. This will prove especially useful if you’re going to use the scaffolding.
If the blades move too fast, they might fly off. Double check to make sure they’re installed properly. Wrongly installed blades won’t just fly off; they might shatter and explode.

These homemade wind generators require more work than most DIY projects. However the payoff can be substantial, so it’s worth giving it a try!

FURTHER READING

Buy A Book! – Dan Martin “How to build a wind turbine” http://diysufficient.com/product/diyguides/diy-build-a-wind-turbine/

eHow http://www.ehow.com/how_4796396_build-homemade-wind-generator.html

Where Can I Get Cash for My Old Furniture?

01 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by used2bee in Advice, Events, Projects

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Tags

antique, auctioneers, chair, ebay, furniture, furniture auction, gazette, gumtree, recycled, refurbish, second hand, table, trade-in, upcycle, used furniture

Pile Of Junk Furniture by Raumlabor

Raumlabor is from Berlin and specialises in large art installations in unusual media. Amazing! Unless you live next door, maybe! It is actually a building enclosure with the door that can just be seen front and centre; look closely!

Soooo! It is very possible to recycle any of your old furniture into something different and useful, but if you really, really, really have to get shot of it then the most obvious thing is to take it to the tip(recycling centre) or give it to charity. WAIT! You can get money for it!!

£10 Trade-in Offered By Our Little Shop!

Yes! We do want some re-usable furniture to upcycle, recycle into something new and we are prepared to give you £10 back on anything you buy in the shop worth £30 and over! You will love what we have done with some of the items bought in so far… Sewing box, record cabinet, lampshade, coffee table (with damaged top), side table (with loose leg) and more. These have been refurbished or repaired or re-used elsewhere and put up for sale again.
Dont be shy, just come in and find out more, have a look around!

Great Upcycled Sewing Box

Theres always eBay I suppose, but who can be bothered with that hastle! Picture, description, fees, fuss, hastle, bad feedback aarrrghh! I always found that Gumtree is a lot better as it is free, just as popular, and more friendly!

There are still good second-hand furniture dealers in most towns, some offer cash on collection, some will sell your items for a commission, usually about 30%-50% of the sale price. Some useful information on this can be found at Answers

Auction Houses can be a great way to sell more valuable pieces, but it is difficult to know what is in current demand unless you do your research. The auctioneers will normally charge a commission too, but this is around 15%, but also you may have to pay a fee if not sold at some so make sure of the terms before you submit your items. More expert advice and insider information can be found at Antiques Trade Gazette

Come in and see us, show us what you have to trade in and you only need to pick £30 worth of lovely things like: gifts, clothing, furniture, soaps, incence, coffee, chocolate, fairtrade craft, rugs, lighting, cards and glassware.

Here are some more pics of some furniture we have upcycled:

Denim Jeans: 5 Unusual Things Made From Repurposed Jeans

28 Saturday Jun 2014

Posted by used2bee in Projects, Recycled Art

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Tags

designer jeans, nudie jeans, recycled, rugs

1. Where designer Jeans Go to Die!

Swedish designers Polytuft were responsible for this beautifully hand finished rug and is sold in sizes 140 x 200 cm or 160 x 240 cm from £399
The design was made under the slogan “Recycle” and laid in the patch-work style using discarded jeans, featuring high stability and durability.

2. Nudie Rag Rug

Conceived as part of the ‘post-recycled jeans initiative’ by swedish label nudie jeans, a series of scandinavian influenced denim rugs are produced with the remains of the company’s worn-out and destroyed pants.

Developed by cutting the worn textiles into jagged sections, the fabric is then rolled-up and sewn together.
Made in turkey, the rugs measure 2000mm x 1500mm and will be available exclusively at the nudie jeans house in L.A and concept stores around the world from 2012.

3. Who Likes My Wide Brimmed Chapeau?

Susan Moorhead is the designer behind this denim clad sunhat.
Susan just loves denim, loves recycling, and Ioves hats, so this sunhat is an obvious design for her. The plaid lining adds and extra point of interest.

4. Tuff Cuff from Mean Jeans

These trendy recycled jeans cuff wrist bracelets are a great accessory for a Rock Chic or Cyber Punk look.
Made from the waistbands of damaged jeans, this is is one of our most popular products right now, selling on our ETSY store at only £5.95. https://www.etsy.com/listing/185283864/levi-denim-cuff-bracelet-british

5. Denim Do Over: I Got This Covered!

This chair was featured on Susans recycling blog ‘Denim Do Over’ http://www.denimdoover.com/about/
Susan started by cutting 3 old pairs of jeans she had into many useful things to use in the home, and ideas have grown into a full time hobby!
We have made something similar too with a 3 piece corner suite bought at auction in 2011. This was a wonderful centrepiece at our warehouse reception room until it was sold later that year!

Also try these sites for useful ideas:

http://savedbylovecreations.com/2012/07/50-things-to-make-from-old-jeans.html

http://ecogreenlove.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/reusing-old-jeans-denim/

Project – Plastic Bottle Greenhouse

07 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by used2bee in Projects

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Tags

bottles, greenhouse, installation, Paignton zoo, plastic, recycle, recycled, spoon handles, Used2bee

172 plastic water bottles went into making this Greenhouse

I originally had this idea last November when I was Inspired by an installation at Paignton Zoo. The local school had built a greenhouse there entirely from re-using recycled plastic drinks bottles to show an effective use of one of our most wasteful single use products.
Since November our lovely customers have been bringing their bottles in for us and had collected enough to get started; in fact 172 plastic water bottles went into making this Greenhouse.

Paignton Zoo Installation was my inspiration

cutting, measuring, sawing, drilling and screwing!

You have to start by laying out your tools and materials: 2×1 treated timber frame, enough water bottles for the job(see below), screws, and bamboo canes. You will also need 3×3 treated corner posts to support the frames but i already had these in place.
I hope your good at cutting, measuring, sawing, drilling and screwing! The bottles slide onto each cane by drilling a hole in the bottle base, then assembling the canes into each cut frame to make the sides and roof of your greenhouse, and then screwed to the posts.
You will need to estimate about 3 bottles per square foot for your panels, plus an additional row on top to cap off. The bottles are aprx 10cm wide so your greenhouse size should be a multiple of that plus the timber width. Each panel is made up of 2×1 timber 20mm thick so add 40mm to your total bottle width when cutting your timber ie: 1600mm +40mm = 1640mm.

Allow 10cm bottle cane width + 40mm for timber frame

Decide on your greenhouse size

The height usually is up to 1830mm for convenience as this is a standard 6′ length from most DIY stores. The bottle length are then cut to size to fit.
So decide on your greenhouse size: length, width and height to get your upright panel sizes.
Allow a space for the doorway, and decide on your roof style. Paignton Zoo featured a pitch roof made up of 2 panels and 2 triangular shaped ends; but my design was only a ‘lean to’ against my fence panel. This made mine alot easier to do!

‘Lean To’ style roof panel is alot easier

drill a hole in the bottom

Once you have assembled your frames for the panels, remove caps/labels and clean bottles, then you can begin to cut the bottles and slide them onto the canes. You will need to remove the necks from two and drill a hole in the bottom, for each cane as the top and bottom caps.

remove the tops from 2 bottles for each cane
Then remove the bottoms of as many bottles required to fill the length of cane, and slide the neck over the cane to fit snug into each other.

with bottoms removed the bottles fit snug into each other

quick and easy to finish

Once all your bottles are on the canes and cut to fit into the frame, drill a hole big enough (about 10mm) for the canes into each frame, top and bottom 100mm apart starting 50mm from one side. This will make the job quick and easy to finish, but you may have to loosen the frame a little to get each one in.

Drill holes in frame to allow canes to fit

Dont forget to recycle your waste

This just leaves fitting it all together! My design was for two big barn doors at the front with fixed sides and lean to roof. So i completed the door frame, fixed the roof section to it and the fence posts, then mounted the doors on recycled hinges, using recycled spoons as handles!
Dont forget to recycle your waste! Most council sites now recycle hard plastics and bottles.

Recycled spoons as handles!

Further Reading

Paignton Zoo Green Projects. http://www.eaza.net/activities/sustainability/Documents/Paignton.pdf
Inspiration Green- Homes made from plastic bottles. http://www.inspirationgreen.com/plastic-bottle-homes.html
Recycling Guide- plastic bottle facts. http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/facts.html
Used2bee – This is our shop website! Recycled Organic and Fairtrade products. Great for gifts furniture and clothing. http://www.used2bee.com

PROJECT: Recycled Cat Bed

03 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by used2bee in Projects

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

bed, blanket, cat, dog, jumper, recycled, sweater, sweatshirt, Used2bee

for anyone with a couple of hours, likes sewing, and who has a cat

We love feedback from our followers, and we received this one recently. I thought it was quite an easy one for anyone with a couple of hours, likes sewing, and who has a cat. The credit goes to Steven Bishop for discovering it on elizabethskitchendiary.co.uk, which is a really intelligent site for craft ideas and for healthy homemade food.
Elizabeth is a mum, secret wannabe adventurer, scientist-in-training, RNLI volunteer, crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain’s most northerly food blogger. She also loves cats, and has four of her own from the rescue centre which is what inspired her to this comfy cat creation.

Does your pet need a new bed? Recycle your old sweaters

Homemade pet bed for your dog or cat. Minimal sewing ability required. This is the recipe

Time: 2 hours, including cutting up scraps for stuffing

Materials:
-1 unwanted sweater
-2 terry towels or unused dishtowels or bath towels
-Scraps or cotton for stuffing
-Thread
-Wool
-Needles
-Scissors

Cut your stuffing fabric into small pieces. Fold towels so that they are nearly the size you want the base of your pet bed. Layer with scrap stuffing if required. Baste the layers together in a rough oval shape.

Turn over the edges toward the inside of the circle and loosely sew in place. Place inside the body of the jumper.
Sew in place using some thick wool. Stuff the arms and neck area with scraps or cotton.

Arrange in a circular shape around the base area. Using a thread and needle, sew into place. If you use a matching thread you don’t have to worry about how perfect your stitches are. Embellish as desired!

Source: http://www.facebook.com/l/jAQE9YmY3AQFufKLgn3cDE1ch2-etGn8KbA2YPfOxpeBlzg/bit.ly/1cWKd8y

New Recycled Shop Sign: Finished!

13 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by used2bee in Events, Projects

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

bee, christmas, fairtrade, green, inspiring, organic, pallets, pine, recycled, shop, sign

“WOW! What a Difference a Day Makes!”

Its amazing what difference a day can make…. I mean once i had spent the last 3 months planning, cutting, planing, sanding, painting, designing and agonising over the details!

The preparation and crafting that went into this project was long, but to most people, except my wife and a few friends, it all happened in one day! That day was Thursday 12th December 2013.
We went from an ordinary looking shop that people pass by to one that inspires interest, sparks imagination, and creates excitement. Its best feature for me was Joannes idea: to make the ‘Bee Logo’ wobble in the wind by attaching it to a bed spring!

The morning began when we ripped down the old sign

“was plain,uninspiring, and almost invisible”

We have been in this shop since 2004: at that time we needed an office as our recycling services business was expanding and we didnt need to court passing trade as customers came to us over the phone. We had a corporate sign: it was simple and boring, so when the business changed last year we quickly drew up plans to re-focus our business on retail and make a dramatic change!
Away with a sign that was plain, uninspiring and almost invisible and in would come one that would inspire, and exite!

The sign is made up of 51 cut planks recycled from old pallets, 9 carved letters and logo recycled from old pine furniture, 8 recycled wire stand-off brackets, and a rusty bedspring.

Once the old sign was ripped down to reveal the Tongue and Groove cladding beneath, it was necessary to gloss the timber to help protect from the harsh south westerly weather. We had to use a quick drying one coat paint to give us more time to complete the job in one day.
Taking a starting point at the joint between the front facia and its return over the door, we worked away from this to the far edges for a balanced appearance. Each plank had to be cut down to 550mm to line up with the window frame, and the bare end sealed with varnish. Each piece has different properties of width, shading and grain, so the overall effect when these are mixed is superb.

Years ago i had recycled some industrial fencing wire that I had now used to make the 8 stand-off brackets, lucky that i had kept it! These had to fit each letter exactly so as to make them appear to float and be resistant to the strong winds. These have been coated with Hammerite to protect against rust.

The overall effect is enhanced now that we have also decorated the outside walls of the shop in a tasty Mint Green. This complements the Chocholate Brown, and Rich Berry colours that we use in our shop to promote the Recycled , Organic, and Fairtrade products in the shop (notice the food related thread there!).

PLEASE COME TO VISIT OUR SHOP and share your views!

What did it… used2bee

~ Recycled Craft Gifts Furniture and Clothing

Tag Archives: recycled

Rustic Birdhouse… But What Did It Used2bee?

Recycled Ant Sculpture…But What Did It Used2bee?

Ant Figures Made from Recycled Materials

How To Make A Wind Generator From Scrap

Where Can I Get Cash for My Old Furniture?

Denim Jeans: 5 Unusual Things Made From Repurposed Jeans

Project – Plastic Bottle Greenhouse

PROJECT: Recycled Cat Bed

New Recycled Shop Sign: Finished!