How often have you thought about throwing away an old pair of tennis shoes simply because you were tired of wearing them?  Nothing at all wrong with them - you just want something different.  Or how about a belt that's been hanging in the closet forever and hasn't been worn, so you're practically ready to give it away and buy something new.

WAIT A MINUTE!!!!  Would you consider "jazzing" them up just a bit so you actually have something that looks new, but didn't cost you anything but a little time?  Check out the following samples and see if you don't get inspired to do something similar.



Embellishing has become a national pastime. Take a few sequins, studs, and check out the Wearable Art Class to see what all you can embellish.

Have some old sweatshirts that don't fit any longer?  Don't give them away - use the instructions here to change those sweatshirts into a child's cardigan sweater.

How many times have you needed 3 buttons for a garment, but had to buy two packages of two buttons each - making one extra button for your button box?  How many more buttons have you added to the button box when you took off all the buttons from a garment that you decided to discard or use for rags?  Dig into that button box and make a special bag that will draw attention (and probably orders for you to make more!) from those who see the purse.



This bag can be made by using a regular tote bag, stitch a square on one side, then fill with single and double buttons of all sizes and kinds.   Picture/link via Whip Up.