recycle | repurposed propping

repurpose propping... My favorite R-word that I often add to the mantra "reduce, reuse, recycle" is repurpose. Similar to reuse, yes, but in more of an out-of-the box way that many people across the nation are turning too... both out of a desire to step kinder on the earth, as well as a frugal alternative to today's economic woes.

Though it ended up being more by chance than plan, my floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are now propped with found objects that take on the form of everyday art. I found a block of wood (shown above) littered with drill marks the other month at work (I work for a hardwood furniture maker). Though I know that this was a discarded piece of one of our trademarked spindle chairs, I thought that the object, when removed from its wood shop surroundings, took on a sculpture-like form. Plus, it makes a great bookend. My other favorite piece of late are the wood spindles of thread that I found in my grandmother's old, tattered sewing basket. The colors of the thread, combined with the elegance of the worn wooden spool seems to weave a tale of its own.

These newly cherished items are just the start of my reintroduction to many little treasures that I have already in my possession, but just had never truly noticed or appreciated. This is just my start. I'm sure a bounty of treasure awaits me whenever I get up the nerve to tackle those boxes in my basement. How about you?