Reuse old T-shirts to make market bags

We all know that plastic grocery bags are a tremendous waste of natural resources as well as landfill fodder.  Reusable bags are the way to go.  But what about all of the resources that go into making those reusable nonwoven bags?  Factories need to use resources to create the bags, as well as transport them to be sold.  Here is a way to minimize waste by creating your own bags, as well as keeping old t-shirts out of landfills.  These are the only truly "green" bags out there.

First, lay the t-shirt flat and use a rotary cutter to cut off the arms and neck.

Next, turn the t-shirt inside out and sew a straight line across the bottom.  Then sew another straight line.  Double sewing will reinforce the seam, which is good since you are going to be carrying lots of heavy veggies in the bag.

Next, sew the corners of the bag at a 45 degree angle, this will make the bottom of the bag wider. 

Cut off the corner you just sewed about a half inch from the seam.

Turn the bag right-side out and go to the Farmer's Market.

How to reuse old hardware to make a Steampunk vase

Project Difficulty: medium
Possible injuries:  two or three blisters (if using a hot glue gun)  You can also use E6000, but then you run the risk of getting a little loopy from the fumes or possibly gluing your fingers together a few times.
Time:  approximately 3 hours

Items needed:
an old vase
old hardware (I raided my parents basement for this, and also bought some from the Restore for about 25 cents a pound)
spray paint (in keeping with the mixed metal theme of this project, I chose a metallic copper spray paint)
masking tape
hot glue gun and sticks

1. Be sure to wash your vase first to remove any residue.  Dry Thoroughly.  Use the masking tape to tape off the rim of the vase all the way around.  It doesn't have to be perfect, this just prevents the spray paint from seeping into the inside of the vase when it is drying.

2.  Unless you have a ventilated spray booth in your house, you need to go outside.  And preferably on a non-windy day (yes, I have made the mistake of spray painting INTO the wind before, it's not fun).  Turn the vase upside down and spray a couple coats with the spray paint.  Let dry.

Don't worry about drips for this project.  They will get covered up by the hardware.

3.  When the vase is dry, remove the masking tape.  Lay your vase down on its side and start gluing on your hardware.  Be sure to vary the different metals and sizes evenly throughout the vase.

This will take a while, but don't give up. 

When you're finished, add some flowers and enjoy your feeling of accomplishment.

I made this project in about three hours and escaped with only a few second degree burns.

All in all, I'd say that's pretty good for a days work.