One Woman's Trash Is Another Woman's Treasure...

A couple of weeks ago our television died. It just stopped working mid way through a sports game. I don't really like television watching much but by the same token sometimes I really enjoy it. This meant that I didn't feel I needed a state-of-the-art LCD flat screen or anything large and fancy just something with a picture would do. Suddenly a brilliant idea popped into my head - I'd join Freecycle™ and pick one up for free! 
Freecycle™ is the ingenious idea of Deron Beal, who in 2003 sent out the first Freecycle email to a few friends. It has now spread to about 85 countries with thousands of local groups. The aim is to keep 'stuff' out of the landfill, it's about people helping each other. The concept: changing the world one gift at a time. The golden rule: everything MUST be FREE!! You just join your local group, which may take 24 hours and then start receiving emails with things on offer or things wanted. If and when you have stuff to give you just post a quick message...
It's great for getting rid of unwanted items (a new owner will come and take it off your hands). And even better for picking up much needed (and often unusual) treasure!
I had a new Television within the first few days and then stumbled across a set of beautiful German wine glasses.... Brand new and still in the box.

Everyone should be a member of this fantastic movement. But also be warned - it's very addictive!

Recycle Your Junk Mail...

Finally.... a CHEAP addiction! It's not wine, it's not wool... it's folding paper.

Origami Boxes... beautiful!

I've had origami boxes on my list of things-to-do, but had not made the time to sit down and make one (or five) until yesterday. And now there's no looking back! My son and I mastered the box and then spent a good couple of hours happily folding and cutting all the unwanted junk mail - which is forever being thrust upon us, even with a 'no junk' sign. We found a great tutorial here. This is what we made:

Then, like with any good addiction, we woke up this morning and got started... But this time brimming with confidence we felt a bit more up market, and so made this:

We have more boxes planned for later in the day...

Linking up with Jodie The Haby Goddess