Recycled, Repurposed!

This summer I scored these 2x6 boards that were being thrown out from a deck project.  Perfect size for any project, especially shelves!  Many were originally 12 feet long, so I had to cut them down.  Several of the rougher ones were used in a raised bed garden I installed in late summer.

These three 6 foot long boards were the ideal size for my kitchen.

If you've been following along with this blog for a while you will recall that I had cabinets that were literally falling off of the ceiling over the stove.  When I finally got the nerve to remove them I also had to remove the overhead fan, always vowing to replace it with one that will work in this situation (still on the list!).

Anyway, I had these shelves installed here temporarily until I could figure out what to do next.

Regular pine boards for shelving.

They were lovely for the time being, but as you can see, the newer boards are much more functional, and I prefer the more rustic look too.

These are wonderfully weathered boards.  Easily cleaned up, and have had no sealers or stains added, making them safe for the kitchen.

Adding these longer boards required a bit of rearranging for the wall storage that was previously on the side walls here, so I moved them.

This was great because I can reach them easier now too, and they are all on one hanger.

I think my cast iron fish hanger fits the scene much better now too.

So there is a finishing project that cost zero dollars and just a little effort to install.
The only thing I would change would be to swap out the white metal shelf brackets for heavier black ones. 

News!

I have decided to merge the two blogs!  New Pioneer Style is moving in.
I have imported the posts - so don't freak out, it's still Diary of the New Pioneer, but along with New Pioneer Style news.

I realized how similar the two blogs are and it just made sense.  I'm all about sustainability, recycling, re-using, re-purposing, and up-cycling.  Why not just make things simpler and merge.

I will be merging more of the content from NPS here in the side columns and (hopefully) streamlining and simplifying the content.

Thank you for your continued support!  Now you will enjoy even more content under one blog.

Odds & Ends

Playing with t-shirt scraps today and came up with this.

The hat band is made from the bottom hems of three t-shirts!  I just braided them and put them on this cute hat.

Recycling and re-purposing.  Good for garden wear.

Composting on the Cheap

I have adapted this idea to fit the type of container I had on hand.  I would love to say I thought of it myself, but I must give credit to my friend who has the original, full trash can size.

I decided to use these handy totes that have been with me for years working very hard at storing or moving all my junk.  I have two sizes.  The large ones are perfect for the longer term compost, where the smaller one works great for compost immediately from the kitchen.

I drilled half inch size holes in the bottom so the worms would feel welcome.

These dark containers are great for heating things up too, while sitting in the sun.  As I add material to it, I also add a layer of dirt.

I've had the new compost bins in use for a couple of weeks now and have already gone out and turned one in to another, finding the material is breaking down quickly!

I have positioned the two large ones on top of an already rich soil base (so the worms won't have to go far).

While it's not exactly attractive, it really serves the purpose well and I haven't spent a dime!
The lids on these are perfect because they cover the top and remain water resistant.

I am also using these types of containers with holes for grass clipping and mulch material.  I leave the lids off and the water drains out.

What types of containers have you used for composting?

Phase II Privacy Deck

 After two years the lovely privacy deck needed some TLC, a little sanding, new stain and hmm, maybe a make over.
I decided to install a 4 foot bamboo privacy screen - recycled from another part of the yard, originally a 6 foot screen.

The next task was inspired by a library book on landscape design.  I took the original deck apart and reassembled it in two pieces, one slightly higher than the other and away from the house wall.

I filled in the gap with rocks, a choice piece of driftwood or two, and a Buddha.  Eventually I will fill in the area to the right with more beach rocks.

I found the perfect old window frame at a building recycle place to fill in that blank wall space.  I just happen to have two old rusty pieces of chain with hooks on either end for hanging it too.

The space is usable again now, but I am still sanding the decks and staining them.  Just in time for the Memorial Day weekend hide out!

More Before and Afters

Another fun project I did about two years ago was to create an outdoor privacy space. 
Now, for the most part my place is pretty private, but when the weather warms, the local summer homes and camp lots fill up and get noisy.  I wanted a place to retreat to. 
I decided to clean up a spot behind the house, but it was going to need a lot of work!  

Holy cow!  Yes, so it needed to be cleared out, cleaned up, leveled and painted.  I had a small, easy to build platform deck in mind.  I worked on it as time permitted, eventually finished it, and was able to enjoy it that summer!  

Another iced tea for me please....