It’s been awhile since we have focused on repurposing projects – we have been busy with events and other happenings here at Goodwill.  However, I recently spent some time browsing our favorite blogs and found some great summer projects – enjoy and remember to check out Goodwill for your all your craft projects!

Repurposing Old T-Shirts

Crafting a Green World had a great post last week on “Memorable Ways to Repurpose Old T-Shirts.“  No need to get rid of that Nirvana t-shirt – simply turn it into an upcycled pillow or quilt.  Not crafty?  They even point out some services that will make a t-shirt quilt for you -  just send in your t-shirts!  You can also make scarves or turn them into wall decor.

Need Kid’s Projects this Summer?

Check out Apron Thrift Girl’s idea to create a thrifed stash basket – she includes rulers, markers, graph paper, shells,  candle-making kits, and various odds and ends she found while out thrifting.  She also advices looking for sea glass, blocks, drawing paper, rubber stamps, corks, and wool sweaters for felting.  Now you have plenty of supplies to keep your little ones busy all summer!

Reusing Old  Mason Jars

Though I’m not sure how this is done, I really love these mounted mason jars used as vases – take a close look at picture – if you can’t figure out how to make them, they are available on Etsy at Post Road Vintage’s Shop.  Enjoy!

We have been busy at work getting ready for our first “Art for Everyone” fundraiser in New Hampshire! The show will feature drawings, oils, pastels, posters, prints, and watercolors donated to Goodwill stores.  And!  All artwork will be affordably priced.

Come see the incredible pieces of art community members donate on a regular basis and learn about Goodwill’s job training and support services in New Hampshire.

What: Goodwill’s Art for Everyone: A Collection of Donated Art

Where: Kimball Jenkins School of Art, 266 N. Main Street, Concord, NH

When: Friday, June 18, 4 to 8 pm

Why: A fundraiser for Goodwill!

Here is a sneak preview of some of the pieces for sale:

(See more pictures on our Facebook page)

We have been receiving a myriad of great musical donations lately – for those looking for more creative musical outlets, this week’s feature will not disappoint – we are featuring an African Kalmiba Thumb Piano.  The kalimba (“little music”) is said to have originated in Zimbabwe more than 1,000 years ago.

The website AfricanTreasures notes that the kalimba “consists of a set of tuned metal or bamboo tongues of varying length fitted to a board, box or calabash resonator, their free ends being twanged by the player’s thumbs and fingers. Board mounted kalimbas are often played inside gourds or bowls for increased resonance.”

According to the website, Kalimba Magic, the kalimba was brought to the western world by an Englishman, Hugh Tracey.  He “fell in love with African music over the course of his 50 year stay in Africa, started a company in the late 1950’s called African Musical Instruments (AMI). AMI began shipping kalimbas with the western “Do-Re-Mi…” scale in the early 1960’s, and now people all over the world are building and playing kalimbas.”

Listen to the kalimba here – it has a very beautiful sound – almost a deeper, more robust version of the harp.  Bidding is now open! Opening bid starts at $14.99 – many kalimbas on the market start at $30 or $40, so this is a great opportunity!

Have you always wanted to try the guitar?  Need a new guitar?  We are featuring a pretty amazing donation on eBay this week – a brand new Gibson Les Paul Studio Cherry Electric Guitar! The guitar also comes with a case and the original books/ CD on guitar repairs and maintenance.

This was posted yesterday and already has 14 bids!  Make sure to get your bid in now – these guitars generally retail for around $800 – with the current bid at $202, this could be a steal!

Each May, communities around the world celebrate Green Commute Week, which is a time to advocate for alternative transportation – walking, biking, taking the bus/train, and carpooling.  As the weather starts to get warm, it is a great opportunity to challenge ourselves – why not make a pledge to carpool or take the bus once a week?  Not only will these small steps reduce our carbon emissions, it also offers a great opportunity for exercise and connection to our communities.

If you are in Maine, check out the Commute Another Way Week website.  It has lots of information on how to commute green, participating employers, and how to get free prizes!

For New Hampshire folks, check out PATH-NH (Program for Alternative Transporation and Health), which is based in Concord.  They are hosting a great week of activities, including a ride with Governor John Lynch this Friday!  Check out the great events happening every day, including bike safety classes, group bike rides, walk to work day, carpooling events, and more.  There are also several businesses in downtown Concord who are offering up free coffee and discounts.  For other statewide opportunities, please the NH Department of Transportation.

Vermont is celebrating “Way to go Vermont” and has a great website listing statewide green commuting events.  There are events happening across the state, as well as countless opportunities to learn more about safe alternative transportation options.

Have a great week of walking, biking, busing, and carpooling!