10 Ways to Reuse Clothes

Posted by Amy Johnson on May 12, 2025February 21, 2025 Posted in Blog Tagged amy johnson, arts and crafts, backpack, blanket, bowl, clothing, crafts, creative reuse, creativity, cultural sustainability, dit, diy, jeans, lamp, maker mama, planter, recycle, reduce, repurpose, reuse, reuse clothes, reuse clothing crafts, rug, san antonio, sweater, thrift store, tshirt, tshirts, upcycle, weaving

I always say that my favorite craft store is the thrift store, and my favorite supply is clothing. You won’t find such colorful material to work with at a better-or greener-price. Here are 10 ways to reuse old clothes.
1. Patchwork Sweater Blanket

Turn a collection of patterned sweaters into a cozy throw.

2. Neon Fabric Coil Bowl

Use t-shirt yarn to make your own storage.

3. T-Shirt Yarn Weaving

Or hanging wall art.

4. Recycled Jeans Planter

Use a pair of old jeans to make these clever planters.

5. T-Shirt Workout Bag

Turn a t-shirt into the perfect carry-all.

6. Braided T-Shirt Rug

Or use a pile of shirts to make a rug.

7. Scarf Camera Strap

Snap photos in style with a one-of-kind camera strap.

8. Cardigan Lampshade

Update an old lamp with a simple cardigan.

9. Restyled Plaid Backpack

Turn a men’s plaid shirt into a backpack.

10. Slasher Scarf

Make a fringed scarf from an old shirt.

I hope you’re inspired to reuse those old clothes and will think twice before tossing them out. For more creative reuse ideas visit me at MakerMama.com.

2015 Fiesta Wreath Exhibition at Carver Cultural Community Center

Posted by mary elizabeth cantu on April 8, 2025April 30, 2025 Posted in Events Tagged art, art education, artist, Carver Cultural Community Center, creative reuse, creativity, cultural sustainability, dit, diy, eric cavazos, event, fiesta, Fiesta 2015, fiesta san antonio, Fiesta Wreaths, Jackson Middle School, Longfellow Middle School, maker mama, Marshall High School, repurpose, reuse, RVK Architects, sustainability, youth

Fiesta Wreaths (April 7-May1, 2015) reflects the vibrant aesthetic of San Antonio’s celebration & tradition while confronting our city’s messy side. Wreaths exhibited are made from creatively reused & beautifully repurposed materials that challenges one’s perspective about what our community consumes then discards.

Spare Parts thanks the creative contribution of the following individuals & groups for making this exhibition possible: Eric Cavazos, Jackson Middle School, Longfellow Middle School, Maker Mama, Marshall High School & RVK Architects.

Proceeds from this exhibition will go directly towards the increase of Spare Parts educational programming in our schools where arts are in need.

For gallery hours and dates click here (free admission).

DIY Fiesta Wreath Cup Activity (see above image)

10 Creative Ways to Reuse with a Laser Cutter

Posted by Amy Johnson on October 19, 2024April 30, 2025 Posted in Blog Tagged 10BitWorks Hackerspace, arted, cardboard, chandelier, clock, corks, creative reuse, decorations, dit, diy, fundraiser, glass, lamp, laser cutter, maker mama, mirror, paper, record, reuse, STEAM, stem to steam, tshirt, upcycle, vinyl

If you thought creative reuse couldn’t be hi-tech, think again! This is Amy from Maker Mama back with 10 ways to reuse with a laser cutter. Don’t have access to a laser cutter? Well you’re in luck, because local hackerspace, 10BitWorks, is raising funds to bring one to their space-and if you donate at the Maker Track level, you can use it, too! Now on to all the awesome things you can create with this snazzy tool:

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