Potential Magazine Fall 2015 - Alabama Edition | Page 28
Transform everyday objects and discarded
items into the things you need (and want!) for
your study space. By “upcycling” everything
from old windows to vintage glass jars, you
can create a unique look, save money and help
protect the environment by repurposing items
instead of adding them to our already crowded
landfills. It’s a win-win-win!
Going Up
Raise your style savvy and take steps to increase your storage with
this easy DIY bookshelf. Peruse antique shops and flea markets
for a wooden ladder. Place a board the same width of each step
across each step. Give it all a fresh coat of paint in any hue that fits
you, and you’ve got an open, airy shelf set.
Fresh Take
A forgotten drawer becomes a functional bookshelf when you
look at it in a new way. Simply stand it on its end. Consider
painting the bottom of the drawer (now the back of your shelf) a
different but coordinating color to add some extra personality.
Get the Blues
An iconic Southern item, the Mason jar is good for holding much
more than jams and pickles. Fill them with paper clips, pencils
and pens and some treats, like Smarties. We love these bright blue
ones!
Paint Power
Every space needs a few books. While we wouldn’t suggest doing
this with your favorite tomes, a coat of bright paint can turn random titles with bland or dark and dreary covers into pretty points
of interest for your brand new shelves.
Window Week
An old paned window makes a perfect weekly planner. Place any
patterned paper (or different papers) you like on the backside
using tape. (Try scrapbook papers, wrapping paper, etc.). You can
write on the glass with dry erase markers and/or add stickers,
sticky notes and more to keep you on track.
28
www.potentialmagazine.com