If you’re an avid do-it-yourself crafter, you likely are always on the lookout for new and unusual materials to make your projects truly unique. At the same time, you want to ensure that the materials you select are easy and safe to use so that you achieve a quality finished product. To help you achieve a new depth of craftsmanship, here are three unusual materials you can incorporate in your DIY ideas.
Trash
The saying that “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” can ring true for you as a do-it-yourselfer. Not that you should necessarily dig through other people’s trash to find what you need, but that you can re-purpose your own trash to make something incredible. Whether it’s a glass jar that’s transformed into a light fixture or some old twine that’s transformed into a breathtaking picture frame, you’d be surprised at the versatility of items that were destined for the landfill.
Casting Materials
In the past, you may have avoided using casting materials in your DIY projects because of the impression that the use of casting should be left to the professionals. However, with patience and care, casting materials can be as easy to use as any other material. This can open up a whole new world for your DIY projects, as you can begin to make molds that allow you to form just about any shape. With these molds, then, you can cast items, using materials such as polyurethane that will be completely unique and long-lasting.
Car Parts
Old car parts can often be obtained fairly inexpensively through local junkyards. Though they may seem intimidating at first, car parts can be used in a variety of creative ways. Whether it’s something less obvious, such as an old tire turned into a planter, or something more straightforward, such as a memento for a car enthusiast made from a piece of their favorite car, car parts can truly help transform your creativity. A simple word of caution is to ensure that you follow all local laws regarding proper disposal of excess materials since many car parts are heavily regulated, given their potentially hazardous nature.
Unlimited Potential
To help broaden your horizons of creativity, it’s important to shift your perception of materials that can and can’t be used. Instead of looking at something and asking, “why should I use this material?” look at a particular material and ask, “Is there anything keeping me from using this material?” By assuming that every material is able to be used in your do-it-yourself projects, you will quickly find that the world is full of possibilities.
Author Bio
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan