Turn old items laying around into something practical, useful

You can use postcards to make a decorative statement on your walls — and to show off those places that mean something special to you. 

By Samantha Skipper

The following ideas use objects that are easy to find. In fact, many students already have them in their dorms or apartments.

Collages

Collages are simple and can be made from nearly anything, including old maps, brochures and magazines. This one is made of paper lace scraps and National Geographic volume 174.

Old board games

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These boards are my favorite because you can do so much with them. I got this board for one dollar at the I.D.E.A. Store at 28 E. Springfield Ave., Champaign.

Make your own by using a piece of wood or cork board and some nails or tacks. You can hang everything from keys to jewelry on the nails. Add pieces of old board games for a unique touch.

Coasters

These are made of rubber tile scraps and buttons, but you can also use wood, cork board, cement or tiles. If you don’t want to add some type of epoxy or decoupage, just decorate along the sides of the tile so a cup will lay flat.

Bottle caps

You can always add some bottle caps to the edges of various pieces, such as picture frames, to give them a new, fun look. They come in all different colors and styles for a variety of tastes.

Postcards

To make a postcard chain, add some postcards to paper backings in a long chain.

You can also use pictures from old calendars as posters.

Whether your projects involve turning items into useful or decorative pieces, you can be creative with everyday objects.

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