Momster

There’s something about the start of summer vacation (which officially started in my household today) that drives me to purge my son’s room of everything outgrown. But sometimes there are things he’s not quite ready to part with but doesn’t really play with either. For those, I’d like to come up with solutions more creative than housing them in bins to gather dust. And sometimes I’m the problem – I just can’t bear to part with a toy or piece of clothing because it reminds me of how quickly he’s growing up, and I’m not so eager to throw away all vestiges of his early childhood. Which is why I like this collection of simple ideas for repurposing the odds and ends of a child’s life. They’re a good reason to hang on to the outgrown just a little longer.

Sure, you can repurpose household jars to hold art supplies and call it a day, but why not take it up a notch with these plastic animal toppers? House to Home

I have a stack of tiny tees that I can’t quite bear to part with (partially because my son wore them a lot, partially because I love their graphics). This is an easy, decorative solution for clothing that’s on its way out. (I bet this would work with small canvases as well.) Betz White

I’ve seen quilts made from pieces of kid’s clothing and I love the concept, but I’m guessing it’s never going to happen in my household. But pillow covers seem more doable and you can create them from your own clothing as well. Apartment Therapy

A well loved truck gets a new life and purpose corralling books. Petits Details

Flashcards take a sophisticated turn when they’re grouped and framed. You could take a similar approach with orphaned game pieces and boards.  Chez Larsson

This project takes a bit more skill and time, but I’m crazy about the results. I’d use these stitched art fabric buckets all over the house. Ikatbag

Instead of mounting animal pieces onto jar tops, why not mount them to wooden plaques (found at craft stores)? Then you have extra hooks for your child’s room. Please Note

Favorite cars take on a new life in this whimsical monogrammed artwork. Design Dazzle

Suzonne Stirling is a professional crafter, wife and mom based in New Orleans. She regularly writes about crafts for FamilyCircle.com, and blogs at Urban Comfort, as well as here on Momster.com.

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