Repurpose vintage items

Vintage items can be repurposed in your home. Old wooden highchairs, ladders or ironing boards can hold books. Old double kitchen sinks can become raised beds in your garden. Collectible tumblers and vases can hold a variety of items such as tooth, hair or paintbrushes, combs or pens. Vintage long and low ceramic planters can hold sponges, soaps, teas, washcloths, loose change or keys, too. The first three reader tips share ideas for repurposing more vintage items.

Today I was truly inspired. At Goodwill, I found a brand new enamelware coffeepot that holds about a quart. I had decided I wanted a second sprouter for mung beans so was on the hunt for something suitable, and it occurred to me the coffee pot should be perfect. Not only will it work as a sprouter, and the spout will be handy for rinsing and draining, but it matches the new color scheme of our kitchen (blue) and also the glass soap dispenser that looks like a little blue enamelware coffee pot. I bought an antique colander, black speckled granite, that was missing the feet for a quarter. I use it to hold my onions on my microwave cart. They get plenty of air circulation plus it looks cute! I used a large enamel pan to hold my potatoes (about 10 pounds will fit in it). It is red/white swirl granite so it looks cute in the kitchen too. — SueAnne, e-mail

Note from Sara: A vintage coffee or teapot or colander (hanging or tabletop) can be used as an indoor or outdoor planter, too.

Before placing the potting soil in the container (and after the container has been washed and bleached with a 5 percent bleach solution to kill any lingering fungus, virus or bacteria) line the container’s interior with bubble pack. This helps shield the plants’ roots from the summer heat. How? The bubble pack provides an extra layer of insulation that keeps the soil from absorbing the heat from the container’s walls. In our Oklahoma heat, that is very important! It also helps to mix into your potting soil a measure of granulated, slow-release fertilizer as well as composted manure to add nitrogen to the container’s soil. Doing this now will help cut down on the amount of fertilizer you will need to apply all summer long to keep your plants healthy. Finally, to save money on potting soil: If you have a large container, say 18-inches tall or more, and want to cut down on the amount of potting soil it takes to fill the container, first put a layer or two of empty plastic water bottles with lids on in the bottom of the container. This takes up space, won’t deteriorate, and is easy to separate from the depleted potting soil at the end of your growing season.

Garden Decor – Cast Iron Plant Stands – Antique and Victorian ...

Solid iron stands for plants are durable and can transform a plain flower display into a wonderful showcase for your indoor and outdoor plants and flowers.

Outdoor stands for your plant are a timeless addition to any home. Cast iron plant holders and stands are very useful to create a focal point in your flower display while keeping flower pots off the floor. The intricate patterns and designs add extra elegance to any room. These types of stands for plants come in a variety of traditional colors including Black, Rust, Green and Antique White. The aged finishes allow plant stands to be incorporated into your current design theme without overpowering the flowers and plants it displays.

Cast iron stands for plants are produced today – allowing you to easily introduce them into your home or garden. Available in single layer and tiered construction, cast iron plant stands are a simple way to update any room. Whether you are using your stand inside your home or in your garden make sure there is a level surface for it to stand on to ensure your new stand and flowers cannot be knocked over. Plant stands can be used for small potted plants or large planters.

Cast iron stands are readily available online as well as in many home decorating catalogs. Search for solid iron construction and be sure to ask questions. When you introduce plant stands into your home you can be sure the elegant patterns and subtle finishes will add new vibrancy to any decorating style.

These cast iron plant stands are available online through LookInTheAttic & Company and they offer free design assistance and help.

Kohn Coleman born in Michigan – received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2000. He is president of LookInTheAttic & Company online at http://www.LookInTheAttic.com and authors numerous articles and publications on historical architecture.

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