V Goddess of Garbage, Carol A. Tanzi

TIPS ARCHIVE


 

If you missed any of the Goddess of Garbage's past hot tips of the month, this is the place to catch up. Here are just a few of Carol Tanzi's favorite ideas for turning dumpster finds into "recyclized" treasures. We will be adding many more soon!

Unique and Elegant Home Accessories and Gifts
These easy-to-make treasures include step-by-step instructions.

See also Fabulous Design Projects for Holidays and Celebrations


THE HOT TIP FOR MAY

M & M's for MOM -- MAYPOLES AND MAYFLOWERS

 
A colorful tabletop accessory that's easy for kids to make for Mom. A cottage cheese container, covered cardboard fax dowels, some ground cover, ribbons, covered matchbook boxes and charms transform into a great cache pot that Mom will love.
See it here!


THE GREEN GARDEN NAPKIN RINGS

 
Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" All your guests will agree when they see these Mother and Baby Bird napkin rings, sitting on your table.
See it here!

THE KITCHEN KATCHALL

 
Create an attractive container to keep those oft-used kitchen items handy.
See it here!

THE MAD MATTER

 
Make your own place mats for that special dinner party. What could be easier, more personal, and fun?
See it here!

WOOFY THE WHIMSICAL BOW-WOW

 
How much is that doggie in the window? The doggie in the photograph is practically for free. "Woofy," the Bow Wow, will attract children and adults alike. This household pet comes with no dirt or responsibility.
See it here!

WADSWORTH'S OCCASIONAL TABLE

 
Need a small table near that chair? Create one with a surprise secret storage box where you can stash your stuff that sits under your stacked books and acts as a mini table.
See it here!

SEE: INSIDE THE BOX

 
A box of candy (See's candy is my favorite) is always a great gift for any occasion. What about a box of candy with its own custom-designed tray?
See it here!

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND

 
Diamonds are forever! Or so they say. The glamorous Goddess of Garbage's birthstone is the diamond, so it seemed appropriate to title her pillow, "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend."
See it here!

BAMBOO STICKS

 
A sophisticated container for your creative flower/foliage arrangement that you collect from your garden. Be sure to save one pound coffee cans and bamboo cuttings for a chic cachepot (vase) for your table or mantle.
See it here!

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO

 
A recyclized, hinged double frame is the perfect keepsake. An empty ALTOIDS tin becomes the frame. A little spray paint, ribbon, mini pearls and photos of your sweetheart make a whimsical, romantic memory for your desk or bedside table.
See it here!

IT'S PANDORA'S BOX

 

A festive, functional storage box made from used Styrofoam will please anyone for any occasion.
See it here!


THE EYE OF MOTHER NATURE

 

Whether you meditate or not, this zen-like flower arrangement will create a focal point and serene spot in any home or office setting, blending nature with the mind.
See it here!


GREEN GLOBAL VASE

 

Think international and go around the globe with this unusual vase full of greens. A crisp, clean look for a table decoration.
See it here!


ROUTE 66 NOT TAKEN

 

These wheels don't need a chassis to hit the highway. Just roll them into your home and use for extra seating in the den, office or sitting room. What a ride!
See it here!


"EYE CATCHING" MIRROR

 

Look into the "eye of the mirror" to catch a glimpse of reflecting sunlight or the rainbow reflection of a crystal from the pinhole concentric circular mirror.
See it here!


CANDLELIGHT SPLENDOR!

 

Jack jumped over the candlestick; Jill danced around hers; You can shine with yours! Grace your home with a pair of elegant gold leaf candlesticks suitable for any memorable occasion. See it here!
See it here!


LET'S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT

 

Can't find a place for that special collectible, put it on display in this one-of-a-kind shadowbox that reflects your own style and memories. Something to talk about and savor for a lifetime!
See it here!


PRETTY PAPER PRINTS

 

Unusual wall decorations to display over a chest or table. . . pairs of paper print cut-outs of antique tins or old fruit crate labels arranged in a collectible fashion.
See it here!


BACK TO SCHOOL: THE DESK COMBO CADDY

 

Carol turns "recyclized" materials into functional and attractive desk caddies that can be personalized for every member of the family. Just save those old tin cans and get ready to have some fun!
See it here!


ARE YOU BEING SERVED?
 
Don't waste your money buying out of flashy catalogs when you can do it better together! Imagine a "Breakfast in Bed" tray made from an old wooden picture frame. Create your own collage to insert between the glass and backing (foamcore) and add handles.
See it here!

THE SHOW OFFS

 

Exhibit your favorite collectibles on these unique mini pedestals. They can be grouped together to "show off" your small objects d'art in an unusual and dazzling display.
See it here!


FENG SHUI -- IN A BIG WAY

Feng Shui is the Chinese art of designing a harmonious environment using placement and arrangement to achieve a oneness with nature. Mysterious power of reflection reveals a parallel world beyond the surface in this mirror. Hang it to encourage the flow of beneficial chi (energy) around a room or employ to deflect harmful sha back to its source.
See it here!

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Fabulous Design Projects for Holidays and Celebrations
The Goddess shows you how!

POP GOES THE NEW YEAR!

A cracker without a pop, but still creates a big bang. A perfect party favor for the New Year! Toilet paper tubes, crepe paper, gold ribbon and doilies transform into a fun, colorful attraction on your table, with a surprise party favor inside.
See it here!

HEART TO HEART

A Valentine's Day celebration will be more lovable with a set of these one-of-a-kind napkin rings. Whether it's a heart-to-heart with your sweetie over an intimate dinner at home or a festive dinner party for cherished friends, everyone will know you are a romantic at heart with your own Valentine creation.
See it here!
 

WEE WORDS FROM A LEPRECHAUN

A decoration for your desk is a celebration of St. Patrick's Day. A rock, ribbon, gold coin, a shamrock and a handmade scroll makes a "green" paper weight that lets you kiss the Blarney Stone everyday. According to legend, the kissing of the Blarney Stone brings the gift of persuasive eloquence.
See it here!

THE MAD HATTER

 

Welcome family and friends with an old straw hat dressed in ribbon, bunnies, flowers and veggies. Accent with a large bow. Hang on your front door and welcome Spring in style!
See it here!


"MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL . . ."
PERSONALIZED YET ELEGANT WEDDING GIFT

 

A beautiful hanging mirror made from geometric, molded Styrofoam (the protective covers on stereo equipment) decorated with crumpled white tissue paper, faux finished in silver and gold.
See it here!


UNFORGETTABLE -- A BRIDAL BOX

Forget about messy scrapbooks; make a beautiful bridal box to store magic moments from a sheet cake bakery box. Lace, braid, photos, invitations and a pressed flower from the bridal bouquet are the ingredients to make a lasting memory of your special day.
See it here!

RECYCLIZED HALLOWEEN COSTUME - BAG A DRESS

 

No "Bag Lady" ever looked this good! Check out this fabulously stylish "bag dress".
Caution: You'll never again be able to use the excuse, "I have nothing to wear!"
See it here!


HOLIDAY DINING AT ITS BEST

 

Move your chair closer to a one-of-a-kind dining room table - one made from dumpster finds and salvage yards. Now sit down and enjoy a delicious holiday meal with your friends and family.
See it here!

 

THANKSGIVING FEAST: RINGS AROUND THE TABLE

Even the Pilgrims would envy a Thanksgiving table setting adorned with The Goddess' festive napkin rings. Decorated with autumn leaves and acorns, your guests will never know the design started from recycled toilet paper tubes!
See it here!

THE CIRCLE OF LIGHT

 

Lights on, lights off, it doesn't matter when you have a collection of all different size light bulbs to create a bright and cheery holiday wreath.
See it here!


HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING:WIRED FOR LIGHT

 

"The "shining star" of Holiday dining, this festive table ornament accented with old fashioned Christmas tree lights and a beautiful scented candle, will be an "electrifying" conversation piece for years to come.
See it here!