Crib Springs Repurposed

When our two year old was a baby, we had a crib donated to us, since his big sister was still in her crib.We moved it across country and into two or three different bedrooms, and you guessed it, it got a lot of wear.

The other day, I heard him calling "I broked it!" from his bedroom. Sure enough, the side rail had popped out and the whole bed was wigglier then ever.

We decided it was high time that white crib retired. My husband tore it apart and hauled it out piece by piece. 

Then I saw it. The metal spring "matress box" leaning against the wall. I knew exactly where that thing needed to go next. It hadn't breathed its last after all.

Our apartment dates back to the 1700s. There are no closets, but plenty of 'hat racks' on the walls. 

                                    

That metal frame would be PERFECT for hanging clothing on! So I popped it on the hat rack hooks in Kobe's room and I did a happy dance!

                                     

                                       

                                     

                                      

It works perfectly! I'm considering spray painting it yet....but for now, it is living its second life very well!

I'm thinking of all kinds of fun things I could use it for! A craft caddy hanger, a greenery support suspended from the ceiling, a scarf rack, even a pot n pan rack in the kitchen. 

                                                                      Any other ideas? :)

Dryer Sheet Substitute

You know how those fluffy dryer sheets are constantly floating around on wash day? I'm usually in a hurry when I grab clothes out of the dryer. By the end of the week, my laundry floor has old dryer sheets hiding in all kinds of unlikely places. 

      But I just can't do without them.  I hate static even worse then old dryer sheets. Not to mention that electrical shock that follows you everywhere. It is plain misery.

       Oh! And the cost.... Cheap brands and I don't get along too well when it comes to these little scraps of magic. I shell out the big bucks when it comes to fabric sheets.

I stumbled across this idea one day and I have been thrilled ever since!

                                

        All you need is smallish sponges, fabric softener, water, and an air tight container.

These are the sponges I use. 

                               

Bright. Inexpensive. Great size.

Mix together your favorite fabric softener with tap water. To be honest, I don't have an exact measurement for you here. I started with about half fabric softener and half water, but have cut way back on my fabric softener with great results. Depending on what size cap and brand of softener you have , you may need to experiment a bit. I usually use approximately one cap full of fabric softener to 4-6 cups of water. Often, it's more like a pour of fabric softener into my little pail of water :)

Throw in your sponges.

                               

Congrats! You have dryer sheets.  Just give them a bit of squeeze after they are nice and soaky wet, toss them into your dryer, and you're  good to go. They come out looking like prunes, but hey...throw them back in your bucket and their transformation will begin. Ready for round two :)

Be sure you've got a good tight lid for your container. I use a little empty ice cream bucket from our favorite local creamery.

                               

Enjoy your dryer sheet free laundry floor :)