ADVERTISING AFTERLIFE

Things to do with a recycled billboard....

According to statistics, the average human attention span is 8 seconds.  (Assuming that, you are no longer reading, but I shall continue anyway.)  With a maximum word count of 8-10 words, billboard advertisers can get the message across, even when the viewer is in a fast-moving vehicle.  Unfortunately, we are less likely to pay attention to it twice - so that same billboard changes nearly 10 times a month.

So, what happens to them?  They are often sold as heavy duty tarps to cover boats or trailers.  The reseller can't advertise them for their graphic content, so if you buy one, you 'get-what-you-get'.   Since they have only been exposed to the elements for a short while, they are often in excellent condition with  the only signs of wear around the edges where they have been fastened.  The small amount of dirt on the tarp can be easily cleaned off with soapy water.

The vinyl material is strong, tear resistant, and waterproof.  When cut up, the colorful bits and pieces of words and pictures make for some fun repurposed creations.

Here are some of my recycled billboard creations:

1.  Outdoor Bench

I found this Art Deco bronze bench at an antique mart.  The top was upholstered with a very tattered needlepoint.  I removed the seat and gave it a new lease on life.  This fun piece would easily survive outdoors but would also make a cool shoes-on/shoes-off bench for an entry way or bedroom.

2.  Mirror

Done in four sections of vinyl-covered plywood, this mirror is quirky but stylish!

Vintage hinges adorn the seams.

3.  Messenger bags - Here are some of my creations:

Have fun out there.

Peace,
Nancy

IF IT QUACKS LIKE A DUCK.....

Okay, kids, I just visited a blog (which shall remain nameless) about "repurposing".  It is full of dressers which have been repainted, and baskets which have been repainted, and tables which have been repainted.....you get the idea.

NEWS FLASH!!!!  Turning a dresser into a dresser is not "repurposing".

To reclaim:  to rescue from and undesirable state.

So, when you find that nasty old coffee table and you clean it up, sand it, and repaint it so that you have and un-nasty new-appearing coffee table, you have RECLAIMED it.  Bravo!

To recycle:  to convert waste into reusable material or return material to a previous stage in a cyclic process.

Sound complicated?  Well, just picture all of those glass bottles in the landfill being crunched up so their glass molecules can be used again to make new bottles, or even household products such as kitchen tiles and countertops.  Like metals, glass can be recycled endlessly.

To repurpose:  to find another use for an item.

Now, the magic begins.  Found a barn door and turned it into a table?  Voila!  Repurposed.  Took some old factory spools and stacked them to make a way-cool candle holder???  You got it.  Repurposed.  

(yes, repurposing is a form of recycling)

Peace,

N