There are lots of useful items that you can make out of old tyres. Tyre swings, planters, houses, art or even religious icons. Here’s an idea of how to upcycle old tyres that’s as old as, well, as old as the tyre itself. People have been walking all over Africa in car tyre sandals for generations, like the old African woman immortalised in Johnny Clegg’s Mama Shabalala who “…picks up her walking stick and puts on her car-tyre shoes”.

How about having a go at making your own?

There are full instructions on how to make these cool tyre flip-flops (see picture) over at the Instructables site. All it takes is an old tyre, some old carpet, old plastic shopping bags, and some shoe glue.

Or try making this slightly more sophisticated pair of walking sandals.

Washing machine drums are interesting looking pieces of equipment, but what are they good for once your washing machine has spun its last cycle? Well, quite a number of things. I’ve seen them used as planters, made into gorgeous glowing tables,and now esprit cabane has made one into a very stylish ottoman on wheels, with full instructions.

Can you think of anything else you can make with an old washing machine drum? Suggestions in comments please.

drum ottoman [esprit cabane]

Photograph by Sister72

Valentine’s Day. It can put quite a bit of pressure on a girl (or a guy) to live up to their partner’s romantic expectations. Cards, gifts, nights out… What’s expected and what’s too much? This year, I’m going to plead “green” and make it a DIY Valentine’s Day. Nothing bought, well nothing other than some organic food, and no commercial extravaganza pandered to.

I’m not quite sure what I’ll go with on the day, but here are some of my ideas for romantic gestures that don’t cost the earth.

The Caring Gesture
Nothing says “I love you” like a cup on tea in bed in the morning. My darling is up first in the morning and so I’m hoping that I’ll be sitting up in bed drinking lovely organic rooibos tea as Valentine’s Day dawns. My romantic gesture to him will be to get up straight after my cup of tea to cook him a lovely breakfast before he heads off to work.

The Crafty Gesture
Make something yourself to really put meaning into your gift. It’s easy to stop by the shop and buy a Valentine’s card and a bunch of flowers. It takes a lot more effort to make something individual and personal for your lover. I think that this Glass Bottle Oil Lamp (full details of how to make at Instructables) would make a great gift and would look perfect on the table at our Valentine’s Day meal.

The Earthy Gesture
I always prefer a living plant to a bunch of cut flowers. Here’s an idea for giving your beloved a tiny living reminder of your love to keep on the fridge door. Make a small magnetic plant pot from an old credit card and plant it with something small, like chickweed, from your garden, or your local park. Instructables tells you how to do this.
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