Reusing shoelaces: interesting, useful, creative recycling ideas
Designed to keep our shoes firmly and comfortably on our feet, shoelaces can be used for a lot more than their primary purpose!
So, when it's time to toss out worn-out shoes, hang on to the laces - they could always come in handy!
From tools to help take care for your plants to decorative elements, from support braces for small objects to unique toys and even jewelry: there are a bunch of projects you can undertake using recycled shoelaces.
1. Creative gardening - hanging planter
Tutorial via Old2koolnew/YouTube
Gardening is one of the areas that can benefit from the creative recycling of shoelaces: how about, for example, making a hanging planter for your houseplants?
There are several projects you can choose from - from the simplest and quickest to more elaborate ones making true "works of art" using macramé. You can easily find tutorials online on how to do this.
2. Automatic watering system
Tutorial via TreeMentor/YouTube
Shoelaces can also be used when you have to go away for a few days and you want to make an automatic watering system for your houseplants.
You just need to place one end of a shoelace into a container full of water and insert the other end into the soil of a potted plant: this will keep the soil nice and moist until you return.
3. Plant support
Tutorial via homesteadandchill.com
How many times have you found yourself needing to provide supports for your tall plants? Shoelaces are the perfect solution for tying plants to vertical supports and can also be used to set up DIY trellises for your climbing plants.
4. DIY Shelves
Send_More_Bears/Reddit
The standard strength of shoelaces also makes them eminently suitable for holding up simple, DIY shelves to support plants or display small, decorative ornaments indoors. And how about using an old skateboard for the shelf itself?
5. Accessories and toys
kyon_designer/Reddit
With old shoelaces, you can also make cute jewelry and toys for your pets:
- How about a cute and handy neck cord for your sun glasses?
- Alternatively, you can use them as original hair bands/ties;
- Or, make entertaining, fun toys for your cats to chase!
6. Jewelry
With a little effort, you can make jewelry and other accessories by braiding your old shoelaces. Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, key rings and more: there are so many handy accessories you can make with shoelaces for near-zero cost!
What other projects do you know of that use shoelaces?
