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DCL
Closets are home to many once-loved items that are little more than dust-collectors. I have all kinds of belts, but I generally wear one regularly, while the rest hang there, just waiting to be worn. So I decided it was time to accept it: I have belts that I'll probably never wear?but what to do with them?
Junking them is out of the question. While I'm starting to green my wardrobe, I have acquired belts that are, shall we say, not quite vegetarian—meaning they probably won't do the earth any good as they break down in a landfill over the next thousand years. And I'd be shocked to find out my cotton and leather belts are organic.
Giving my belts away seems like the obvious solution, but for some reason, I can't make myself do it. I'll think 'One day I'll want to wear this yellow patent belt,' and just like that, it goes back in the closet. Of course a lot of my belts have some sentimental value, so I couldn't give those ones up.
In the end I decided the only solution would be to come up with new uses for my old belts. Here are the top DIY repurposed belt projects from NaturallySavvy.
1. Take some inspiration from the '80s and make a belt headband. There are two options. Option 1: Fasten the belt and then glue it to a headband form, with the buckle centered or off-center. Cut off the excess belt. Option 2: For an edgier look, leave half of the headband visible and glue the unbuckled belt (starting with the buckle centered at the top) onto the other half.
2. A belt makes for a stunning picture hanger. Strong magnets will hold pictures in place along the length of any belt made from thin material, but if you're working with a thick leather or woven belt, use clips from a craft store to secure pictures to the length of the belt. If you're using magnets, hang the belt vertically, securing it only at the top so you can get full access to the back.
3. Add a belt to a basket or storage box for instant flare. Simply secure a belt around the perimeter of the basket or box to add interest to an otherwise plain home accessory. If you want to keep the belt from shifting, a few dabs of glue will help.
4. Keep items handy with an organizer belt. Slide some S-hooks into the belt holes and glue a strong magnet to a portion of the back of the belt, then attach it to a wall or the bottom edge of a whiteboard or a bulletin board with screws for an industrial look. Use small, powerful magnets to secure messages and notes to the front and hang keys, scarves or other small items from the hooks.
5. If you love your belts just as they are and want to be able to use them again in the future (just in case!), consider hanging several belts on a wall as art. The options are endless, so have fun staggering, aligning and crisscrossing until you're happy with the visual effect. Just be sure to attach the belts to the wall or a frame using clear rubber bands or clips that won't damage the belts.
