How to make a macro lens from an old slide projector.

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“ADACHI’s self-made instruments are consists of simple electronic circuit, almost case built in tupperware. They never can make precise pitch, but have good sound and noise, easy to operate and carry and worked by battery. Of course the funny and pretty looks are important aspects.”

Tupperware Synthesizers [link][via][via]

I swear, I didn’t see this until I posted yesterday’s post: it’s basically the same thing, but mono (so much for stereo separation anyways), and amplified! I’ll definitely build myself one of these. They’d also make great gifts for guitar playing friends. Refer to yesterday’s project for installing felt in the tin, as it probably helps with the overall sound quality.

Altoids Tin Amplified Mini Speaker [link]

I love just about every project that’s built around the Altoids tins. This one is no exception: mini speakers made of recycled headphones. You could also use those cheap mini-speakers that they sell at your local electronic parts store.

Altoids Tin Mini Speakers [link]

What to do when the global stock of instant film has been depleted? Turn your old Polaroid camera into a web cam! Re-purposing this cultural icon (is it the theme of the week?) is a great idea, bringing this classic design into the 21st century. A great gift idea too.

Long live the Polaroid Webcam [link]

I altered the time stamp so this post shows up yesterday, because I was out having a nice dinner with friends instead of writing this entry. Hope you won’t mind.

Turn that Valentine’s Day candy box into a heart-shaped frame.

Or better yet, make your own valentine’s day chocolates and don’t buy that heart-shaped box in the first place.

Recycled Valentine’s Candy Box Picture Frame [link][via]

While most hardcore bike messengers/couriers are made out of nearly indestructible Cordura®, one can use other recycled materials to build a custom courier bag. You can use the fabric from the vinyl banners that you see at public events (the ones with the moon-shaped cut-outs that let the wind through. Just wait until the event is over and swiftly “borrow” a giant vinyl banner. Cutters will be a must, as those vinyl signs are often fastened using tie-wraps (zip-ties).

Another possibility is using garbage bags, which are welt together using a simple technique that anyone can do at home. I tried the technique demonstrated in Bre Pettis’ Weekend Projects podcast (the second link) and it works out great. Turns out that garbage bags can be turned in a rugged waterproof fabric.

DIY Messenger Bag out of Re-purposed Vinyl Signs [link]

DIY Messenger Bag out of Garbage Bags [link]

Thanks to Bold Lentil for this submission:

« You’ll never look at a screw the same way again. Starting with an
anecdote from a bar in Brazil, this post has a simple DIY to make
your own bottle opener. From there it’s simple to consider how
to fill your world with built in bottle openers and a decent example
of extreme re-use. »

Simple and elegant. There’s no excuse to go thirsty!

World’s simplest bottle opener [link]

This is a great find. I love to drink water and hate having piles of crap everywhere (I really need to clean my office). This upcycling project reuses 2 gallon water jugs and turns them into a brilliant (and modular) storage system.

Modular Storage Bins made from Water Jugs [link]

Yet another project that turns the ubiquitous Altoids Tin box into something useful. In this case, a solar powered cell phone charger. Great idea, and it’s made from old, recycled parts: the solar cell comes from those solar-powered landscaping LED lights that illuminate tree shrubs in front of suburban bungalows at night. Here’s a thought: steal one to make this project. You’ll contribute to reducing light pollution and restoring night to what it should be: darkness.

Maybe you shouldn’t steal a LED landscaping light, but then again, you are ultimately responsible of your actions.
Altoids Tin Solar Cell Phone Charger [link]

Instructions on how to make a nice sleeve for the iPod Nano made from an recycled bicycle inner tube. Simple, functional, elegant.

iPod Nano Case from a Bike Inner-tube [link]