095 - Re-use

1. Frugality Dawn at Frugal for Life was nice enough to link to me today, so I'll return the favor (even though that eliminates her blog as a source from which to steal links.) I guess this is a good day to show off some ideas for being frugal.

2. Contracting Containers Don't waste a lot of money on "real" shrinky-dinks. Just cut and draw on #6 plastic and put it in the oven for a few minutes. I've used this technique for making jewelry. Rough up one side with some fine steel-wool and you can try running the plastic sheets through your inkjet printer.

3. Paper Making This isn't the exact method I use for handmaking paper, but it should work. It is a great use of all the junk mail and pre-approved credit card applications I get in the mail every freaking day.

4. Screen Saver Why buy commercial screen protectors for your cell phones, mp3 players and cameras when you already have the ingredients for making your own at home; packing tape, soap and water.

5. Digital Delinquents Many convenience stores sell "disposable" digital cameras, both still and video. With a little hacking, these can become reusable. If you use a disposable 35mm camera, remember to remove the free AA batteries before turning it in for processing.