As promised in the last issue I took on a few projects from "Rubbish: Reuse Your Refuse," a new how-to from Broad Ripple book writer Kate Shoup. The book helps you turn junk into jewelry and house-spares into housewares. No, this wasn't part of the Gazelle's April Fool's joke. But it does make a nice riddle. "What's green in content and in color?" This book is colorfully conscious from cover to cover and with its March 31st release date it's out just in time for Earth Day.

I started off with the "Turn Me On" light switch cover. This project uses a trashy novel to brighten the room. First I thumbed through Goodwill's paperback paradise for a steamy scene. For 69 cents a piece I couldn't pass up stashing a few for future reference. Don't worry, there's about 2,000 more for you to chose from. Next I jogged across the street to Lowe's for 34 cent switch plates. The directions call for a constructed cardboard cover but I got special permission from Kate to splurge on the plastic. This project could easily be modified for the kiddie crowd by using a favorite photo print or bygone book. Obviously, you'd want to use a paper good you won't feel bad about repurposing.

Next I got tied up with "Cuff Daddy," a cute cuff bracelet made from dad's discarded duds. This is not your father's necktie. (Well actually it is.) With a tie tail, a button, and a few quick stitches your wrist will soon be putting on the Ritz. I chose a simple blue and white polka dot tie and grey button but the color combinations are endless. Again, Goodwill had a good selection of ties for $1.99 or you could always don one of dear old dad's. With Father's Day coming up he'll never miss it. To fashion a manlier motif you can use a cuff link or tie tack as a closure.

As for Kate, when pressed for a favorite "Rubbish" refurbish she said, "I'm pretty partial to the pendant that's crafted from an old license plate." You can spot her around the Ripple with her "K" chain most days. The book features ideas from many artists including a few found right here at the Broad Ripple Art Fair. " I was already very attuned to crafting because of other books I'd worked on, and then began to notice some wonderful pieces by some very clever people that involved very unusual materials," comments Kate. In addition to "Rubbish" she's written two additional craft books, "Not Your Mama's Beading" and "Not Your Mama's Stitching." All of which can be found at www.amazon.com.