Recycle, eh

Lie Like a Rug - Recycling Linoleum Tiles

You might not think of linoleum flooring as a particularly easy material to work with in a creative or artistic sense, but there are folks out there who view this as a great medium and create neat stuff using it. If you don't have a few tiles left over from a home renovation project, ask your neighbours.

Or, just like carpet samples, you can get free linoleum samples and tiles anywhere flooring supplies are sold: building stores (like Rona or Home Depot), department stores that have a flooring section, and stores that specialize only on flooring. Or as a potential customer, stores or online suppliers will often provide you with free samples.

Here's an example of what you can make with those old tiles. These area rugs can be as large or small depending on how many tiles you have on hand.

Unfortunately I lost the information about who the artist is for making the above linoleum rug but it's a really effective way to reuse unused tiles. Use quilt patterns to inspire you to create a similar area rug. Most quilting books also show you how to make a pattern so head for your local library for books on quilting. And no sewing involved--you just need to glue the blocks to a backing of some kind.

Once you've figured out how to make the pattern, you'll need back material, carpet edging, and double sided tape. Experiment with a few small scraps before attempting the real thing. Here are my instructions on how to make this rug. Good luck.

Top image Keestra

Other image from files

To get your hands on some free carpet tiles and samples for your craft or decor projects, head straight to your local building, department stores (that also sell flooring and carpets), and, of course, carpet and flooring shops to get your hands on their samples. Carpet samples have a longer shelf life than, say, fabric or wallpaper, but even flooring fashion changes and if you're diligent, you can pick up some free of charge. 

If you're lucky, it's possible that you could also pick up some larger outdated remnants. These can be used anywhere you need a bit of carpet protection, such as the mud room, front door, etc. 

No such resources in your area? No problem, you can always get a few free ones online (but you may have to pay postage) as a potential customer.

So what does one do with a bunch of old carpet samples? Well, take a peek at what the winners of Ample Sample's carpet sample contest did with carpet samples for that site's annual contest. I'll guarantee you'll be green with envy and you'll never look at carpets the same way again. 

Loving the carpet slippers!!

And the mailbox is kinda of nifty, don't you think? Best part, you can download instructions for all the winning projects to make your own!!

Images Ample Sample