I’ve got water on my brain. See my poll way down there? Keep going. Yup. There. The one about water. I have gone from thinking about lead in my dinnerware to thinking about the water in my kid’s cups.

I am not trying to turn into an alarmist, I just want to know what you all think.

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When my son’s flying kitty toy broke within the first few hours of him receiving it, he was devastated. I was too, the toys was so cool and cute! Then I got thinking, (which can be dangerous- valentines anyone?) the boys need a new light in their room…

With the help of hubby, we took the flying toy apart and removed the motor and wires. Then it sat on my craft table and collected dust.

Finally I got my act together and found an appropriately sized table lamp at a local thrift store. The lamp absolutely reeked of fast food grease, but only cost me $2.00 and worked. The base was in rough condition and the stuffed bear that was attached to it was just disgusting. Nothing a little cleaning and tlc couldn’t fix, though.

The first thing I ripped apart was the bear, which I suspected to be the cause of the McDonald’s smell. Boy was I right! I couldn’t wash my hands enough after handling that thing!

Next, I sanded down the base and painted it with some leftover blue paint I had kicking around. I also decided to paint the lamp shade that came with the lamp. The shade didn’t match the lamp and looked brand new. I am thinking the thrift shop may have added that after the lamp arrived in the store.

Lastly, I hot! glued! the kitty toy around the body of the lamp. All my fingers and limbs remain intact, thank you for asking. I put it all together, and Ta-dah!

The only thing I need to fix is the light bulb to shade ratio. The problem being my CFL bulb sticks over the top of the shade a bit and that bothers me. I am going to shop around and see if I can get a riser insert for the shade to lift it up a bit.

My boys love it and the whole thing cost me $2.00 plus a broken toy. Every item used was in someway recycled. I would love to hear some inspiring ideas on things that you all have recycled and reused to create something new…

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