Here are just two of the many projects that began with treasures found at the Mission and The Red Door. Donna, our assistant director, collected some broken and odd pieces of jewelry found in our jewelry grab bags, as well as, game pieces from different board games to create an eclectic and beautiful mirror. It is a must try project for anyone who loved I spy as a kid.
Lately, I have been busy working on a new quilt idea encourage by the Mission. I love sweat shirts especially in the winter and fall. I just wish there was a big sweat shirts you could snuggle up with. To make that cozy dream come true I decide to make a quilt out of old sweat shirts I found at the Mission. I did the quilt in a rag style so that each time it got washed it becomes even softer, I suggest this project for anyone with a love for sewing and being cozy. If you have been working on a creation using Mission or Red Door finds we would love to see them please feel free to show them off in the comment section of the blog.
Repurposing is great because it encourages you to see something for more than just its face value, instead you have to look further and see it for its potential. At the Tioga County Open Door Mission, we also believe in this mindset when it coming to people. We have seen too many wonderful, valuable people be ignored or forgotten, because maybe they did not come in a shiny package, maybe they were tired, dirty or worn down instead. We at the Mission see how people just like many other treasures with love, support and encouragement can be recognized for their true potential.
Next time you are working on a new repurposing project remember to carry that mindset in all as aspects of your life. Maybe that mean reaching out to someone in your life you maybe had given up on or forgotten about, or maybe next time you pass someone on the street you take the time to recognize something beautiful about them rather than seek out an opportunity to judge them. Try keeping this idea in mind, you will be surprised at all the beauty you can find around you.