Since April is Earth Month, I wanted to come up with a simple “upcycle” idea using an item readily available at Goodwill. I tend to create more girly things than masculine ones, so I decided to make something for men.

You can always find a stash of ties at Goodwill. In fact, why buy one at other retail stores when you can get a good deal on a practically brand new tie?

Cut off the ends and it becomes an iPhone and iPod pocket. 

Measure the wide end of the tie about an inch longer than the phone. Turn it inside out and sew the opening by machine or hand.

Then flip the “point” over to close the pouch. I added a button with a buttonhole, but you could add a fake button over a snap or Velcro closure.

Don’t waste the other end. Cut off a length, sew up the end and you have a simple bookmark. I added a button to the pointy end. A tie tack or pin would work too.

Update a pillow with tie ties! Wrap one around a pillow, pull tight and tie in the back. Or wrap it like a package. Hold in place with a few stitches. Add buttons to dress it up even more.

They would be perfect for napkin rings at a Father’s Day dinner too.