10 Great Ways To Reuse An Old Belt

By Sayward Rebhal (She writes about remodeling in Portland, decor and green living for Networx)

I don’t know about you, but I seem to be so much more sentimental about my belts (and shoes) than I am about other items of clothing. Perhaps it’s because they get worn much more frequently, and thus accumulate a lot more associated memories. Whatever the reason, I’m almost always able to remain reasonable when it’s time to part ways with a tee shirt or dress. Less so with a good pair of jeans, but I get there. An old favorite belt though? I just have a hard time letting go, even when it’s well past wearable.

Which is exactly why I went hunting for inspiration: ideas of how I could keep my old belts, and use them too. And I found some pretty spectacular ones! Thank you, Internet, for aiding and abetting my inner nostalgic hoarder. I love you.

And now, may I present . . .

1. Turn it into a headband! If your favorite belt has broken in two, never fear. It may be salvageable if you just rework it for wearing at a more northern latitude – namely, your noggin. Check out this great tutorial if you don’t believe me. It’s surprisingly adorable. All you need is some scissors and a short length. A little creativity helps too!

2. If you find yourself stuck in the middle of a plumbing project and you don’t have the right tool for the job, a belt may just be able to save you . . . if the item you need just happens to be a strap wrench. Really!

3. Use a wide belt to display a photo, by cutting it into four sections that fit together like a picture frame. Or, gather up your biggest and bestest belt buckles and create a collection of amazing miniature frames. Spray painting the buckles to match as a set – think black, gold, or lime green – will really enhance the effect.

4. Use a weather worn belt to add flair around the house. The right type will look amazing for hanging a wall clock (cradling it, like a sling), or encircling a decorative basket, or embellishing an ordinary storage box.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Terry V.

1:02PM PST on Jan 6, 2013

noted

January 6
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Emefa D.

11:57AM PDT on Oct 20, 2012

I actually picked up belts over time at the recycle station nearby and I did try the belted chair idea and incorporated neckties that I had also collected (we do not wear them at all but I love the design and make pouches too out of them) They worked well and I just touched up and tightened the seat up this past week from months of wear and tear from the little ones but really it was minimal! it is great to creatively reuse items that we have at home. It feels good to re-purpose and i hope that more people see the logic and inspiration in this and other articles of the kind (pictures DO help!)

October 20
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Miriam I.

11:25AM PDT on Oct 19, 2012

I wish there were pictures of every idea

October 19
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Sheri P.

7:22PM PDT on Sep 13, 2012

cool! i wish there were pics of every idea, though. i especially like the idea to use it to store your kitchen equipment when camping!

September 13
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Kathy P.

9:25AM PDT on Aug 29, 2012

some sound awesome! thanks!

August 29
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Dale O.

8:24AM PDT on Jul 31, 2012

Also great for drying a bunch of catnip with along with many other things, hanging some heavy items from as well.

July 31
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Angel C.

1:28AM PDT on Jul 27, 2012

Thanks for the tips :)

July 27
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Barb H.

7:30AM PDT on Jul 17, 2012

if you enough belts for a chair project, you actually have a serious shopping problem. i'm also wondering how many of those suggestions were put into use. some seemed a bit of a stretch.