Some see repair as a way of reconnecting with our possessions as we extend their lives. Others see it as a form of creative potential and an avenue to express their craft. The rewards for mending varies from feeling immense satisfaction to prolonging the life of the product. Follow the “Making Good” blog train this month and see what we have repaired and reconnected with. Have you mended anything today?
Taking on the Challenge!
I usually repair a lot of textile related possessions and have featured several on my Fix It Friday series. I love how you can create a piece of art when you mend a garment. However, when it comes to the techie fixes, or anything that uses anything from the tool box, I usually leave them to my husband. But not today, I'm trying something different. I have decided to tackle a non-textile related fix.
My Jug
So this is my Tupperware water jug that has been in my family since I was in secondary school, and so this jug is now "x" years old - you can figure out the "x"! Just last month the knob at the top of the jug snapped off (and rather strangely) symmetrically. The jug is still functional but because of the snapped knob, we are having difficulty taking the lid off.
I decided to fix it because, well, it is still working!
Polymorph, It's Just Like Plasticine
I was introduced to polymorph last month. They are tiny white beads that melt in hot water and can be moulded into anything you want, just like plasticine! The plus side is they can be REMOULDED - just pop it back into the hot water and work it with your hands - it was really easy. According to the manufacturer it is non-toxic and biodegradable polyester. Here's a video of what I did, and now my jug looks like new, well almost. is fully functional.
Safety: Hot water is needed when using polymorph so becareful.
Safety: Hot water is needed when using polymorph so becareful.
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| Polymorph (like this) straight from the packet! Image Courtesy of Sparkfun |
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| My polymorph after one round of heating |
Don't Like It? Remould It!
I had to pop it back into the hot water as it didn't turn out the way I wanted the first time round.
Would You Fix With Polymorph?
I found a few great tutorials on how to use polymorph in repair around the house.
Key repair
Christmas tree base repair
Repairing the cog
Tomorrow we will be "flying" over to Italy and seeing what Lisa of Cucicucicoo has mended.
Lisa is passionate about sewing and crafting with respect for the environment. She publishes tutorials on her blog on how to upcycle materials and refashion clothing to turn trash into treasure. She also regularly posts sewing lessons for her Learn to Machine Sew series for beginners and is getting ready to open her eco-friendly sewing pattern shop. For a preview, get her free pattern for a unique shopping bag made from a surprising upcycled material when you sign up for the Cucicucicoo newsletter !
Who else is taking part?
Who else is taking part?
1 May - Agatha Fixing a jug
2 May – Lisa Patching jeans
3 May – Millie Patching a skirt
4 May – Stella Fixing a bag strap
5 May Adeline Mending jewelry
6 May – Audrey Fixing a sandal
7 May – Yaney Fixing innersoles of shoes
8 May – Christine Patching jeans with embroidery
9 May – Karen Fixing slippers
10 May – Kareena Fixing a cast iron waffle maker
11 May – Lapis Reupholstering a chair and mini table
12 May – Vicky: Jean Patches and a Shoe Fix
13 May – Brandi, Fixing a Hole in Upholstery
14 May – Carrie Reupholstered chair and makeover
16 May – Kathy Reupholstering a chair
17 May – Cassandra Repairing torn seams
18 May Taking a Break!
20 May – Judith Repairing Toys
21 May – Vanessa Fixing shoes
22 May – Joy Repairing a Wicker Chair
23 May – Julia Repairing Coats
24 May – Amanda Repairing an Old Dresser
25 May – Diane Hairline Cracks
26 May – Emily, Fixing the Ceiling Hole
27 May – Emmy Fixing a Bookshelf
29 May - Jean Chua Mending a Teddy Bear
30 May - Maya Fixing Stains on Cardigan
Thank you for introducing RUDE [reusers of unloved discarded excess] to Polymorph. We love that you have repaired a favourite jug with this unique product. The jug has a quirky feature now.
ReplyDeleteRUDE girl looks forward to boarding the Blog Train on 9 May from http://ruderecord.wordpress.com
Thanks, Karen. I was thinking of making it look neat, but then it cooled down so quickly.
Deletewe use a thing called 'sugru' which is a maleable and air hardens in 24hours. we have fixed 2 freezer drawers (one flap one drawer) which would otherwise have been useless and possibly dumped, a part of my food mixer (it fell on the floor and plastic cracked), it was also used to replace a button on a mobile phone, fill part of a door to put in a lock, my slippers, and the last thing we used it for in the house was to fill out a rusted bolt handle on a shed so it can be closed! ah the thrill of the fix!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Sugru, but unfortunately, we cant find it here so polymorph is the next best option!
DeleteI like that you fixed the item. It's a challenge to fix things instead of going out to get new ones. I think if I had time I might try to repair something like this. But I always seemed pressed for time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. This was a very easy fix - quicker than sewing :-)
DeleteI feel so unskilled when I read your blog. Wow! You can do a lot. I don't think I would be able to fix it. I pinned this post to inspire others.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sweet comment, Debbie!
DeleteI love how you fixed it. When I looked at the first picture I thought you had made it into a flower shape. Nifty idea! I always try to find re-uses for boxes and plastic containers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. It could be a flower, but I had to work very quickly to get the base secure. I might try again. I've seen some great work with polymorph.
DeleteI ove your concept of re using and or fixing stuffs. Great recycle ideas which we should all follow for our Mother Earth. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good idea!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I have never tried to fix a plastic before.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad to learn about this. I have throwing away things.
ReplyDeleteI have some of this stuff, but mine is called ThermoMorph, I'm sure it's the same though. Fantastic stuff to play with and because you can so easily try again if it goes wrong I loved it. I've mostly used mine for craft projects instead of repairs but I will have to remember I can use it in this way too next time something snaps off where it shouldn't! Thanks
ReplyDeleteOoh, I think it might be the same thing! Just did a google and yes, I saw some great stuff.
DeleteThat is so interesting, Agy! I'd never heard of Polymorph, but it sounds really useful and easy, plus great that it's biodegradable. My mother had (or maybe still has) a Tupperware water jug similar to yours! And I totally agree, that mending clothing turns them into works of art! :) Lisa
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa, loved your jean patching post! Your jeans turned into works of art too.
DeleteI always love reading your blog posts because it gives me a new perspective on how I treat my possessions. Honestly, I probably would have just bought a new jug. However, seeing how easily you fixed your jug will make me think twice the next time something breaks in my house.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yanique. I'm learning new stuff all the time.
DeleteMy mom is so good at repairing things. She never likes to let anything go to waste. Your post today reminded me of her.
ReplyDeleteAw, hugs, Amy.
DeleteIt's great to see how you can repair something with plastic so you don't toss it out. It was great to learn about polymorph!
ReplyDeletehttp://passportcouture.com
ohhh haven't heard of polymorph but I so want to try some now! Awesome job fixing you jug! What a fantastic idea (and looks fun too playing with the poly!)
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I'm pinning this and showing to to my husband because I'm sure he could find a thousand things to fix!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of polymorph before. I 'm so glad I stopped by your site ..I just learned about a new cool product that I am sure I can use!!!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you found a way to fix something that has been in your family for quite sometime, even if you could go to the store and easily buy a new water pitcher. I have never ever used polymorph, but now you've introduced me to a new product and I won't be afraid to try it out in the future. Thanks for putting this blog series together and I can't wait to read each post!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
Joining the blog train on May 14!
You're welcome Carrie, Look forward to your post later on!
DeleteThanks for the tips! Nice work! I grew up with that jug too!
ReplyDeleteSeems like the jug is very popular!
DeleteWOW! You are awesome, Agy! I've learnt so much from your blog. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to keep us updated with how well it holds up and withstands a hot wash. Polymorph sounds like it could be lots of fun for lots of things.
ReplyDeleteWow! I am super impressed with the polymorph. I can think of some things I would use it for right now. I love that you still have the water pitcher that has been in your family for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea plastic could be repaired once broken! Too cool!
ReplyDeleteI love being able to fix things instead of throwing them away, and it's great that you were able to hold onto the pitcher for such a long time. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like adult playdough. I'd try it.
ReplyDeleteI had no Idea tupperware could be fixed like this. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeletewhy throw it out if it still works!? Great post and I'm glad you were able to fix your water pitcher!
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting. I would have thrown away the jug because I didn't know of any products that I could use to repair something plastic. I am going to bookmark this. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool! I've heard of polymorph but have never tried using it. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteVery neat! Fix it and save money whenever possible!! I have never heard of polymorph before. Thanks for linking up and sharing this on #ShareTheWealthSunday.
ReplyDeleteAwesome job Agy! I had never heard of Polymorph either and am so psyched to find a biodegradable moldable poly. Amazing. Such a surprising and needed repair! :D
ReplyDeleteLove the DIY tutorial and your old-school Tupperware pitcher. These were the best back in the day.
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever with your mending. I wish I had the drive (or talent) that you do fix things up. Great job with this jug!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Polymorph before. It looks quite fun to have a go with!
ReplyDeleteI love learning about new products. I am not a fixer-uper by any stretch but your DIY tips are helping me out.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried it - but it offers so many possibilities .
ReplyDeleteClever idea and awesome that you're fixing it rather than getting rid of it! We need more of this in our world <3
ReplyDeleteWow, how unique. Thank you so much for the great advice.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Thank you for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Broad.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually pretty cool. I've never heard of this product before.
ReplyDelete