What's That ?!

I'm looking at the picture, and I'm thinking to myself, "What's that ?!" The site is in french, but I knew the table was recycled and repurposed...but from what?

Ready for this? Repeat after me...a washing machine drum! Made by Isa also has more great repurposed and recycled projects that you'll want to see. 

And it seems as though the French have a thing for washing machine drums. I love this little funky table from Ciloubidouille. Cecile and her son picked up the abandoned stop sign along the banks of the Loire river and used it as the table top - a family after my own heart! Don't miss a visit to her site to see the DIY pictorial. 

After stumbling on these two tables, of course I was curious. I searched for 'un tambour de machine à laver' (washing machine drum in french), and found more drum projects with that sexy industrial feeling to them. This one from Deco.fr has a light installed inside the drum and comes with a fun how-to video. 

I also have to include this little BBQ because it is so deliciously rustic in its natural environment. It's on the french site, Erada, which is dedicated to the village of Erada in Portugal. The author just stumbled upon this repurposed treasure. Check out the site for some lovely pics of this ancient stone village.

This practical drum-turned-fire pit comes from Dr. Qui on Instructables (made in the U.S.?). Since we have nothing but front-load washing machines here in Sweden, I'm thinking the chances of finding an old drum could be pretty good.

Now, back to France. I love this funky column shelf from Adornella - it really adds fun and flair with the little 'doors' that swing open on each drum. It wasn't for sale...because it was already sold before it was finished!

The more you look...the more you find. The possibilities are starting to seem endless. Trash Design Manufaktur in Austria has some great repurposed products for sale, including this modern stool with painted trim. Don't miss the other products on their site if you are looking for inspiration.

Need something a little more country cottage? I think this cute stool via Lara: L'atelier du recyclage artistique is about as close as you'll get considering the material.

First life...cleaner. Second life...illuminator! The originator of this ceiling lamp is not mentioned, but the inspiration comes to us via Environmental Project.fr. 

And these come to us from Bulgarian Alex Kovatchev via Yanko Design. I'm really starting to seriously think what washing machine drum project I'd like to try. Are you tempted yet?

This column lamp from Paul Morini really would be the perfect compliment to any warehouse loft or space. So industrial!

And Laurent Terras gives new meaning to a sunrise ride.

This is the waiting room at a medical office in France. See that kid's table? You guessed it! Washing machine drum! Thanks for the share, L'Art et La Maniere.

There was a great example of an old drum being used as a planter in a veggie garden, but I can't show you that image since it is licensed work by a photographer. But...you can see it here on this Google images page if you look closely for the yellow vegetable.

By nature, a washing machine is quite DIY. However, I don't want to neglect the arts. So, my final project share is this peacock made from a washing machine drum and CDs (amongst a few other bits and parts). It was featured a couple of years back as part of a recycled sculpture show in London.

These last shots aren't repurpose projects, but they are just too good to miss, given the topic of washing machine drums. 

I don't know where this laundromat is located (given the brand of the machines, I assume somewhere in Europe), but a NY pr agency came up with this engaging campaign for Pepto-Bismol. Think "agitated stomach". You can't help but smile. Brought to us via Le198. 

And I can empathize with this this unfortunate cow. I, too, have days where my head gets stuck. Maybe just not so literally.

Have you run across a washing machine drum project lately? I'm really inspired by these repurposed ideas and hope you'll share your find in the comments below.

Until next time...

Mike

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