Remember when people fixed things instead of buying new ones? There were shoe repair shops all over town. Socks were darned. Broken crockery was glued back together. But now, we’ve become a throw-away society. Instead of repairing household goods and products, we simply toss them in the trash and buy a new one. But recently, I found a new product that works miracles in repairing numerous household and personal items. Here’s how I learned to fix what’s broken .
In a rental property I manage, a very nice built-in medicine cabinet had a cracked, yellowed lampshade.. Everyone told me there was nothing to do but buy a new medicine cabinet and lighting fixture. But I liked the cabinet, and didn’t want to yank it out of the wall, and hire someone to rewire a new medicine cabinet . Also, there would be a problem with new plaster or drywall.
Desperately, I searched the internet and home improvement stores to find a lampshade to fit. But alas, it was custom made and out of date. I tried to find someone who made custom lampshades, but no such luck. Then, I came across an article about moldable thermoplastic. It sounded like something way out of my realm of expertise. And yet, after watching a you tube video, I realized I could make my own lampshade.
Most artsy crafty people have been familiar with this stuff for years. I ordered some over the internet for $6.00, but you can buy it places like Walmart and Hobby Lobby. It’s incredibly easy to use and requires no special equipment. Just melt the little plastic beads in some hot water until it becomes soft and pliable and sticks together. Using the old shade as a mold, I pulled and stretched the gooey mass until it was.hard and tough. Within minutes, I had a new translucent lampshade.
I had tons of the beads left over. It only took a few beads to repair some cracked reading glass frames. Then I fixed the cracked tip of my cell phone charger. It can also be used to repair cracked hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, or any household item made of plastic. Believe it or not, some people make their own false teeth! I don’t think I’ll go that far.