Recycling redux

Recycling redux
Q. I recently read an article that you wrote about recycling, and I loved it. I am really into recycling, too, and I wanted some more ideas from you if you have any. Thanks very much. -- Elaina J., 18, Jacksonville, Fla.
A. I actually do have some more great ideas for recycling, as I think it is one of the most important things that we can do to preserve our world and our resources. Besides, it's fun, and it's a super-fab, inexpensive way to decorate your room!
You know how we are all putting our CDs in books now? Well, we have tons of those clear plastic CD cases left over. If you simply remove the black plastic center, you can use them for all kinds of things. For example, if you glue four of them in a square, you can make a fantastic photo box. Just use hot glue and make sure that the little slot that runs along the side of the case when you remove the black plastic center is on the outside. Hot glue usually works for me, but if you want it to really stick, try my favorite glue, Goop Glue, from the hardware store. It has to dry for a few hours, but the cases will never fall apart. Once they are dry, stick your photos in the slots. Stack up several of them for a super-chic look.
My other favorite thing to do with CD cases is to line up 38 of them on a wall and create a huge calendar -- print out on a computer the days of the week and the numbers 1 to 31. It's a great way to make a calendar that you can see. You can change it around all of the time by slipping in notes on the days that you have appointments. I like to put in photos of friends on their birthdays so I know to send a card.
Another recycling idea is to mount plastic Chinese food bowls on the wall. I like to use about 12 of them. You can create an art piece with your small belongings, and it's great storage. Just make sure that when you mount them to the wall that you use a 11/2-inch long screw and that you use a washer on the bottom of the inside of the bowl. It's best to use bowls with a clear lid because it's neat to see your old Beanie Babies or your camera, and you always know where they are!
Tie the knot
Q. My dad has about 400 neckties, and he never wears them. For some reason I think they are the coolest, and he said I could have them, but I just don't know what to do with them. I saw someone with a necktie skirt, but that's not for me. I want to do something in my room with them. Do you have any ideas for me? -- Pam Dawson, 15, Reston, Va.
A. Wow, 400 neckties -- I think we could manage to decorate your whole room with those!
First, you are going to have to sew them together, and that should be easy. If you take out the center seam in the back of the necktie, you will have more fabric to work with. Now match the ties in a pattern that you like. For example, use greens and blues together, or just mix them up and see what happens. I think a valance for over your window could be fantastic. Just measure your window and stitch them in a long row with the points hanging down.
You could also make a really cool tablecloth with them by just stitching a bunch together, but you would have to alternate sewing the top of one tie to the bottom of the next so the piece you end up with is a square.
Another thing you might want to try -- and this one doesn't require sewing -- is to make a fantastic lampshade. Just cut the ties to size and hot-glue them around until you are done.
Or how about a really cool pillow with all of the ties you liked to see on your dad? Then you have a nice reminder of him when he's not at home.
XNeed help with your room? E-mail your question to markmontanonyc@aol.com. Mark Montano can now be seen on TLC's "While You Were Out." Check local listings for times. Mark also writes "Cool Room," a monthly room makeover column in CosmoGirl magazine. For more information about Mark and his work, check out www.markmontano.com.