Shelterpop

Decorating with Toilet Paper (No, Really)

Leigh Bond — 2010-09-20T11:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects

Roll call! Beat neighborhood vandals to the punch by (artfully!) toilet-papering your own house.

As a Brooklyn resident, I can attest that when Brooklyn Home Company design cohorts Lyndsay Caleo and Fitzhugh Karol opened up their Park Slope brownstone to New York Magazine last spring, an audible gush rippled through the borough. The century old exposed beam ceiling! That vintage Sears fireplace! Those Verner Panton dining chairs!

The place was divine. But there was one small touch in the bathroom that got so many people's attention.

The Cappellini medicine cabinet set off a frenzy of bloggers seeking their own small piece of Red Cross-inspired décor. My personal gurgle of awe came not from the design smart ready-mades, but from the couple's ingenuity in integrating them so seamlessly into their home. Sure the medicine cabinet's top notch, but enhancing the space with a toilet paper display -- now that's genius.

And it got us wondering: How else can you decorate with toilet paper?

Having a great piece to build upon definitely helps bump toilet paper display into art design, but here are a few more ways to advance TP from a bathroom stronghold to a decorative adventure. Yes, we actually researched this -- and you'll never believe what we found!

Who knew that toilet paper had so many uses?

Photos: Grant K. Gibson

Own your throne
Interior designer Grant K. Gibson showcases his winnings with style, while keeping his back stock classy. The lesson: Pick a signature object and use it to enhance your own TP display.

Photo: poaa

Streamline style and substance
Integrating baskets and oversized vases can streamline an overflow of TP supply with ease, but if you're looking to kick it up a notch, arrange several rolls into pyramid-inspired stacks or display them on a cross-shaped toilet paper holder.

Photo: Smartass Ideas For the Home

Think big, build bigger
Sure, an unwrapped six-pack of toilet paper is a great start, but several six-packs of toilet paper can help create a fortress. Gary Hutton and Timothy Gemmill designed this sculptural take on a toilet paper display for art collector Chara Schreyer's pied-a-terre at the Four Seasons Residences in San Francisco. Above, a simpler take on the concept -- a small pyramid of paper.

Photo: Renova Online

Keep it colorful
Black TP might have once been declared black the new "it" variety, but I can't stop looking at these eye-popping fuchsia and turquoise rolls. If you're considering a TP art installation at your place, consider mixing up the shades.

Photo: Wedding Bee

Don't forget the cardboard tubes
All good TP décor must come to an end eventually, but you can apply those cardboard inserts to other projects. Design*sponge leads the way with their DIY on TP wall display, but from party poppers (shown above) to eco-art installations, these everyday discards have the versatility to keep the TP craze rolling.

Photos: Design Sponge, Inhabitat

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Unusual Uses For Place Mats

Leigh Bond — 2010-09-17T14:36:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Projects, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects

Who knew? You can use place mats as a wall divider. Photo: Jonathon Fong Style

Give your place mats a second life with these creative ideas.

When I'm shopping for decor, I'm consistently drawn to the misfit aisle. You know, those $3.99 clearance bins overflowing with mismatched items like place mats and hand towels. And since I tend to buy stuff like this all the time, one of my favorite pastimes is figuring out what to do with a set of mismatched items.

Place mats are particularly fun to pull for these types of projects, since you can do so much with them. Next time you come across an odd number of clearance place mats, or maybe just a pair made with a lovely fabric, here are some crafty things you can do with them.

Wall Decor and Dividers
With a few packages of clasps and an eye for arrangement, you can transform square or circular place mats into eye-catching wall dividers and displays. Just drill or punch a hole into the top and bottom of each place mat and link them by hanging hooks or clamps to binder rings or fishing swivels.

Bonus idea: Placed over a clear shower curtain lining, they can double as bathroom decor. Or try waterproof plastic place mats as an outdoor patio or garden wall. Check out your local hardware store or Ball Chain for the supplies you'll need to secure them at top and bottom.

Courtesy of: mmmcrafts

Pillows and Tote Bags
Fabric place mats offer endless possibilities for decorative textiles. Shop the place mat section of home design stores (online too!) and build your own throw pillow at a fraction of the price by stitching the sides together. If the place mat has a complicated design that would be challenging to line up, consider covering a pillow with a bold, solid case and centering the place mat design for a crisp, eye-catching effect. One crafty blogger used Anthropologie place mats to make the stylish throw pillows to the left.

Bonus Idea: Cute cotton or polyester fabric place mats can make great tote bags too!

Pops of Color

When it comes to place mat shapes, who says one size fits all? With a good pair of scissors, plastic or polypropylene place mats can be cut down to all shapes and sizes to make a counter top space more colorful and chic.

A couple of ideas:
- Cut out individual pieces of place mat to line the surface around your kitchen sink. Place everyday items like sponges or scrub brushes on top -- the fabric will absorb excess water and you can easily toss it in the washing machine as needed.
- Skip the boring contact paper and line your cabinets with modern prints.

Decorative Odds and Ends
- Transform one sturdy plastic or cork backed-place mat into a whole stack of decorative drink coasters.
- Size down a plastic place mat into a custom-designer mouse pad.
- Play with place mats of different shapes, colors and textures to infuse a garden space with different designs beneath standard planter pots.
- Pick a simple place mat print and frame it with brightly-colored frames for instant wall art -- great for the kitchen!

Quick Tips for Mastering Place Mat Chic
- If ordering online, always check the fabric and dimensions of the place mat before purchasing and make sure the fabric matches the project. Cotton fabric place mats are better for bags and pillow covers while plastic, lacquered and polypropylene place mats are better suited for cutting, crafting and cleaning.

Now, ever wonder what you could do with Velcro? Check out our story on unusual uses for the hook-and-loop tape.

And check out some of our favorite stories from around the web!
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On the Hunt: Designer Tiles

Leigh Bond — 2010-09-17T09:05:00 00:00

Filed under: Kitchen, Your Home, Bathroom, Projects

Say goodbye to boring tile -- and say hello to style in a square.

Ever since Mibo's tile tattoos hit the US, having a humdrum kitchen back splash or an uninspired shower stall suddenly became inexcusable. At $16 to $18 for six heavy duty tile stickers in an assortment of fun retro prints that are water-resilient yet magically residue-free, renters and homeowners alike could finally experiment without any risk of damage.

Since then, tiles have come a long way -- both with decals and the real deal, bursting from the background with bold, show-stealing prints that can shape an entire space. Whether you're looking for a quick change or a more permanent tile shape up, here are some of the most eye-catching tiles to whip up your wall design.

Mibo's Tile Tattoos mask unsightly tiles. Photo: 2Jane

Mibo Tile Tattoos
Mibo's easy adhesive wall tiles helped elevate tile art to a must have for all spaces; $16 to $18 for six, 4 to 6" tile decals, tons of fun prints.

Five patterns of tile sticker available from the Scandinavian Design Center. Photos: Scandinavian Design Center

Scandinavian Design Center Tile Stickers
The only problem with the Scandinavian Design Center's line of tile stickers is deciding which one(s) to choose. Their "Inga," "Anges," "Harry" and "Rut" lines are available in one of 4 great colors for $5 for an 8 pack, while their "Anna" summer line comes as a mixture of two prints in light green and pale pink for $17 -- either way your tiles are in for a treat.

Two examples of the tile decals by Sticview at work in the bath and the living room. Photos: Sticviews

Sticviews Tile Decals
Sure, Sticviews has a winning selection of wall decals to choose from, but why not use their site to custom design your own? Upload an image, pick your size, shape and materials, and Sticviews will do everything but apply the decals to your tiles for you. Pricing varies.

Lotta Kuhlhorn's apple decals are sure to bring a smile to your face. Photos: Lotta Kuhlhorn

Lotta Kuhlhorn "Apple" Tile Stickers
Independent Swedish design star Lotta Kuhlhorn knows how make a space pop. Each pack of her iconic apple motif tile stickers is available in one of three colors, all guaranteed to make giving your wall a fruit fix; $16 for five of the same-colored stickers.

Cheerful ceramic tiles add a whimsical touch to your home. Photos: Bodie and Fou

Bodie and Fou Ceramic Tiles
If my walls could talk, I would want them to speak only through Bodie and Fou's tiles. Build a wall around one tile style, or simply use one as a coaster, a piece of art or a thoughtful gift. Whatever the use, these tiles are bound to bring a smile to your face; $27 each.

A textile designer turns her talent to tiles; here are two of the patterns by Paula Smail. Photos: Modwalls

Henry Road for Modwalls Glass Tiles
Modwalls collaboration with Henry Road textile designer Paula Smail has created stunning home tiling that makes wallpapered accent walls seem shamefully ordinary; $37/square foot of glass tiles. Be warned, you'll want to re-tile everything you own.

Architecture and design magazine Dwell tries its hand at tiles. Photos: Heath Ceramics

Heath Ceramics "Dwell Patterns"
The unveiling of Heath Ceramic's partnership with Dwell hit me with the same gut-jerk reaction as the baby pictures of Shiloh Jolie-Pitt. "Wow," I thought, "that tile has some parents that know what they're doing." Pricing varies from $24 to $48/square foot, depending on the size, shape and complexity of the tile design.

A cheeky spin on the notion of a tile "tattoo." Photo: Modwalls

Modwalls "Lush" Glass Tile "Tattoos"
Taking tile tattoos down to their ink-drawn origins, nothing says heartbreaker quite like Modwall's tile tat of "Mom" mixed with shower scum; $3.57 each.

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5 Things You Can Do (Today!) with Polaroids

Leigh Bond — 2010-09-13T11:45:00 00:00

Filed under: Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects

Lights, camera, flashback! Incorporating the beloved retro film into your decor is a snap with these ideas.

Polaroid is on the brink of re-releasing its Classic Instant camera, a fun new spin on the boxy vintage model featuring sleek curves, bright colors and the kind of instant gratification digital cams have spoiled us with. Thanks to the collaborative dream team of Urban Outfitters and The Impossible Project, Polaroid's production plant for Integral Instant film has not only been saved but is on deck for a full revival by the year's end (featuring Lady Gaga as Creative Director). In the meantime, whether you decide to dust off your older Polaroid and give it life with a new pack of instant film or pre-order the newer model due out late 2010, here are five things you can do the minute you get snapping.

Start documenting
Forget Facebook, forget Twitter, forget your blog (at least for the moment). Start creating things that actually exist in a tangible world. Look to filmmaker Jamie Livingston's "Photo of the Day" Project as an inspiring chronology of 18 years dedicated to shooting a daily Polaroid, right up until his death in 1997.

Photo: Papermash, Trend Hunter

Send a little love
Did you know you can send a Polaroid in the mail the same as a postcard? Just make sure it's stamped and marked with a legible address and get mailing. For inspiration, check out Trendhunter magazine's cheeky takes on Polaroid postcards or Papermash's très Français collection.

Trend Hunter

Get personal
I wouldn't typically endorse a photo mug or season-by-season vanity calendar, but when it's done with Polaroids, the concept suddenly feels cool. These 70s inspired Polaroid coasters prove that personalized products no longer belong exclusively on grandparents gear and "baby's first" apparel, but on your coffee table -- today. Polaroid studio helps you get going.

Photo: Flickr, Seventime

Create wall art
Since most landlords have restrictions on painting and putting holes in the walls of rented spaces, a Polaroid art display is a great solution to creating walls with personality. When applied with easy peel adhesives, there will be no renter's remorse.

Retro-shape your digitals
For those who can't bare to not go digital, applications like Poladroid transform digital images into Polaroid-like pictures, making it look like you were snapping with style when everyone else was freaking out about where to get actual Polaroid film in 2008.

And above all: Shake it...like a Polaroid picture. Ok, so this may or may not involve actual Polaroid film, but at least it will produce a camera-ready grin.

Need more design inspiration? Check out our story on Fashion Designers' closets.

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The Beauty of Mason Jars

Leigh Bond — 2010-09-03T11:31:00 00:00

Filed under: Projects, Crafts & Projects

Rely on this retro glass vessel for more than homemade pickles and jams.

When used to make a wedding table chandelier (left) or as part of a home display (right), the result is always dramatic and polished. Photo: Erin Ever After, The Print Lover

Blame it on my Southern roots, but when I get my hands on a Mason jar, I have a hard time letting go. Their late-Victorian charm has inspired generations of firefly hunts, homemade lemonade and straight-from-the source canning.

John Mason designed the revolutionary shoulder-seal jar with a screw cap in 1858, but his patent on the design expired twenty years later, opening the market to competition. Shortly after, the Ball Brothers -- Frank, Edmund, George, Lucius and William -- began manufacturing Mason jars through the Ball Brothers Glass Company, calling them "Ball jars." (The Ball Company's epic history includes debuting the first primer on home canning, Ball Blue Book, in 1909, bragging rights for not laying off a single employee during 1933's Great Depression, and, more recently, celebrating their 125th anniversary in 2009.)

Throughout their history, these jars have been used for everything from pickle canning to homespun mousetraps to grenade warfare, but here are a few unique ways to apply the old world ingenuity of Mason jars to stylish modern living.

1. Create stunning lighting sources
Few things feel turn-of-the-century chic like using generation-old materials to create modern lighting solutions. Pottery Barn's Exeter Pendant keeps the look classic while Anthropologie and Design*Sponge play with Mason jar lighting display on levels big and small. For a new approach, update the look with more energy efficient CFLs and enhance lighting effects by using aqua, amber or other colored jar options. You can also DIY your own lighting with this neat tea light chandelier or these quick and easy garden lights.

The perfect place for a miniature world. Photo: Craftzine

2. Try a terrarium
The desire to create miniature worlds doesn't have to end with childhood. Terrariums are the latest home trend. A Mason jar is the perfect vessel for creating one; it gives those throwback trinkets a space to shine. Check out this project on Craftzine for inspiration.

Photos: Brides.com, Teeny Blessings

3. Sip and savor summer beverages
Trust me on this: Beverages straight from Mason jars just taste better. Serve lemonade in them, as shown here at Brides.com, or leave the tops off, fill them with ice and pour in some fresh-brewed iced tea. Another brilliant idea: gifting limeade mix in mason jars as a sweet summer soiree treat.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

4. Say goodbye to pretty (but overpriced!) hand soap
Drill a hole in a Mason jar lid and secure a reusable soap pump to make an enviable, refillable soap dispenser for under $3. Check out this great DIY project at Apartment Therapy.

Photos: Weeping Cherries, Etsy

5. Enjoy endless organization options
Whether mounted on a wall or placed on a shelf, Mason jars can add uniformity and structure to any mound of clutter. A few can-do ideas:
-Show off your silverware by dividing each type of utensil into separate jars.
-Store your sewing supplies, as seen in this idea at Martha Stewart Living.
-Use different sized jars to sort your work space -- pens and pencils in one, scissors and letter openers in another.
-Take snacks out of their bags and use Mason jars as tight-sealed containers.

Photos: Lisa Light, LTD., The Inspired Room

6. Top your table
Used as single-stem vases or centerpieces, Mason jars can make the most basic candle or bunch of flowers look tabletop-ready.

Ready to get your fill? Kmart offers 12 authentic Ball Mason jars for under $12, as do most hardware stores and container depots. You might consider scouring vintage booths and antique bins to rediscover firsthand both the jars' timeless aesthetics and that childlike feeling of capturing something really, really great in your two hands.

And if you're feeling inspired about reinventing household items, check out our gallery with several other fun ideas.

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ShelterPop's Oval Office Ambush

Leigh Bond — 2010-09-03T08:26:00 00:00

Filed under: Design, etc

If only the Oval Office's decor could take a cue from the First Lady's vibrant fashion sense.

Like an episode of a renegade home makeover show, President Obama's executive lair received a design-team ambush during his recent Martha's Vineyard vacation. The newly revamped Oval Office boasts several American-made features, including a customized wool rug from Grand Rapids, Mich., fresh custom-mixed Benjamin Moore paint, comfy new and reupholstered woven furniture and striped wallpaper handmade in Amagansett, NY. The only thing missing: First Lady Michelle Obama's stylish touch.

A look at the newly renovated Oval Office. Photo: Brendan Smialowski, MCT

In his MSNBC interview, press secretary Robert Gibbs described resident White House designer Michael Smith's primarily neutral-toned renovations as "very modest." The America flag (not seen above) adds a vibrant pop of color to the space while keeping a patriotic focus. Yet it's hard not to wonder what a dose of Michelle's signature fashion sense could do for the Oval Office. Beyond visual appeal, could her vibrant style add a jolt of energy to this ultra-reserved power room? Well, we can dream.

In the all-American spirit of keeping things fresh, fashion-forward and fun, we'd like to offer a few humble decorating suggestions inspired by Michelle's amazing wardrobe. While we doubt President Obama would select whimsical floral décor on his own, we like to think these suggestions reflect what could be if we had the opportunity to make over the Oval Office -- ShelterPop-style.

Left: AFP/Getty Images. Right: (clockwise from top left) Shibori linen pillow by Kevin O'Brien; Fireworks pillow at Anthropologie; Terai folding chair at Anthropologie; Cranberry barrel vase by Caleb Siemon; Momeni area rug at Macy's.

Bright, Forward Floral
The dress Michelle Obama wore for her arrival at the Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans, LA featured one of her signature styles: floral in smart, inspired colors detailed with just a touch of ombré. An Oval Office makeover based on this look might mix fresh flowered patterns in clever hues with a matching sunset finish.

Left: AFP/Getty Images. Right: (clockwise from top left): Anthropologie except rug: Louise settee; Felt rug by Peace Industry; Calandria armchair; Tall Pinched vase; Deep Tropic tiebacks.

Watercolor Whimsy
This dress adds a little romance to Michelle's typically graphic florals -- evoking a vibrant but water-washed bouquet. An Oval Office makeover inspired by this look might utilize cool shades and whimsical details to create a sensitive but strong look.

Left: AP. Right: (clockwise from top left) Waldots wallpaper at Ferm Living; Linked Circles hurricane at West Elm; Totem pillow cover at West Elm; Eva Zeisel coffee table at Design Within Reach; Wood & Resin boxes at West Elm.

Eye-Grabbing Graphic
As bold and exciting as the First Lady herself, this one-shouldered Jean-Paul Gaultier stunner blends a no-nonsense print with a strong feminine shoulder detail. A stack of earth-toned bangles add a beautiful, effortless charm. Inspired by this look, Michelle Obama's Oval Office makeover might mix bold prints with clever graphics and just a flash of earthy textures.

Well, what do you think? Do you prefer the more basic version or our Michelle-inspired looks?

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Clean Seasonally, Donate Wisely

Leigh Bond — 2010-09-02T08:27:00 00:00

Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization

Clear out closets as seasons change to help avoid clutter and more importantly, help families in need.

Tetra Images, Getty

Spring may be the traditional time for space revamps and clutter overhauls, but taking a more balanced season-by-season approach to your home has year-round benefits. Summer hits a particular high note for families in need, since many folks count on their kids getting at least one meal a day at school. Still, each season brings particular challenges; in fall, families are bracing for cooler weather and need coats, cold-weather shoes, backpacks and school supplies. Taking a day now to sort through those shirts you swore you'd wear this season (but haven't) or deciding whether your kids still need last year's must-have sneakers will clear out your space and help donation centers.

Tossing all of your give-aways in one donation drop box is better than pitching them to the curb, but donation centers appreciate when you separate and disburse these goods to various charitable groups. It not only spreads the wealth but ensures your belongings are making it into the homes of folks who need help most.

Here are some easy ways to make donating common household goods time efficient:

Clothing

For business attire that you no longer wear, look to Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency and success for women. Check for the affiliate nearest you to donate all women's professional clothing, including suits, handbags, shoes and accessories in good condition (no casual or men's clothing, please). Or, mark your calendars for the annual Send One Suit weekend in partnership with Dress Barn drop-offs across the country. Note that plus-sized clothing is always in high demand.

Don't let an old prom dress gather dust in the back of a closet - donate it! DonateMyDress.org helps connect your lightly used prom and special occasion wear with girls in need. Tammy Tibbetts, founder of Donate My Dress, offers a few simple guidelines for what to donate:

- Dresses in all sizes are welcome, but there often tends to be a shortage of dresses in the smallest and the largest sizes.
- As for style, dresses from the last 2 to 3 years are best -- no poofy sleeve dresses from the '80s!
- Bridesmaid dresses can sometimes double as pretty prom dresses, but wedding dresses and flower girl dresses aren't useful for prom.

For everyday basics The Salvation Army and Goodwill are always great options with the caveat that need varies by season and by region. "Winter coats and sweaters might really be needed at family stores during Minnesota winters, but not so much in Miami," says The Salvation Army's Jennifer Byrd.

Any and all clothing should be washed or dry-cleaned before donation. If clothing is stained or irreparably worn, consider cutting it up into earth-friendly cleaning rags or using it toward something crafty such as quilts or rag-dolls -- if it's truly too ragged or stained for you to wear, it probably shouldn't be donated.

Electronics

The National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) is a resource for learning where to donate every electronic, from buyback programs to local electronics recyclers. Says Executive Director Jason Linnell, "It's a win-win situation," he says "it's a win for the environment, and it's a win for those receiving used but working equipment they may not be able to afford."

Linnell says that when recycling electronics be mindful of data security. Don't assume the charitable group you're donating to will strip the personal information stored on hard drives for you -- ask first. You can always use online tools to erase a hard drive's contents, or simply remove the hard drive and destroy it yourself.

George Doyle, Getty

Cell phones

You can donate phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a family-run, 501c3 nonprofit organization that has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. Senior Business Development Manager Sue Koch cannot stress enough that, "It means [so much] to soldiers to hear their loved one's voice: It cannot even compare to email -- it's really a big morale booster."

In addition to giving calling cards to American troops, Cell Phones for Soldiers sends phones that can be refurbished to developing countries, providing many with their first personal phone. Non-repairable phones are also recycled, recovering raw materials used across the world. To donate your phone, simply print a free mailing label and drop it in the mail, or support the site's cost and ship your own.

Verizon's HopeLine gives domestic abuse victims phone access and support through donations of used cellphones. With drop-off bins in all Verizon stores plus online mailing labels, there's no excuse for letting unused phones go neglected. If your phone is broken, HopeLine will recycle it and donate the funds back to their domestic abuse support program; if your phone is still salvageable, they will refurbish and donate it to men and women in domestic violence situations.

Tip: Before donating your phone, consider first removing the data from your phone with an easy online data eraser - otherwise both programs will scrub the data for you.

Tim Boyle, Getty

Children's Gear

For gently-worn stuffed animals, children's books and blankets, consider donating to one of Project Night Night's many locations around the country; the group's mission is to help homeless children get a good (and comfy) night's sleep. Their Night Night Packages include like-new stuffed animals, books and blankets assembled in inviting tote bags and distributed for free to regional homeless shelters.

When it comes to school supplies, Cradles to Crayons, which services the Philadelphia and Boston area, serves as a great example of what to look for and expect. With the kids going back to school, Community Outreach Manager Josh Nespoli encourages donors to think: "When I was a kid getting ready to head back to class, what was I looking for?" Clothing, backpacks and shoes are essential year-round but even more more so as soon as school hits. "Quality is really important -- it's really an issue of self esteem," Nespoli says, encouraging all items to be free of any stains or rips. "We want parents to be proud to give their kids these products, and for the kids to be proud to wear them."

For larger pieces of baby equipment (strollers, playpens, cribs), check freecycle.org to find someone in your local Freecycle group in need.

Bikes

"A bicycle can get someone someplace...like from poverty to self-sufficiency," states the tagline adopted by the Baltimore-Washington area's Bikes for the World program, which has used community driven efforts to help collect and send 40,000 bicycles since 2005.

Not only is it a great option to donate your bike, but also a "way to get Americans involved in very tangible, rewarding community service for groups," says director Keith Oberg. Bikes must be of good quality and condition and must be submitted with a $10 donation fee to help cover the cost of shipping. If interested in involvement or bringing Bikes for the World to your area, contact the program directly for volunteering and sponsorship opportunities. "We want to empower others to do it as well," Oberg says, "and are always open to lending advice and support."

For regions in the greater New York and Philadelphia area, Pedals for Progress is another great option for both bicycles and sewing machines, which David Schweidenback, President of Pedals for Progress, describes as "a job in a box." Likewise, donating your bike "is the one thing that can really change lives overseas," Schweidenback says. "It's not a hand out but a hand up -- it enables people to work. It allows people to help themselves." The organization accepts bicycles in repairable condition ("not super rusty or looks like it's been run over with a truck") and must be donated with a $10 shipping fee. All bicycle sizes count, says Scweidenback. "The little bikes get the kids to school; the larger bikes get adults to work."

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