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I just had to share this really cute tutorial I found today on SwirlyThoughts. She shows how to make padded envelopes using reclaimed materials.
It is such a wonderful idea. So many possibilities!
I have been been doing a lot of playing around with magazines lately. I saved a rather large stash from the trash at work last week. So as you can imagine there has been lots of cutting, folding, rolling and gluing (non-toxic) going on. Needless to say, it has been an interesting challenge coming up with different ways to reuse them all.
For the most part I have had great luck in making jewelry out of them. Earrings, bracelets and beads have all been fun. I’ll post about them later though.
Today however, I am very pleased with a tea wallet that I made. I love my tea, and always have a bag or two in my purse or pocket. Christy’s Creations had a great Tea Wallet Tutorial that I thought might be a fun way to reuse the magazines. The image I chose was a little small, but I love how it came out.
Surprisingly durable and very cute. I have been taking it to work all week, and absolutely love it.
Happy Day!!!
My Mom loves her earring holder. It turned out really nice, and matches her room beautifully.
Here are the pictures I promised. Sorry about the delay. Let me know what you think.
I backed the image with cardboard trimmed in black to add some depth and better frame the earrings. Also I applied a matte finish to complement the satin ribbon.
While online last night I ran across a post by AlteredFantasy that I wanted to share. It is a DIY picture frame made from recycled shoebox lids. They are really simple to make, and the results are quite beautiful. 
You can check out the instructions here, and view some of her other projects.
Another fun project would be to cover with plain paper and use as mini canvases, or cover with your child’s art to make a personal masterpiece.
I am excited to get started. Happy Day:)
A little while ago we recieved our new yellow pages. Actually we recieved 4 of them – 2 yellow and 2 white, as did our neighbors. The next day they were lined up by the garbage, most still in the plactic bags.
I do believe that phone books are useful, however I believe that having them delivered to your door should be an option. If you are interested in how to opt-out of your local Yellow Pages try YellowPagesGoesGreen.
I found a craft very similar to this online, where they used 2 pouches to make a coin purse.
What you need: 
Capri Sun or similar, empty and clean (slice through the bottom to clean out.)
Velcro
Sewing Machine (unless you really want to do this by hand)
To start, sew velcro across the top on the back side of the pouch. Then add the other strip across the bottom on the front side.
Fold up the bottom. Sew around the edge and you are done. Easy!
I thought it would be neat to try and Decopodge on the back side of one. I used a piece of colored tissue paper from my daughter’s birthday present.
Just glue it onto the back. When it drys just sew it together.
I really like the way they turned out. Perfect for lunch money and spare change. They would also be cute to personilize. I am going to make one for my sisters gift card.
Happy Birthday m4m4b34r!!!!
Most of the paper that makes it way into my home ends up in the compost pile or the recycling bin. Lately I have been noticing how much we receive that is non-compostable. So with my efforts to try to reuse before recycle, and my love of crafting, I took a recent ad I received and tried to make something more useful out of it.
Since it is such a beautiful day I took my project outside. Making paper beads is relaxing and quite a bit time consuming. I really like the way they turned out though.
I like the ones that I used the hemp with the most. For the others, I used an elastic string on one and a salvaged clasp with string for the other. I would like to try ones with more color next time.
Here is a neat way to recycle your unused matchboxes.
I tried it the other day and it turned out pretty good. The picture I used was taken in 1921, I found it in a National Geographic.
Supplies:
Matchbox - with 12 matches
3 Incense sticks
Paper scraps
Exacto knife
Scissors
Decoupage Glue
Cut out paper to match the size of the box, leaving one side open to strike the matches on.
With the decoupage, glue your image onto the box using your knife to trim the edges.
While waiting for it to dry, cut the incense down to the size of the matches.
Scrape off one of the ends of each little incense stick. This provides better stability when they are in use.
When the box is dry use your knife to poke a hole in the top for the incense to stick in.
Fill the box with your mini incense and matches and you are ready to go.
Here is my new Vintage style portable incense holder.
I think it best to start with a promise to yourself. If you do only one thing a day to make the world a better place, just one tiny thing, within one year you would have done 365 things to help the world. Not such a bad start is it.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Such a familiar term, but it applies to more then just grocery bags.
If you are unsure where to start the best place is at the beginning.
Reduce the amount you as a consumer bring into your home. Remember what comes in usually goes out ( in the trash).
- Cut out the plastic bags, and the paper while you are at it. Bring your own and save yourself and the Earth the garbage.
- Be realistic. If you are buying an orange do you really need the produce bag as well?
- Skip on unnecessary packaging. Sure you can order that book online with all it’s extra packaging, or you can pick it up from the local bookstore on your way home. Free of extra boxes and plastics.
- Don’t impulse buy. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it. So save your money, and remember just because it’s a great price doesn’t always mean you need it, or you’ll use it.
- Opt-out, free yourself of wasteful junk mail. While your at it, go paperless. Many companies are now offering paperless billing and online statements. Try www.newdream.org/junkmail/form.php
- Buy used when you can. Reusing is even better then recycling, and with so many options it is like treasure hunting for the Earth friendly. great places to look include Freecycle, Craigslist, Etsy, Thrift stores, Used book shops and local garage sales.
Reuse whenever you can. Not everything is destined for the garbage can. Get creative. Many common items can serve a wide range of purposes, for both the crafty and not so crafty.
Plastic Bags – Even if you Green bag it, they still find there way into the home. Everything from bread to produce to your bulk items are individually bagged. Don’t toss them!
- Can you knit or crochet? Try using them instead of yarn. Check out these easy to follow instructions.
- Ever thought of fusing them? Makes for an easily washable and fun textured material. Check out the easy how-to guide.
( It is recommended that you work in a ventilated area.)
Here is a set I made with Target and bread bags.
Food Containers – So many can be washed and reused.
- Yogurt, sour cream, you name it, they all come in that standard shape just perfect for planting. It’s easy, cut a couple holes in the bottom to allow for draining and place the container on its lid. You can paint and decorate, or just leave plain the choice is yours.
- Many make great use for around the house storage. Especially for smaller items.
Coffee, Tea, Food and plain paper – The best reuse for these is composting.
- Check out http://www.compostguide.com/ It is not as hard or smelly as you would think.
At the very least grab an empty planter and add some dirt, shredded paper, leaves and some used coffee or tea. Then add a little water and your on your way.
Paper towel, toilet paper rolls, egg cartons and more…- Where to begin, there are hundreds of things you can make with these. Try an online search, you’ll be amazed by what you find.
- If crafts aren’t your cup of tea, donate them to a local school, daycare or community center for kid craft projects. (Same goes for many plastic food containers.)
Tin Cans – Another durable byproduct.
- You can make luminaries, or use them for planters, pencil holders and vases. To name a few.
- Broken Jewelry may be trash to you, but many people use them for parts.
- Clothes can be passed down to shelters, resold or donated.
- Appliances and electronics – if working should definitely be given a new home, if not repairable then recycled appropriately.
- Baby Food Jars – check with your local acupuncturist, some use them for their traditional remedies.
There are way too many options to list. Most things people throw in the trash can in some way or another be reused. It just takes a little creativity.
And last but not least RECYCLE. When you must toss it, pick the recycling bin, not the trash can.
Quick and Easy – Little habits
- Keep reusable bags in you car, many people don’t realize they left them at home until they are in the checkout line.
- Carry a travel mug with you and not only will your coffee/tea stay hot longer, you can rinse and refill anywhere.
- Same goes for a reusable water bottle. They tend to keep water cooler longer in the summer any ways.
- Try to avoid individually packaged everything, bring your own snacks in reusable containers.
- Picking up one piece of garbage takes less effort then tying your shoe.
- Turn it off and unplug, from lights to electronics. Every little bit adds up. Reduce your bill and your impact.
- Go energy efficient. With everything from light bulbs to appliances, it’s an easy switch.
- Spend less time in the car. Try running all your errands at one time. Less trips to the store saves you money on gas.
- Get a plant, even if your thumb is less than green. With so many types around, you’re sure to find one for you.
- When you have the option, go for recycled, refurbished, organic or sustainable.
- Remember, you always have a choice. Money is the loudest voice in the world. If the eco-unfriendly don’t get it, they’ll be more incline to change their ways.
- Last but not least. – SMILE – Happiness is contagious. I hope you all catch it!!!
Anyone can make a difference, it’s wether or not YOU choose to that matters.
Happy Earth Day and may your part of the world be beautiful.
