Recycle, eh

Okay, so I’ve been pretty lazy about blogging but I’m just getting back on my feet and am feeling frisky again. My OC article on keeping your new year’s resolutions by going green was published yesterday. Here’s the link.

So because my energy level is not quite up there (I’m saving it for a new project!), I checking out the web to see what others are doing by recycling creatively. And, of course, I keep folks on the web who are doing wonderful and very professional looking recycling projects (none of this macaroni on cardboard recycling crafts!).

And speaking of recycling - here’s another example (amazing) of what you can make from the pictures of magazines, calendars, or card--ta dah--clever DIY candle votive covers.

The clever designer behind this idea is Claire over at Fellow, Fellow. Here’s the lutorial.

I don't know about you but I still get quite a few Christmas cards in the mail and enjoy receiving them even though e-cards are more eco-friendly. Besides, coming up with ideas to recycle them is one way of keeping the kids busy while you make your hoilday preparations. 

Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) has oodles of ideas and how-to projects for recycling holiday cards. These little card trees are similar to those over at Stone and Rose that I blogged about yesterday but a little easier to make.

And I simply love these little decorative houses made from cards. For complete instructions for these and other card recycling projects, visit BHG. For house templates, go here.

Well, we had a blast at the Daily Grind Art Cafe on Somerset Tuesday evening at the workshop. We repurposed magazines into paper topiary trees, Christmas cards and envelopes and made little gift boxes by reusing old Christmas cards. One of the gals mentioned she would be using the little boxes for her fudge gifts and another one will use them for her jewellery.

We didn't have time to make the 5-pointed stars (again by reusing old cards) but you can find the instructions for them here. It's not as complicated as you may think to make these stars. You can use them individually as gift toppers, tree ornaments, or string a few together to make a nifty garland.

I will be posting instructions for the trees and envelopes soon. Meanwhile, have fun making these stars.

Now, that Halloween is over, I can concentrate on flogging my Christmas workshops. My first workshop will be held at the Daily Grind Art Cafe at 601 Somerset St. W., on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Details at the Daily Grind website. 

We'll be making Christmas decorations from recycled materials. See you there.

Then, I have 3 workshops at Bloom Artisan in the market. Check the website for details for these workshops. 

We'll be making Christmas boxes, tags, crackers, and paper trees. Bring along any magazines and card stock you have on hand. 

My friend Sean Everett will be holding his fabulous gift wrapping workshop at Bloom Artisan as well starting Tuesday, Nov. 15. Check the website for details.