RSS
Archive: Green
October 9, 2009
Homegrown Happy
I have recently discovered a beautiful blog called Homegrown Happy. It's written by a new mother living not too far from me on the coast of Northern California. Jazmin is a new friend, and I love her attitude and her gorgeous family. She also has a very interesting lifestyle. Her home is remote, her needs are simple, and her aesthetics are driven by natural beauty. Her posts are inspiring and achievable at the same time, and the projects come alive with Jazmin's personal stories.
She and her husband Arnoud worked together to create buttons from an oak branch for their baby Finn. The tutorial is easy to follow, and has great photography.
Her granola recipe is not just about oats! The story of how Jazmin came to like granola for breakfast is too sweet.
Posted by Brookelynn |
Oct 9, 2009 11:00 AM
Babies, Food, Green |
Permalink
| Comments (1)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
September 29, 2009
How-To: Embroidered Face Cloth Napkins
Holly of Chez Beeper Bebe embarked on a summer-long project of crafting a wardrobe of cloth napkins for her home, and recently reached her goal of 40 napkins. Along the way, she's shared tutorials for several of the napkin variations she's used, including ruffled napkins and ric rac-trimmed napkins. She's concluded her series with a tutorial and patterns for these adorable embroidered face napkins.
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Sep 29, 2009 06:00 AM
Green, Home Decor, Needlearts |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
September 19, 2009
How-To: Recycled Materials Bat Mobile
Don't be confused by the title - we're not talking superheroes here. Actually, kids can feel like superheroes when they scavenge through the recycling bin to find the materials to make this fun and quick-to-assemble bat mobile. Ellen from The Long Thread shares not only how to assemble the mobile, but also provides a pattern to use for the bats!
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Sep 19, 2009 03:00 PM
Green, Holiday projects |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
August 27, 2009
How-To: Cover a Canvas Tote
File this under "brilliant" and "why didn't I think of that." Betz White shares her genius, and ever-so-easy, steps for covering a boring old canvas tote with fabric, resulting in a nicely lined bag with straps with minimal effort. Brilliant!
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Aug 27, 2009 07:00 AM
Green, Refashion, Sewing |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
August 14, 2009
Re-Construct DVD: Eco-Friendly Crafts Made Easy
Garth Johnson and Jeanée Ledoux have paired up to bring you an instructional DVD of eco-friendly craft projects called Re-Construct . The DVD format is really fresh, and watching Garth and Jeanée is captivating and quite relaxing at the same time. They are both talented artists whose unique personalities come through, complement one another, and keep things interesting. Their tone and format is so natural and casual it feels like they're hanging out in your living room teaching you how to make cool green crafts.
The DVD features 11 different projects made with second-hand materials, some built from scratch and others modding existing things you may have. The projects include High-Heel Hooks, a Cardboard Ottoman, the Starry Blender, Eggshell Planter, and Stenciled Pillow, to name a few. My favorite project, which I can't wait to make, is the Book Shelf, a floating shelf with hidden hardware fashioned from a vintage book (designed by Ezra Waltermaurer of Little Fish Furniture).
Garth and Jeanée make all the steps very clear and easy, while keeping it fun and quirky, all accented by the smooth, organ-infused lounge music in the background. And you can use the techniques they teach as inspiration and direction for other projects you dream up.
Posted by Goli Mohammadi |
Aug 14, 2009 05:00 PM
Green, Recycle, Reviews |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
August 10, 2009
Giveaway: Fuji EnviroMAX Batteries
We here at MAKE and CRAFT are big on being green. That's why we are so excited about these new Fuji EnviroMAX batteries that are safe for the environment -- so much so that we are giving away these green batteries to 2 random CRAFT readers today! Just leave a comment to this post telling us why you want these batteries. Make sure you enter in your email address in the form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed on Tuesday, August 11th at 10am PST. Good luck!
Here's more about the Fuji EnviroMAX batteries:
The materials that make up a Fuji EnviroMAX battery are derived from the basic elements of the Earth. There is nothing inside a Fuji EnviroMAX battery that will harm the environment if it is disposed of through normal waste systems. A few reasons why are that Fuji EnviroMAX batteries contain no harmful mercury, cadmium - nor are they packaged with dangerous (and non-recyclable) PVC plastic. Instead, Fuji EnviroMAX batteries are made in some of the world's most eco-respectful battery plants, operating under some of the most strict standards of environmental responsibility. In fact, most of all resources used in the Fuji EnviroMAX manufacturing process are reused and recycled! What's more, Fuji EnviroMAX batteries are labeled and packaged with recycled paper and P.E.T. plastic. The result is batteries that meet a world standard for environmental responsibility and recyclable materials. And no other batteries are so respectful of our environment as Fuji EnviroMAX.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 10, 2009 10:00 AM
Contests, Green |
Permalink
| Comments (46)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
July 28, 2009
Flashback: Solar Herb Dryer
Oftentimes, the bounty of the season is, well, bountiful and more plentiful than can be used immediately. In my garden, the mint, parsley, and cilantro are thriving, and while I love using these fresh herbs in my cooking, I still have way more than I can use fresh. Enter our flashback for this week: a solar herb dryer by renowned green architect Michelle Kaufmann from the pages of CRAFT Volume 09, our Crafting Green issue. Made with reused materials including a wooden picture frame, wire mesh, and 4 old wine corks, the dryer is not only functional but lovely to look at as well. Herbs grown and dried at home are by far superior in flavor to their store-bought counterparts, and they make great gifts when combined with crafty packaging.
Check out the full tutorial shared here in our Digital Edition. You can also still pick up a back issue of Volume 09 from the Maker Shed for much more green crafting goodness.
Posted by Goli Mohammadi |
Jul 28, 2009 05:00 PM
Food, Green |
Permalink
| Comments (2)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
July 17, 2009
How-To: Make Jewelry From Recycle Bin Plastics
Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood of Crafty Sanity shares her methods for making fun, funky jewelry from plastic items in your recycle bin.
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Jul 17, 2009 03:00 PM
Green, Jewelry, Recycle |
Permalink
| Comments (6)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
How-To: Transfer Images to Wooden Poker Chips
Cathe of Just Something I Made shares how she transferred images to these wooden poker chips, and has even included a downloadable PDF of the images she used so you can try it at home!
[ via Sister Diane ]
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Jul 17, 2009 07:00 AM
Green |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
June 15, 2009
Wall-E Robot Made From Recycled Materials
Filth Wizardry shares the steps she went through to create this awesome Wall-E robot model with her kids. She has some brilliant re-uses for everyday materials in there. Can you guess what all the pieces are?
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Jun 15, 2009 07:00 AM
Amigurumi and Toys, Green, Kids |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
June 12, 2009
How-To: Make Newspaper Flowers
I grew up around newspapers (my dad was in the business) and I always loved the smell and feel of newsprint and ink. Jessica from How About Orange has a great tutorial for transforming bits of newspaper into adorable flowers to adorn just about anything. I think it could be fun to do this with a scraps from a paper from a significant date or event as a gift.
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Jun 12, 2009 03:00 PM
Green, Paper Crafts |
Permalink
| Comments (4)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
June 10, 2009
Green Wedding Tips
The folks over at Smart2BeGreen have put together a list of handy tips for making your wedding greener without sacrificing your style or dreams. Everything from using digital cameras to taking a green honeymoon and using organic fruit instead of cut flowers for the centerpieces.
They've graciously let us reprint their quick tips, so here ya go:
- Let blooms thrive in their natural habitat. Instead of cut flower bouquets, create centerpieces of colorful organic fruit or beeswax candles.
- Stick with digital photography only-no film. Upload your photographer's shots to an online album. Then, give your parents picture frames made from recycled or reclaimed wood.
- Choose a green honeymoon. Pick a vacation destination close to home, offset your carbon emissions from transport, stay in a LEED-certified hotel or locate a sustainable resort.
- Save paper. Ask your guests to RSVP on your wedding website! You'll save hundreds on first-class postage by being a first-class enviro-citizen.
Smart2BeGreen also includes a list of resources for finding eco-friendly products and where to donate your wedding gown for charity if you're so inclined. Check it out online or subscribe to their e-newsletter, which is packed with simple tips for greener living.
Posted by Shawn Connally |
Jun 10, 2009 08:00 AM
Green, Weddings |
Permalink
| Comments (2)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
May 26, 2009
How-To: Make a Laptop From a Cereal Box
We eat a lot of cereal in our house, which results in loads of boxes being sent out for recycling. There is an abundance of cool cereal box crafts on the Internet, many of which we've featured here, but this one is a favorite for me. My kids are always wanting to play on my laptop, and Allie from No Time For Flashcards has come up with a great craft to satisfy both their desire for a laptop of their own and my desire to reuse all the cereal boxes we have in our house. Using simple alphabet stickers and markers, she shows how to let a kid create their own computer from an empty cereal box. I'm bookmarking this one for summer ....
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
May 26, 2009 07:00 AM
Green, Kids |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
May 21, 2009
How to Plant an Orchid Vertically
I love orchids, and this year for the first time I went to the Pacific Orchid Expo in San Francisco. I saw some amazing plants and flowers. I left the event very inspired and decided to try the technique many growers use of mounting the orchids on branches or boards, where they can hang vertically. Orchids love being suspended because it allows their roots to drain freely. The visual effect is beautiful, and allows gardeners to make the most of small spaces. Try to find some coco fiber instead of dirt for this project; orchids thrive in it, and it is also very lightweight.
Materials:
Orchid
Sphagnum moss
Small amount of dirt or coco fiber
Fiskars Floral Shears
18-gauge floral wire
Board
Directions:
Step 1: Wait until the orchid you want to plant has finished blooming, then cut the stem at the base. Remove the plant from its pot and shake loose any bark or dirt from its roots.
Step 2: Loop a length of wire around 2 opposite corners of the board. Twist the 2 ends of the wire together in the back.
Step 3: Next, lay a pile of sphagnum moss on the center of the board. Then add a handful of dirt on top. Add the orchid to the pile on the board. Cover it with a second handful of dirt, and a final layer of moss.
Step 4: Secure it to the board with wire. Wrap wire back and forth, starting at one of the pre-wired corner. Lace the new length of wire across the moss and orchid several times. Tug the wires tight to cinch them down and hold the plant against the board firmly. The board can be hung indoors or out.
Posted by Brookelynn |
May 21, 2009 10:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Gardening, Green, Home Decor |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
May 19, 2009
How-To: Repurpose Marketing Magnets Into Bookmarks
Amy at Craft Chi shares how to make handy magnetic bookmarks from all those marketing magnets that are cluttering up your refrigerator door. Brilliant!
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
May 19, 2009 07:00 AM
Green, Home Decor |
Permalink
| Comments (2)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
May 11, 2009
Re-Construct: Eco-Friendly Crafts Made Easy
When I was in Portland, Oregon last month, I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Garth Johnson of Extreme Craft. He gave me a copy of his new DVD, Re-Construct: Eco-Friendly Crafts Made Easy that features "11 original recycled home decor projects." Garth stars with product designer, Jeanee Ledoux, who designed and produced the DVD.
The pair tackles hip projects like floating book shelves, fabric painting and making cardboard furniture. The DVD is a lot of fun, and I love that there is a philiosophy not only of recycling and reusing behind the projects, but also of using craft to enrich your life. That's good stuff! You can read more about the DVD and subscribe to the Re-Construct blog through their web site, as well as preview the DVD above and see a bonus project below. Enjoy!
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
May 11, 2009 03:00 PM
Green, Recycle, Video |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
May 5, 2009
How-To: Make a Recycled Hanging Basket
Red Bird Crafts shares how to make this sweet, simple hanging basket from items scavenged from her recycle bin.
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
May 5, 2009 07:00 AM
General, Green |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
April 27, 2009
How-To: Make a Cereal Box Journal
I love these simple cereal box journals from the long thread. I see all kinds of possibilities for decorating the cover with stamps or fabric, but also love the clean look of the un-altered box lining. We eat loads of cereal in our house, and I love the idea of doing this project with or for my kiddos to reinforce the lessons of reusing materials we already have on hand.
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Apr 27, 2009 03:00 PM
Green, Paper Crafts |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
April 24, 2009
TV's Garbage Moguls Features Tiffany Threadgould
Longtime recycling maven and CRAFT contributor Tiffany Threadgould is a busy, busy girl these days.
Besides running her fabulously clever recycling and reuse company, RePlayGround, she's working on articles for us here at Craftzine.com, writing a book, and is one of the stars (yes, I said it, she's a star!) of the new show Garbage Moguls, in which she works as a product designer for the company Terracycle. The company is taking garbage and making useful things out of this trash, thereby robbing the landfill of more content. The company's home to a lot of different personalities, who keep you highly entertained for the hour-long show.
Here's a shot from the show where she's not licking a cookie wrapper but a coworker named Albe doesn't have any qualms about doing just that:
And here's a preview of the show, which premiered this past Wednesday on Earth Day. You should definitely record this on your DVR-of-choice or tune in this Saturday, April 25th, at 10 p.m. Congrats, Tiffany, and we hope it's a flyaway hit (just like the kite)!
Posted by Shawn Connally |
Apr 24, 2009 04:00 PM
Announcements, Green, Recycle |
Permalink
| Comments (2)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
April 23, 2009
Mana Bernandes' Jewelry
Rio de Janeiro-based artist Mana Bernandes has a knack for elevating everyday objects to elegance with her jewelry. Pictured above is Clasp, a gorgeous necklace made of bobby pins, fit for a green goddess. Check out more of her innovative work at Munique and on her site. (Her toothpick and pearl necklace is featured on page 54 of CRAFT Volume 09.)
Posted by Goli Mohammadi |
Apr 23, 2009 11:00 AM
Green, Jewelry |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
| Email Entry |
Suggest a Site
