Green Options » crafts http://greenoptions.com/tag/crafts Posts tagged 'crafts' Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:38:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en Natural Face Paint for Safe Halloween Costumes http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/10/21/natural-face-paint-for-safe-halloween-costumes/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/10/21/natural-face-paint-for-safe-halloween-costumes/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:38:56 +0000 Julie Knapp http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/10/21/natural-face-paint-for-safe-halloween-costumes/ Whether your child wants tiger stripes or just a few drops of vampire blood, the best Halloween costumes often come with a painted face. That’s a good thing in the eyes of safety experts who caution against masks, which can restrict breathing and obstruct vision, but not such a good thing when you think about what’s inside many face paint formulas.

Like many color cosmetics, face paints can contain parabens, phthalates, synthetic colors, fragrances and other potential toxins or allergens — even lead — and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t have the power to regulate them.

Earlier this year 43 Girl Scouts at an event in Ohio were left with red, bumpy rashes after using Shanghai Color Art Stationery Co. Ltd. face paint. This Halloween the FDA is cautioning parents. “Most of these products are completely safe, but there have been reports of adverse events and allergic reactions,” Linda Katz, director of the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Color told USA Today.

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]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/10/21/natural-face-paint-for-safe-halloween-costumes/feed/ Are Your Ready for a Green Halloween? http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/09/04/are-your-ready-for-a-green-halloween/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/09/04/are-your-ready-for-a-green-halloween/#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:02:44 +0000 Wenona Napolitano http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/09/04/are-your-ready-for-a-green-halloween/ I know we just started September but as soon as I feel Fall creeping in I think of Halloween. As I crafter I always have to think ahead anyway so I have plenty of time to make my crafty creations before the holiday comes.

I have to admit I am running a little last this year. Normally by now I am already launching into Christmas stuff but I haven’t even started my Halloween goods yet.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/09/04/are-your-ready-for-a-green-halloween/feed/ Recycling Plastic Bags… Because Sometimes You Forget the Reusable Ones http://sustainablog.org/2009/07/13/recycling-plastic-bags/ http://sustainablog.org/2009/07/13/recycling-plastic-bags/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:48:17 +0000 Jeff McIntire-Strasburg http://sustainablog.org/2009/07/13/recycling-plastic-bags/ plastic shopping bagsGot a collection of reusable shopping bags? Same here… but I’ll freely admit that sometimes I forget them, or decide to stop to pick things up when I don’t have them with me. You’re probably in the same boat: despite your best efforts to reduce your use of plastic shopping bags, you’ve still got a stash of them somewhere…

So what do you do with them? You definitely want to keep them out of the waste stream, so obvious uses, like lining trash cans or otherwise using them for waste disposal, aren’t the best choices. You’ve got other options, though… and, as you’ll see, your choices for responsible disposal are expanding.

How to Reuse Plastic Bags

If you’re not going to pick up the dog poop with them, or line the bathroom trash can, how can you put those plastic bags to (re)use? Turns out there are quite a few upcycling options…

  • Make a sweater… or a scarf: You crafty types can turn those bags into yarn… and then knit, crochet or weave with it.
  • Fuse them into “cloth”: Got an iron and some old paper? You can make cloth-like crafting material out of your bags, also.
  • Protect and store food: Making a trip to the farmer’s market? Put a few of those plastic bags inside your reusable one to separate and protect the food you buy. You can also use them for storage once you get your produce and baked goods home.

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]]> http://sustainablog.org/2009/07/13/recycling-plastic-bags/feed/ Entertaining Kids: Part II http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/07/09/entertaining-kids-part-ii/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/07/09/entertaining-kids-part-ii/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:51:56 +0000 Jamie Ervin http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/07/09/entertaining-kids-part-ii/ In part I we talked about rock painting and water play.  For a fun afternoon of baking bread, visit my recipe at Eat.Drink.Better and get those kids cooking!

In our world (meaning the small space our family occupies, not the greater World as it is), we believe everyday is an outside day unless weather is at a dangerous extreme or the rain is coming down in buckets.  However, here in Oregon, we do still have plenty of “Rain Days” which keep us inside for part of the day.  Nearly every day finds us outside exploring, riding bikes, climbing trees, digging, and nature walking.

I’ve already mentioned that we enjoy collecting things on our walks… twigs, moss, leaves, pebbles, bark chips, pine cones, hazelnuts, whatever is laying about.  We don’t ever take something off a living tree or plant because that could cause harm.

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]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/07/09/entertaining-kids-part-ii/feed/ Help Your Favorite Local Farmers Market Win $5000 http://sustainablog.org/2009/06/02/help-your-favorite-local-farmers-market-win-5000/ http://sustainablog.org/2009/06/02/help-your-favorite-local-farmers-market-win-5000/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:07:52 +0000 Levi Novey http://sustainablog.org/2009/06/02/help-your-favorite-local-farmers-market-win-5000/ It’s an experience many of us relish– taking a weekend stroll through the colors, sounds, and smells of a local farmers market and then choosing fresh items to take back to our homes, as well crafts, or maybe a cd from a local band. We know that the food will eventually fill our stomachs contently, or that another item we found will be a perfect and unique gift for a special friend or family member.

A Farmers Market in Jackson, Missisippi

This summer you can show your support for your favorite farmers market, by helping it win a $5000 reward. Care2.com and Localharvest.org are sponsoring this great online contest. The $5000 top prize will be awarded to the farmer’s market that is voted the most popular by internet users like you.

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]]> http://sustainablog.org/2009/06/02/help-your-favorite-local-farmers-market-win-5000/feed/ Tutorial: Security Pattern Business Card Envelopes http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/13/tutorial-security-pattern-business-card-envelopes/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/13/tutorial-security-pattern-business-card-envelopes/#comments Wed, 13 May 2009 13:30:22 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/13/tutorial-security-pattern-business-card-envelopes/ Security EnvelopesPresentation is everything.  Your business card is no exception.  Make yours stand-out with a unique, handmade envelope.  These stunning, memorable envelopes are made from repurposed security envelopes.  Read on for the complete instructions to make your own.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/13/tutorial-security-pattern-business-card-envelopes/feed/ Tutorial: Stitched Cork Coasters http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/06/tutorial-stitched-cork-coasters/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/06/tutorial-stitched-cork-coasters/#comments Wed, 06 May 2009 16:53:38 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/06/tutorial-stitched-cork-coasters/ Stitched CoastersMom always said, “Get your feet off the coffee table!” and “Use a coaster!”  Why not give her some new coasters for that precious coffee table this Mother’s Day?  These stitched cork coasters are an inexpensive and super easy gift.  Read on for a complete how to for making your own.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/06/tutorial-stitched-cork-coasters/feed/ Tutorial: Linen Canister Cozy http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/24/tutorial-linen-canister-cozy/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/24/tutorial-linen-canister-cozy/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:20:59 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/24/tutorial-linen-canister-cozy/ Canister CozyRemember this fabulous Forsythia linen swatch I ordered from Cicada Studio? Well,
thanks to Ohdeedoh’s post about de-branding the kitchen counter with pretty canisters, I was inspired to make over my stainless steel canisters. I love stainless steel, but it can seem very clinical. I decided to warm up my canisters with linen cozies. Read on for the complete how-to…

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/24/tutorial-linen-canister-cozy/feed/ Tutorial: Inside Out Notecards - Part 2 http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/15/tutorial-inside-out-notecards-part-2/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/15/tutorial-inside-out-notecards-part-2/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:42:14 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/15/tutorial-inside-out-notecards-part-2/ Inside Out NotecardsI am still looking for ways to transform my stash of plain boring notecards. I showed you how to use fabric scraps and stamps to “recover” the card and how to make inside out notecards with craft punches in Part 1 of this series. Now I want to show you how to make inside out notecards using your own cut out design instead of craft punches.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/15/tutorial-inside-out-notecards-part-2/feed/ Reuse Sewing Pattern Tissue Paper http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/15/reuse-sewing-pattern-tissue-paper/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/15/reuse-sewing-pattern-tissue-paper/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:01:54 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/15/reuse-sewing-pattern-tissue-paper/ Tissue Paper FlowersSewing pattern tissue has a great graphic quality.  If you have some vintage or used sewing patterns laying around, consider reusing them for art, home decor, jewelry, or anything else you can decoupage.  Here are a bunch of inspiring ideas for reusing sewing pattern tissue paper.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/04/15/reuse-sewing-pattern-tissue-paper/feed/ Must Read Book List for Green Crafters http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/27/must-read-book-list-for-green-crafters/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/27/must-read-book-list-for-green-crafters/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:33:59 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/27/must-read-book-list-for-green-crafters/
Inspiration abounds on the internet these days, but I still find great comfort in picking up a real book. I have loaded up the shelves in my craft room with some great reads for the beginning and green crafter. Here are my top recommendations.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/27/must-read-book-list-for-green-crafters/feed/ Tutorial: Woven Button Coasters http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/25/tutorial-woven-button-coasters/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/25/tutorial-woven-button-coasters/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:05:56 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/25/tutorial-woven-button-coasters/
Many crafters are creating new and unique ways to use vintage and collected buttons for both home decor and fun craft projects. I instantly thought of my mom when I saw these coasters. She has an enviable button stash ripe with various colors and sizes just waiting to be woven into useful coasters.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/25/tutorial-woven-button-coasters/feed/ CraftStylish Crafty By Nature Challenge http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/24/craftstylish-crafty-by-nature-challenge/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/24/craftstylish-crafty-by-nature-challenge/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:13:36 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/24/craftstylish-crafty-by-nature-challenge/
Lately I have been seeing this Yudu Personal Screen-printer everywhere and I want one to screen print tote bags, tea towels, fabric scraps, and anything else my heart desires! For a chance to win one, enter the Crafty by Nature Challenge hosted by CraftStylish. The challenge has four categories; Earth, Fire, Air, and Water.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/24/craftstylish-crafty-by-nature-challenge/feed/ Tutorial: Altered Tins http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/17/tutorial-altered-tins/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/17/tutorial-altered-tins/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:31:31 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/17/tutorial-altered-tins/ Altered TinsI have a mini stockpile of tins in my craft room begging for attention.  In an effort to ditch all the plastic bins for greener options, I have decided to alter the tins with decorative paper so I can use them as storage for all my crafty bits.  You can use anything from Altoid tins to larger cookie or popcorn tins for this project.  Around the holidays there tends to be a lot of products packaged in tin containers.  I am going to use two tins from a pair of sunglasses and a watch.  

When it comes to altered tins, there aren’t any rules.  You can paint them, draw on them, glue stuff to them… what ever you desire.  Today I wanted to share an easy tutorial for altering tins with paper to make simple decorative storage containers.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/03/17/tutorial-altered-tins/feed/ The Green Economy Connection With ‘Indie-Craftpreneur’ Jill Bliss http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/02/18/the-green-economy-connection-with-indie-craftpreneur-jill-bliss/ http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/02/18/the-green-economy-connection-with-indie-craftpreneur-jill-bliss/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:11:53 +0000 Olga Orda http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/02/18/the-green-economy-connection-with-indie-craftpreneur-jill-bliss/ 1. Jill, you are an artist, designer and crafter. Tell us about what you do and what you create.

First and foremost I create detailed native nature drawings. With these, I create an eponymous line of paper goods and fabric accessories. I’ve been an “indie-craftpreneur” since 2001, selling my goods on my retail website and in boutiques worldwide. I also create murals, take on custom art commissions, and the occasional graphic design project for like-minded businesses.

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]]> http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/02/18/the-green-economy-connection-with-indie-craftpreneur-jill-bliss/feed/ Old Bed Linens Become Rag Floor Pillows http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/02/16/old-bed-linens-become-rag-floor-pillows/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/02/16/old-bed-linens-become-rag-floor-pillows/#comments Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:01:44 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/02/16/old-bed-linens-become-rag-floor-pillows/ Rag PillowSome crafty crocheting is all it took for designer Anneli Martin, of Bird and Lard, to transform old bed linens and a duvet cover into comfy rag pillows.  The Bird and Lard environmentally friendly concept is “recycle to last”.  The husband and wife duo behind Bird and Lard transforms outdated pieces of furniture into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Anneli was so kind to share with me some additional photos of her rag pillows (after the jump). I think it takes a true craft visionary to imagine that cutting up a bed sheet could result in pillows with such amazing texture.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/02/16/old-bed-linens-become-rag-floor-pillows/feed/ Tutorial: Paper Scrap Family Tree http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/02/06/tutorial-paper-scrap-family-tree/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/02/06/tutorial-paper-scrap-family-tree/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:34:05 +0000 Jackie Hernandez http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/02/06/tutorial-paper-scrap-family-tree/ Paper Scrap Family TreeUse left over paper scraps to make this charming family tree perfect to tuck into a scrapbook or frame for display.  

I used left over scraps I had of Amy Butler Lotus scrapbook paper, but here are 5 other great paper sources for this project.  (Note:  Some of these options may not be archival.)

  1. Upcycle greeting cards
  2. Use colorful magazine clippings
  3. Use pages from an old atlas or map (like Julie did to make her own envelopes)
  4. Cut up leftover paint chips
  5. Instead of paper use Eco-fi Felt

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    ]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/02/06/tutorial-paper-scrap-family-tree/feed/ Make Craft Time a Family Time: Simple. Fun. Connected. http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/24/make-craft-time-a-family-time-simple-fun-connected/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/24/make-craft-time-a-family-time-simple-fun-connected/#comments Sun, 25 Jan 2009 01:18:53 +0000 Michael Hawkins http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/24/make-craft-time-a-family-time-simple-fun-connected/
    In a world of high tech gadgetry everywhere you look (iPods, flat-screen computer monitors, mp3 players, personal DVD players and the like) I sometimes yearn for the good old days when a coloring book and some crayons made me a pretty happy camper.  While we can’t change the past, we can (and should) change the future.

    I’m not going to prevent my two boys from 21st century technology, but I’m also (carefully) squeezing in some old fashioned extra-curricular activities too.  Family craft time is one of those low-tech fun times that can be fairly simple yet memorable.

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    ]]>     http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/24/make-craft-time-a-family-time-simple-fun-connected/feed/     Keeping a Craft Room Green and Organized http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/20/keeping-a-craft-room-green-and-organized/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/20/keeping-a-craft-room-green-and-organized/#comments Wed, 21 Jan 2009 03:08:24 +0000 Lenore MacLeod-Bickley http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/20/keeping-a-craft-room-green-and-organized/ If you’re one of the lucky people that has enough space in their house to have a craft/art room, like myself, then you know how quickly things can become messy and cluttered after you’ve been working on a project.  Depending on if the project has a deadline or not, it can also mean that you might use methods and materials that you wouldn’t normally.  After thinking about my art room, and how that was one room that I haven’t gone in and “greened up,” I thought I would share some tips and ideas I came up with when I go to tackle my creative space.

    a collage of craft rooms

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    ]]>     http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/01/20/keeping-a-craft-room-green-and-organized/feed/     Crafting with Re-Purpose, Re-New and Re-Joice in Mind http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/17/crafting-with-re-purpose-re-new-and-re-joice-in-mind/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/17/crafting-with-re-purpose-re-new-and-re-joice-in-mind/#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2009 05:16:18 +0000 Michael Hawkins http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/17/crafting-with-re-purpose-re-new-and-re-joice-in-mind/

    I confess:  I am a craftaholic.  Yes.  It’s true.  [Just ask my wife and she'll tell you ALL about it.]  The strange thing is, I don’t limit myself to just one ‘craft’ or medium.  I run the whole gamut.  From fabric to fiber to paint to rubber stamps to card-making … the list goes on and on.

    On the bright side, I’m very proud of the fact that instead of running out to my local craft store to buy my supplies, I scour the local thrift shops and Goodwill stores to find items that I can buy (for next to nothing) and convert them into something with new life.  Example:  a pillowcase, in good condition, can be turned into a tote bag, a pencil case, a crochet hook keeper or a travel-size tissue holder.

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