Green Options » scrapbook

Why you Should Craft When Times are Tough

Kelly Rand — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:31:52 +0000

If you haven’t heard the economy is in the drink. It seems every time I turn around there is more news of another bank or company on the brink, with no foreseeable end in sight.

We’ve heard the comparisons that this recession looks very much like the great depression. It is hitting everyone’s pocket book, no matter your socioeconomic status. This free fall to the bottom isn’t discriminating.

So why should you craft when there is even less disposable income for you to play with? Well here are my top reasons you should craft when times are tough:

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Green Stack: Recycled Scrapbook Paper by DCWV

Jackie Hernandez — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:29:11 +0000

Die Cuts With A View (DCWV) has just released the Green Stack collection made from 70% post-consumer recycled paper that is also acid-free and lignin-free. The debut Green Stack paper pad features 24 woodland designs complete with squirrels, owls, and a little faux bois. The collection also includes a matching Green Stack Chipboard Set with 105 shapes and letters made from 70% post-consumer recycled paper.

The DCWV website has a great idea gallery with sample pages from each collection, like the Guess Who sample page shown here which features the Green Stack collection. Check out the other awesome Green Stack sample pages after the jump.

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Crafting a Green…Scrapbook?

Becky H — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:37:39 +0000

This is a guest post by Becky Haas, an amateur crafter/environmentalist who also tries to make a living as a professional musician. You can also find her at the craft blog Sew and So.

I’ve caught myself contemplating this quite a bit lately–whether it is actually possible for a craft that relies so heavily on paper to be done in a way that’s eco-friendly.

It seems that scrapbooking has a few extra challenges that makes it difficult to find supplies that are made from recycled materials. For one, the paper used as the base of the page has to be sturdy enough that it can handle having photos and other potentially bulkier items adhered to it–generally cardstock weight. This eliminates most, if not all, homemade and handmade papers. because they tend to be more fragile and tear easily. But the bigger challenge I’ve found in finding basic supplies is that most scrapbookers want stuff that is acid- and lignin-free.

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Carnival of Green Crafts #1

Skye Kilaen — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:11:13 +0000

Welcome to the first Carnival of Green Crafts!

For more information about the Carnival, please see the Carnival of Green Crafts home page here at Crafting A Green World.

We’re pleased as punch to announce that the next Carnival will be August 9th at BlogHer, courtesy of Hobbies, Crafts & DIY Contributing Editor Debra Roby. Send in your posts via the carnival submission form today!

Thanks so much to all the crafters who shared their posts with us for this Carnival. Let’s dig in!

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Tip o’ the Day: Get yer Programs!

Amy Stodghill — Mon, 07 May 2007 13:17:36 +0000

Whether it is a play at the theater or at your child's school, there is usually someone at the entrance handing out programs. Programs do give credit where credit is due and list pertinent information about a show and the people and sponsors that put it on, but when all is said and done, programs amount to a lot of paper.

While programs do make good souvenirs or keepsakes, if you don't intend to put it in the scrapbook, consider leaving it behind. Some theater companies, especially the smaller ones, will reuse programs for a multiple run show. If you've managed to keep it in good condition throughout the performance, hand it to an usher at the end of the show. Or, take just one program initially to share between those you came with.

If you happen to be the one putting on the show (big or small), create a display in the lobby with pertinent information (run time, intermission, cast and crew pictures and bios, play history.) However, if you rely on the ad money from programs, make sure they are printed on paper with post-consumer recycled content and print less rather than more (there are usually lots of leftovers.)

Programs aren't limited to the theater, of course. There are music concerts, festivals and any number of events or performances where programs are issued. Remember, just because it's there doesn't mean you have to take one per person. One per household is usually enough, and it will be less that you'll have to take home with you after the show is over.

Amy says: I'm one of those avid scrapbookers, so I used to always bring my program home with me. Now I forego the program and just use the ticket stub and a photo with me in front of the theater or at the event for my scrapbook page. Plus, it is more memorable for you to fill in the extra info on the page yourself, such as what you thought of the performance and who was in it. No program necessary.