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This installation, check by Thomas Voorn via Design Milk portrays all that I love about winter (which is almost everything except shoveling).
This image danced across my computer screen as the flakes began to fall.
Dust of Snow ~ Robert Frost
The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued
Let's face it, the iPod/iPhone/iPad has certainly changed the way we do…everything. What's so great about all these iProducts? Apple dubbed iPhones as nothing less than magically revolutionary.
"A revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone. We are all born with the ultimate pointing device; our fingers and iPhone uses them to create the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse."
While those of us who are "i" devotees (you know who you are) know that these devices can practically feed themselves, so what don't they do? Well, they can't sing without a dock, speakers or headphones. Plus, they need something to protect their precious apps from...you and me.
Making accessories instead of purchasing gifts saves resources that would otherwise be manufactured, shipped and packaged. All those accessories can add to the cost of your prized gadget. By making these accessories, you can extend the lifespan of the iBaby, keep your gift cash stash in your pocket, and give a nod to the environment. It's a win/win.
CLICK HERE for video tutorials for DIY Speakers, DIY Docks, DIY Car Holder, DIY Stand, and how to make your own iApp.
Also, maybe you missed one of the strangest posts I ever wrote about "his Steveness?" If you did not see the DIY cheesiest iProject the first time around, you can check it out HERE. (What do you think, was this the absolute low point in my writing career?)
Photo: iLounge
As I continue to dive into this A-Z Holiday DIY Eco-Gift Guide, I am reminded once again, that I have yin/yang relationship with shopping. I love stylish clothes (reading Vogue since I was 12), and I have been known to love to shop. But, as I filter everything through a green lens and embrace a simpler lifestyle, I am consciously aware of my consumption.
I recently wrote about two exciting things to hit the fashion industry – Zero Waste Fashion and The Common Treads Initiative. It's uplifting to know that some conscientious clothing designers and companies are creating sustainable fashion.
What to get an eco-fashionista? Green is the new black. Her commitment to the environment is as strong as her love of a good sale, and she's got the style to back up her ethics. This is an easy gift type to DIY for because there are two things that eco-fashionista's can never have enough of...shopping totes and hangers. Recycled Sweater Shopping Totes Repurpose sweaters that are either old, torn or no longer fit. Wool sweaters from thrift and secondhand shops can be made into felted functional objects.
What you need:
wool sweaters
chalk for marking
ruler
scissors
What to do:
1. Here are the directions for felting a sweater.
2. Lay the felted sweater flat. With chalk and ruler, mark line from armhole to armhole, parallel to bottom edge, for top edge of tote.
3. Mark handles as shown above.
4. Cut along chalk lines as indicated, then set aside sleeve and neck sections. Turn right side out, then open and refold so side seams are at center front and back. Topstitch or machine-zigzag bottom edges together, approx ½ inch up from hem.
5. Topstitch single layer of top and handle edges. Fold each handle in half with wrong side together and cut edges even and stitch down.
6. If desired, cut patch pocket from neck section, so curved neck edge is top edge. Center on tote front; topstitch in place along side and bottom edges.
Natural Wire and Branch Hangers
Hangers are long overdo for a fashion makeover. One of my most popular posts addressed the issue of how many hangers end up in our landfills. Read HERE to find the answer to that, and how to make 3 types of natural hangers.
Here is the original Planet Green post.
Bag Photos: Canadian Living
DIY is already a part of an artist's creative ethos. But it can be a challenge to find art supplies that are both healthy and eco-friendly. Artists welcome gifts that don’t add to the toxic soup they are often faced with daily. Why not give the artist on your holiday list all the makings for an earth-friendly, non-toxic art set? 3 Eco-Tips:
1. Read labels on art materials carefully. If a label says the product presents a health risk, chances are it will also pollute ground water when disposed of. 2. To determine whether a product is nontoxic, look for the AP (Approved Product) seal from the Art and Creative Materials Institute. AMI reviews art materials for toxicology. These products are safe for children and adults. 3. Take a whiff. Smell is a good indicator of toxicity. If it stinks, leave it out.
How to make an Eco-Art Box:
Turn an old silverware chest into an art supplies box, repurpose a fishing tackle box, or make a box from scrap wood to house art supplies.
Fill the Eco-Art Box:
Ecoartworks provides all the makings for creating green art: plant-based pastels, natural paint sets, hemp sketch pads, plant colored pencils, recycled sketch books, drawing books with onion paper, soy crayons and more. Include a copy of the Green Guide For Artists. This fabulous book contains non-toxic recipes, green art ideas and resources for the eco-conscious artist.
For more DIY gifts for the artist in your life CLICK HERE.
You've heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, right? But, have you heard about DIY December? Probably not, because I am introducing it right here, right now on econesting!
Last year, I created an ambitious holiday gift guide for Planet Green. It was called, Truly Gifted: An A-Z DIY Holiday Workshop For Everyone On Your Holiday List. It was my anecdote for curbing spending, raising my eco-consciousness and reconnecting with something I love to do: create handmade gifts for my family and friends.
The introductory post to the Truly Gifted series is the only post not showing up on the Planet Green site, so here's an excerpt:
"I did the unthinkable. I ventured into New York City on Black Friday. It was mostly a social visit, but it was hard not to get caught up in the shopping frenzy. You would never guess from the amount of people who braved the stores with their fellow throngs of holiday revelers that there was ever a weakness in our economy, or that our planet was overdue for an eco-consciousness-raising. I found myself tripping over a minefield of holiday stuff and compromising my personal eco-footprint right and left. After an exhausting few hours, I was happy to be tucked back into my nest. The experience reached my deepest resolve to buy less and make more.
Sure, you could go out and buy eco-friendly gifts for everyone on your list, or save gas and time by shopping online. But why succumb to more spending and unnecessary waste? Creating gifts for others allows you to share your great green intention of respecting the planet, by passing along to your recipients the awareness of treading lightly on the environment."
5 DIY Gift-Making Tips
DIY December
During the next few weeks leading up to the crescendo of all winter holidays - Christmas, I will provide an alphabetical array of green DIY inspiration for everyone on your holiday list. Since I wrote a post for every letter of the alphabet (absolutely exhausting, but fun), I'll be including excerpts and new information. The posts will have an eco-friendly DIY project for everyone on your list. How cool is that?
Revving to get started? Here's a real easy project to get you in the DIY gift-making and giving mood:
DIY Gift Tags
Forget store bought gift tags, Lolly Chops provides stylish free patterned, downloadable gift tags to print out and personalize.
I'll be posting a blizzard of DIY projects. So don't forget to check back each day for greenest of holiday gifts you can make yourself.
Photos: Emma Innocenti via Planet Green, Lolly Chops
