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posted by Lydia Krupinski
It’s the eve of the eve of Valentine’s Day and you’ve totally forgotten to get a gift for your sweetie! What do you do? Make a handmade eco-friendly gift of course! Pinterest and blogs are teaming with easy tutorials that will give a personal spin on your v-day gift giving.
My favorite is the Birds on a Wire project. Unisex, stylish, and upcycled, this mini-art piece will speak volumes to your crush. Not into birds? Change up the subject to match your own message. This simple and easy-to-make project gives you the flexibility to take it in any direction you choose.
Do you have another suggestion for a handmade gift? Post your ideas in the comments below!
by Lydia Krupinski
Do a search for eco resolutions and you’ll see a flurry of articles that will encourage you to use fabric shopping bags, change your light bulbs and skip bottled water. These are great tips for the entry-level eco-curious – but if we really want to push ourselves we should set the bar much higher. Isn’t that the point of resolutions in the first place? To challenge us to change behaviors and grow as individuals?
My mother had a brilliant insight several months back. When discussing sustainability movements and green trends she commented that, “What you are describing is how I lived as a kid.” And she’s right! Growing up in rural Poland my mother and her family rarely drove, grew their own food, mended clothes, and lived life simply, yet fully.
To make 2012 the year you make a real change – try to “Go Retro.” You’ll find yourself living a simpler lifestyle that will reduce your ecological footprint while adding a bit of vintage spice to your life.
Here are some potential “Go Retro” resolutions: Read the rest of this entry »
Here is a collection of favorite items from my hubby and my Etsy hearts! The following are the perfect gifts for the discriminating green gentleman. Many of the items featured below can even be found locally – should you fear last-minute online shopping.
1) No Bottle Shampoo & Conditioner Pack by Ethically Engineered
2) Underwood Typewriter Necktie by Cyberoptix
3) Wooden Slingshot Catapult by Gift Go Green
4) la pluie de pluie partent Print by Little Pink Pebble
5) Avant-Gardener T-Shirt by Black Sheep Heap
6) Wood Ear Bud Holder by Acoustic Design
7) Reclaimed Wood & Iron Steel Headboard by Blake Avenue
Not numbered: Vintage Camera Bilora Bella 127 Camera from Good Bones Vintage
If you have a full-out foodie on your shopping list this holiday season – don’t fear! Alisha of the blog i like it too! put together the following suggestions for getting the perfect gift for that gastro-savvy guest or friend:
1) Handmade Table & Bowls from Haymaker Shop
2) Bike Snack Sack from Green Heart
3) Chain Links Apron from Decorative Instincts
4) DIY Indian Spice Rub from Eating Well
5) CSA from Montalbano Farms
6) DIY 3 Bean & Barley Soup Mix from Eating Well
7) DIY Spiced Nuts from Martha Stewart
It truly takes a visionary to come up with a list such as this – and Caitlin Peters of Wanderlustings is just that! Her incredible taste combines with a soulful whimsy to bring Sprout Chicago these fantastic gift suggestions for women:
1) Navy Phantom Tights by Qoo Qoo Fashion
2) Vanilla Chai Perfume Oil by Long Winter Soap Co
3) Aqua “Life She Imagined” Print by Amanda Catherine Des
4) Craft Nail Transfers by Kate Broughton
5) Double Gal Vintage Bag from Bird Trouble
6) Bilbao Colored Handle Teacups by A Quartzy Life
7) Love Made Me Do It Ring by Manoy Metal
8) White Blouse by Arcelia Home
9) Gold Dipped Geo Earrings by A Merry Mishap
The holidays are just two short weeks away! And if you’re scurrying to collect last-minute gifts, you’re in the right place! Over the next few days we will be sharing shopping lists curated by people straight from the community.
The first list was created by Kelli Weber, a super duper filmmaker who spends her days working at DraftFCB and her nights blogging and cuddling with her four adorable felines. We couldn’t think of anyone better to come up with a gift guide for pets! Here are Kelli’s finds:
1) Handmade Snowman Dog Sweater by My Fabulous Puppy
2) Pet Popcorn by Wizard at Work
3) Mini Christmas Dog Donuts by Judy & Lainey
4) Christmas Catnip Mice by Crochet Kitty
5) Green Gift Set by The Leash We Can Do
By Lydia Krupinski
As we are all busy running about trying to find the perfect handmade gifts for the season – many of us forget an essential – gift wrapping!
To keep you from procrastinating, and purchasing that gaudy roll of wrap that’s strategically placed at the register end cap, create your action plan now with these great easy-to-make alternatives that I pulled from my website Pierogi Picnic.
Newspaper – If you’re looking for something cheap and chic, newspaper is the best way to go. The high contrast black and white will give your gifts an elegant look with a rustic edge. For some great suggestions on how to best use this upcycled material check out Design Apothecary’s article here.
Paper Bags – If you ever take a spontaneous trip to the grocer and are (gasp!) caught without your reusable shopping bags – never fear! Those old-fashioned paper bags can be put to use! The stock of paper that’s used for your average grocery sack lends itself perfectly for wrapping gifts. Check out this awesome post from My Home Ideas for some great tips on using this everyday item.
Looking for more tips? Read the full article here.
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