As I pointed out the other day, this holiday season will be a bit different for our family because we want to make it green this time. We will be celebrating a No New Gifts Christmas and that is so exciting. Our brains are already humming like busy bees, trying to invent wonderful projects that will make the recipient feel loved.
I have been restlessly browsing through many a lovely DIYs and as much as I would like to gift my own handmade soaps, that will not happen this year because I still haven't had the courage to start learning to make them. Cross your fingers for next Christmas though, or maybe even Easter, why not!
So, sticking to what I already can do, here is the list of my favorite sustainable projects so far that I could turn into gifts. The good thing about them is that they are green, recycled and easy to make:
If you have a bag of leftover yarn and some flour this project is for you - what is left from the flour paste can be used for paper mache projects.
Give a second life to an old, maybe partly ruined book and turn it into modern wall art.
Here is a fun clever way to put to use some of the newspapers you have and turn them into a practical object for your home.
The wool protects and lengthens the life of your soap, and even eliminates the need for a washcloth. Felted soap bars also make lovely gifts for both children and adults!
Awesome downloadable instructions for turning a book into a unique sewing box!
If you are a long-term reader of Kanelstrand you must know this tutorial, but I am posting it in case you've missed it. Easy, fast and impressive bowl from your old pants.
Cute beeswax candles in little jars. These candles make great Christmas gifts and because they are compact and come with a lid they are also great for traveling.
If you have a fun shirt that you want to repurpose, try this! It's scandalously easy
Upcycle an old phonebook into a quirky and unique pen/pencil organizer that will be a real conversation piece on its owner's desk!
Learn how to knit and felt a bracelet - unique Christmas gift for any stylish lady.
Crazy-awesome bracelet made from a fork! I can't say anything else, I am left speechless and dazed.
With this tutorial you will finally be able to satisfy your nature-loving friends that are always on the lookout for natural body and bath products.
You can't get more unique making a blanket than that. You only need 5 felted sweaters and some skills.
Upcycle old tshirts into bright and beautiful produce bags.
Stitching this sweet doll will take you no more than 2 hours. But can you already see the facial expression of its recipient?!
In case you are wondering why I chose to put the yarn bowl first, it's because I can't wait to try and make it! I have so much leftover yarn, that it will do for a pretty sturdy bowl, I hope. Stay tuned for the results. If you feel like browsing through even more awesome green DIYs, take a look at my latest post on Green Living Ideas. And have a white green December!
Wow! Thank you so, so much for including me! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing selection of projects! As you know I'm really trying to work along these lines this Christmas too.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is full of inspiration.
What a fun list Sonya!! Loving the fork bracelet and the dictionary art.
ReplyDeleteDo let us know what you end up making!!
I love all of these ideas! Thanks for sharing them:)
ReplyDeleteI love all these ideas!! I love the idea of making useful things for family and friends during the holidays. This year we have come up with lots of ideas, and I think I am going to have to add in some of your suggestions as well. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
Love your blog :) from Etsy Blog Team www.sweet-fix.net
ReplyDeleteThese are all fantastic ideas! My favorites are the dictionary art and the phone book office organizer.
ReplyDeleteThese are awesome!! I love the book sewing box.
ReplyDeleteI'm bookmarking this post, Sonya. So many good ideas. I'm trying to do a mostly handmade (or vintage) Christmas. I think the gifts are so much more personal that way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great ideas Sonya. Now that NaBloPoMo is over...maybe I can find the time to incorporate some of the great suggestions to improve my blog. Now if you can create the extra time for me to do some of these projects I would be in heaven. They look like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI was looking for something different and you provided some great ideas! Let us know if you use any of these ideas!
ReplyDeleteLove this list!!! I use old books from a friend who is a librarian - she gave me some decommisioned books and they go into house art , packging for my store and shipping labels! I have a similar craft to the yarn bowl but with Book paper and strips of fabric. I can't wait to see what you make!
ReplyDeleteWhat creative ideas - I love them all! Particularly the pen organizer, the fork bracelet, the book sewing box and the newspaper basket. And your pants bowl looks lovely! :) Such great ideas - I bet you'll have a blast making them!
ReplyDeleteRecycled gifts are a great idea. I love the book sewing kit!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing our sugar scrub post!
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic ideas Sonya!
ReplyDeleteI suggested a similar project to my fammily this year and was vetoed! But, by starting early, with your list in hand, I'm sure I'll be able to convince them to have a green Christmas next year!