Rockin' the Stockin's

This year, we decided to make our own stockings, so we borrowed a sewing machine, bought some fabric, drew out some wildly sketchy patterns, and went to town. ***Attention. We have never sewn before.*** Several days (and tears) later, we proudly produced these beauties. Not bad for not having a clue! I'm so pleased, I'm starting a sewing machine fund. Michael will eventually put red bells on his points (his is the orange and red stocking), but with it being so close to Christmas, they were a bit difficult to find. We hope wherever you are reading this that it is warm and merry no matter what you celebrate. Best wishes.

Eco-Bow of Death: Merry Christmas.

We sincerely hope that Michael's little sister will be smart and carefully remove this from her present instead of slicing her hand to pieces. We really are optimistic that she won't lose a finger tip permanently. (doctors are great at reattaching things now) Mostly, we are confident that she is up to date on her Tetanus shots... Ok. So maybe we're taking this whole "recycled" thing a bit far, but isn't it totally awesome? Michael spent way too much perfectly good time carefully constructing this little bottle cap saw blade torture trap of doom. But admit it- it is super cool. We'll stick to can bows from now on. They're safer.

Be safe this holiday season :)

Brighten Your Packages with a Recycled Surprise

This year, we're giving most traditional wrapping a break and going green. With the exception of some hand-me-down wrapping paper, everything will be reused or recycled. Today we're showing off our snazzy soda can bows. These are fairly easy to make and are a great conversation piece. Take any soda can and using an Exacto knife, cut evenly spaced slits down the face of the can. Once all of your slits are cut, slowly press down on the top of the can to force the sides outward. You may need to help the pieces along with your fingers. (Be careful of course, but I didn't find them to be very sharp) Once the sides are spread out, take some heavy duty tape and slide it into the the center space of the can to join the top and bottom (this will keep the can flattened). Flip it over and tape it to any gift you want to make extra special!

I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas

I start to feel a little ill the week after Christmas while driving past row upon row of houses with four or five trash bags full of packaging and wrapping paper out by the curb. Next to them, a now sad looking bundle of sticks and needles reluctantly waits for the trash truck. This year, we really wanted a live tree (roots and all) so that we could plant it after the holidays, but it didn't seem practical for our current living space. Instead, we spent a lovely evening making cranberry and popcorn garland to wrap around a wreath for our balcony. (credit to BlackStar for the cranberry idea) We had a lot of fun turning our fingers red with cranberry juice and hopefully the birds will enjoy a holiday snack. I think these activities are so much more rewarding than a trip through the Wally World "made somewhere else" holiday section. As for packaging and wrapping paper, most gifts will be handmade this year with the exception of a few specific requests. We'll be using recycled boxes and bags to make wrapping material and decorate them ourselves. Who needs another throw away bow when you can be crafty?

Reclaimed Angels Make Lovely Ornaments

These used halogen bulbs have been sitting around for a while. They are really too beautiful to be light bulbs, so today they get to be angel gowns. The bulb makes up the dress and body of the angel while a snap makes a shining head. We used an old brass clock gear for a halo and cut pieces out of an old decorative belt to make little wings. I think she looks just heavenly. Check one out on Etsy
Happy holidays!