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No matter what you’ll be gifting to your mum this Mother’s Day, there’s one thing that’s certain: you’ll need gift wrap. Whether it’s a unique one-of-a-kind creation or a store bought token of affection, we’ll all be scurrying to package up our presents before handing them off to our moms. So rather than purchase yet another roll of paper from the store – why not make your very own!
That’s exactly what Martha Stewart’s team did in a recent tutorial they featured on her website. But as is true to the name of our series, Greening Martha, we wanted to take this fun how-to one eco step further. The easiest way to do that was give the supplies a sustainable spin.
Rather than purchase virgin paper for the shabby chic printing, we reached for some recently read newspaper. Not only is it a more earth-friendly way to DIY, it’s also a great way to save a few bucks! Beyond the papery base, there was also the question of buying stencils for the project. Rather than purchase an item for the one time craft, we decided to get creative by digging through the fridge to find some just-past-fresh produce to use for stamping. We grabbed a shady looking celery stalk and decided to give that a go for the print-making. And boy were we pleasantly surprised! The simple geometric shape of the stalk, combined with a vivid set of hues, made for the sweetest set of wrapping papers that we’ll use to get our presents ready for mom.
And you can give it a try too! Below are our step-by-step pictorial instructions on how to make a simple and eco-chic set of wrapping papers using everyday items. Give it a whirl and be sure to experiment with different shapes, sizes and colors to add even more personal touch to your presents.
As I sit at my computer late on a Monday night I realize that I am way way way overdue. Not for returning my library books – but for writing a post on running an indie biz! So here’s my much belated installment – and it’s all about photo editing.
Let’s say you’ve developed a beautiful new line of products and are ready to introduce your creations to the world. You’ve painstakingly planned the shoot, took the time to set up quality lighting and have captured a great set of photos to show the masses.
Now what?
Don’t even think for a second that once your photos are logged and stored on your SD drive that you’re free to frolic about. Your next task as a handmade business owner is to make those pics magical. And I’m not talking pseudo-well-done they get a passing grade magical. I mean stop-em-in-their-tracks, make-heads-turn, kind of attention. Sure – paying a pro to do the dirty digital work can seem promising – but there’s nothing more fulfilling than empowering yourself to take that DIY step to enhance pictures on your own.
So before I sit back to tackle the 300+ photos I snapped of new Pierogi Picnic gear recently, I’d like to share with you some of my favorite tricks and short cuts for photo editing on the fly. Read the rest of this entry »
As a contributor to the Eco Etsy blog – I’ve had the opportunity to write on a wide range of topics. From eco-tutorials to sustainable inspirations – I’ve covered a range of topics on the site. Most recently I gathered up some ideas on how you can bring a hint of Spring indoors with creative curating using plants.
If you’re getting antsy like me to welcome the new season, check out the article for some suggestions on how you can bring the great outdoors in this month.
The Eco Etsy Street Team is holding our first-ever 14 days of crafting! We’re rounding up the best of the best green tutorials and sharing them with experienced upcyclers and newbie DIYers alike.
Several posts that I’ve written for the team blog from over the years, like the one above, will be featured, along with many other fun ways in which you can get your “craft on” sustainably.
Tune in each day of the challenge to be inspired and take your creativity to a whole new level!
Psst…I have a secret crush. Try to guess who it is. I’ll give you some hints: queen of craft, high-quality photos, website, magazine, empire. Any ideas yet? Read the rest of this entry »
When hunting for fabric for my upcycled creations it’s impossible for me to hold myself back from scooping up a goodie for myself here and there. Knowing that I’m scoring a deal and being green, by purchasing pre-worn, makes me feel doubly good!
But one of the dilemmas of buying used clothing is making it fit – which is where my handy-dandy alteration short-cuts come into play! Sure, I can disassemble each item and re-sew each seam, but there are so many other things I have to focus on: filling custom orders, updating my website, cuddling my bostons or noshing on home-baked cookies. So why not find a faster way to alter things to size?!
One of my all-time favorite sewing tricks for slimming down tops uses external seams. When created in multiples, folds of sewn fabric create a unique texture while taking-in the garment. The perfect item to test this technique is an over-sized boyfriend cardigan. Whether originally created for a man or dame, a soft cotton long-sleeve cardi is something I can’t resist when thrifting. So when wanting to taper one down, the “Cardi Slim Down” is my method of choice.
Here’s how to get it done:
New Year’s Eve is just around the bend – which means it’s the perfect time to do some party planning!
With the help of my handy dandy Pinterest collections I’ve compiled some sweet and festive ‘looks’ for all your merry-making needs. From handmade crafts and DIY garlands to ‘just because’ embellishments, I hope this list gives you some great ideas on how to throw the perfect soiree to ring in the New Year.
- DIY Photo Booth from Free People
- Gold Garland from A Beautiful Mess
- Stunning Paper Pom Poms from Project Nursery
- Clock Countdown Mantel from Martha Stewart
- Confetti Balloons from Kojo Designs
- Paper Bunting from EMMAS DESIGNBLOGG
- Sparkly Star Headband from Sippy Cup Mom
- DIY Festive Party Hat from Pinterest
- NY Resolutions Coaster Set from Lucky Bee Press
