Eco DIY

Someone dropped over a few things to my place the other day and left the post box they bought it in, in case I could find a use for it. It must have been destined, for two days later I found this very smart idea from ♥ kootoyoo for upcycling old Australia post boxes .. a little fabric, some spray glue and you have a neat toy box!

Screen printing is a complete unkown to me, something I always wanted to try but was kinda of scared of. ♥ I Love to Create has a terrific post by Jennifer Perkins that neatly demystifies the process for beginners like me.

Even better, she shows you how to brighten your baby’s onesies with a little DIY silk screening and all you need is some pantyhose and an embroidery hoop.

Thank you ♥ One Pretty Thing for this handy find!

I’m experiencing a fascination with the humble lunch sack at the moment, particularly the DIY variety - something I’ve yet to put into practice - but when I do, I’ll be following this excellently clear cut tutorial from ♥ Skip to my Lou.

The tutorial uses oilcloth, which is waterproof and wipes clean easily. However, store bought oilcloth has a petroleum based coating. The solution? Make your own oilcloth the traditional way .. much more fun and eco friendly!

Learn how to from ♥ monograM Momma.

For other lunch sack ideas, I really dig this one made from a pair of old blue jeans via ♥ Indoindians. A reusable lunch tote made from upcycled old jeans, what could be more eco cool?

Have you noticed I’ve got a little fabric theme going on here? Well, I’m kinda of enjoying it so I’d like to finish it off with these pretty fabric vases from ♥ mondocherry ..

a great example of how to put those old tin jars to use. Plus, they’d make ideal storage for the kids pencils and other loose ends.

Tagged as: Eco DIY

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The inspiration for my little eco DIY exercise in Origami letters came from How About Orange. As soon as I saw this post, I knew it’d be a terrifically original way to make a a banner of my daughters name across her bed .. and here it is!

It cost me nothing (I used old craft & wrapping papers), was quickly put together .. plus the overall effect is quite impressive. I love it, what do you think?

Make It Eco Friendly:
- use newspaper & paint or past fabric scraps to one side
- use old wrapping paper leftovers
- utilise some of that artwork your kids bring back from kindy/school
Any other ideas??

Tagged as: Eco DIY

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Ever tried making your own bubble solutions, but weren’t so impressed with the results? Here’s a few tips before you start:

• Choose the right solution: hand washing detergents work best as machine detergents contain anti-foaming agents
• Make it green: select an eco friendly detergent
• Let it stand: allow it to sit in an open container overnight and your bubbles will last up to two-thirds longer!
• Keep it clean: protect your solution and wands from contaminants: dust, dirt, fingerprints, that’ll burst your bubbles, literally

Recipe 1:

• 1/2 cup of Eco-friendly dish detergent (if your detergent is concentrate cut the amount in half)
• 5 cups of soft water or distilled water
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin or light corn syrup or honey (corn syrup or honey can attract bees and wasps)

via Green and Clean Mom

Recipe 2:

• 4 cups Water
• 1 cup liquid detergent
• 1/4 cup Corn Syrup
• container

via Make and Takes

Recipe 3:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons light karo syrup or 2 tablespoons glycerin
• 4 tablespoons dish washing liquid

Bubble Craft:
- Jazz bubbles up by adding some liquid food colouring
- Use wire hangers, fly swats, cookie cutters, empty thread spools, straws and funnels to create bubbles
- Make coloured bubble prints
- Make bubble rope

Tagged as: Eco DIY

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