Crafting a Green World

Fab Fabrics: Organic Prints from FLUF

Becky Striepe — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:02 +0000

Canadian duo Nathalie Butterfield and Terra Kushner launched their fabric line when they were frustrated with the limited selection of sustainable fabrics.

Nathalie talks about how their company evolved:

Read more of this story »

Crafty and Green Book Review: 52 Projects by Jeffrey Yamaguchi

Julie Finn — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:57:57 +0000

Since I craft through an eco-minded ethic, I have a habit of reading regular craft books through a green perspective, looking for the following characteristics: how friendly are the projects to being performed with eco-friendly practices, how mindful are the projects to a sustainable worldview, how well do the projects work in opposition to a consumerist, commercial culture?

Although Jeffrey Yamaguchi’s 52 Projects, based on his 52 Projects blog, is a little light on the how-to, step-by-step, hands-on tutorial component of your typical crafty book, 52 Projects works through a premise that we have the responsibility to bring meaning to our own lives through our own work, and this is a very green and crafty mindset.

Read more of this story »

Transforming a Pair of Old Mens’ Sweaters into a Dress [video]

Becky Striepe — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:00:27 +0000

This amazing video tutorial is a lesson in more than just sewing. Annika Sanders of UK clothing shop Junky Styling shows that green crafting is all about your mindset.

Read more of this story »

Fab Fabrics: Screen Printed Yardage by Danielle Stewart

Becky Striepe — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:00:43 +0000

Australia-based designer Danielle Stewart hand screen-prints her fresh, modern designs onto linen/cotton or hemp/cotton fabrics using environmentally friendly solvent-free inks.

Read more of this story »

Tutorial: Stenciled Bean Bags

Julie Finn — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:08:19 +0000

I like to make educational toys for my girls–matching games from their artwork, file folder games, extension activities for the books they read, anything that will allow them to incorporate what I want them to learn into the pleasures of their lives.

These particular bean bags were inspired by my three-year-old, who hasn’t yet memorized her numbers. Sure, she can count on her fingers and plays a mean game of Uncle Wiggily, but sit down long enough to figure out the difference between a 5 and a 9? Eh. Why not just call everything an 8?

The beauty of the stenciling, however, is that you can put anything that you want on these bean bags–kids’ names, states and capitals, letters (I really want to make this alphabet bean bag set), or instructions for the craziest Game Night game ever! Here’s how to make them:

Read more of this story »

Five Recycled Valentine’s Day Craft Projects

Becky Striepe — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:00:26 +0000

Valentine’s day will be here before we know it, and if you want to do the whole thing handmade, it might be time to start planning! Here are some awesome recycled projects to get you going:

Read more of this story »

I Wish I Had This Book for Christmas

Wenona Napolitano — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:13:56 +0000

Browsing through my local library’s green section I recently came across A Greener Christmas. Wow! I really wish I would have had this book at Christmas. What a great book filled with crafts and recipes to bring back the old fashioned feeling of a true Christmas, not a glitzy glammy one.

I have discovered several ideas in the book that can easily be transformed to fit Valentine’s Day so I don’t have to wait almost a whole year to put any of these nifty ideas into use.

Read more of this story »

Fab Fabrics: Geo Grand Collection by Daisy Janie

Becky Striepe — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:00:37 +0000

We’re big fans of Daisy Janie fabrics around here, so you can imagine that I jumped at the chance to check out her brand new line: Geo Grand!

Read more of this story »

Twisted Limb: Luxury Handmade Papers

Wenona Napolitano — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:53:11 +0000

If you love the luxury of thick, textured handmade paper for your crafty needs then you should check out Twisted Limb Paperworks.

Whether you make cards, scrapbook or just need some scrap paper for your craft needs they have a great selection of high quality, eco-friendly handmade paper made from recycled paper.

Read more of this story »

Video Tutorial: Make a Rockin’ Record Wrist Cuff

Becky Striepe — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:00:10 +0000

Crop Suey has an awesome video showing how to make a record into a custom wrist cuff! Once you make sure your second hand record isn’t a rare one, you’re ready to grab your scissors, head to the kitchen, and get crafting:

Read more of this story »