Reusing a cereal box!

Of course, cereal is the big breakfast around here! I do recycle my cereal boxes in the containers, but since I have a ton of magazines that I'm unwilling to get rid of right now, so I thought, "how can I re-use them?". Here's a project I started & will finish today and post finished pictures later. I took one box of cereal (see above) & cut it at an angle, like a magazine holder. I have 1 magazine holder and used it as a template:

I then chose a color scheme for my 'new' magazine holder & traced my template:

Sorry for the blurry picture! I then cut it out for both sides, cut out the spine and started gluing!

Stay tuned for the rest!

Yeah! Another manufacturer goes Green

I am so happy to share this with everyone! Die Cuts With a View (DCWV) has an earth-friendly paper line - The Green Paper Stack! Here's what they say about their product:

It's easy to reduce, reuse, and recycle with our adorable
Green Woodland Stack! This eco-conscious collection comes with 24 designs, all
printed on 70% post-consumer recycled paper that is also acid- and lignin-free!
Our darling designs include a forest of playful woodland creatures including
a watchful owl, quizzical bear—even a mischievous skunk! This collection is
perfect for adults and children alike. Stack contains 48 sheets.

Unfortunately I cannot copy their image, so you'll have to check it out at www.scrapbook.com and visit their store.

Let's support this manufacturer for doing something right!

Featured Etsy Artist!

It's that time again - time to showcase another Recycled artist from Etsy!

Today it's - (insert drumroll):

GreighdayVintage.etsy.com

Greighday describes their style:

I rescue, recycle and re-purpose vintage items,
making them beautiful once again. Nothing pleases me more than spending my
weekends on the road, scouring antique shops and estate sales in search of that
one perfect item. I utilize antique jewelry, lingerie & dresses, textiles
and hardware. I re-purpose vintage lace and brocade fabrics along with imported
glass beads, rhinestones and various interesting bobbles I stumble upon on my
many journeys. Every item I offer is made with tender care. I use high quality
materials to produce the best product for you.

Look at some of their great products:

Greighday has some really unique products in her store. Visit her by clicking the link above and you might find that perfect gift for an upcoming birthday or Mother's Day. And remember to support local artists and crafts people. Buy handmade - be unique - save the Earth.

Storage Ideas

Here are some other creative uses to keep all your 'stuff' contained:

• Priority Mail Boxes: Use Priority Mailing boxes and make your own vertical paper holders.
• Shadow Boxes: Take two old shadow boxes/knick knack shelf units and use all the little openings to hold the numerous little items for scrap booking such as ribbon rolls, stamps, stamp pads, little containers of eyelets, sequins, buttons, and beads.
• Flat Ware Trays: Use a divided silver ware type basket to hold felt tip markers and ink pens and most used scissors are stored in old coffee mugs.
• Cigar Boxes: Use cigar boxes to store items like paint sample chips and tiles.
• Parmesan Cheese Containers: Use old parmesan cheese containers for ribbon/fiber storage.
• Tiny Bags: Use the little bitty ziplock bags that extra buttons come in on new clothes to store Ink Blending Tool foam pads. They're the perfect size and don't add bulk in storage, but keep the foams separated so the inks don't mix.
• Garage Storage: Use the little storage bin thing that holds screws and nuts and bolts.
• 3 Ring Binders: Use an old binder with inserts for stickers so that they are easy to see.

Any other ideas for items around the household? Please share!

Other ways to save the Earth

Despite the economy, we will still give gifts to each other. Birthdays and anniversaries don't stop and babies are still born everyday. So, how can we, as papercrafters, save the Earth a bit more when giving gifts? I'm talking about the wrapping - Americans love to tear up paper and throw it in the landfill. Here are some ideas on how to stop that vicious cycle:

Towels - we can all use them whether it's in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Tie your gift up with the appropriate size towel and save some landfill space. If you are handy with a needle, you can even embroider your recipient's initials on the towel!

Newspaper - hopefully everyone is putting their newspaper in the recycle bin, but you can get creative with it and use it as your gift wrap. Are you giving a gift to a sports fanatic? Use the Sports section? How about a child? Use the comics. I think you see my point.....

Boxes - we all order 'stuff' online and it arrives in a box. Maybe you need to section off a part of your garage or attic to save some of these boxes. We are always looking for them and never seem to have them when needed. The kids can decorate the boxes with markers, paints or crayons, or you can use your scraps and creativity to decorate them yourself.

Tins - we all receive these during the holidays & I'm staring at one right now on my counter. I won't throw it out and I'm trying to decide what to do with it. Well, I can put it with my stash of boxes and next time I need to wrap something, guess what might be used. Luckily, it's pretty neutral and isn't very Christmas-like. Hang onto these for a quick wrapping alternative.

What other ideas do you have? Share them with everyone by posting a comment!