Did you know I worry about the environment? That is why Cosmo Cricket papers are FSC certified and printed with soy based inks. It's also why I am constantly looking for ways to reduce mine and my companie's environmental footprint. In fact, at Cosmo Cricket, we have been known to save boxes to re-use for shipping orders. Every single kit we have ever sold on HSN has been packaged in re-used packaging.
So, how can one justify their hobbies when it means using environmental resources? Well, first of all I think art and creativity are incredibly important and should be fostered. Second, in comparison to most everything else, art has a very minimal impact on the environment. But these things don't mean we shouldn't try to be responsible in our choices!
So, here's 10 ways to craft and be environmentally conscious.
10. Now that all my contacts are either in my phone or on my computer, my poor rolo-dex needs a new purpose. If I cooked well, I could make it into a recipe holder. Unfortunately, I don't. So, my plan is to cover it in Upcycle Papers and then fill it with all my ideas I never find time to do..... like this one! And maybe some happy thoughts that will remind, when I flip through it, of how great life is.
9. At the thrift store, you can get old records for about 25¢ each. Some of these are the double albums that open like a book. I think they would be super-fantastic covered in Upcycle and used for the cover of a scrap album!
8. Empty ribbon spools. You can take these apart so that you have two cardboard circles. Cover these in Upcyle and string them together to make a hip garland..... or bind them together for a fun mini-album.
7. Revamp a lamp by covering the shade in Upcycle papers.
6. If you only have the lamp shade, cover it and hang some cute little craftiness from the lower edge to make a mobile.
5. Frame your favorite Upcycle papers with old embroidery hoops. Then, hang them on the wall. I saw something like this about a year ago on one of the design blogs I frequent. I wish I could find it to show you.... it was so beautiful!
4. I love to line the drawer of my nightstand with my current favorite paper..... the grey and yellow Upcycle pattern approriately called Re:Love. A 12" x 10" sheet fits my drawer perfectly. When I pull it open I get this happy little surprise of prettiness that always makes me smile!
3. Each year, our school libraries discard tons of books. Some of these have really fun artwork on the covers. I like to take them, cut the covers off and set the insides away for future use in collage, paper flower making and paper maché projects. I then, use the covers for covers of my own artsy books and journals. I like to fill in the artwork on the covers with cut paper..... think dresses, kites, etc.
2. Also, look for old board books at the discard sale and at second hand stores. Upcycle these into your own mini albums by covering the pages with Upcycle, of course!
1. I'm sure you know our landfills are full of discarded packaging. A lot of this can be Upcycled! Tags from clothing can be covered and used as page accents or gift tags. Cereal boxes make great templates! I use them all the time. And, we've all seen Upcycled tins done up for gift giving.
Now, I'm not suggesting you become a pack-rat and save everything...... no, that will overwhelm you and not make your life happy! I look at it this way, instead of saying to yourself, "I need to go buy this __________" (fill in the blank). Say, "what do I already own that could work instead." Not only will you save money, but you will be doing something great! It's maybe not the most profitable message for a manufacturer to give, but it's the one I live by personally!
And a Super Bonus Idea!!! Do you have old paper that might never be used?!?!!? Do you want to make a difference in the world?!?!!? Well, third world countries are often in need of educational supplies. In the past I have made and donated Alphabet books, stickers, paper etc. It cleans out my scraproom, sets a great example for my kids and makes us all feel good! Maybe I'll post specific instructions on how to make alphabet books to donate along with organizations to send them to in a future post. Let me know if you all are interested!
OK, onto yesterday's winner, congratulations Tracy who said, "These are gorgeous Julie!! I think the middle one is my fave. I am not much of an accessories girl myself. Mostly I just pop my nose ring in each morning as I head out the door. I'm a simple kind of gal!" Tracy send us your info to cathie at cosmocricket dot com and we'll send you your prize!
