crafting

Spring Clean Your Crafting Room or Space

If you're a crafting enthusiast, you know how quickly your workspace can become cluttered with materials, tools, and unfinished projects. Clutter not only makes it difficult to find what you need but can also affect your productivity and creativity. In today’s post, we'll explore some tips on how to declutter your crafting space and make it a more organized and inspiring place to work and have included a printable checklist you can download to help you get started.

Start with a Plan: Before you begin decluttering, it's important to have a plan in place. Decide what you want to achieve and how you'll accomplish it. Make a list of the areas you want to declutter, and prioritize them based on the level of clutter.

  1. Take Inventory: Take inventory of all the materials, tools, and unfinished projects in your crafting space. Sort them into piles of things you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Be honest with yourself and only keep the things that you know you'll use.

  2. Create Zones: Once you've sorted everything, create zones for each type of material or tool. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it. For example, create a zone for fabric, a zone for paper, and a zone for tools.

  3. Invest in Storage: Invest in storage solutions that fit your needs and your space. This can be anything from shelving units to storage bins or even hanging organizers. Look for solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

  4. Organize Your Workspace: Organize your workspace in a way that makes sense for you. Keep frequently used materials and tools within reach, and create a designated workspace for each type of project.

  5. Set Limits: Set limits on the amount of materials and tools you keep. This will help you stay organized and prevent clutter from building up again. For example, if you have a designated shelf for yarn, set a limit on how many skeins you can keep at one time.

  6. Clean Regularly: Make it a habit to clean and declutter your crafting space on a regular basis. Set aside time each week or month to go through your materials and tools and get rid of anything that's no longer needed.

Decluttering your crafting space can be a daunting task, but it's worth the effort to create a more organized and inspiring workspace. By following these tips, you'll be able to declutter your space and create a more efficient and productive environment for your crafting projects. So, get started today and enjoy a clutter-free crafting space!

2nd Annual Crafts for Crayons School Supply Drive and Craft Event


Want to make a difference in a young girl's life? Join Etsy Dallas at the 2nd Annual Crafts for Crayons event on Saturday, August 1st, at the NorthPark Center. 

For a donation of school or art supplies, you can have a fun afternoon crafting away with your friends or kids. And bonus - you get to take your crafts with you when you leave!

You can find us in the NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy's from 1-5 pm - it's sure to be a blast!


All donations will benefit Girls, Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, a philanthropy whose goal is to empower girls to be come strong, smart, and bold women who positively contribute to our communities and who understand, value, and assert their rights. Girls, Inc. teaches leadership and gives girls the tools to change their situation. 

Their programming includes such activities as: 
Last year, we raised over $2,000 in addition to bags and bags of school and art supplies for the organization, and we hope to exceed that this year! Your donations help ease the burden on teachers to provide their own supplies (much of which comes out of their own pockets) and give girls the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. You will be directly affecting change in your own community!

So please come and join us for what is guaranteed to be a great afternoon of camaraderie, crafting, and community improvement - we can't wait!


For more information about Girls, Inc., you can visit girlsincdallas.org, or on any of these social media sites: Twitter // Pinterest // Tumblr // Instagram


Crafty Book Review: Big-Ass Book of Crafts and Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2


Ok, crafty people, get out your supplies, clear off your table and get ready to make something awesome as Rori from Made by Rori reviews the Big-Ass Book of Crafts and Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2 by Mark Montano.



The Big-Ass Book of Crafts features 384 pages of projects including olive oil body lotion, a drinking-straw starburst hanging light, and kid-art napkins (also pretty fun for us grown-up kids). This full-color collection was published in 2008. The photographs by Auxy Espinoza are beautiful and make it hard to choose which project to start first.

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2 is the same length as the first and was published in 2011. It’s not quite as good as the first, but the projects are still pretty great. New projects in this follow-up include concrete planters, zipper pumps (pretty awesome way to add new life to an old pair of heels), and 99-cent-store shadow boxes.

One of the great things about both BABC books is how customizable the projects are. It’s incredibly easy to personalize just about all the projects to suit your taste or the taste of a lucky recipient. The best part of these books is the explanation and instruction provided. Although some of the pieces require access to a sewing machine or certain tools, most just require collecting the supplies, grabbing some glue or scissors and getting creative. There are more than 300 projects between the two books, so every artist and craft addict will find plenty to love.

Mark Montano is the crafty guy behind both BABC books. He has written several books including The Big-Ass Book of Home Décor, Pulp Fiction, and Dollar Store Décor. You might remember him from TLC’s While You Were Out and other TV shows. You can find Montano’s on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.

Links:
Mark Montano on Etsy 

BABC on Amazon  

BABC 2 on Barnes and Noble  

Sponsor Spotlight: Oil and Cotton

Every year when the temperature starts to drop and the sun goes down way too early, I begin planning out what I am going to make my friends and family for holiday gifts. (Because handmade gifts are the best gifts!) Recently I've been clamoring to learn a new crafty skill and surprise everyone with something a little out-of-the-norm from what I usually send.

If you're feeling the same way, I would highly recommend checking out the classes offered at local studio Oil and Cotton, located in Oak Cliff. They are passionate about resourcefulness, doing things the old-fashioned way, and community involvement... the studio actually began as part of the Better Block Project and had such an overwhelming response that owners Shannon and Kayli decided to make it a permanent fixture.




Here is a highlight of some of the holiday workshops offered at Oil and Cotton:




In addition they offer several ongoing classes:

As well as art classes for kids, teens and adults.




So go on, get crafty!

Supplies Me!

For the second year in a row Etsy Dallas is presenting a supply sale in the summer. What is a supply sale, you may ask? It's an opportunity for you, the public, to buy the things that we, Etsy Dallas members, use to craft the amazing things that we make. Maybe we have too much of something or decided we no longer want to make that kind of thing anymore--what to do with all of the supplies left cluttering our closets?

Here lies the genius of the supply sale. We clean out our stash of crafty goodness and you get direct access to our supplies. Whether it's excess Japanese fabrics, colorful beads, or papercraft items you're sure to find something to inspire your next project.

Here's just a sampling of what to expect at the sale next Saturday: fabric, patterns, ribbon, craft magazines, beads, jewelry findings, paper mache products, wooden boxes, scrapbooking supplies, rubber stamps, papercraft goods, photo matte boards, buttons, cigar boxes, sewing notions, pillow forms, display and merchandising items, canvases, and yarn.



Who knows what else we'll dig up! Come find out for yourself at Supplies Me! Art + Craft Supply Sale, Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Blue Room, South Side on Lamar, 1409 S. Lamar, Dallas, TX 75215.


Summer Reading List: Alabama Stitch Book

Ah, summer... time to sit in the hammock, read a good book, and get inspired! That's my plan, at least. Then when the weather is unbearably hot, I will be ready to head inside and get crafting! This series will highlight some of our favorite books for inspiration and handmade crafty goodness.



Heralded as the "Haute Homespun of the Deep South" by Vogue magazine, Natalie Chanin's designs involve lots of handwork, creativity, and a unique story. She began her career in New York, and later returned home to Florence, Alabama to get back to her handmade roots. She currently runs a design studio dedicated to slow design and sustainable style, employing artisans from the community to create hand-stitched masterpieces. She shares her story, as well as numerous tutorials, patterns, tricks and tips in Alabama Stitch Book. The gorgeous photos alone are enough to inspire some down-home crafting fun, but you'll find how-to's on 20 projects involving hand stitching, beading, and stenciling that can be done with very few materials and tools.




So what are you waiting for? Get crafting!



Meet Your Free Make & Take Craft

Texas is pretty dang crafty. The state has a history rich in traditional crafts and tradesmen from metalsmiths to textile artists and everything in between. We're proud to continue some of these craft traditions. Naming the craft Texas is most well known for, well, that's a tough one... but when it comes to glue, glitter, and shiny monstrosities, there's one clear queen: the Texas homecoming mum. If you grew up anywhere but Texas, you might be unfamiliar with the craze. Either way, you should check out this fantastic little trailer "The Queen Mum" about this ultimate Texas craft.

We've developed our own version of the homecoming mum - modern, simplified, completely adorable - and we'd like you to come create one with us at the Spring Bash's FREE Make&Take craft table! Katrina of Ma Joie Press will be on hand all day to walk you through these fantastic little crafts.


Not ready to rock the mum? Think it might insult your manhood? We'll also be offering a second, equally awesome craft. You've already decided to attend the Spring Bash so clearly, you're a winner and every winner needs an award ribbon to prove it. Katrina will be sure you can paper craft one to perfection! With Mother's Day right around the corner, hope to see some #1 Mom ribbons floating around the Bash!


Once you've donned your new handmade beauty, we hope you'll capture the moment in our FREE Photo Booth! Laura of BUTTER has been working on a backdrop fit for a homecoming king and queen. Not dressed for that crowning moment? We'll have some sweet formal wear and props for you to try out for the photo op.

You can purchase a 4x6 print of your photo for $5 and all of the proceeds will be donated directly to The Japan-American of Dallas/Fort Worth to benefit relief efforts in Dallas' sister city of Sendai, Japan. You may also download your image for free online after the Bash.

We can't wait for homecoming! Oh! I mean we can't wait for the Spring Bash!

DIY Gift Wrap Ideas

reposted from tefi's blog

It's December 23rd, and I betcha half of you haven't finished wrapping gifts yet. Am I right? I, on the other hand, finished a couple of days ago at which point pigs actually began to fly. I know, crazy.

So for those of you still in need of some gift wrapping encouragement and ideas, I've scoured the interwebs to find some simply, fun and totally DIY gift wrap ideas. No grab those scissors and get ready to wrap!

Shoestrings and kerchiefs never looked so cute.

A pair of baby socks look like mini-stockings. Gimme gimme.


A sweet collection of gift wrap ideas by Greg Likes Weddings.


Potato stamps, marbling and googly eyes, I would expect nothing less from UO.

And finally, here's a list of some of my very own DIY gift wrap must-haves:

- fabric scraps
- baker's twine
- raffia in various colors
- burlap
- pine cones, acorn caps and other things gathered from my backyard
- old clothes that can be cut up to use as wrapping
- large wooden beads

Happy Wrapping, y'all!

by Stephanie/tefi

Best. Bash Bags. Ever.

This year's Bash Bags are the best yet. They are canvas. They are reusable. They are gorgeous and embroidable. With artwork by paperfingers and screen printed by Dowdy Studio, you know you're getting the very best collectible bag you've ever seen. You even get a free embroidery kit courtesy of the Jingle Bash to make your bag extra beautiful!



Big, huge, monstrous thanks to all our Bash Bag contributors. Look for amazing handmade and promotional items from:

Did we leave you off? Please let us know and accept our deepest apologies!

posted by Stephanie/tefi

Free DIY Crafts with Oil and Cotton

The Jingle Bash isn't just about shopping for handmade art and crafts. It's also about making your own handmade creation. This November 20th, head over to the Palladium where the Bash will feature free DIY crafts to get shoppers in the holiday spirit. Oil and Cotton, will have the supplies and know-how on-hand for you to make your choice of either a paper ornament or beautiful paper angel. Arrive early - supplies are limited!

What Is Oil and Cotton?
Oil and Cotton, a new arts and crafts studio, opened this past September, shortly after owners Shannon Driscoll and Kayli House Cusick met while volunteering for Oak Cliff's Better Block, a neighborhood improvement project that included a free public art studio.

Blending an appreciation of the past with current art practices, Oil and Cotton provides creative space for education, exhibition, performance and exchange between the public and the art community. Their hands-on classes are taught by professionals with knowledge of both traditional and contemporary practice.

About the Owners
Shannon had been working as an art conservator of works on paper and instructor of adult workshops in traditional handcrafts and materials-based projects. Kayli was a piano teacher, composer, and children’s arts curriculum writer who had recently relocated from Brooklyn.

Their motivating philosophy is to make do with what you've got by placing a high value on the resourcefulness within each person. They are dedicated to doing things the old-fashioned way, whether through the reuse or repurposing of materials (turning fallen walnuts into inks) and accepting the possibilities of what can be created by hand. The ladies of Oil and Cotton honor the pioneering spirit of our elders and the character of our community.

What's In a Name?
Both oil and cotton are natural resources of Dallas and are the foundation of the most basic art materials. Oil is a binder in paint and inks. Cotton is used to produce textiles like fabric, canvas and paper. The arts, like oil and cotton, provide a canvas and medium that bind our community together.



posted by Stephanie/tefi

Party Favor Party + Moustaches-On-Sticks + A Piñata

It doesn't get better than moustaches-on-sticks, crafting good times, and a huge donkey piñata. Etsy Dallas members gathered at Larry's to make party favors and photo booth props for the upcoming Etsy Crafty Party this Friday at Make: free DIY crafts, free party punch, free photo booth, free piñata, free party favor bags, FREE FREE FREE! More info here.

Big thanks to all our volunteers this weekend: Maggie of Maggie May I (and daughter!), Kathleen of Seen Studios, Patricia of Karmacrochet, Larry of Kessler Craftsman, Cheyne of Cut Out and Collect, Dylan of Dowdy Studio, Carrie of One Up Designs, Erin of Haute Hardware, Laura of laura davis design lab, Christina of Midnight Snack, Pam of Pamela Michelle, and yours truly of tefi. Photos below and the full set HERE.






posted by Stephanie "tefi" Hindall

Moustaches-on-a-Stick at the Etsy Craft Party



Not only if you attend the Etsy Craft Party in Dallas at Make will you get to indulge in free DIY crafts, a free photo booth, bust a piñata and much much more, but you will also get a chance to snag up a free party favor bag from Etsy Dallas. Each party favor bag is stuffed full of Etsy Dallas members' handmade goodies. Along with handmade magnets, notebooks, bubbles, kazoos, key chains, stickers and more, you will also get a handmade felt moustache-on-a-stick.

Etsy Dallas will have 100 of these party favor bags to give out. So how do you get one? Easy! Get your pic taken in the Etsy Dallas photo booth with you or with your friends, and each of you will get your own party favor bag just for coming to the party. It's our way of saying thank you for supporting your local handmade artists, designers and crafters! But when we're out, we're out and you'll just have to enjoy some great tunes, free crafts and party!


Want to make your own moustache-on-a-stick? Pamela Michelle has put together this easy step by step how to guide for you to do it at home.

So grab some supplies:
- Felt
- scissors
- long popsicle stick or craft stick
- hot glue gun
- sharpie
- moustache template (download here) from Lisa Welge



Now let's get to it:

Step 1
Pick a 'stache from the template, print it out and cut it out of the paper. If you're up to it and want to free hand your own moustache, and skip to step 3.

Step 2
You'll need 2 pieces of felt that are slightly larger than the template you just cut out. Lay them on top of each other, with the moustache template on top, then trace around the template onto the felt with a sharpie.



Step 3
Cut out your moustache shape



Step 4
Place your craft stick in between the two pieces of felt. Keep the stick off to one side of the moustache so that you can hold it to the side when it's finished.



Step 5
Grab that glue gun, but be careful of the heat! Ouch! Peel up one side of the moustache from the outer edge and smother the felt in hot glue. Work your way from the middle of the moustache to the outter edge, and slowly lay the top piece of felt back down as you glue. When you're finished gluing, press the 2 layers together, but be careful that the glue isn't too hot still . When finished with one side, do the other side.


Step 6
Let your moustache dry. Trim off any uneven edges that might have happened while you were laying the two pieces together.



Step 7
Model that 'stache!!! Show it off and take some pics, wear it to work or school or to a party! Moustache on a sticks are great for graduations, dance recitals, weddings, moving the lawn! There just isn't anything you can't do better without your new moustache on a stick.


Supplies Me! Art + Craft Supply Sale



Shop art and craft supplies from Dallas' craftiest!

Etsy Dallas announces Supplies Me! Art + Craft Supply Sale on Saturday, June 26, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Blue Room at South Side on Lamar in Dallas. This is an exclusive opportunity to buy art and craft supplies directly from the members of Etsy Dallas.

Crafty members of Etsy Dallas will be offering their coveted supplies for sale to the public, including: fabric, beads, buttons, and loads of other crafty odds and ends. This is your chance to stock up on unique finds to help you express your artistic side. While there will be plenty of inspiration available, there will be no finished goods at this event. Participating members include: Cut Out and Collect, La Alicia, Modest Ambition, Nerdbomber, Tefi, XY Factory, and many more.

Proceeds from sales at the Etsy Dallas team table and extra supplies will be donated to Captain Hope’s Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides clothing, diapers, and other childcare supplies for homeless children all across North Texas. Through their programs, events, and partnerships, they help meet the needs of our community’s homeless children.

Free to attend, free parking. Come early for snacks.

What: Supplies Me! Art + Craft Supply Sale
Who: Etsy Dallas
Where: Blue Room, South Side on Lamar, 1409 South Lamar, Dallas, TX 75215
When: Saturday, June 26, 11 am–2 pm



posted by Anne of Modest Ambition

Spring has Sprung!

After a weird and wonderful winter, Spring has finally arrived. Here are some ideas to help you get into the groove of the season - in acrostic form, of course!

Sunshine Get outside and enjoy the moderate temperature combined with the longer days – more chances for rays!

Prune Take care of dead winter branches and prepare for new buds about to pop.

Road Trip Wanderlust and wildflowers meet in East Texas.

Invest in a new pair of outdoor shoes for walking, running, hiking and biking.

Nest Spruce up your indoor life with new throw pillows, a new piece of art, new paint, or just rearrange the furniture to freshen up a room.

Garage Sale Time to declutter, destash, and dejunkify while trolling other people’s trash for your new treasures.

HAS

Sunscreen Did I mention going outside already?

Pretty Pastel florals on light spring dresses are so appealing.

Rituals Spring cleaning, finally putting away the winter clothes, firing up the grill for the first time - we all have our own ways of marking the change in seasons.

Utilize Tap into your crafty skills with fresh new spring projects. I’ve been sewing spring aprons for friends and nieces – a challenge for me!

Negotiate Find time for yourself to recharge, whether that means meeting up with best friends or scoring some solo time.

Get Up and Go! Spring just makes you feel good.

And don't forget to jump into spring at the 2nd Annual Spring Bash on May 1 featuring 60 artists and crafters from Dallas (and beyond! - Austin, Oklahoma, and Minnesota).
by Anne of Modest Ambition

How to have fun & make something! by Pamela Michelle


I love the book Happy Kitty Bunny Pony! It's filled with cute delightful images to turn any bad day into an explosion of happiness. I found a copy at the local discount book store at a really affordable rate, so I decided I'd have my fun with it. And what better than to plaster some happiness on my blank bathroom wall. This was an cheap easy and fun project that I want to share with you, So grab your art project hat and get to creating! yay!

Materials:
1. Picture Book that you don't mind destroying
2. a bunch of frames, different sizes and styles(thrift store finds are great. My most expensive one was $1)
3. Paint
4. Scissors

I started by arranging my frames on the floor to get the perfect arrangement. I made sure most of them were touching another frame to give the illusion that this was one big piece of art.
Then once that was set, I chose a color pallet that went along with the bright happy colors in the book. Some of the frames I left their original color, but others I spray painted. Be sure you take out the glass from the frame before spray painting (I'm reminding you, because sometimes I make this mistake, oops).

Then once it's all dry, take your picture book and cut out your favorite images to fit in the frames. Most times frames have a cardboard insert that you can use as a sizing guide when cutting out your images.

When you're finished pop in all those pics and get to hanging!!!! And add that super fun to any room in your house!

posted by - Pamela Michelle

DIY Valentine: Love Letter Tutorial


You, as a crafter extraordinaire, have the card covered, but when it comes to putting pen to paper, you end up with a giant ink blob. If you have trouble writing the actual love letter that goes inside your intricately cut paper heart card, this is the DIY tutorial for you. Think of it as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” meets “Mad Libs” for love. You can customize and make it as quirky-funny or as romantic as you want.

Let’s start with deciding what kind of relationship you’re in.

A. Serious – hubby/wifey-type relationship
B. Semi-serious – boyfriend/girlfriend
C. New love – puppy love beginnings

Option A. Serious

Dearest (nickname),

Ever since I first met you (date and where), I knew that you were the one for me.

I think back to our first date at (location and year) and our first kiss (location and year).

This time of year reminds me how much I (favorite loving word, ex: treasure, cherish, value) your love, friendship and support.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love Always,
(Your nickname)


Option B. Semi-Serious

Dearest (nickname),

I can’t believe that it’s been (length of time) since we first started dating.

When I look into your (color) eyes, I see such kindness and warmth.

All the (favorite candy or food, ex: chocolate filled heart-shaped boxes) in the world couldn’t express how much you mean to me.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love,
(Your nickname)


Option C. New Love

Dearest (nickname),

I’m so excited about spending more time getting to know you and going (what do you have in common that you do together? ex: biking) with you!

Thank you for making our (first or second) Valentine’s special by spending it with me.
You are as sweet as (favorite candy) to me!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Heart,
(Your nickname)


Written and illustrated by Anne/modestambition

Crafty New Year: New Year's Resolutions for Crafters



So you made it through Christmas, congratulations! While you’re recouping from your holiday indulgences (or planning for more at a New Year’s party), it’s time to start thinking about those New Year’s resolutions. In addition to your usual list--travel to Europe, run a marathon, organize the closet--what about adding a few craft-centric items to the list?

Here are a few suggestions:
1. Try your hand at something new and learn a new crafting skill. It could be something related to what you already do or something completely different! You’d be surprised how creative activity in one area can inspire you to rethink things in another. Say you’re a knitter, maybe you might want to try working in clay?

2. Craft with kindness. Those of us who are crafty don’t think twice about making and giving homemade gifts over the holidays, but why not throughout the year? How special would it be to show a little thoughtfulness with a homemade gift for a neighbor, a coworker, or a friend? Everyone appreciates a little pick me up.

3. Look out for UFOs! That’s right, Un Finished Objects, the ones that you can’t even remember what they were that sit in a box tucked under a table. It’s a real challenge to try to salvage or complete an unfinished mess, but it could make you think about things in a new way.

4. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Crafters are natural environmentalists. The first of the year might be a good time to destash and take inventory of your supplies. What can you make to use up the last of the scraps or how can you make your process more efficient and environmentally friendly? As a bonus, that usually also means more budget-friendly too!

5. Craft-bonding. Now is a great time to find a new craft circle and make new friends to share your love of craft with. Many of the local libraries have knitting groups, or, form your own group at a local coffee shop. Hooking into the online craft community can be a great way to virtually share your passion for the handmade and Etsy is a great place to start.

6. Be a cultured crafter. Visit a museum or gallery seeking out something you don’t know anything about. Throughout history people have made beautiful objects with care and skill. Explore the 3rd and 4th floors of the Dallas Museum of Art for their non-Western collections and decorative arts or go across the street to the Crow Collection of Asian Art. You’ll be amazed and inspired by the intricacy and originality of the work.

7. Keep a journal. Okay, this is on the standard New Year’s resolutions list, but how about a craft-related/inspired/idea journal? Clip out pictures, collect scraps, jot down ideas. At the end of the year you’ll have a physical journal that traces all your ideas and inspirations for 2010—and this isn’t just for makers, use it to track your gift-giving ideas, interior decorating schemes, and hot items to look for.

8. Shop local. There are so many talented crafters and artists in the Dallas Fort Worth area! You can go to local markets and shows, like the ones listed here each week, or you can search by area on Etsy. Some local Etsians even offer free hand-delivery as an alternative to shipping. You can’t beat that and you’re supporting your community!

Posted and illustrated by Anne/modestambition
Post your New Year's resolutions in the comments!

Eco•Ideas: Furoshiki


Furoshiki is a special cloth that originated in Japan that is used over and over to wrap gifts and plenty of other goodies.

These can be made out of any kind of fabric -- any fiber, solid or patterned. The most common sizes are 17.7" wide by 26.7-28.3" tall. You can even make your own furoshiki using this tutorial and watch a video on how to wrap it up. For beginners a square shape is suggested -- it's easy to experiment with a bandana. Check out this guide to how to tie your own furoshiki.























Furoshiki means "bath spread" in Japanese. It is thought that these were originally used to bundle up clothes and personal items during the time of the public bath house. Over the years people began using the furoshiki for gift wrap, groceries, carrying books, purses,and accessories. Use of the furoshiki declined dramatically because of the popularity of plastic bags. There has been a renewed interested in furoshiki since it can help reduce our use of plastic and paper bags and reduce our impact on the earth.

posted by Alicia

Eco•Ideas: Back To School

Many students here in North Texas are going back to school the last week of August. With that in mind, here are some ways to make the return to the classroom more eco-friendly and fun.






This adorable bag from Nerdbomber would be great for carrying your lunch. It's totally reusable and will save brown paper bags. Save plastic bags too. This bright colorful bag from b.licious is great for books and easy to recognize as your own. Fabric sandwich/snack bags are cute, functional and washable from BlackandWhiteAffair and Gnomeclothes. Reduce your use of plastic bags for lunch and snacks.


Ever notice how writing tools seem to disappear? They all look alike and you couldn't pick yours out of a line up? With this unique, fabulous, hand-beaded pen from mandibeads-- chances are that this pen will become a personal favorite and rarely leave your hand.

A home for all those brand new supplies is a great way to keep up with them. CutOutandCollect has beautiful little pouches in tons of fun patterns to choose from. (There is a combo to suit your personality.)

Colored Pencils? A geography class favorite. Here's a great way to get the pencils and a home for them. Check out this fun pencil wrap from thegreenlizard.

Keep those extra curricular activity schedules organized throughout the year. BrendaSWhite has some fun embellished clip boards to help you do just that.


This is a great opportunity, whether you're a student or not, to work on adding some more green habits to your daily routine. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

posted by Alicia

Eco•Ideas: Aluminum Foil

Have you noticed that your scissors aren't cutting like the used to? Have your favorite pinkers built up some gunk on the blades? Aluminum foil to the rescue. (Something you probably have in your kitchen already.) Who knew it could be useful to sharpen your craft tools?

Just use a small piece of foil and cut it with your not as sharp as they used to be/gunky scissors. Cut the foil several times with the scissors the same way you cut paper or fabric. The foil will sharpen them a bit and get the gunk off. It works the same way for paper punches. Put a single ply of foil in the punch at a time and punch away. Best thing about it all? When you get finished -- the foil is recyclable. Happy Cleaning and Sharpening!

Posted by Alicia of LaAlicia