an upcycled Christmas
I like to call it “upcycle”. Recycle has connotations of being discarded into a tub . .
Upcycle is the fancy cousin of recycle. I wanted to share with you some of the things that I have made for myself and others that are from items/supplies–NOT from a store. I didn’t intend to make it–it just happened.
I made this for my sister-in-law–for Christmas this year–she doesn’t read my blog so I’m safe showing it to you!
a felted cup holder
I have a bunch of old sweaters that I have felted (on purpose) to make a wool quilt–hopefully my kids will sew it for me this year! the pink is a sleeve of a favorite sweater, the red berries are from a sweater and the green leaves are from a sweater that didn’t felt–so I cut the leaves out and then zig-zagged the edges to keep them from fraying!
this is a water bottle cozy–I love the flower–I made several–they started out as pins but then realized they were super cute on a bunch of things!
I followed this video to make these flowers.
Christmas card turned into art
I have 4 total framed–as a collection
I really enjoy giving (and getting) gifts of cookies! We made a ton of raspberry jam this summer and we are making biscotti with jam as teacher gifts . . . (I don’t think they read my blog either).
I love raspberry jam!
A few years ago Family Fun Magazine had this cute idea–so I put it into my vision board . . . and this year I made it!
Advent trees! I made these out of scrapbook paper–I’m giving this to my preschoolers teacher . . . she might read my blog:-) I know she follows me on pinterest!
I have a little work space downstairs and I make all sorts of things–I like to tinker and create things–my mind works well in the 3D realm. I enjoy making things and then giving them away.
My personal philosophy on gift giving is that it should be as personal as possible–making something with your own hand or ideas is about as personal as it can get. I do buy store bought gifts on occasion. I will buy gift cards to food places and my mother-in-law’s hair salon . . . I just want less in my life and I’m imposing that on others–probably not fair.
I want a simple Christmas with giving intentional gifts that are either homemade, useful or able to be recycled! That is where I’m at!
Be Blessed as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
I read the book, “A Paperbag Christmas” last night. It was amazing. The phrase that stuck out for me was, “everything you never wanted”. It doesn’t mean you Don’t want it, it just means you’ve never thought to want it. Your upcycle gifts and giving with intention are right up the same sort of alley way.
I need to download “A paperbag Christmas”. Thanks for stopping by Dana–you always make me smile!
Be Blessed.
Great ideas! Thanks for the inspiration!
Be Blessed! You too are brimming with ideas . . .:-)
I love the cup holder sweaters. What a great idea and they are so cute!
We travel with a LOT of water bottles–the wool absorbs the condensation–and in winter keeps warm drinks warmer–I made a tea cozy for myself out of recycled sweaters–it is on the ugly side but EXTREMELY functional.
Be Blessed.
Cute pictures. You are very creative. I have often thought about framing greeting cards. Some of them have the nicest sentiments.
I have framed a few from my husband–he writes the most romantic things . . . he would never say it out loud–but I know it is in his heart!
Be Blessed.