In an environmentally aware world, it can often be hard to remember that this concept should apply to every aspect of life – including crafts and DIY! I love going to a fabric shop, haberdashery or paper-craft store as much as the next person, and can’t resist things with a beautiful design, but I’m also a fan of reusing the old.
Ask any of my family members and they’ll tell you they’ve been receiving homemade cards since Day 1 (usually recognising wrapping paper from 5 years ago….). I would say that my thought process has always been to save money and another card bought to be thrown away afterwards, but it’s always such fun (plus a few papercuts) making and designing my own cards each Christmas or birthday. After I have had cards from others on display for a while, I’ll take a view on which ones to keep and which ones to cut out pieces to use myself. I received some very sweet Easter cards last week, and I’ve already decided what to cut and keep! Exhibit A:
Making use of material and fabric scraps are an excellent way of putting your eco-friendly cap on. You may have a few small scraps of oddly shaped fabric leftover from a sewing project, so what can you do other than sweep them into the bin? How about crafting a hair accessory, making a textured rug, designing a patchwork quilt, sewing a rough-and-layered skirt, or simply using them as tester pieces for your sewing machine (we’ve all been there when the thread starts bunching…)! If you’re lucky enough to have larger pieces of leftover fabric, why not see if you have sufficient material to make another garment? Exhibit B - my flowery circular skirt material I made many moons ago from a pattern, left me with enough to design and make this summer bodice:
Altering old clothes that no longer inspire you is another admirable and enjoyable idea. Have a think about the aspects you do and don’t like. Perhaps it just needs some adjustments to fit you better, or maybe a whole overhaul is in order! Exhibit C and D – my chequered picnic top and jumpsuit transformation.
My craft bag is chock-a-block full of old wrapping paper, ribbons, sequins, gift tags, buttons and cut-outs, all from previously received gifts and cards. If you haven’t started already, why don’t you have a go at collecting up scraps? You may find you have the materials to make your best creation yet.
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