recycled gifts and crafts

fran-o

I have been getting crafty post-christmas and made last years xmas cards into next year's tags. I've also done the same with pics from an old desk calendar.

Also I took some old beaded necklaces that I no longer wear and made them into hanging decorations for next year's tree by threading the beads onto ribbons (ribbons cut out of the shoulders of clothes - just the right length.)

these are simple ideas but effective!
great ideas on the forum, thanks! :T

mary43

fran - good idea. I already recycle last years cards into tags and cards for this year...............hadn't thought of doing that with the beads though and I do have a lot (bit of a past weakness and I hate throwing stuff away):rotfl:
Thanks for that idea:T

she_grinch

The hanging bead decs sound great I actually saw some that sound like yours for sale in Homebase and they were not cheap, these will look really effective on your tree next year

mary43

Just had three free samples sent of granite.........was hoping they''d be coaster size but they're too small and vary from 4 x 2 and 2 x 2 .........any ideas what I could do with them ?

Anglea

I also love the bead idea but can't actually imagine what they might look like, will have to have a look online for ideas - unless someone can describe them to me.

Mary - that's an unusual sample - granite. First thing that came to mind is putting a funny little firgure on it. Do you have that catalogue for Panduru crafts? Reminded me of something they would have. Usually they are goblins or Father Christmases you can make yourself.

Or could you use the pieces as a mosaic?.

kaz665

Could you stand candles on them or use them as pot holders to stop a work surface getting burnt?

mary43

Thanks - but they're not big enough for pot stands and I like to have candles in little glasses - they are a weird size and they're all similar colour so I couldn't do mosaic with them

she_grinch

This is a great way to recycle a child's favourite tshirt into a lovely rabbit http://miaoucrafts.com/jill/?p=82

donna73

thanks shegrinch, thats a great idea, well timed too with easter not that far away. I was thinking maybe i could add a small pocket to the tummy and pop mini eggs in? would make a change from the usual over packaged easter eggs

she_grinch

here is an idea for turning sweater sleeves into baby trousers http://www.greenkitchen.com/blog/2006/02/recycled-sweater-kid-pants.html