"She's crafty, and she's just my type."

I did it, I made the recycled paper wreath I have been wanting to make forever now. It was just as painful as I thought it would be. It hangs on my front door, but on the inside- cause I'm just crazy like that (really because it would not withstand the Florida weather.) Here's my quick tutorial: Painstakingly cut out hundreds of paper leaves. I used old Toast catalogs, the paper weight is perfect and I prefer the color palette. Then painstakingly attach each leaf individually- until it's done. I'm currently doing another with vintage children's books for my daughter's room. Did I mention it's a pain? You can contact me if you would like more specific instructions, but be forewarned, this project is not for the uncrafty.


****UPDATE: I posted this nearly three years ago, but thanks to Pinterest my email has been blowing up with people begging for more in depth instructions. Funny, this project was totally done on a whim and I honestly just 'winged it.' I used an old cardboard box in which I freehanded a circle in the size I wanted. I cut the cardboard form out and I made a freehand leaf template out of an old file folder. Then using the file folder template I cut the leaves out of the Toast catalogs. I didn't count how many leaves I used or cut, rather I just filled up a large bowl. With this particular wreath I used staples to attach the leaves to the cardboard but I would not recommend that approach. I often had leaves blow off when I opened the door (I displayed this wreath on the inside of my front door.) I made a similar wreath using antique book paper and I used my hot glue gun with much better results. I hope you all have fun trying this project.


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Green Tip {Tuesday}

Cut the paper. As Americans we make up about 5% of the world's population yet we use almost a 1/3 of the world's paper. Request E-statements from companies that offer them, and when possible refuse a receipt. Two places I always refuse a receipt is at the gas pump and ATM. Read your newspaper online and subscribe to a magazine that offers an Internet subscription. When printing is necessary remember to use 100% post consumer recycled paper. 

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image via:: flickr

Green Tip {Tuesday}

Dry your hands with dish towels, not paper towels. Even if you buy recycled paper towels (which I do recommend), you still have to throw them in the trash after you use them. Just by limiting their use for hand drying a family of four can save about 59 pounds of paper and about $144 dollars a year.

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