We recently switch vendors for our padded envelopes.  Big decision because we are always looking to for eco-friendly packaging. Our new envelopes are waterproof so that eliminated the need to put items into protective bags before shipping.  But what was I going to put my recycled card stock paper tags to keep them together and safe in our new padded envelopes.

Yes, you guessed it… recycled magazine envelopes.  In my case, I used brand new sheets from the catalogues, punched holes on each side and used my hemp yarn to tie it together.  Easy peasy and the tags are neatly in their new envelope which I can insert into my new waterproof, biodegradable padded envelopes.

Do you have any colorful magazines or catalogues that are waiting to be upcycled into an envelope? Neatly tear or cut the page out.  If necessary, cut the page to the desired size.  Then fold the bottom up about 2/3 rd of the page.  Turn the top down so it overlaps and then punch holes on the left and right.  You then can use ribbon, yarn or twine to thread through holes and tie to close.

I’m always looking for new ways to create and reuse.  Do you have any ideas?  Feel free to share them in the comments.

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Open & Honest> I personally think my new biodegradable envelopes are great and provide links as an added resource. However, please note that some of the links in the post above are affiliate links which means if you click on the link & purchase something, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.

I feel good about this project because I was able to repurpose scraps into something useful.  Practical upcycling!  Anything in your home or office that can be repurposed / upcycled into something new.

Yes, I typed a few things, but I realized that I needed to dust off my original plans and develop a brand spanking new and improved business plan.  <Groan> I’ve been avoiding the idea of a new business plan because it’s boring and creating new items is more fun.  But I decided it was time.  I know I am not the only one that either needs to update their business plan or write their first so I am going to step through the process and write about it here.  So this is when I introduce to you… The Right-Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success by Jennifer Lee.  It was written for us creative types.

The first thing that got my attention is that she introduced new methods to display the business plan, from vision boards to transforming a children’s picture book.  That visual immediately eliminated my idea of grabbing another boring black binder and forging ahead.  Instead, I am thinking of how can I best portray my vision so that it will be useful and accessible.

Throughout the book are inspiring tidbits which I find very interesting.  Of course, I reviewed the back of the book early in the process and found a great list of resources.  The meat and potatoes of this book is only approximately 200 pages with images throughout.

So far, I am enjoying the book.  Stay tuned for Part II of my review of  The Right-Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success in which I will provide a more detailed review of Chapters 2 – 8 where the vision comes alive and lands on paper resulting in a business plan.

Have you already read the book, know someone who has or interested in developing / updating a business plan?  Let me know in the comments.

Open & Honest> I personally think the book is great and provide links as an added resource. However, please note that some of the links in the post above are affiliate links which means if you click on the link & purchase something, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.

I have the answers!  We are hearing more and more about organic cotton because consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the problems associated with conventionally grown cotton, demand is increasing for organic items and big name designers & stores are starting to offer organic cotton options.

Growing non-organic (conventionally grown) cotton requires more insecticides than any other single major crop.  Does that mean that I threw out everything in our home that was made from non-organic cotton?  Absolutely NOT!  But I am more careful with new purchases.  I choose organic cotton yarn over non-organic, hemp instead of cotton and watch what I use on & close to my skin.

The Organic Trade Association is a great source of information.  And a quick search on the term, “organic cotton”, yields a lot of information.  If you sew, there are great organic cotton  fabric and thread suppliers.  Do you knit?  More and more yarn companies are offering organic cotton options.  Are you buying a new baby gift?  The selections for organic cotton baby apparel and toys seem to be endless.

Have you seen any organic cotton items that you were tempted to try… sheets, towels, clothing, etc.?

I had an aha moment and decided to crochet a cover for my vitamin bottles and use one to hold my knitting needles.  Now here is aha moment #2… I realized that the pattern could also be used to cover 12 ounce mason jars.  Below you will find the crochet pattern.

Don’t crochet?  No problem.  Find a piece of fabric, cut it to size, cover the mason jar and then use a pretty ribbon to tie it securely.

Decorated mason jars are a gift within a gift.  Use them to store dry soup mix, homemade hot cocoa, sweet smelling lavender sachets and more.

Simple Glass Mason Jar Cover Crochet Pattern

The cover is designed for a 12 ounce Mason Jar, but can be easily adjusted for larger size mason jars.

YOU WILL NEED

Yarn (Approx. 65 yards)

• Sport weight yarn
• Shown: Pakucho Naturally Pigmented Organic Cotton Yarn – Sport Weight
• Alternate Choice: Hemp Yarn

Crochet Hooks

• US G (4.o mm)
• US I (5.5 mm)
• US C (2.75 mm)

Stitches Used (US Terminology)

• ch (chain)
• hdc (half double crochet)
• dc (double crochet)
• sc (single crochet)
• sl st (slip stitch)

Cover

With G Hook, ch 3

Round 1: 10 hdc in first chain: 10 hdc

Round 2: 2 dc in each hdc around: 20 dc

Round 3: (2 dc in  next dc, dc in next dc) around: 30 dc

Round 4: dc in each dc: 30 dc

Change to I Hook

With I Hook …

Rounds 5 – 15:  dc in each dc around: 30 dc

Round 16: sc in each dc around: 30 sc

Finish Off

Ribbon

With C Hook, ch 96, sl st in each ch

Finish off and lace into the bottle cover

Any questions?  If so, then please include them in your comment below.  I would be more than happy to help you.

Well, I finally bought the chia seeds.  I’m really into healthy eating and I couldn’t resist trying a seed that 1 tablespoon yields 6 grams of fiber, 2.9 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids and 3 grams of protein.  The package indicates that the chia seeds are sustainably grown in Australia and are free from chemical pesticides.  Even with all this great information, I still waited two weeks before I finally tried them.

I put them in my Vitamix with all of the other ingredients.  I did not taste a difference.  The great part is that is I added a nutritional boost to my smoothie.  These wonderful seeds can be added to smoothies, baked goods, salads and much more.  Chia seeds just became a staple on our grocery list…. “Ch-ch-ch-chia”

Here are the answers to the some of the questions…

• Hemp is a plant that does not need pesticides or herbicides to grow.
• Hemp is sustainable – it grows with minimal long term impact on the environment.
• Hemp fibers are stronger, more absorbent & mildew resistant than cotton.
• Hemp can be spun into yarn, woven into fabric and made into paper.  It is quite versatile and durable.
• Hemp does not contain enough psychoactive ingredients to pass for the “other substance” so you don’t have to tell my mom.

I crochet and knit using hemp yarn.  I’ve read that hemp fabric is excellent for children’s clothing because it is so durable.  I also found paper that is 75% recycled and 25% hemp.  The hemp gives the paper a nice texture.  I am still experimenting with hemp.  As a result, I am sure that I will be sharing more information about hemp in the future.  Until then, here is one more “hemp fact”…

Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper.

I look for non-toxic, natural solutions for everything, but please consider your own situation to ensure my suggestions will work for you and your home.

When I looked at the labels of the popular cleaning solutions, I realized that they will not contribute to good air quality in our home. I remembered all of the fumes and I simply didn’t want to introduce these chemicals into our environment in the name of cleanliness.

I found this book, Green Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck, and really think it is a great resource. It is my go-to source when I encounter new cleaning questions. Here’s an example…
One day, I noticed our bathroom sink was draining very slowly. Now, I warn you, I know basically nothing about plumbing. I just knew that we had a problem and I didn’t want to resort to harsh chemicals. The author of Green Housekeeping recommended a combination of vinegar, baking soda and boiling water. The exact procedure is in the book and it worked like a charm.

The main two items in my cleaning arsenal are baking soda and vinegar. Need to remove soap scum, I use a combination of baking soda & vinegar and scrub away. I add other items (mostly items that you normally find around the house) depending on the task at hand. Then I sit back and admire our clean home until its time to do it all again, but at least the clean smell is all natural and chemical free.

Not sure yet… Check out some free tips that I collected on Pinterest

Open & Honest> I personally think the book is great and provide links as an added resource. However, please note that some of the links in the post above are affiliate links which means if you click on the link & purchase something, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.

We all have our unique styles whether its the style of clothing we wear or the colors that we prefer.  How does that translate into our unique creative designs?

I’ll use me as an example.  I like natural fibers.  I also enjoy crocheting, but when yarn became boring, I switched to jute twine and t-shirts. So when people see that natural jute basket, they see me.  Why?  Because its made from a natural, eco-friendly fiber and most people know I’m a “greenie”.  Then, when I added trim, I transformed a t-shirt into yarn.  It’s me!

How do you personalize your craft?

I recently was going through my stash of knitted and crocheted swatches and found my first knitted swatch.  Now, I am going to be completely honest… it looks real bad.  But instead of hiding it, I am displaying it for all to see.

Here are my first batches of handmade soap.  They don’t look like the beautiful soaps that I see in the various online marketplaces, but my soap gets sudsy when I use it.  I’ll take the mini successes.

Let’s face it … all of our crafty inventions are not award wining masterpieces.  Just like many other areas in life, we learn from our mistakes and diligently work to improve.