It’s that time of the year, and if you’re feeling creative and want to upcycle your products these are some very interesting ideas to get you into the festive mood.
GLITTER BULBS
What you need:
- Old light bulbs
- Glitter
- Glue
- Thin Cord
Method:
- Apply glue on the light bulbs
- Sprinkle glitter or dip the bulb in glitter
- Let it dry
- Attach it to a cord
- You can further decorate the bulb according to your choice
EGG CARTON WREATH
What you need:
- Paperboard egg cartons
- Glue
- A metal ring
- Tape
Method:
- Start by cutting the egg cartons, you use the small ‘towers’ that divide the eggs
- Cut them into flowers as shown in the image
- If the metal ring in closed, use a metal cutter to open them up
- Make small holes at the end of each flower and stick them into the metal wreath
- Glue the flowers in place with a little space between each one, one by one all around the wreath
- Use tape and close the wreath
- You’re ready to hang it up
- Optional: you can paint your wreath with some red, green and white
CINNAMON CANDLES
Cinnamon sticks have wonderful texture and unique aroma and bring pleasant brown colors into holiday homes.
What you need:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Twine
- Candles
Method:
- Place the Cinnamon sticks around the candle as shown in the image
- Cut off any extra bit
- Tie the cinnamon sticks around the candle with twine
- Light the candle and enjoy
POM POM KEY RING
What you need:
- Yarn scraps (the more colours the better)
- Cord or tassel end findings
- Two 2 inch cardboard circles (for small pom pom)
- Two 3.5 inch larger cardboard circles (for larger pom pom)
Method:
- Begin by wrapping the wool around the circles
- Take scissors and cut through the yarn between the two pieces of card making your way around the edge of the circle
- Cut a 23 inch length of your scraps and tie them around your pom pom between the cardboard circles (make sure you tie it nice and tight)
- Cut another 20 inch length and begin making a braid as shown in the image
- The braid should be about 4 inches with the ends about 0.5 inch long
- To secure two pom poms hold the end of the strands together and use a needle to sew through them.
- Remove your needle, wrap yarn around the braids and secure them with a knot
- Now insert this into a tassel end and screw in each of the holes.
- Your pom pom key ring is complete
HANGING VOTIVES
What you need:
- Mason jar, used jam or honey glass jars
- Super glue
- Embroidery thread
- Heavy duty white suede
Method:
- Start by measuring the suede around the neck of the jar and cut it where it barely overlaps
What you need:
- Mason jar, used jam or honey glass jars
- Super glue
- Embroidery thread
- Heavy duty white suede
Method:
- Start by measuring the suede around the neck of the jar and cut it where it barely overlaps
- Repeat this process twice more on the same short strip so you have 3 long strips hanging from it. Then glue the ends of the short strip together, creating a loop to fit around your jar
- Last step for your harness is to make your hook. Do this by taking the ends of your 3 long strips and creating a loop about 3 inches long. Dab some glue where the ends meet the rest of the cord, then wrap embroidery thread around your glued spot to secure it.
- Unscrew the lids and slip a harness over the mouth and down to the neck or each jar.
- Your hanging votive is ready. You can drop a tea light and hang them up in your favourite setting
Apart from these ideas being great for your home, you could also use them as gifts this season and team them with other eco friendly products.
If you have tried any of these ideas or would like to share your own eco friendly ideas, do write in to us as greenassets.in@gmail.com and tell us what you think. We would love to hear from you and also feature you in our next article.