November 27 ~ Gifts for the Eco-Conscious
| Give to friends and family, and help the planet too. Today’s ideas are creative, reusable and environmentally-friendly!
Today is also the perfect time to remind you about Kristin’s new (+ free!) Craftsy classes. Make a Drawstring Bag or Bucket Bag, a Reversible Tote or Zipper Pouch… Each bag is a gift in itself but you can really go above and beyond when you use the bags as your gift wrap this holiday season! You could do away with paper and tuck a gift inside a Reversible Tote! Hand over a gift card in style, inside a Zipper Pouch. These bags are beautiful and good for the environment too! |
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Make It
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Produce Bags Deirdre from We Are New Every Day designed these great Produce Bags for our Fat Quarter Project series at Sew,Mama,Sew! The bags feature a mesh panel and are perfect for the market. |
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Bavarian Bangles These pretty Bavarian Bangles from Hannah at Knick Knacks + Ric Rac are made from empty tape rolls and scraps of woven trims. |
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Ruby Star Ornament Boxes Don’t forget about Melody Miller’s Ruby Star Ornament Boxes here at Sew,Mama,Sew!, adapted from a project in her new Ruby Star Wrapping: Creating Packaging to Reuse, Regive, and Relove with Allison Tannery! These are a fun way to use fabric scraps… |
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Seed Paper Lazy Crafternoons shows you how to make handpressed Seed Paper which utilizes recycled papers to create pretty items that can then be planted. We think this would be a fun winter vacation project with kids! |
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Necktie Cuff Bracelet Linda’s Necktie Cuff Bracelet tutorial on the Team EcoEtsy blog is just one project of many you’ll find (and love) once you browse a bit! |
Bag a Day
There are so many beautiful bags to love out there… We’re sharing one bag tutorial every day this month for you to sew and give.
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Farmer’s Market Tote Bag We want to remind you of the free Farmer’s Market Tote Bag project here at Sew,Mama,Sew! It’s a PDF download from the popular Doodle Stitching: The Motif Collection: 400+ Easy Embroidery Designs. |
Related tutorials you might just love: Eco-Conscious Gifts, Go Green
Here are just a few fabrics perfect for some of today’s projects. Click on the fabric images to visit the Sew,Mama,Sew! shop:
| Kristin’s choice | Beth’s choice | Gabrien’s choice | ||
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Mix It
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Gingerbread Hug Cookies The Gingerbread Hug Cookies at Help [ME] Ronda are just one of several family favorite recipes Ronda shares in this holiday post. |
Print It
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Cuckoo Clock Ornament This sweet, little Cuckoo Clock from Delphine at Non Dairy Diary would make a nice ornament or holiday decoration. |
Win It
Comment on today’s post for a chance to win one of these prizes!
Tip: If you’re hoping to win a prize that notes “US Winners Only,” include your state in your name (i.e. Beth in WA) so we can confirm residence and avoid any disappointment on your end. Shipping range is determined by the generous companies and artisans that donate Handmade Holidays prizes.
Simply Serging: 25 Fast and Easy Projects for Getting to Know Your Overlocker (US, Canada + Europe Winners OK)
Author: Charlene Phillips
Publisher: Krause Publications
Using a serger may seem intimidating, but no more! Simply Serging guides you step-by-step through the ins and outs of mastering your overlock machine. Its 25 fast and useful projects, perfect for any skill level, will have you coming back to your serger again and again.
Check out the digital preview for Simply Serging.
Embellish Me: How to Print, Dye, and Decorate Your Fabric (US, Canada + Europe Winners OK)
Author: Laurie Wisbrun
Publisher: Interweave Press
Embellish Me is the ultimate guide to achieving the perfect surface finish for your fabric-based projects. Comprehensive step-by-step instructions are accompanied by detailed illustrations that illuminate an extensive range of fabric alteration and embellishment techniques. Learn tie-dyeing, bleaching, and shibori; block, silk-screen, and digital printing; and beading, embroidery, and appliqué. This information-rich guide will equip you with all the information you need to apply these techniques to any number of fabric projects, from tote bags and clothes to cushion covers, lampshades, toys, and home furnishings. Galleries throughout the book will inspire you to engage with these techniques, showing how they have been applied to fabric and providing a valuable starting point for your craft.
Learn more: Embellish Me digital preview.
Quilts from the House of Tula Pink (US, Canada + Europe Winners OK)
Author: Tula Pink
Publisher: Krause Publications
Inspired fabrics and designs await you in Quilts From the House of Tula Pink!
Welcome to the world of cutting-edge fabric designer Tula Pink, where clever quilts show off fanciful fabric, and your imagination can be let out to play. Featuring fabrics that you know and love, Tula offers 20 patterns with her signature flair for color, design and original style. Between 10 amazing quilts and 10 extra-cool companion projects, you’ll be inspired to play with fabric, color and design in a way like never before!
Come on in to Tula’s house for the ultimate in sewing, style and fabric innovation!
Learn more in the digital preview for Quilts from the House of Tula Pink.
Don’t miss our Handmade Holidays photo pool, and check out our 2011 Handmade Holidays list for more fabulous ideas.
26 ~ Gifts for Teachers
25 ~ Gifts for Dads + Grandpas
24 ~ Gifts for Book Lovers
23 ~ Deck the Halls
22 ~ Gifts for Friends + Neighbors
21 ~ Gifts for Outdoor Adventurers
20 ~ Gifts for Playful Friends
19 ~ Gifts for College Kids
18 ~ Gifts for Tech Lovers
17 ~ Gifts for Imaginative Friends
16 ~ Deck the Halls
15 ~ Gifts for Girlfriends
14 ~ Gifts for Babies
13 ~ Gifts for Hostesses
12 ~ Gifts for Crafters
11 ~ Gifts for Big Kids
10 ~ Gifts for Whimsical Friends
9 ~ Deck the Halls
8 ~ Gifts for Cooks
7 ~ Gifts for Pet Lovers
6 ~ Gifts for Moms + Grandmas
5 ~ Gifts for Tweens + Teens
4 ~ Gifts for Organizers
3 ~ Gifts for Travelers
2 ~ Deck the Halls
1 ~ Gifts for Little Kids
We respect the copyright of all crafters. All photos are used with permission from the artist.
226 Responses to “November 27 ~ Gifts for the Eco-Conscious”
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Those cookies look awesome.
I love the tie bravelets
The produce bags and seed paper would be fun !
very good work super … There are beautiful color combinations. aunt Mella
Oh these would all make great gifts!
These are great ideas. I love the seed paper-kids would really love it.
good ones!thanks!
lovely gift ideas…couple more days till the end of November!
The seed cards are an excellent idea!
Ornament boxes are great!!! : )
Thanks for sharing these fabulous ideas!
I love those necktie bangles!
love the napkin rings
Necktie cuff bracelets are so fun!
Cute stuff! I might make one of the bracelets for myself!
I really like the produce bag!
I love both of the bracelet ideas. My husband doesn’t wear ties for work anymore so I have a source for materials! Many thanks!
Love the ruby star ornaments!!
Those seed tags are great, and the clock ornament looks very interesting. Thanks for the links.
The Necktie Cuff Bracelet is a great idea! I’m sure to find some “not in use” neckties in our wardrobe. My girls will love this!
I will try my luck again with this comment. Thank you very much for the chance to win!
I love the market bag!
Love the produce bag- perfect for my step mom and me! Just need to get mesh
I love those produce bags. Perfect gift for my fridge?
Yay! Love these ideas!
The cookies look delicious.
what a great way to use old ties from Goodwill!
Great ideas!
I love the idea of making ornament boxes rather than buying them this year.
Those gingerbread hug cookies look so delicious, and fun!
It’s nice to use your scraps or other items around the house. It not only saves a trip to the store(s) but making ‘junk’ pretty again is very satisfying.
As always. more great ideas.
I would love that serger book.
You always have such great ideas. So many ideas so little time. Norma from NJ.
Michelle from Ohio says, “I might have to get that Doodlestictching book!”
Love the produce bags–they would make a great addition to the fabric grocery bags I’m making for Christmas gifts!
Those necktie bracelets are so creative!
Cuckoo clocks remind me of my grandmother and always put a smile on my face.
A paper cuckoo clock! Adorable!
Those Bavarian bangles are beautiful!
Cute bangles!!
I love the upcycling of the ties
Loving the necktie cuffs.
Love these Eco ideas
would love to get my hands on the simply serging book. My husband is buying a serger for me for christmas – I’m a newbie!
Gingerbread hug cookies! Oh, my goodness. I have to make those! Great gift ideas, too.
Love those produce bags!
i am drooling over the Ruby Star ornament box! so cute & clever!
Loving both sets of bracelets`
That vegetable bag is SO cute!
How very eco-friendly
Love the cuckoo clock printable.
Oh, I love that little cuckoo clock!
The Necktie Cuff Bracelets are a wonderful gift for christmas!
love the ornament boxes!
Cute ideas!
Those necktie cuffs are CUUUUUUUUTE!
The Gingerbread Hug Cookies look wonderful!
The produce bags are perfect for a couple of people on my list. Thanks.
I love the bangles from tape rolls and the tie cuffs! Great ideas!
I love the tie bracelets.
Great ideas! Thank you!
So many cute and simple ideas!!
Those bangle bracelets are really cute!
Love the necktie cuff bracelet!
I’m definitely making those bangles! Thanks for the chance to win!
The tote bag is my favorite!
Very interesting ways to reuse a lot of things you already have around the house.
I Love the produce Bag it is so great for the environment to have bags you can re-use!
love those bangle bracelets!
Fun projects! I just noticed this morning that one of Hubby’s ties is dying… good option for the bracelet, perhaps.
Love the seed paper tags! So cute!
Those bangles remind me of my sister.
Thanks!
Interesting projects.
LOVE the Bavarian Bangles!
My sister lent me her serger while she was out of the country for several months. It changed my sewing-life, but there is still so much i could learn with it. I’d love to win the above copy!
I’ve made those produce bags before and they are fantastic!
The produce bags are a great idea.
I love the produce bag!
I love the produce bags. My poor to do list!
Great ideas! Thanks!
Love the produce bag!
I love the produce bag and the tote bag! So handy!
Love the necktie bracelets! So cute.
I really need to make some of those produce bags!
The produce bags are great; I love the mesh panel so you can see what’s in them without opening the bag!
(UK resident)
I have an extensive stash of thrifted ties. I might be making several of those upcycled cuffs. Thanks!
the produce bag is AWEsome!
I love all of these gift ideas! So fun!
I love those tie bracelets!
I’m totally in love with the seed paper! So pretty and cool. My kids will love that.
I need a gingerbread hug…
Love the Bavarian Bangles! Thanks!
The necktie cuff bracelets are a great way to re purpose my dad’s stained ties!
Those cookies look so good! Going to have to add them to my list….
I need to make some of those produce bags.
love the farmer market tote! and those ornament boxes!
embellish me looks like a cool book! I really like the seed paper idea–it’d be cool to do with my kids for a science project!
Great projects and thanks for the veggie PDF!
Those Bavarian cuff bracelets are a great idea.
These are great ideas… so little time… Thank you for sharing.
Love the Produce Bag!
That market bag is so clever!
I always wanted to know how they made the seed paper, I can think of several relatives that would really enjoy receiving that!
I love produce bag.
Love the market bag!
Lovely ideas. Looking at some as craft projects to do with my kids. Thanks for sharing.
I like the Cuffs and the Bangles- I have a number of teenage girls on my list this year who would love these!
Great ideas!! And the cookies look delish!!
I love the Bavarian Bangles!
That grocery bag is so cute! Thanks!
I know several people that could use the produce bag.
Can’t wait to make the market bag – how cute!
The bangles and bracelts are on my list to make!
I love the cute seed paper tags! thank yoU!
What a great use of neck ties.
I need to make those produce bags for *me*! The mesh inserts are great.
Farmer’s Market Tote Bag is super cute!
Love those bracelets!
Those cookies look yummy! And I might have to make one of those tie cuffs
I love the produce bag and the tote really cute!
great ideas. love the neckties!
Always appreciate the bag tutorials and today there are two!
Definitely checking out the seed paper-very interesting idea!!
I’ve seen all mesh produce bags, but I like these better – they look like they’d be sturdier
Ooooh, both produce bags would be fun to make, I’m going to get busy!
that produce bag makes me want to actually go grocery shopping.
I want that serging book. I’m getting one for Christmas!
I like those necktie cuffs! Fun gifts.
Inventive way to use a tie.
I really like the look of the cookies, thanks for the recipe.
I have a ton of ties that need something done with them – thanks for the ideas!
Produce bags are always on my sewing to-do list!
Now these are my type of projects! Maybe I’ll make my Christmas cards with seed paper.
Thanks for all the great ideas!
seed paper?!? such a clever idea. if i lived in colorado or washington, it would be even groovier!
More great sewing ideas to add to my list. Now, if I could just retire so I do ‘em.
Love the produce bags and Simply Serging!
Ooooh, the produce bags are a great idea!
That seed paper would be soooo cute to add to our Christmas cards, with a little note to plant them.
That paper clock is super cute!
Tula Pink book looks fab!
I have been meaning to make produce bags for years. I think it might finally be the time!
Those Bavarian Bangles are fantastic!
The necktie bracelets are so cute! Thrift store, here I come!
What a cute cuckcoo clock ornament.
I’d love to try the gingerbread cookie.
I was just looking at some produce bags to buy…these are much cuter!
The necktie cuff bracelet is really unique. The gingerbread hug cookies look delicious.
Hey! When you ran the fat quarter series, I made some of the produce bags out of fqs that I no longer wanted to incorporate into other projects (you know you have some).
I get great feedback at the farmer’s market on these bags — it makes me feel all warm and eco-smug.
Necktie cuff bracelet is a really great idea!
I NEED that Simply Serging book- I bought a serger 4 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child & it’s still in the box! I’m a little scared of it…lol
I love sew mama sew!
Farmers market bag is so awesome! Also the produce bag would be good for dance shoes if you put a mesh panel on both sides!
Now I know what to do with the netting I have. Produce bags. Thx.
WoW! Love the Necktie Cuffs and the Bangles and how yummy the Gingerbread Hugs sound!
Thank you and all the Sponsors for the wonderful giveaways and all the chances to win.
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Oh my, I love all of these ideas! My sister actually requested reusable produce bags for christmas this year, perfect.
That serger book would be great!
I love the veggie embroidery!
love the neck tie cuff bracelets! Great look!
The gingerbread hug cookies look delicious!
ooh that Tula Pink book!
Love the bangle bracelets!
Seed paper is such a neat idea. Thanks for sharing!
I’d love to make tie cuffs from my Granpa’s tie collection – he doesn’t wear them anymore but he is remembered for them!
Those cookies look divine!
I have the perfect little gift for a ruby star ornament box!
That market bag is on my list! I’ve never stitched anything by hand but I’m going to start this weekend, with this project!
I’ve been wanting to learn how to make seed paper – perfect!
That farmer’s market tote bag is adorbs!
I love those Bavarian bangles! How creative.
Produce bag is a great idea – I’ve even found mesh at my dollar store.
Those Bavarian bracelets are great!
I like the recipe today – I will give it a whirl!
Love those Produce Bags!
Cool produce bags. Think I need those.
Love the produce bags. Thanks!
I really like the necktie bracelet, I see a white elephant gift in my future!
I love thr cuckoo clock!
I love the bangles! So cute
Thanks
The seed paper is such a cool idea! The kids will love making–and planting–them. Thanks.
Nice selection, especially the seed-paper. However, none for any of my gift recipients today.
Love the produce bag!
Love the produce bags!
Love the produce bags and the ornament boxes.
Gingerbread cookies are so tasty. I’ll have to try those.
I like the necktie cuff bracelets!
I love the ornament boxes. Some many possibilities . . .
I really like all of these ideas!
Ooo…good book selection!
Such cute cuffs!
I have wanted to make that farmers bag for so long!
Cute bags!
The bracelet ideas are great! Thanks!
The farmers market tote is so cute!
the clock is amazing!
I love the bangle bracelets! i always save things like that, thinking I’ll figure out a project “some day”.
Beautiful bracelets!
great inspiration for some of my “stashed” StUff.(yes, I am a little bit of a hoarder:)
Ginger hug cookies?!? Why have I never thought of that?
The necktie bracelets are so cute.!
the bangles are darling!
love the seed paper and those tasty looking cookies!
Love the farmers market bag. Janice in PA
awesome produce bags!!!!!!!
and TULA PINK BOOK! HELLO MY LOVE!
Cute farmers market tote
so many fun projects. soo many creative people behind them.
Some great ideas – thanks you!!
I love the idea of seed paper – I think I will be making some of these with my children to give to friends this year. Great ideas as usual, thanks.
What a great idea, a bag a day! I love bags and I’m ready to sew my first one! Thank you for sharing that cute little Cuckoo Clock ornament too. It made my day
I like the necktie cuffs. I may just have to make a few of those for myself (with an extra or two thrown in because my teenagers steal my cool things all the time).
those bangles are lovely, wish I had some scraps of woven ribbon like that!
Love the Bavarian Bangles.
These are cute projects, I particularly liked the cuckoo clock printable
Love those bracelets – I am definitely going to try that!
The necktie cuff would make a lovely “memorial” piece from my dad’s ties, for the daughters and grandkids.
The farmers market tote is awesome! Love the bangles too!
Love the seed tags and the necktie cuffs!
I need to sew a set of mesh produce bags. I hate all those bags from the grocery store!
I love the Market bag embroidery!
Those necktie cuffs are a really neat idea!
Love the produce bag, I hate all those little plastic bags for produce!
Love the produce bags!
Hmm might just hide in the kitchen and make some of those cookies!
love the necktie cuffs!
I’ve wondered about how to make the seed tags for a while. I’ll have to look that one up. What a great gift for a gardener, or a wanna-be gardener.