Mindful Momma

Green Kid Crafts to the Rescue!

Are you participating in National Screen Free Week? We are and our boys are not exactly happy about it. Fortunately, the weather has been nice so there has been lots out outside play time.

But when the complaints started up, I pulled out a craft set from Green Kid Crafts and we got busy making Pirate gear. Green Kid Crafts is a craft subscription company that delivers earth friendly crafts right to your door. For $19.95 a month you get a delivery with 3 craft projects every month. Each project comes complete with everything you need to make the project (except for scissors and glue). The materials are all non-toxic and sustainable. Many are repurposed or made with recycled content.

My 7 year old just loved the Pirate Loot kit!

He was especially thrilled with the money pouch and the homemade Pirate coins. We made a ton of them!

The crafts are geared toward kids ages 3 - 8 but even my 11 year old got in on the fun and I ended up making a money pouch for him too. So basically, this kit was the launching pad for hours of imaginary play. The TV, computer and iPad were temporarily forgotten! What's not to love about that?

What are your favorite crafts to make with your kids?

(Full disclosure: I was sent a sample of Green Kid Crafts in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Cool Eco Crafts on Pinterest

Are you a Pinterest fanatic yet? It's hard not to be when there are so many cool things to discover.

I've been getting a lot of visitors to my blog via Pinterest so I thought it would be nice to return the favor and share some of the blogs behind some of my favorite pins. These are from my Eco Crafts Pinterest board:

Zakka Life shares a fun coin purse made out of a yogurt lid. I have tons of fabric scraps and plenty of yogurt lids just waiting for a project like this. Wouldn't this be a fun gift for the kids to make for Grandma?

If this isn't the sweetest homemade craft ever, I don't know what is! Kristen from Bloesem Kids used stamps made from okra to create these hand-stamped gift tags. Now if I could only get my kids to eat the okra too!

This soda bottle jewelry stand is just brilliant! Jen from EPBOT even provides a tutorial so you can make one yourself! Since I don't typically buy bottles of soda myself, I'd have to go dig through someone else's recycling bin to get the bottles. I'm highly tempted.

Have you found any good eco craft ideas on Pinterest?

 (Images used with permission)

DIY Necktie Bag Tutorial

 

Do you know anyone who still wears neckties other than your grandpa? I happen to love neckties (so many cool fabrics!), but sadly, they seem like a dying fashion trend. Here's a fun craft project to make with those long-forgotten neckties you still have lying around the house or the cool, vintage one you found at the thrift store. Just follow these simple steps to turn a necktie into a cute little bag for your cell phone, iPod or mad-money! (sewing machine not required)

Here's what you need:

Necktie

Coordinating thread

Velcro closure

Decorative cord for strap

Here's how to make it:

Step 1: Cut necktie at 13 inches from the wide end of the tie.

 

Step 2: Fold cut edge under 1/4" and then another 3/4".  Press and pin to secure. Hand-sew the bottom edge closed. This will create the channel for the strap.

 

Step 3: Open up a few inches of the center seam of the tie. This will make it easier to fit things inside the case. (You'll know what I mean when you look at the tie.)

Step 4: Fold the tie in half (wrong sides together) so the bottom edge reaches just below where the tie becomes a triangle. Using a slipstitch, hand sew the side seams through the top layers of fabric. Do not sew the front and back of the case together, or you will not be able to put anything inside!

 

 

Step 5: Add a Velcro closure (follow manufacturer's instructions).

 

 

Step 6: Thread cord through channel. Cut to desired length and sew together or secure with a knot. Hand sew the cord in place.

 

 

Have you ever made any crafts with old neckties?

(Note: This project was first published in my book, Practically Green: Your Guide to EcoFriendly Decision-Making. Check it out for even more green DIY ideas!)

Non-Toxic Art Supplies

As a parent, there is nothing quite as special as the drawings, paintings and other artwork made by my children. I proudly display them on the walls and tables in our home and finally tuck them into a box to save for later, when childhood is just a memory.

The power of children’s artwork is why Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families is holding an art contest this month.  It is a great opportunity to get creative with our kids and also send a powerful message to our Senators.  We need Congress to pass the Safe Chemicals Act, so let’s create artwork with our children to show our nation’s leaders how our children see a healthy and safe future.

The best way to encourage artistic creativity for this contest is to talk with your kids about people, places and things in their life they want to be safe and healthy - then ask them to paint or draw something that helps to show that. 

To do this fun project with your kids, you’ll need to have plenty of art supplies at the ready. But before you run out and stock up on supplies, keep in mind that not all art supplies are created equal. Many popular art materials contain toxic ingredients and may actually be detrimental to your child’s health.

Because of the lax regulations governing the use of chemicals in our country, untested, dangerous chemicals are allowed in many products that we use every day, including art supplies. Children are especially vulnerable to these hidden health hazards because of their small size and immature immune systems.

Lucky for us, there are plenty of non-toxic art supplies available to keep our little artists in business! Keep these tips and suggestions in mind next time you purchase art supplies:

Paints

Beware of oil based paints containing chemical solvents like methyl alcohol and toluene that emit dangerous volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Also avoid paints colored with pigments made from highly toxic metals such as cadmium, arsenic, and lead. Children should always use water-based paints instead of oil based paints.

Safer alternatives:

• Glob – Water based paints made with pigments found in vegetables, fruits, roots, herbs and spices.
• Clementine Art - Tempura paints made with Mayan mineral earth pigments.
• Eco-Kids  - Finger paint made with fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from annatto seed, beets, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage and spinach, and other natural ingredients.

Markers

Many markers contain highly toxic chemical solvents like xylene or are alcohol-based. Stick to water-based markers for kids.

Safer alternatives:

• Clementine Art - Markers made from naturally derived ingredients.
• Liqui-Mark – Non-toxic water-based markers made with 25% recycled plastic.
• Note: Water-based markers are safer and easier to clean up too!

Crayons

Conventional crayons are made with petroleum based paraffin wax and artificial, chemical-based colors.

Safer alternatives:

• Clementine Art – Natural soy and beeswax crayons colored with mineral pigments.
• Stockmar - Beeswax crayons made with food-grade pigments that pass tests for detection of pesticide residues, PCB's and heavy metals.
• Earth Grown Crayons – Etsy shop selling fun-shaped crayons made with natural soy wax and nontoxic mineral pigments.

Colored pencils

Traditional colored pencils use chemical based pigments and may be coated with toxic varnish.

Safer alternatives:

• Artemis - Cedarwood pencils with natural, plant-based colors.
• Trimax – Natural pencils made from reforested wood with a safe lacquer finish.

Modeling clay and play dough

Polymer clay, used for modeling, is typically made with PVC material and softened with toxic phthalates. Most play dough, although labeled non-toxic, is colored with artificial colors.

Safer alternatives:

• Pastilina – Vegetable based modeling clay
• Clementine Art - Modeling dough from made with simple ingredients plus natural colorings like turmeric and spinach.
• Eco Kids – Handmade eco-dough colored with real ingredients like blueberries, beets and carrots.
• DIY play dough – Here’s a recipe from Katie at Non-Toxic Kids.

Glue

Avoid rubber cement and model glues that emit toxic VOCs. Stick to water-based glue instead.

Safer alternatives:

• Clementine Art – Washable, natural glue
• Eco Kids – Rice flour and corn starch are the base of this non-toxic eco-paste for kids.

Art Smocks

Skip smocks made with toxic PVC vinyl material.

Safer alternatives:

• Mimi the Sardine – Organic cotton with a water-based acrylic coating in adorable prints.

Drawing Pads

Choose eco-friendly art pads to go along with your non-toxic art supplies.

• Eco Kids – “treeless” paper made from banana fibers and recycled materials
• Glob – Art pad made from 100% post consumer, recycled, chlorine-free paper.

Resources:

Clementine Art http://www.clementineart.com  

Glob – paints -  http://www.globiton.com/index.html

Hazelnut Kids - http://www.hazelnutkids.com/cgi-bin/category/art_supplies

ChildTrek - http://www.childtrek.com/arts-crafts-toys.html 

Eco Kids http://www.ecokidsusa.com/index.html

Eco Art Works http://www.ecoartworks.com

Stubby pencil studio http://www.stubbypencilstudio.com

Nature of Art Kids http://nature-of-art-kids.com

Mighty Nest http://mightynest.com/shop/toys-art-supplies/art-supplies

Note: It has come to my attention that P'kolino paints contain a toxic para-formaldehyde ingredient. Because of this, I have removed P'kolino products from my list of recommendations.

(Image credit: jdurham via MorgueFile)

(FYI - this post is linked up over on Your Green Resource and the Green Moms Carnival hosted by Groovy Green Livin)

Green & Healthy Holiday Wrap Up

Ready or not it's winter break! Soon my kids will be hopping off the bus, eager to start their 2 week vacation from school. Meanwhile, I am still scrambling to wrap gifts, grocery shop and prepare for numerous holiday weekend meals. Here are a few things on my list....

Wrap Green

I always cringe at perfectly good paper being ripped to shreds in a present-opening frenzy. That's why I try to find greener ways to wrap, whether it's reusing old wrapping paper, wrapping with artwork, newspapers or last year's calendar or wrapping in reusable items like scarves, dishtowels or reusable bags.

Be Mindful

Instead of getting a holiday headache as I so often do, I'm trying hard to follow my own advice for a more mindful, meaningful holiday. See my Tips for a Mindful Holiday on J.R. Watkins Clear Conscience Blog for how you can slow down and actually enjoy the next week or so. You deserve it!

Bake a Healthy Coffee Cake

Do you have special holiday recipes you make each year? Similar to Thanksgiving, I enjoy finding new recipes to make and I try to make at least some of them healthy. This Applesauce Coffee Cake from Martha Stewart is on my list to try for Christmas breakfast. It's got rolled oats and fresh apples as well as applesauce and toasted pecans. Sounds like the perfect balance of healthy but indulgent!

Stay Active

Being cooped up in the house for 2 weeks with two rambunctious boys is not my idea of fun. Besides crafts and playdates, we have GOT to get out of the house! Weather permitting, we'll probably go ice skating and sledding and hopefully skiing. What do you do to keep your kids active in the winter time?

Get Crafty

"I'm bored!" I know I'll be hearing that some time during winter break. Especially after my boys use up all their allotted screen time for the day. My plan is to be prepared with some easy craft projects to pull out when the time is right. These dried fruit ornaments from red bird crafts look super easy and a fun project to make with the kiddos. And there's always junk sculptures - possibly the best, unstructured craft idea ever! Do you have any green craft ideas up your sleeve?

Wishing you a peaceful and happy holiday! See you in the New Year if not before!

XOXO,

(Image credit: applesauce cake by Martha Stewart Inc., dried kiwi ornament by red bird crafts)

6 Green Holiday Decorating Tips

Have you put out your holiday decorations yet? We'll probably get a Christmas tree this coming weekend and then we'll have to see if we can find our boxes of decorations - I'm afraid they might be buried in the storage space we rented when we started our epic remodeling project (which still isn't finished, much to my chagrin.)

One thing that always bothers me at this time of year, is how much emphasis there is on buying more and more stuff to decorate for the holidays. Does that bug you too? To help combat this, I came up with a few tips to help you step back from the BUY, BUY, BUY mentality and still be able to do up your home in eco-friendly holiday style!

Get Natural - Nature provides a bounty of free decorating materials - we just need to remember to use them! Think pine cones, evergreen boughs, holly berries and fresh mistletoe. I even throw in stones, bark, shells and wood!

Go Handmade - No need to spend a bunch of money to make a home look pretty for the holidays. If you are in need of ideas (I know I am!), check out this list of 28 homemade ornament tutorials and 5 easy homemade holiday garlands. Now get busy!!

Raid Grandma's Attic - You never know what you might find in those dusty boxes up in the attic. You could very well find some gorgeous heirloom decorations! Some of our most precious holiday decorations are those that have been passed down from the generations.

Shop Thrift - Why buy something brand-spankin' new when you can find loads of cute holiday decorations at thrift, consignment and antique stores. Be sure to check Craigslist and eBay too! I'm partial to vintage glass ornaments myself!

Less is More - It's easy to get caught up in the decorating madness and buy a whole bunch of new decorations each year because they're cute or on sale. In my humble opinion, simple and straightforward is much better than gaudy and packed to the gills. I usually buy one or two special ornaments or decorations a year and leave it at that (this year's treasures: a wooden tree & penguins from a favorite hometown gift shop)  No ceramic holiday teapots around here!

Reuse, Reuse, Reuse!! - It kills me when I hear of people doing a whole new themed Christmas tree each year. What do they do with the old stuff? Besides, part of the fun is pulling out all those special decorations that go on the tree year after year. For me, reusing is the only way to go!

What strategies do you use to make your holiday decorating more eco-friendly?

If you liked this post, you may enjoy my post about Mindful Shopping Techniques too!

(image credit: Chiot's Run via flickr)

DIY Gift Idea: Simple Handmade Snack Sack

Here's a little DIY project that doesn't take a huge investment of time or money and will be a hit with almost anyone you give it to: A Snack Sack!

If you ask me, snack sacks are one of the best inventions ever! We use them constantly - for waste-free lunches, roadtrips and any time we need food on the go. I've given many of them as gifts over the years, but I finally got around to making some myself. They are super easy to sew and once you've made one, you might as well make a bunch! Here's a quickie tutorial to get you on your way:

What You Need:

Fabric: Choose either PVC-free oil cloth (mine was from Mimi the Sardine although it's not clear if they still sell fabric by the yard. You can also try Etsy.) or organic cotton (check out the pretty prints from Daisy Janie, Betz White and others on Etsy.)

Coordinating thread

Velcro: 5-inch strip of 5/8 inch velcro

How to Make It:

For a finished bag of about 6" wide by 5" tall, start with a piece of fabric 7" wide x 12" long. (Make whatever size you want by adding 1" to the width and 2" to length of your fabric for seam allowances.)

On both top and bottom edges, turn fabric under 1/4 inch. Press (if using oil cloth, place a towel between iron and fabric and iron at a low setting) and sew in place.

Fold the same edges over another 3/4 inch. Press and pin in a couple places. Place velcro strip on each edge (the fuzzy side on one edge and the hook side on the other edge) and sew in place (see photo).

Fold material in half with right sides together. Stitch side seams at 1/2 inch. Turn bag inside out and push corners out with the end of a pencil if you need to. The velcro seams should match together at the top.

Voila - a simple snack sack!

Are snack sacks as indispensable in your life as they are in mine? Have you ever made your own?

Looking for more DIY gift ideas? Check out my Make It Green page for a listing of all my DIY posts all in one spot!

(This post is linked to My Green Resource and a round-up of DIY ideas at Healthy Child Healthy World.)

Green Discoveries

Do you have big plans for the weekend? My just-turned 7 year old is having a "hatchday" party at our local Raptor Center. I love that he is into animals and nature! Instead of goodie bags filled with cheap, plastic junk we bought each child a wooden build-it-yourself animal kit. They are inexpensive at the craft stores.

Here are a few things for your weekend reading pleasure...

Toxins in the News

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but now there's even more reason to avoid toxic BPA in products and food. BPA exposure during pregnancy has been linked to anxious, depressive and hyperactive behaviors in girls.  

Halloween Craft

Avoid PVC-laden face paints by whipping up your own non-toxic face paint using this handy tutorial by Jennie from Sweet Greens - posted on Inhabitots.

New Blog Discovery

If you like to craft (or just drool over cool crafts), I think you'll love The Crafty Nest. She's got some fun Halloween craft ideas and a weekly Do Something Crafty Friday link-up. I just linked my felted sweater coasters craft up there!

Post on the Clear Conscience Blog

I've got a new post up on the Clear Conscience blog published by J.R. Watkins Naturals. It's all about ways for reducing waste at home. Try some of the tips and see how low your garbage can go!

Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a free Lifefactory glass bottle. It's an awesome gift from my new blog sponsor - Essential Safe Products!

Hope you have a green & healthy weekend!

{image credit: Pampered Delights via flickr using Creative Commons}

Easy Eco-Craft: Felted Coasters

This easy eco-craft is perfect for a child's birthday party or for a child to give as holiday gifts to friends or relatives. All you need are some felted sweaters (find directions for felting wool sweaters in this post from a few years back), some embroidery thread, a pin or two and a large sewing needle.  Then follow these simple directions:

1. Cut squares out of felted sweater material for coaster base.
2. Cut shapes out of felted material in contrasting colors. I use cookie cutters to create a cardboard template for the shapes - hearts, stars or whatever you like!
3. Have your child choose a coaster base, a decorative shape and some embroidery thread.
4. Pin the shape on the square.
5. Help them thread the needle and get them started sewing.
6. Tie the thread in a knot on the bottom when they are finished.

Voila! A pretty, easy, eco-friendly, handmade gift! My almost 7 year old son whipped up a few of these the other day in a jiffy. Frankly, I was surprised at how much he enjoyed sewing - he kept wanting to make more! I did this for an event at the boy's school as well and it was big fun!

Do you ever make eco-crafts with your kids? What's your favorite idea?

Looking for more DIY ideas? My Make It Green page lists all of my DIY crafts and recipes in one place!

(This post is linked up to Do Something Crafty Friday on The Crafty Nest and Your Green Resource at The Greenbacks Gal and a kids craft round-up on Healthy Child Healthy World)

Eco-Crafty Roundup

I've been finding so many wonderful eco-craft ideas around the blogosphere lately! I just have to share....

Julie from Julie Ann Art compiled a bunch of ideas for recycling old t-shirts - ranging from beautiful t-shirt scarves to a pretty pillows and some handy dishcloths.

EcoMomical Me shares a very smart repurposing idea: How to turn a plastic clip hanger into a chip clip. So smart!

Tiffany from Nature Moms gives us some ideas for Halloween crafts made from recycled metal cans. Also check out some of my past posts about homemade Halloween costumes, green Halloween parties and craft ideas.

Jennie from My Sweet Greens and Inhabitots shows us 5 Easy Craft Projects that Reuse Orange Juice Containers. Such fun and creative ideas!

Have you made any eco-crafts lately?

(Hey crafters - I've linked this up to the Do Something Crafty Friday roundup over at The Crafty Nest. Stop by to see even more cool, crafty ideas!)