craftcycle 100+ earth-friendly projects and ideas for everyday living

TableofContentsTitlePageCopyrightPageAbouttheAuthorDedicationAcknowledgementsIntroChapter1-spring

HookedT-ShirtRugTinCanSewingCaddy&PincushionGames-to-PlayServingTrayToyFigureBowlSockBabiesGroovyRecordBowlCoinedPajamaLaundryBasketFruitNetPotScrubbersKnittedLinensRugSlideLampshadeDenimQuiltWindowSashColdFrameReclaimedWoodBirdhouseLivingtheGreenLife:Ideas,Activities&Recipes

Chapter2-summer

Driftwood&ClassMobileFusedPlasticToteOwlClothespinHolderPebbleCoastersT-ShirtFrisbeeSnacker’sBagKnittedPlarnToteChippedChinaMosaicPotZipperedInnerTubePouches

LadderTrellisPlanter’sPottingBenchLivingtheGreenLife:Ideas,ActivitiesRecipes

Chapter3-autumn

GlossyMagazineBowlCDClockAluminumMirrorFrameBlack&WhiteMagazineBasketColoredPencilWatchStrapCDDiscoBallCerealBoxBasketTeaBoxNotebooksWaterBattleHangingLampRecordAlbumBindersRaffiaGarlicDryerRulerChalkboardCorrugatedCardboardChairLivingtheGreenLife:Ideas,Activities&Recipes

Chapter4-winter

CandleMugsMiniatureDollShoeBraceletMatchbookOrnamentsBlizzardYarnAfghanAlteredPinsFeltedSweaterPurseHolidaySleeveBannerSweetSweaterBirdsBottleCapNecklacesFeltedSweaterMittensRetractableDryingRackLicensePlateMailboxLivingtheGreenLife:Ideas,Activities&Recipes

Resources:KnittingTechniquesResources:CrochetTechniques

Resources:EmbroideryTechniquesResources:MaterialsResources:PatternsIndex

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partofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutpermissioninwritingfromthepublisher,exceptbyareviewerwhomayquotebriefpassagesinareview.PublishedbyNorthLightBooks,animprintofF+W

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LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataBoyd,HeidiCraftcycle:100+eco-friendlyprojects

andideasforeverydayliving/byHeidiBoyd.-1sted.p.cm.Includesindex.

ISBN-13:978-1-60061-304-3(pbk.:alk.paper)ISBN-10:1-60061-304-7(pbk.:alk.paper)1.Handicraft.2.Recycling(Waste,etc.)I.Title.

TT157.B7152009

745.5-dc22

2009008575

THEPAGESOFTHISBOOKAREPRINTEDON60%Post-ConsumerRecycledPaper.

DevelopmentEditor:JessicaGordonContentEditor:JolieLampingRothProductionEditor:VanessaLyman

Designer:GeoffRakerProductionCoordinator:GregNock

Photographer:RicDeliantoniPhotoStylist:NoraMartini

Step-By-StepIllustrations:HeidiBoydBuildingDiagrams:JonBoyd

MetricConversionChart

CookingConversionChart

TemperatureConversionChartNOTE: The metric units and Celsius degrees given are estimates not exactmeasurements.

AbouttheAuthor

HeidiBoydistheauthoroftenbookswithNorthLightBooks,mostnotablytheSimplyBeautifulseries.Shecraftsatthediningtable,whereshecankeepaneyeon the familyanddashout thedoor for thenext carpool.Hergoal is tomakesophisticateddesignapproachableandeasyforall.Shehasafineartsdegreeandgot her start in professional crafting as a contributor to Better Homes andGardensbooksandmagazines.Herhusband,JonBoyd,hasbeenhelpingbehindthesceneswithmanybookprojects.HeisaLEED-accredited,licensedarchitectwith twentyyearsofcommercialandresidentialdesignexperience.This is thefirsttimehe’scontributeddesigns,drawingsandprojectsofhisown.Together,HeidiandJonandtheirthreechildrenactivelyenjoythenaturalbeautyoftheirmidcoastMainehome.CheckoutHeidi’sblogonwww.mycraftivity.com.

DedicationThisbookisdedicatedwithlovetoourchildren,Jasper,ElliotandCelia.We

wishyouabeautifulgreenworld.

Acknowledgments

Aprojectthissizerequirestheeffortsandenthusiasmofmany.I’mfortunatetobesurroundedbytalentedandgenerousfriends.IoweadebtofgratitudetomygoodfriendHannahBeattie,wholenthersewingexpertisetothebook,andherhusband, Bart, for the amazing potting bench project. A big thank-you toknittingdesignerChesleyFlotten for the fabulous afghan,CatherineMatthewsScanlon for her ingenious tin canpincushions,RoseNelson’sgardendigs andcameratalents,TonyDiPietroforgraciouslyallowingustophotographsomeofhisextraordinarybirdhouses,andmywonderfulneighborClaudiaBrzoza,whogenerously shared both her treasure trove of recycled goods and words ofencouragement.

Creativity and being green go hand in hand. Resourceful artists have beenreusingavailablematerialstomakestunningworksofartsincebeforerecordedhistory.Museums are filledwith examples of useful and beautiful handicraftsmadewithcast-offs.NativeAmericansmadestunningpatternswithnaturalplantdyesonbuffalohide to createbeautiful, functionalbags they calledparfleche.Gorgeous earlyAmerican quilts were elaborately piecedwith clothing scraps,and some even reveal stories of the Underground Railroad. In our modernsociety,we’reprogrammedtogotothestoresandbuywhatweneed.Mostofuswouldneverthinkofstitchingourownsuitcaseorbedcovers.Oureconomyisalmost completely based on consumerism. The majority of our waste comesfromthepackaginganddisposalofthesegoods.Thefirststepofcraftcycle is togetyouto lookatwhatwedisposeofwith

heightened awareness. You might be surprised by the wealth of creativematerials that is within your reach. The common by-products of ourconsumerism lifestyle such as plastic bags, food packaging, cardboard boxes,worn clothing, plastic bottles, and even bike inner tubes are excellent craftingmaterials. Only, these highly manufactured items often require more than asimple dot of glue or stitch to assemble them into new creations. I found thatwith a few simplemodifications and handy tips, many of the classic craftingtechniquessuchascutting,folding,ironing,sewing,knittingandcrochetingalsoworkwellwithmostofthesenontraditionalmaterials.Ahuge amount of satisfaction comes frommaking something beautiful and

functionaloutofwhatmanyconsiderwaste.Whowouldhaveknownthatpotatochipbagscouldfoldintoaneatlittlepurse,orthatastackofwell-wornT-shirtswouldhookintoanattractiveshaggyrug?WheneverIsharedawork-in-progressforthisbook,theenthusiasmwasinfectious.Ifoundthatcraftcyclingalsohelpsbuild neighborhoods and communities. Once people heard what I was doing,teachers placed chip bags in my daughter’s preschool cubby, and neighborsdroppedplasticlidsinmymailbox.Creatingoutofwasteisoneeffectivewayofreducingyourcarbonfootprint,

and maybe that of your friends and neighbors, too. There are so many othersmallandeasywaysthatwecanhelpourplanet.Thefoodsweeat,thewaywelive in our homes and how we commute all impact the environment. We’veintentionallyarranged thisbook into four seasons so thatyoucanquickly findappropriatecraftcyclingprojectsthatintegrateorganizationalfindsinthespring,

that feature natural materials in the summer, that highlight back-to-schoolsuppliesandapartmentfurnishingsinthefallandthatofferplentyofgiftideasinthe winter. In each season, you’ll also find ourtried-and-true family favoriterecipesthatwillencourageyoutoeatwonderfullyfresh,locallygrownfood.Jonlenthisexpertisetobuildthelarge-scaleprojectsandhelpmecompileeasyandgreenlivingtipstomaximizeyourhome’sefficiencyandhelpustreadlightlyonourpreciousworld.Beinggreenandbeingcreativehasneverbeenmoreexcitingandfun!

Chapter1

spring

Springhassprung!Openyourhometofresh,warmbreezesandgetyourspringcleaningstarted.Whenyouplacewinterclothesinstorage,takethetimetosortoutgrown and worn clothes. Pile up old jeans, pj’s, T-shirts, odd socks andsheets.You’llbesurprisedhoweasyitistotransformthemintorugs,quilts,toysandhamperstobrightenyourhome.Don’tworryifthefabrichasstains,ripsorwornpatches.It’seasytocutawaythoseareasandsalvagethebestpartstouseinyourcreation.Youdon’tneedtobeaseamstressorexpertknittertomakeanyof these projects. The steps are simple, and you’ll be knitting, hooking orstitchinginnotime.Whenyou sweepunder the carpets, youmightdiscover anewcollectionof

oddsandendstoaddtoanalreadygrowingbasketofchildren’stoypieces.Youmayalsohaveagameortwothatnooneplayswithbecauseit’smissingpieces.Don’tthrowtheseinterestingbitsandpiecesintothetrash.They’refabulousforfusingintobowlsorsettinginresinforone-of-a-kindservingtrays.You’llevenfindinstructionsinthischapterforwiringtogetheroldslidesintoalampshade.SpringtakesitssweettimetogettoMaine,andwhenitfinallyarrives,weare

extremelyhappytogreetit.Thewarmairandtenderbudsholdthepromiseofanewgrowingseason.It’stimetogetyourgardenjump-startedwiththehelpofourclevercoldframe.Itrepurposesanoldwindowsashtoinsulatedelicatenewshoots from cold winter nights. Recycled wood is also the perfect buildingmaterial for birdhouses. Take inspiration from Tony DiPietro’s clever homes.It’stheperfecttimetoencouragenestingbirdsintoyouryard.

WhataGreenIdealWorkoffthewinterblahs!Springiscalling,sodustoffthosebikepedals,tuneupyourbikeandrideon!FindmorespringtimeactivitiesinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages36-37.

HookedT-ShirtRug

WHENIWAS little,Iusedtolovechoosingboxedrughookingkitsfromthehobby store. I was thrilled to see howwell the hooking technique transferredfromyarn toT-shirtstrips.The tensionfromlooping thestrips inplacecausesthe strips to form attractive curled ends. This shaggy rug came togetherrelativelyquickly—thethickT-shirtstripsfillupthecanvassoyouonlyhavetohookeveryother row.OldT-shirtsare soplentifulyoushouldn’thave troublefindingawideselectionofcolors.Inmyhouse,withthreemales,wornwhiteT-shirtsarereadilyavailable.Arotarycutter,cuttingmatandclearrulerhelpmequicklyslicetheshirtsintopilesofstrips.

WhataGreenIdea!Whenyoustartspringcleaning,rememberoldT-shirtsmakegreatcleaningrags.Checkyourkitchencabinetsforbiofriendlycleaningsupplies,likebakingsoda.Bakingsodabrightenschrometaps,removescoffeestainsfromcountertops,deodorizesandcleanstheinsideofthefridgeandremovesmildewfromthebathtub.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages36-37.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSAssortedcoloredT-shirts,oneeachof:kellygreen,olivegreen,teal,

orange,lightpink,darkpink,fuchsia,yellowGenerousstackofwhiteundershirtsandT-shirts

OTHERMATERIALS24”x38”(61cmx97cm)rughookingcanvasTOOLS&SUPPLIESRotarycutter,clearrulerandself-healingmatDucttapeRughookingtoolThinstringanddarningneedleRESOURCESFinishedsize:20”x33”(51cmx84cm)

Step1Workingovercuttingmat,userotarycuttertoremoveT-shirt’ssleeves,shoulderseamsandhemedgesothatyou’releftwithsmooth,seamlessfabric.

Step2Usingrulerasastraightedge,cuttheshirtintotwo7”(18cm)sections.You’llgetjustonesectionoutofachild’sshirtanduptothreesectionsoutofan

adult’sshirt.

Step3Stackthetwo7”(18cm)sectionsovereachotherandcutthroughthethicknesstodividethefabricinto1”(3cm)sections.Takethesidefoldinto

consideration,andcutthefirstandlaststrips½”(13mm)fromtheoutsideedge.Whentheyunfold,they’llbeaninchinwidth.

Step4Youcansalvagemore1”x7”(3cmx18cm)stripsbycuttinghorizontalstripsfromthetopoftheshirtandfoldedstripsfromthesleeves.Cutthe

remainingshirts,groupingthepilesbycolorsothey’rereadyforhooking.Leavethewhiteshirtsforlast.You’llbebetterabletogaugehowmanyyou’llneed

afterhookingthecoloredsectionsofyourrug.

Step5Coverallfouredgesofthecanvaswithtape.Placetherawcanvasedgehalfway across a length of tape, then fold the tape over the top, trapping thecanvas edge inside the tape. Thiswill protect it from unraveling and bemorecomfortabletoworkwith.

Step6Threadthehookingtoolthroughthecanvaswhereyouwanttoplacethefirststrip.Thetipshouldsitontopofthecanvasandtheselectedcanvasbarwilllieover the tool.FoldaT-shirt strip inhalfandhook itonto the tool.Pull thetoolbackdownthroughthecanvas,bringingtheloophalfwayoutthecanvas.

Step7Useyourfingerstopushtheendsthroughtheloop,thenpulltheendsuptotightentheknot.Repeattheprocesstoaddstripstoeveryothercanvassquare.

Step8Continueaddingthesamecoloredstripsuntilyou’vecreatedasquareorrectangle.Switch toacontrastingcolorandsurroundyourshapewithaone-ortwo-row border. Repeat the shape and border one to twomore times in otherlocationsonthecanvas.Usingallyourremainingcoloredstrips,createlargeandsmall framed square and rectangle combinations and distribute them over thecanvas.FillinalltheblankcanvasareaswithwhiteT-shirtstrips.

Step9Carefullyremovethetapeononesideoftherug,thenfoldtherawedgein half and then flat against the underside of the rug. The raw edge is nowtrapped in the fold.Using a lengthof lightweight string and adarningneedle,stitch the foldededge inplace.Repeat for the remaining sides, removingeachsectionoftapejustbeforeyou’rereadytosew.

TinCanSewingCaddy&Pincushion

CatherineMatthewsScanlondesignedthislovelypiece;shecameupwiththeideawhenshewascleaningoutacanforrecycling.Sherealizedthecancouldnotonlymakeagoodbase forapincushion,but it alsowouldmakeahandystoragecontainer fora smallpairof scissors, spoolof threadand thimble.Shecovered the canswith scrapbook paper scraps and beautiful vintage buttons. Istitchedtogetherthepincushiontopswithtwocirclesoffeltedsweaterscraps.Step 1 Carefully remove and discard the lid of tin can. Use a metal file tosmoothanysharpedges.We’vefoundthatnotallcanopenersarecreatedequal.Catherine’s hand-cranked opener prepared these cans. I have a very similarmodel,butitleavesajaggededge.Makesureyoucompletelycleananddrytheemptycanbeforecrafting.Step 2 Trim decorative paper to the length of the can, making sure it fitsbetween the top and bottom rims.Use strips of double-sided tape to affix thepaperaroundtheoutsideofthecan.Hotgluebuttonsorasectionofmeasuringtapearoundtheoutsideofthecan.

Step3Traceacirclethatextendsa½”(13mm)beyondthecircumferenceofthecan.Cuttwocirclesofthissizeoutofafeltedsweater.Pinthecirclesrightsidestogether. If you’re using upholstery cording, position it between the layersbeforepinning.Machineorhandstitch theedges together, leavinga1”(3cm)opening to turn the piece right side out. Tightly pack the pincushion withstuffing,thenhandstitchtheopeningclosed.Ifyou’retrimmingthepiecewithchenille,cordorrickrack,hotglueitaroundtheseam.Thetrimsnotonlylookpretty,theyalsosupportthepincushionontopofthecan.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSAluminumcanScrapsofpatternedpapersButtonsMeasuringtapeFeltedsweaterscraps

OTHERMATERIALSStuffingChenille,cordorrickracktrimsTOOLS&SUPPLIESMetalfile(ifnecessary)Double-sidedtapeGluegunandgluesticksSewingneedleandthread,orsewingmachineRESOURCESProjectNote:page114

Games-to-PlayServingTray

If you have children in your home, you may be constantly surprised by theflotsamandjetsamthatendsuponyourcounterorinyourdust-pan.Thisprojectistheperfectwaytoturnallthoseoddsandendsintoafunctionalpieceofart.Agameboard,LEGOpieces,dominosandplayingcardsmakeawonderfulcollagethatcomestogetherwithtwolayersofpouredcastresin.Thisprojectcouldjustaseasilybemadewithhairpins,barrettesandcostumejewelrytomakealovelytray for a vanity. Sewing patterns, buttons, pins, measuring tapes and snapsgatherforabeautifulsewing-themedtray.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSGameboardPlayingcardsPuzzlepiecesGamepiecesPokerchipsK’NEXandLEGOpiecesJacksDicePlasticanimals

OTHERMATERIALSServingtray(besurethehandleopeningsareraisedabovetheservingsurfacesothatthere’sroomtopourtheresin.)MinimarblesTOOLS&SUPPLIESAleene’sTackyGlueGlossyAccentsAdhesivebrushAleene’sPlatinumBondGlassandBeadAdhesiveCrystalClearGlaze

Coat(Famowood)Plasticcontainers(formixingtheresinsolution)WaxpaperRubberglovesPlasticspoonandknifeToothpicks

Step 1 Play with the pieces on your tray to find an arrangement you like.Remove the pieces and begin by gluing the biggest pieces down. Use TackyGlueforgameboardandpaperpieces,andbrushonaprotectivecoatofGlossyAccents.After the coat hasdried, usePlatinumBond to attach theplastic andmetalpieces.Letthegluesetfor24hoursbeforepouringontheresin.

Step 2 Work in a well-ventilated area. Lay down wax paper to protect yourworktable, and pull on rubber gloves. Carefully mix half the resin solutionaccording to package directions. This will give you approximately¼” (6mm)thickness. Quickly spread the resin over the tray. Use a plastic knife to helpspread the solution over pieces. Sprinkle inmini marbles. Use a toothpick toadjustanything in the resin. If thebubblesdon’tdispersequickly,youcanusethe toothpick to pop them, or gently exhale hot air directly over the surface.(Caution:Donot inhale!)Make these alterationsquickly asyoudon’twant toagitate the surfaceas itbegins tocure.Anything that isn’tglued inplacemayshiftwhiletheresinselflevels.

Step 3 After 72 hours, your tray should be fully cured. Some higher-profilepiecesmayneed another¼” (6mm)of resin to cover them. If necessary, glueanynewthinpiecestothecuredsurfaceandletthemdryovernight.RepeatthepouringprocessfromStep2toaddanotherlayerofresin.

TipSelectlow-profilepiecesforyourtray.Thehighertheprofilethemoreresinyou’llneedtocoverthem.

ToyFigureBowl

Oh boy, is this project a blast! I had so much fun melting these little guystogether,andtheresultisnothingshortofimpressive!Don’tletanyplasticmenoranimalscollectdustinabox.It’stimetobreakthemoutandturnthemintoacoolcenterpiece.Myoneconcern inmaking thisprojectwas thepotentialoff-gassing of themelting plastic. I worked outside andwas careful to heat onlycontact areas. The craft heat gun wasn’t too hot, and the residual heat wastrappedin themetalbowl,whichhelpedbendtheplasticwithslowandsteadywarmth. I found the fumes to be very minimal. I would agree it’s not thegreenestproject,butitiscreativerecyclinganddoesreuseplastic.

SafetyRemindersMeltingplasticsemitsfumes.Besuretoworkinawell-ventilatedareaandheatonlythecontactareas.Theheatgunwillwarmthemetalbowl,whichconductstheheat.Becarefulnottoburnyourselfwhenhandlingtheheatedbowl.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSApproximately100plasticfigures

TOOLS&SUPPLIESLargemetalbowl4”x11½”(10cmx29cm)HeatgunMetalspoonorcraftstickRESOURCESFinishedsize:7”-8”x11”(18cm-20cmx28cm)

Step1Selecttwofiguresandprewarmthebaseofeachbyholdingthembytheirheadsanddirectingtheheatgunattheirbases.Placetheprewarmedfiguresbasetobaseinthebottomcenterofthebowl.Directtheheatgun1”(3cm)awayfromthejoinedbases,movingthehotairfromsidetoside.Whentheplasticbeginstoturn opaque and melt at the edges, use a spoon or craft stick to push theconnectedbasesflatagainstthebowl.Overmeltingwillcausethefigurestolosetheirshapeandcreateexcessoff-gassing.

Step2Addafigureoneithersideofeachofthebasefigures.Prewarmthebaseofeachnew figurebeforeplacing it against thebase figure.Pass theheatgunoverthebasewhenyoupositiontheminthebowl.Thisshouldheatthecontactareasbetweenthepieces.Quicklypushthemtogetherwhiletheplasticiswarm.To sustain the integrity of the pieces, heat only the areas between theconnections(inthisinstance,mostcommonlythebases,thearmsandtheheads).

Step3Continueaddingprewarmedfiguresoneatatimefeetfirstintothebowl.Thinkof thebasefiguresas thecenterofawheelandyou’rebuildingrowsofspokesoutfromthem.Byworkinginsidethebowl,thepieceswillformabowlshape. If any parts stick too far out from the bowl, heat and press them flatagainstthebowlwithyourspoon.Trytodistributethevarietiesandcolorsoftheplasticfiguresaroundthebowl.

Step 4 The last row of figures are connected just below the rim of the bowl,whichcontinuestoconducttheheatandshapethem.Oncethebowlhascooled,gently pry your finished plastic bowl out of the metal bowl. Look over theunderside to check that everything is firmlymelded together. If not, you canmakesomesurfacerepairsbycarefullyheatingindividualspots.

SockBabies

Themissing sock syndrome plaguesmany families. If yours is one of them,here’s a project thatwillmake you happy the next time you discover an oddsock. It uses different sections—toe, heel and cuff—so if one section isworn,youcansalvage theothers fromit.Eachoneof theseendearing littlebabies ismadefromthreeorfourmismatchedsocks:onesockforthebody,aheelfortheface and a cuff for the hat.An extra toemakes a removable blanket. They’refilledwithsoftfiberfillandhavesimpleembroideredfacesthataresafeforsmallchildren.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSOddadultandtoddlersocksOddknitgloves

OTHERMATERIALSStuffing(Nature-fil)TOOLS&SUPPLIESSewingneedleandthreadDarningneedleandembroiderythreadScissorsRESOURCESEmbroideryTechniques:pages136-137Finishedsize,largerbaby:9½”×3”(24cm×28cm)FinishedSize,bittybaby:6”×2½”(15cm×16cm)

Step1Selectthesockforthebaby’sbody.It’sbestifyoucanuseonethathaslittlewearinthetoe.Cutoffthetopofthesockjustabovetheheel.Savethetoppartofthesockforthehat.

Step2Generouslyfillthetoeportionofthesockwithfiberfill.Pulltheheeloverthe topof theopening andhand sew it closed.Thiswill form the topof yoursockbabyhead.

Step3Useeither the saved topof the sockor the topof another sock for thebaby’shat.Pullitcufffirstoverthebaby’shead.Foldoverandhandstitchthetopcutedgetopreventitfromunraveling.

Step4Cut the toeoffa toddlersockfor thebaby’sfaceand twofingersoffa

knitgloveforthebaby’sarms.Turnthefingersinsideout.Stuffallthreepieceswithfiberfill.

Step5Positiontheheadoverthehatcuff,makingsurethecutedgesarefoldedunderandtrapthefiberfill.Whipstitch(seeEmbroideryTechniques,page136)around thehead to anchor it to the frontof thehat.Workingwithone stuffedarmat a time,hand stitch it to the sideof thebody.Be careful to catch looseknittedstitchesalongthecutedgewithyoursewingneedletopreventthemfromunraveling.

Step6Flipupthebackofthehat.Withadarningneedlethreadedwithafullsixstrandsofembroideryfloss,makeastitchfromthebackofthebaby’sheadupthroughthecenterofitsface.MakeaFrenchknot(seeEmbroideryTechniques,page137)foranoseandthenstitchbackthroughtothebackoftheheadandpulltight.Repeattheprocesstocreatetwoeyesabovethenose.Onceyou’veknottedtheembroiderythreadandtrimmedtheend,foldthehatbackdown.

Step7Gatherthetopofthebaby’shattogetherandcinchitwithafewstitchesforayoungerchild,ortiearibbonarounditforachildoverthree.Usethetopofanothersocktomakeaplayfulblanketpouch.Handstitchthecutbottomedgeclosedandslipthefinishedsockbabyinside.

GroovyRecordBowl

If you’ve replaced your record collectionwith compact discs andMP3 files,consider melting your heavily scratched records and turning them into usefulhomedecor.Mysixteen-year-oldsonactuallystayedinthekitchentohelpwiththisproject;itintriguedhim.It’seasytoseewhy.Theprojecthasaquick,easyprocesswithinstantresults.Thetrickistokeepyoureyeonthemeltingrecordandwhenitstartstodroop,immediatelypullitfromtheovenandshapeitinawaitingceramicbowl.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSVinylrecord

TOOLS&SUPPLIES7”(18cm)diametermetalmixingbowl9”(23cm)diameterceramicmixingbowlMetalcookietrayOvenmitts

Step1Lowerthetopovenracktothemiddlepositionandpreheattheovento300°F(150°C).Openawindowintheroomtoincreaseventilation.Invertametalbowlandplaceitinthecenterofacookiesheet.Placeitinthe

ovensothatit’sprewarmed.Haveaceramicbowlreadyforuseonyourcounter.

Step2Cleanbothsidesofavinylrecordwithwateranddryitwithalint-freetowel. Carefully place the record over the inverted bowl, centering the recordlabeloverthemiddleofthebowl.Placethemintheovenforjustafewminutes.Pullonyourovenmittssoyou’rereadyforthenextstep.

Step 3Keep a close eye on the oven; inminutes, the sides of the albumwillbegintodroop.Immediatelysnatchthealbumoutoftheovenandpressitfirmlyintotheceramicbowl.Quicklyrippletheedgesandpressthefoldsflatagainstthesidesofthebowl.Youdon’thavetimetohesitate.Therecordcoolsalmostinstantly.Onceit’snolongerpliable,popitoutofthebowlanditwillholditsnewshape.

CoinedPajamaLaundryBasket

Theinspirationforthishampercamefromtraditionalcoiledbaskets.It’sano-sewproject.Thestripsofpajamasaresimplywrappedaroundathickrope,andthewrapped rope is coiled into a spiral.Thepajama strips intermittentlywraparoundtwothicknessesofropetoattacheachnewcoiltothespiral.Dabsofhotgluesecurethestripends.Thisprojectiseasyenoughforchildrentohelpwith,andjustthethingtokeeptheirroomsorganized.

WhataGreenIdea!Laundryaccountsfor25percentofahome’shotwatercosts.Tobemoreenergyefficient,makesureloadsarefull,butdon’toverloadyourmachine.Usewarmorcoldwaterforwashing,ifappropriate,andcoldwaterfortherinsecycle.Usedryerstonesinsteadofchemicallytreatedfabricsofteners.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages36-37.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALS4-5adult-sizedknitpajamabottoms

OTHERMATERIALSApproximately150’(46m)of¼”(6mm)rope(usewhateveryouhaveon

hand,justmakesureit’scompletelydry)TOOLS&SUPPLIESScissorsGluegunandgluesticksRESOURCESFinishedsize:15”×12”(38cmx30cm)

Step1Cutthewaistelastic,pocketsandleghemsoffthepajamabottoms.Cutthepajamasinto1”(3cm)verticalstrips.

Step2Tobegin the coil, hot glue the endof a pajama strip to the endof therope. Wrap the strip around the rope about nine times, making sure that thefabriclaysflatandsmooth.Formtheendofthewrappedropeintoatightspiral,anduseafewdropsofhotgluetoanchoritinplace.

Step 3 To build on this beginning, you’ll need to connect the newlywrappedropeto thecoilby loopingthepajamastriparoundthecoildirectlybeneath it.Wraptheropethreemoretimesandthenrepeatthelooping.Besuretheropeiscompletelyconcealedinfabricbeforeandafterthestriploopsthroughthecoil.

Step 4 When you run out of fabric, hot glue another strip over the end andcontinue wrapping, coiling and looping. Try to distribute different prints andcolorsthroughoutthehamper.

Step5Whenyourcoilreaches12”(30cm)indiameter,beginstackingthenewlywrappedropeoverthelastrow.Thismarksthetransitiontobuildingupthesidesofthehamper.

Step 6 Use the samewrapping technique to layer the rope on top of itself tocreateandbuildthesides.

Step7Onceyourhamperis11”(28cm)high,youneedtoworkhandlesintothetop.Todo this, simplywrap the fabricstrip thatyourworkingwitharound5”(13cm)oftheropewithoutpassingthefabricstripintothecoiledsides.Returnto the established pattern, stopping to make another 5” (13cm) wrapped ropesectionontheoppositesideofthebasket.Fromhereon,continuewrappingandcoilinguntilyou’vemadesixrowsaboveyourhandle.

Step8Onceyou’vereachedtheend,cutofftherope.Thentrimthefabricstrip¼”(6mm)fromtheendoftheropeandgluethefabricstripovertheropeend.

FruitNetPotScrubbers

Ifyou’veeverbeengiftedascrubbiefromagrandma,youknowhowwellthisold-time craft cleans.Makingyour ownout of salvagednet producebags is aquicklittleproject.Notonlydoesitsaveahandymaterialfromthegarbage,italsocleansamountainofdishes.Youcan save theendsofyourbar soapandtuckthemintoapieceofnetting.Allthosepieceswillquicklyadduptoanewbar. The netting holds them together, while letting the water and suds washaway.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSNetproducebags

TOOLS&SUPPLIESScissorsSizeLcrochethookRESOURCESCrochetTechniques:pages134-135

Step1Usescissors tocutoffanymetal staplesor labelson thebags.Makeavertical slit up the side of the bag and flatten it. Cut the bag into a single 1”(3cm)strip,asshownin the illustration.Bynotcutting throughto theend, thestripstaysconnected.

Step 2 Use the following pattern to crochet the scrubber (see CrochetTechniques,pages134-135):

a.)Chain3stitches.Makeasinglecrochettoconnectitintoaloop

b.)Doublecrochet12stitchesaroundtheloop.c.)Doublecrochetintoeachstitchforatotalof13stitches.d. ) Change colors. Double crochet in the first stitch. Make 2 doublecrochets in thenextstitch.Repeatalternationuntilyou’veencircled thescrubber.

e.)Pull theendup through the laststitch.Trimitandweave it intoyourwork.

KnittedLinensRug

You can’t appreciate the best part of this project simply by looking at thephotograph.Itsgreatestqualityishowwonderfultherugfeelsunderyourfeet.I’ve been chasingmy kids off it to keep it fresh for the photo shoot. It’s theperfectrugtoplacebyyourbedandstepontoeverymorning.Onceyou’vecutold sheets intoa continuous strip, theknittingpart is a cinch. It requiresgiantneedles and is a perfect beginner knitting project. Thewhole rug is knitted ingarterstitchsoitlaysflatonthefloor.

WhataGreenIdealDeclutteryourhomeandfindnewhomesforyourunwantedgoods.Bringclothes,beddingandhouseholdgoodstoGoodwill(www.goodwill.org)orSalvationArmy(www.salvationarmyusa.org).FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages36-37.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSAssortedcolorsheets:brown,turquoise,white,green

TOOLS&SUPPLIESScissors

17mmknittingneedlesRESOURCESKnittingTechniques:pages130-133FinishedSize:25”×38”(63cm×96cm)

Step1Spreadasheetflatonalargetableorthefloor.Withscissors,removeallthehemssoyou’releftwithasinglethicknessoffabric.Begincuttingthesheetinto1”(3cm)strips.Tomakeacontinuousstrip,followthediagramaboveandstopyourcuts1½”(4cm)fromtheedge.Begineachnewcutfromtheoutsideedge.

Step2Onceyou’re finishedcutting,begin rollingyournewfabricyarn intoaball.Thelargerturningsectionswillcreatebulkandaddinteresttoyourwork.Repeat the process with the remaining sheets until you have several balls ofdifferentcolorsreadytoknit.

Step3Usethefollowingpatterntoknittherug(seeKnittingTechniques,pages130-133):

a.)Caston50stitchesingreen.b.)Garterstitch7rows.c.)Changetobrownandgarterstitch11rows.d.)Changetoturquoiseandgarterstitch3rows.e.)Changetogreenandgarterstitch2rows.f.)Changetowhiteandgarterstitch15rows.g.)Changetobrownandgarterstitch3rows.h.)Changetogreenandgarterstitch2rows.i.)Changetoturquoiseandgarterstitch11rows.j.)Changetowhiteandgarterstitch7rows.k.)Changetogreenandgarterstitch5rows.l.)Changetobrownandgarterstitch17rows.m.)Changetowhiteandgarterstitch5rows.n.)Changetoturquoiseandgarterstitch5rows.

o.)Bindoff.

SlideLampshade

Ifyouhaveaboxofoldslidessittingintheatticortakingupspaceinacloset,thisprojectisforyou.Bysimplydrillingholesinthecornersoftheslides,youcan easily stitch them togetherwithwire. Four sheets of connected slides arethenloopedontoanoldlampshadeframe.Thisrecycledlampmakesasfabulousacenterpieceasitdoesabeautifulframeforforgottenimages.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALS

LampandoldshadeSlidesinplasticmountsTOOLS&SUPPLIES24-gaugeblack-and-whitewire(FunWire)Drillwith⅛”(3mm)drillbitWirecuttersRESOURCESProjectNote:twenty-oneslidescovereachsideofmyshade,foratotalof84.Finishedlampshade:12¼”×6”(31cm×15cm)square

Step1Stackfourtofiveslidestogether;makesurethey’reallorientedthesameway.Drill a hole in each corner.Repeat the process to prepare the remainingslides.(Theseslidesareplacedflatforillustrationpurposes.)

Step2Lineup theslidesonyourworksurface,orienting themthesameway,printed side up, and distributing colors and patterns throughout the rows.Connections aremade at the cornerswhere four slidesmeet. Beginmaking a

cross-stitchbetweentheseslides.Todothis,threada4”(10cm)sectionofwiredownthroughthetopleftslidethenupthroughtoprightslidenexttoit.

Step3Bringthewirediagonallydownthroughthelowerleftslide,thenbringitup through the lower right slide. Carefully remove any slack while stillpermittingtheslidestolayflat.

Step4Twistthewireendsfromthetopleftandbottomrighttogetherandtrimtheends.Continuejoiningslidesinthisfashiontoconnectalltheslidesontoashade.To complete the shape, you’ll need tobend the corner connections andreachinsidetojointhefirstandlastrowstogether.

Step 5 The top and bottom edges of the shade are a series of two slidesconnectedbyasinglestitch.Twistthesewirestogether,leavingthemuntrimmedsothattheycanhangthefinishedshadeontotheframe.

Step6 If necessary, remove theexistingpaper shade.Save thecollar, topandbottomframes.Paintorwrapthemwithwire.Tohangthefinishedshadefromthepreparedwires,separatethewhitewireendsandplacethemoneithersideoftheframe.Twistthemtogetheratthetopoftheframe.

DenimQuilt

Thisquilt isbeautifulenoughtohangonthewall,butsturdyenoughtotravelwith and lay on the floor for a baby to play on.The jean panels are salvageddungarees,whosesturdyweighthandlesembroiderystitcheswithoutpullingorpuckering. The filling is layered flannel sheets, and the backing is a salvagedcurtain panel. Brighten your design with bright calico pieces or sections ofcottonclothing.Thelayersaresimplyknottedtogetheratthepanelcorners.

Abigthank-youtoHannahBeattie,whohelpedmefinishthispiece.Iloveembroideryandplayingwiththecolorsandfabrics,butsquaringupcornersandfiguringoutbordersisforeigntome!

TipIfyouarebuyingfabric,wheneverpossibleric,wheneverpossiblelookfororganiccotton.fairtradematerialmadeinsafeworkingenvimomentsandshotguncottonthatuseslessharmfuldyes.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSOnepairofjeansCottonfabricscrapsatleast18”(46cm)wide,infourcolors:three¼-yard(23cm)longandone½-yard(46cm)long½yard(46cm)corduroyscrapSalvagedcurtainbacking,orpurchasedfabric

OTHERMATERIALSFlannelsheetbatting,orpurchasedbattingEmbroiderythread:yellow,red,orange,ochre,lightpink,darkpink,purple,blue,turquoise,green,whiteTOOLS&SUPPLIES

Rotarycutter,clearrulerandself-healingmatScissorsEmbroideryhoopSewingmachineStraightpinsDarningneedleSewingneedlesRESOURCESEmbroideryTechniques:pages136-137Patterns:pages138-139

Step 1Lay the jeans flat on yourwork surface and cut off the leastworn legsection—oftenthebackwillbedarkerthanthefront.Cutoneofthesideseamsopensothedenimunfoldsintoaflatpieceoffabric

Step 2 Trap the denim in an embroidery hoop, pulling any slack tight beforetwistingtheclamp.Seestep3toembroiderabirdorsnail.

DenimQuiltDiagramThesearefinishedmeasurements.Add¼”(6mm)seamallowance.Step3Usingthepatternsasyourguide(seepages138-139),beginembroideringa bird or snail with a full six strands of embroidery thread (see EmbroideryTechniques, pages 136-137). Tie all the knots on the underside of yourwork.Use French knots for the tail and antennea ends, eyes and flower centers.Remove the piece from the hoop and begin embroidering the next bird onanother section of the denim. Be careful to leave a generous border of fabricaroundeachembellishment.Step4Onceyou’veembroideredall fourdesigns,choosea fabric topairwitheachdenimpiece.Followthediagramtotrimboththefabricandthedenimtothe appropriate sizes. Machine sew the selected fabric to either side of eachdenimpiecetocreatefourhorizontalstrips.Sewthebottomofonestrip to the

top of another until you’ve joined all four together to create your quilt top.Frame the finished topwith a 2⅝” (7cm) corduroy border. Placing right sidestogether, lay the quilt top and curtain backing together. Place them over theflannelbatting.Machinestitcharoundallfoursides,trappingallthreelayersandleavinga8”(20cm)openingtopullthefinishedquiltrightsideout.Insertyourbattingthroughtheopening,makingsureitfullystretchesinsidethefabric.Usestraightpinstoanchorallthreethicknesstogether.Handsewtheopeningclosed.Useadarningneedleandafullstrandofembroideryflosstomakeastitchfromthequilttoptothebottomandbackupagaineachdenimcorner.Securelyknotthethreadbeforetrimmingtheendsaninchfromtheknot.

WindowSashColdFrame

When our neighbors installed energy efficient windows, they placed theiroriginalwoodenwindowframesonthecurb.Wegratefullyloadedtheminourtrunk, knowing they would make gorgeous cold frames.Maine has a terriblyshortgrowingseason,andawell-functioningcoldframeallowsustostretchtheseasonandsetoutsideseedlingsearly.Simplyopenthewindowduringthedaysosunlightandheatcanwarmtheplants.Whenyouclosetheframeatnight,theseedlingsareprotectedfromdroppingtemperatures.

WhataGreenIdealStartseedsindoorsandtransplantgreenstothecoldframeforanearlycrop.Plantvegetableandflowerstartsdirectlyintopreparedgardensoilwhentheweatherhaswarmed.You’llreapthebenefitsofthisendeavorallsummerlong.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages36-37.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSOldwindowsashScrapwood1”×8”(3cmx20cm)Leftoverpaint

TOOLS&SUPPLIESSawSandpaper1½”(4cm)screwsDrillPaintbrushOTHERMATERIALSTwohinges

Diagram1:TopView

Diagram2:FramingPlan

Diagram3:SideViewStep1Cuttheboardsofscrapwoodintofourlengthstomatchthedimensionsof

eachsideofyoursash(seeDiagram1).Thesideboardsarecutatanangle,6”(15cm)deepinthefrontand8”(20cm)intheback.Sandawayroughedges.Step2Pre-drilltheholessothescrewsdon’tsplittheendsofthewood.Screwtogether the cornersusing a screwdriverordrill.Evenly space three screws tojoineachofthefrontcorners.Usefourscrewstojointhehighbackcorners(seeDiagram2).Step3 Ifdesired,paintyourboxandallowit todrycompletelybefore joiningthewindowsash.Step4Tojointhesashtothebox,screwonesideofthehingestothetopbackoftheboxframe.Screwtheothersidesdirectlytothewindowsash.Besurethatyourwindoweasilyopensandclosestoallowairflow.

ReclaimedWoodBirdhouse

TonyDiPietro’s lovely yard is a haven for the birds.His interest in buildingbirdhousesbeganwhenhisdaughterbroughthomeahandcraftedbirdhousefroma local craft sale. Once a pair of swallows moved in and nested, Tony washookedonthecraft.Hebuildshiscustombirdhomesoutofreclaimedwoodandembellishes his clever designs with salvaged tools and fixtures. To see moreexamplesofhiswork,checkouthiswebsiteatwww.birdhousesfrommaine.com.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSScrapwood(inthiscase,anoldwoodencrate)ShovelhandleLadle

TOOLS&SUPPLIESSawDrillwithholesawbitHammerNails

Diagram1:CuttingDiagram

Diagram3:FrontView

Diagram4:SideViewStep1First,selectandcutaninterestingboardforthefrontofthehouse.Cuttherestofthepiecesfromtheremainingwood(seeDiagrams1and2).Adjustthemeasurementsasneededtoworkwithyourfoundmaterials.

Step2Useaholesawattachmenttodrilla1½”(4cm)holeinthefrontof thehouse.Makesure theholewillbe located4”to5”(10cmto13cm)abovethefloorforsmallbirdslikeswallowsorsparrows,or6”to7”(15cmto18cm)forlargerbirdslikeblue-birds.Step3Nailtheremainingsidepiecetothetopoftheboxusinganailoneachsidetoallowittopivotopenforcleaning(seeDiagram3).Step4Nailtheremainingsidepiecetothetopoftheboxusinganailoneachsidetoallowittopivotopenforcleaning(seeDiagram4).Step5Nailtherooftothetopofyourfinishedhouse.Step6Addfunanddecorativeembellishmentstocustomizeyourcreation.Drillholes ina ladleandscrew itover theopening.Drill a largerhold to insert theshovelhandleperchundertheopening.

LivingtheGreenLife:Ideas,Activities&Recipes

EcoIdeas

CelebrateEarthDay(April22)allseasonlongwiththesegreatideas:

○ Use biofriendly cleaners. Baking soda is just one of many biofriendlycleaners youmight have on hand (see page 10 forways to use bakingsoda). White vinegar is good for cleaning windows with crumplednewspapers.Useitincombinationwithbakingsodatomakeafoamingtoilet bowl cleaner. Olive oil takes fingerprints off of stainless-steelappliances.Ifyouneedtopurchaseotherhomecleaningsolutions,lookforlesssyntheticproductsthatusebiodegradable,nontoxicingredients.

○ Declutter your home. Goodwill and the Salvation Army gladly takeunwanted clothes, bedding and smaller household goods. Post largeritems online at Freecycle (www.freecycle.com). You might findsomething you need while you’re on the site. Habitat for Humanity(www.habitat.org)accepts tools,paint,buildingmaterials, furnitureandworkingappliances.Doanythingyoucantoavoidaddingyourunwanteditemstoalandfill.

○ Compost vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and egg-shells. Eitherpurchaseacompostbinorsimplycreateafencedarea.Collectscrapsinacovered container in your kitchen and dump the contents into yourcompost.Rotateorshovelthecontentsregularlytoaerate.Notonlywillyouhaverichsoilforyourgarden,you’llreducewaste.

○Activelyhelpkeepparksandwatercleanofgarbagebyorganizingandparticipating in a neighborhood or community cleanups. Donate themoneyfrombottleredemptiontoanEarth-friendlycharity.

Relax,Unwind&Unplug

The days are getting longer, somake themost of themwith these springtimeactivities:

○Takeawalkafterdinner.○ Take a hike or walk on local nature trails, and keep your eye out formorelmushrooms,fiddleheadsandreturningbirds.

○Makeagreencenterpiece.Sproutgrassseedsinarealdecoratedeggshell.○Helpwithacommunitygardennearyou;buyashareinalocalorganicfarm.

FoodsfortheSeason

Justwhenwefeellikewinterwillneverend,thefirstsignsofspringappear,andwe can look forward to fresh greens from the garden and the sweet taste ofstrawberries. If you’re pressed for time, a dinner salad is the perfect solution.Thequichetakesminutestoassemblebutrequirestimetobake.Pizzaisinandoutof theoveninlessthantwentyminutes; there’sreallynoreasontocallfordelivery.HUMMUSTheperfectsnackfood,hummusisquick,easyandnutritious.Thisrecipemakesa great dealmore than the small packaged varieties at the grocery store.Myhighschool-agedsonmakesthisrecipeonhisown...IfonlyIcouldgethimtocleanthefoodprocessor!3clovesgarlic½cuplooseflat-leafparsley,stemsremoved216-ouncecansgarbanzobeans,rinsedanddrained6tablespoonstahini(sesamebutter)(availableintheethnicaisleofmostgrocerystores)Juicefromonelemon1teaspoonsalt

1.Placealltheingredientsinthebowlofafoodprocessorandcreamuntilsmooth. Scrape down the sides to make sure everything is wellincorporated.

2. Serve immediately with pita triangles, carrots, celery and broccoli.Refrigerateleftoversinatightlysealedcontainer.

CRABMEATLEEKQUICHESpring in Maine brings fabulous deals on shrimp and crabmeat. If you’relandlockedornotaseafoodfan,pleasegivethisrecipeasecondlook.Iuseitasa base for different vegetable combinations all year long. Simply replace thecrabandleekwithyourfavorites.Aquickdinnersolution,considermakingtwodifferentpiesatthesametime.You’llhavedeliciousleftoversforbreakfast.4-6eggs1cup1%milksalt,pepperandnutmeg1leek,slicedthinly6ouncescrabmeat1cupshreddedswisscheese1piecrust

1.Preheattheovento350°F.2.Beat eggs,milk, salt, pepper andnutmeg together.Add leek, crabmeatandcheese.Pourintopreparedcrust.

3. Bake 40-50 minutes until pie is completely set and knife comes outclean.

SPINACHMUSHROOMPIZZAIneverget tiredofpizza.Youcaneasilyadaptyourveggies towhatever is inseason. Pairing mozzarella with ricotta, feta or Neufchatel adds elegance toyour pie. I love tomake pizzawhen it’s still cool outside. The house benefitsfrom the preheated oven, and the hot pie warms your belly. Stock dough andcheese in your freezer so you won’t be tempted to drive to satisfy your pizzacravings1tablespoonbutter1smallonionMushrooms,slicedSpinach,rinsedandstemsremoved

Preparedpizzadough(Ifnecessary,leaveitonthecountertowarmtoroomtemperature.)Corrimeal2clovesgarlic,minced2tablespoonsoliveoilPurchasedpizzasauce2cupsmozzarella,provoloneandasiagoshreddedcheesemixture

1.Placeapizzastoneinthecenteroftheoven,thenpreheatto450°F.2.Melt the butter in a skillet. Saute the onion until translucent. Add themushrooms, and lightly saute. Add the spinach and garlic. Stir tocombine.Removefromheatwhenwilted.

3.Gentlypullthepizzadoughtostretchitintoaroundshape.Spreadathinlayer of cornmeal onyourpizza stoneor baking sheet.Lay the shapeddoughoverthecornmeal.

4.Brusholiveoiloverthesurfaceofthedough.Spread¼cupofthesauceoverthecenterofthedough.

5.Transfertheonion,mushroom,spinachandgarliccombinationoverthesauce.Sprinklewithagenerousamountofcheese.

6.Placeintheovenandbakefor10minutesoruntilcheesebubblesandthecrusthasbrowned.

SPRINGGREENSSALADWITHMARKANDJAN’SHOMEMADEDRESSING

Celebrate the first greens of the summer with a delicious dinner salad. Theadditionofeggs,leftoverchickenorslicedsteakoffthegrilladdsprotein.Driedcranberries, nuts and cheese lend sweetness, crunch and creaminess. Ourfavoritehomemadedressingmakesaperfectcomplement.Freshgreens,rinsedandtornSpringpeas,peeledChicken,steakorhard-boiledeggs,cutintoslicesDriedcranberriesWalnutsGratedorcrumbledcheeseMarkandJan’sDressing1teaspooneachofthefollowing:saltonionpowderdrymustardpaprikacelerysalt2tablespoonssugar½cupvinegar1cupoil

1.Dividethegreensamongyourplates.2.Arrangethepeasandthechicken,steakoreggsoverthegreens.Sprinklecranberries,walnutsandcheeseoverthesalad.

3. Pour all the ingredients for the dressing into a well-cleaned dressingbottle.Shakewellandpour thedesiredamountonsalad.Store leftoverdressingintherefrigerator.

STRAWBERRIESWITHBALSAMICVINEGARIt’sdifficulttoimagineanimprovementonfreshstrawberries,butthesweetness,spiceandtangofthismarinadedoesjustthat.Yourcompanywillbeamazed.6ouncesfreshstrawberries,stemsremoved,cutinhalf2tablespoonsbalsamicvinegar¼cupwhitesugarFreshlygroundblackpepperVanillaicecream

1.Placestrawberriesinabowl.Pourthevinegarandsugarovertheberries.Coverandletthemmarinadeatroomtemperatureforatleastanhour.

2. Just before serving, grind a scant dusting of black pepper over themixture.Servetheberriesandtheirsauceovervanillaicecream.

Chapter2

summer

Fun,funinthesummersun!Takeadvantageofthebeautifulweathertothrowacrochet T-shirt Frisbee and hang your laundry out to dry with the help of aclothespin owl.When you’re out exploring, be on the lookout for interestingpiecesofdriftwood,smooth,flatpebblesandshells.Thischapterfeaturessomesimple jewelry-and tile-making techniques to help transform these naturaltreasuresintostunningmobilesandclassicstonecoasters.One ofmy favorite parts of summer is buying local produce at the farmers

market in thecenterof townonTuesdaysandFridays.Bringingyourownbaghas become more commonplace, but bringing a bag that’s made from usedplastic bags or chip bags is still a novelty. If you’re a knitter, check out mydirections formakingplarn(plasticyarn),or ifmachinestitching ismoreyourbag,getoutyourirontofuselayersofplastictogetherintoacolorfulwaterprooffabric.Youcanalsofoldandlinkpotatochipbagssectionstogethertomakeaone-of-a-kindhandbag.Summeristheperfecttimetogetplanting;you’llattracthummingbirds,bees

and butterflies into your garden, and also reap the benefits of fresh herbs andvegetables. Every gardener will appreciate a fabulous outdoor potting benchmadewithanolddoorandsalvagedsinkforkeeping themessandsupplies inoneplace.Now’sthetimetogetyourhouseplantsintothesunandwarmthandupgrade them into larger, newly craftedmosaic pots.Youmight also considerthe benefits of shading your homewith awhimsical ladder trellis that bloomsplastic-lidflowers.It’ssturdyenoughtosupportaheavyvineandaddscolorallyearlong.

WhataGreenIdea!Catchawave!Goswimminginawadingpool,pond,lakeorocean,andsplashintosummer.FindmoresummertimeactivitiesinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages68-

Driftwood&ClassMobile

Summertimeatthebeachiswhatmakeslivingthroughlong,coldMainewintersworthwhile.Lowtideisthebesttimeforfindingseaglassandshells,butdriftwoodusuallysettlesalongthehightideline,makingiteasytocollectanytimeofday.We’realwaystotingtreasureshomefromthebeachinsandy

buckets.Thesemobilesaretheperfectwaytotransformthesefindsintostunningwindchimes.Eyescrewsareeasilypushedintotheundersideofthewood.Sectionsofjewelry-stringingwirearecrimpedtoeacheyescrewtosecurely

attachbeadsandglass.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALS5”(13cm)driftwoodbranch

OTHERMATERIALSSmalleyehooksAssortedglassbeadsConnectglassrings(Plaid)CrimpbeadsTOOLS&SUPPLIESAwlornailpunchFlushcutters7strand.015”(.4mm)stringingwire(Beadalon)PliersRESOURCESFinishedLength:9½”(24cm)

Step 1 Use an awl to punch four evenly spaced holes 1” (3cm) apart in theunderside of your driftwood.Twist eye hooks into thewooduntil the eye sitsrighton topof thewood.Next, cut the stringingwire into3” to5” (8cm to13cm)lengths.

Step2Layfourrowsofbeadsandglassringsonyourworksurface.Distributethecolors,sizesandfinishesbetweentherows,whilealsoconsideringhowthebeads andglass ringswill interact in thewind.String a crimpbeadonto yourfirst sectionofwire.Then loop thewire end through the first eyehook.Next,stringitbackdownthroughthecrimpbead.Pullthewirelooptightanduseyourplierstosqueezethebeadflat.

Step3Stringthefirstsectionofyourbeadingsequenceontothewire.Toholdabeadinaspecificposition,threadacrimpbeadunderitandsqueezethecrimpflatwithyour pliers.The flattenedmetal shouldhold thebead in place. If theglass bead has a large opening, youmay need to add a small bead before thecrimptopreventitfromgettingswallowedinthelargeopening.

Step4Toattachaglassringtotheendofastringingwire,firststringacrimpbeadontothewire.Thenloopthewirearoundtheringandstringthewireendback up through the crimp. Use pliers to flatten the crimp bead. Repeat theprocesstoaddanewwirebelowthering.

Step5Finisheachstrandbyaddingasmallbeadfollowedbyacrimptotheendofthestringingwire.Trimthewireend.

FusedPlasticTote

Thisprojectmightbeoneofmyfavoritecraftdiscoveries.I lovedthesimplelayeringofplasticbagsandhowthecolorsandgraphicletteringinstantlyfusedtogether with iron heat. Like magic, the fused pieces cut easily and feedeffortlesslythroughasewingmachine.Thisallowsyoutosewdifferentcoloredsectionsintoalargetotebag.Thesturdyhandlesarerecycledtie-downwebbingstraps.Thefusedplastic isversatileandwaterproof,making itagreatmaterialforotherprojectslikebookcovers,bibsandplacemats.

Assortedplasticbags2”x18”(5cmx46cm)sectionsof1¼”(3cm)widewebbing(fromtie-downstraps)TOOLS&SUPPLIESScissorsIronandironingboardParchmentpaperRotarycutter,clearrulerandself-healingmatSewingmachineRESOURCESFinishedsize:SeeToteDimensionsillustration,left.

Step1Cutoffhandlesandbasefromeachbag,andplacetheminarecyclebin.Splitopen thesideseamswith thescissors so thatyouhave twoflatpiecesofplastic. Repeat the process to prepare the remainder of the bags. You’ll needapproximatelyfourlayersofbagpiecesforeachsectionoffusedplasticfabric.Thenumberofsectionswillvarydependingonthesizeofthebagpiecesused.

Step 2 Set up the ironing board in a well-ventilated area. Place a sheet ofparchment paper over your ironing board. Stack four bag sections over theparchment.Ifoundthattwopiecesofthebrightlycoloredheavyweightbagsarebestlayeredovertwoplainorclearlighter-weightbagsections.Ifyou’reusingalllightweightplasticbags,youcanincreasethenumberofbagsineachlayertomakea stronger fabric.Placea secondpieceofparchmentover thebags.Youdon’t have to use solid sheets of plastic. You can collage the top two layerstogetherinsections.

Step3Begin ironingover the topparchmentpaper. I usedmedium-highheat.You’llneedtoexperimenttoseewhatworksbestforyou.Becarefulthatyourirondoesn’tcomeintodirectcontactwiththeplastic.It’simportanttokeeptheironcirculating;don’thold itoveronearea.You’re trying toget evenheatingandmeltingandavoidanytrappedairbubbles.Flipthewholestackoversothatthe top parchment is on the bottom and the bottom parchment is on the top.Repeattheironingprocess.Liftupthecornersofthepapertocheckthefusingprocess.Ifindtheedgesoftenneedasecondironing.Ifitappearstobeslightlyshrunkandevenlyfused,carefullyremoveitandletitcool.Repeattheprocesstomakeeightmorepiecesoffusedplasticfabric,foratotalofnine.

Step4Placeafusedpieceonacuttingboardandstarttrimmingthesideedgesofeachpieceusingarotarycutterandruler.

Step5Machine stitch the side edges of three pieces together tomake a strip.Overlaptheedgesandplacethemrightsideupinyourmachine.Usealongandtightzigzagstitchandseamdownthemiddleofthecutedgesothestitchspans

fromonebagtotheother.Repeattheprocesstomaketwomorestrips.

Step6Sewthreestripstogether.Placeeachsewnstriponyourcuttingmatanduse the ruler and rotarycutter to trim the topandbottomedges.Positionyourlargest stripsat the topandbottom; they’llbecome the frontandbackofyourtote.Place thesmallestpiece in themiddle; it’llbecome thebaseofyour tote.Workingwith two strips at a time, stitch the bottom of one to the top of theother. You’ll now have a single piece of fused fabric, the exact size isn’timportant.Usethedimensionsintheillustrationasaguide.

Step 7 Fold the fabric in half, right sides together, then seam the edges.Reinforcethesideseamswithasecondzigzagstitchalongthecutedge.

Step8Pulloutthecornersandflatten.Thensewadiagonal5”(13cm)seamtocreate a triangle with the corner of the bag, making the top point. This willflattenthebaseofyourbag.

Step 9 Turn over 1” (3cm) of the top edge, and machine stitch two straightseams to hold it in place. Cut and sear the web strap lengths with a match.Machine stitch them to the top front and back of the tote, approximately 7”(18cm) from the side seams. For added strength, stitch a boxwith a centerXwherethestrapsareattachedtothebag.

OwlClothespinHolder

Yourgrandmaknewthathangingclothesouttodryinthesunwasagoodidea.It’stimethatwetakeastepbackfromtechnologyandreapthenaturalbenefitsof solar-and wind-powered laundry drying. This clever owl clothespin holderwillmake the ritualmore enjoyable.He’s quicklymade out of a T-shirt. Thedecorative fabric patches are ironed directly onto the T-shirt with the help ofheat andbond interfacing.You’ll need tobreakout the sewingneedleonly toaffixthebuttoneyesandbeaktotheowl’sface.

WhataGreenIdea!Hangclothesouttodrywhenweatherpermits,anduseadryingrackindoorswhentheweatherdoesn’t.Tomakeyourowndryingrack,seetheRetractableDryingRackonpages124-125.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages68-69.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALST-shirtFabricscraps,fourdifferentcolors:green(forthefeet),rustandbrown(fortheeyecircles)andaqua(for

thebreast)Twolargeroundbuttons(fortheeyes)Trianglebutton(forthebeak)Woodenorplastichanger

TOOLS&SUPPLIESScissorsIronandironingboardSewingmachineSewingneedleOTHERMATERIALSInterfacingThreadRESOURCESPatterns:page139Finishedsize:15”×12½”(38cm×32cm)

Step1CutthesideseamsandsleevesoffaT-shirt.Becarefultoleavetheshoulderseamsintact.

Step2Unfoldtheshirtandrefoldit,positioningtheneckopeninginthecenterfront.Itwillbecometheopeningfortheclothespins.Leave5”(13cm)abovethetopoftheneckopeningforthebeakandeyesbeforefoldingthebackoftheshirt

underthefront.Trimbothlayersoftheshirt4½”(11cm)belowtheneckopening.

Step3Foldboththicknessesoftheshirtinhalflengthwiseandshapetheedgestoresembleanowl.Cutasmallslitopeningforthehanger.

Step 4 Unfold the shirt and place it wrong side up on an ironing board. Ironinterfacingtothetopsideoftheneckopeningandallthewaydownthebackoftheshirttostrengthenthefabric.

Step5Applyfusibleinterfacingtothefabricscrapsandtracethepatternpieces(seepage139)ontothepaperbacking.Cutonebreastpattern,twoinnerandtwooutereyes,andfourfeet.Removethepaperbackingandiron thepieces to theright side of the owl. Fuse two cut feet together tomake each owl foot, thenstitch ⅛” (3mm) from the edge to strengthen the connection. Machine stitcharoundeachofthefusedpiecesandthehangerslittostrengthenyourowl.

Step6Refold theowl,placing therightsides together.Pin theedges together,trapping the feet inside theowl.Machine stitch around theoutside edge.Turnthefinishedowlrightsideoutthroughtheneckopening.Handstitchthebuttoneyesandbeakinplace,andthreadhangerupthroughthetopslit.

PebbleCoasters

Addnaturalelementstoyourhomewiththesesimplerockcoasters.Nexttimeyoutakeawalkalongtheriver’sedgeorshoreline,keepaneyeoutforsmooth,thin skipping rocks. Once you’ve collected a generous bowl of rocks, you’rereadytogluethemtoasectionoffiberglasstape.Severalcoatsofsealerwilladdwetsheentotherocksandstrengthentheirbondtothebacking.

MaterialsListOTHERMATERIALSFlatpebbles

TOOLS&SUPPLIES2”(5cm)drywalljointtapeWaxpaperMake-ItMosaicsadhesive(Plaid)Make-ItMosaicstopcoatsealer(Plaid)Gluebrush

Step1Cutthree4½”-long(11cm)piecesofdrywalltape.Linethemupsidebyside,overlappingtheedgesso that thefinisheddimensionsare4½”×4½”(11cmx11cm).

Step2 Position the tapeoverwaxpaper.Apply tile adhesive to thebackof apebble.Positionitinthecenterofthetapebase.Addrocksaroundthefirstoneworkingyourwayout to theedgesof thecoaster.Try to fit the rocksasclosetogetheraspossible.Allowthegluetodry24hours.Ifit’snotcompletelydry,flipthepieceovertoallowtheadhesivetocontinuetodry.

Step 3 Brush a generous coat of sealer over the pebbles. Allow the sealer tocompletely dry, then flip the coaster over and apply a coat of sealer over theunderside.Once that coat has dried, flip the coaster right side up and apply afinalcoatoverthetopofthecoaster.

T-ShirtFrisbee

Have you ever stopped to think about how many T-shirts we produce andpurchase? Our local Salvation Army store has secondhand T-shirts hung in ahugelineaccordingtocolor.TherearesomanyusesandcraftsthatcanbemadewithversatileT-shirt fabric. I liked the ideaofwindingupcolorfulballsofT-shirtyarn,andwhenIcrochetedtheyarnintowhatIthoughtwasgoingtobeapot-holder,thestiffnessendedupmakingitanexcellentFrisbee.However,youcouldstillkeepthissoftFrisbeeinthekitchenanduseittopulldinneroutoftheoven.Orjustkeepitinyourcarorbackpack,readyforanimpromptugamewithfamilyandfriends.

WhataGreenIdea!Entertain!Eatingwithfriendsconservesenergy—onlyonestoveanddishwasherareused!Yourguestscangettheirafter-dinnerexercisethrowingtheT-shirtFrisbee.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages68-69.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSAssortedcolorT-shirts:lightgreen,yellow,orange,pink,darkpurple

TOOLS&SUPPLIES

ScissorsKcrochethookRESOURCESCrochetTechniques:134-135Finishedsize:9”(23cm)indiameter

Step1TomaketheT-shirtyarn,cutthebottomhemoffaT-shirtanddiscard.Thenbegincuttinga1”-wide(3cm)continuousstripoffthebottomoftheshirt,workingyourwayaroundthebackoftheshirt.Keepthescissorspositionedan

inchfromthebottomedgeandspiralyourwayuptheshirt,endingatthearmpits.

Step2Pull thestrip tautasyouroll it intoaball.Thiswillcausetheedgestocurlinandmakeatubularyarn.RepeattheprocesswiththeremainingT-shirtssothatyouhaveanassortmentofcoloredyarnsreadyforcrocheting.Step3UsethefollowingpatterntocrochettheFrisbee(seeCrochetTechniques,pages134-135)

a.)Startingwithlightgreen,chain3,connectitintoacircle,thenchain1.b.)Row1:Singlecrochet8stitches.c.)Row2:Make2singlecrochetineachstitchfor16stitches.d.)Row3:Changecolortoyellowandsinglecrochetineachstitchfor16stitches.

e.)Row4:Singlecrochetinfirststitch,make2singlecrochetinthenextstitch,andrepeatalternationtoendofroundfor28stitches.

f.)Row5:Changecolortoorangeandsinglecrochetineachstitchfor28stitches.

g.)Row6:RepeatRow4for42stitches.

h. )Row7:Changecolor topinkandsinglecrochet ineachstitch for42stitches.

i.)Row8:ChangecolortodarkpurpleandrepeatRow4for64stitches.Step 4 To make the peace design, position the purple T-shirt yarn under thework.Pushthecrochethookdownthroughthetopofthecirclebetweenthelasttworounds,pinkandpurple.Hooktheyarnandbringaloopbackuptothetopof the work. Repeat the process to continue making a straight line down themiddleofthecircle,bringingthehookdownbetweeneachrow.Cuttheyarnendandweaveitintoyourwork.Jointheyarnattheedge3”(8cm)fromtheendoftheverticallinewhereyou’llbeginmakingthediagonalline.WorkyourwayuptothecenteroftheFrisbee,thenturntomaketheseconddiagonalline.You’llbeworking your way back down the edge 3” (8cm) from the other side of theverticalline.Weaveintheends.

Snacker’sBag

Ifyou’veeverfoldedachainofgumwrappers,you’vealreadymasteredthekeytechniquetomakingthisuniquepurse.Foilchipbagsaretheperfectchoiceforbuildingatote:Theyhavelarge,colorfulsurfaces,andthey’rebothresilientandwaterproof.Topreparethebags,eatthecontents,cleanawaythesaltandgrease,and precut the bags into even-sized strips before folding.A handy credit cardneedle weaves fishing line through the strips to connect them together. Thisconversation starter isperfect accessory for themomofa teenager,whohasaperpetualsupplyofemptiedfoodbags.

Approximatelyfortymylarbags(chip,popcorn,pretzel,etc.)MagazineorcatalogpagesOTHERMATERIALSPursehandles(Prym-DritzCorp.)TOOLS&SUPPLIESRotarycutter,clearrulerandself-heal-ingmatCraftknifeorpapercutterScissorsBonefolderOldcreditcardNeedleSupplemax(Beadalon)orfishingline⅛”(3mm)holepunchorawlStaplerRESOURCES

Finishedsize:10”×11”(25cm×28cm)with3½”-high(9cm)handles

Step1Rinse,cleananddryallthebags.Alargechipbagshouldyieldseventonine strips,dependingon itsdimensions. Individual-sizedbagsmayonlyyieldonetotwostrips.You’llneed324stripstomakethistote.Working over a cutting mat, use a ruler as your guide to cut the top and

bottomsealededgesoffthebagwitharotarycutter.

Step2Unfoldthebagandpullouttheseamatthebackofthebag.Refoldthebagflatwiththeseamontherightedge.Usetherulerandrotarycuttertocuttheseam off the side of the bag. Spread the bag open; you should be leftwith asinglethicknessofmylarbag.

Step3Workingover themat,divide thebag into7”(18cm)sections, thencuteachsectioninto3”(8cm)widths.Getasmany3”×7”(8cmx18cm)piecesoutofabagasyoucan.Dependingonthedimensionsofthebag,youmaygetmorepiecesby cutting thebag adifferentway.Onceyou’ve cut all thebags, use acraftknifeorpapercuttertocutanequalnumberofmagazinepaperlinersinthesamedimensions,3”×7”(8cmx18cm).

Step4Tofoldthebagstripsintolinks,followthenextfoursteps.First,placeamylar strip facedown on yourwork surface and spread a paper liner over thestrip.Fromhereon,foldbothpiecestogetherasiftheyareasinglepiece.Foldthestripinhalflengthwise,creasethefoldwithyourfingernail(orbonefolder)andthenunfold.

Step5Bringthebottomedgeuptothecenterfoldlineandcreasethefold.Bringthetopedgedowntothecenterfoldlineandcreasethefold.

Step6Refoldthepieceinhalflengthwisealongtheoriginalfoldline,trappingthefoldedtopandbottomedgesinthemiddle.

Step7Foldthepieceinhalfwidthwise,creasethefoldandthenunfold.

Step8Foldtheleftandrightoutsideedgesintothecenterfoldlineandcreasethefolds.FoldthepieceinhalfalongthefoldlinecreatedinStep7,trappingtheendsinsidethefold—youhavenowcompletedaprong.Getbusyandrepeatthissequencetotransform320mylarstrips/paperlinersintolinks.

Step9Toconnectthelinksintochains,holdyourfirstlinkinyourhandwiththefoldedcreaseatthetopandthetwoprongsatthebottom.Connectasecondlinktothefirstbyfeedingeachleginsidetheprongendsofthefirstlink.Slidethe

linkuntilit’sfirmlylockedinplace.

Step10Connectathirdlinktothechain,feedingitsprongsupthroughtheendsof second link.Slide it inplace and thenpusha fourth linkdown through theprongendsofthethirdlink.Continueaddinglinkstothechainuntilyouhaveatotalof39linkstocreatealongenoughlooptospanthefrontandbackofyourtote.You’llneedatotalofeightchainsthislengthtostacktogethertomakethetotetallenough.

Step11Onceyou’vefinishedthechains,you’llneedtoconnecteachoneintoaloop.Todothis,bringthefirstandlastlinkstogetherandconnectthemwitha

fortieth link.You’llneedtopushtheprongsof thenewlinkdownthroughthetoplinkend,andthenopenitsendsandfeedthemaroundthroughthecenterofthebottom linkends.You’llknowyou’vedone it right if the link fits into theestablishedpattern.Repeat theprocess toconnecteachof the remainingsevenchainsinto40-linkloops.

Step 12 Stack one loop over another so that the zigzags nestle together. Usescissorstocutaroundedflatneedleshapeoutofanoldcreditcard.Punchaholein the top end, or use an awl to create an opening. Thread the needle with adoublethicknessofSupplemaxorfishingline.Usetheneedletostitchthetopofonelooptothebottomoftheother(seeillustration).MakesuretheSupplemaxorfishinglineconnectsthepiecesatthecornersandisnotvisibleacrossthechipbaglinks.

Step13Onceyou’verunoutof line,usethisknottingtechniquetojoinanewlength. Continue sewing vertically down each row of loops (repeating thetechnique in step 12) to firmly connect the link loops into a cylindrical purseshape.

Step14Flattenthebottomoftheconnectedcylindricalloopstobringthebaseofthe tote together.With the exclusion of the two outer links, the zigzag chainteeth should fit together.Useagenerousamountof line to sew them inplace.Push the end teeth down inside the corners of the tote and, if possible, stitchtheminplace.

Step15Toconnectthehandles,foldfourlinksasshowninsteps1-5andthenfoldtheminhalflengthwiseagain.Usealinktoconnectthehandletotheinsidetopofthepurse.Threadthelinkthroughtheholeinthepursehandle,andthenpullthelengthhalfwaythrough.Threadthebackstripenddownthroughalinkonerowdownfromthetopedgeofthetote.Bringtheotherenddowninfront,and then staple them together directly under the link. Thread the joined endsdownthroughthenextlink.Thenfoldtheedgesupunderthelastlinkforacleanfinish.Repeat theprocess toattach theotherendof thehandleand thesecondhandletotheothersideofthebag.

KnittedPlarnTote

Who knew that you could knit with plastic bags? It’s actually an easy andamazingprocess.Plasticshoppingbagsareeffortlesslyfoldedandcutintoloopsthathooktogethertomakealengthofcoloredplarn(plasticyarn).Likeayarndyer, you can create your own color combinations as you loop the pieces ofplastic together.Therearenofancystitchesor techniques, just regularknittingwithasqueakyyarn.Theresultingknittedfabricisdurable,water-resistantandelastic,allowingthebagtostretchandaccommodatelargeitems.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSAssortedlightweightplasticbags

TOOLS&SUPPLIESScissorsHcrochethook15mmcircularneedlesRESOURCESKnittingTechniques:pages130-133Finishedsize:11”×4”(28cmx10cm)atbase19”×4”(48cmx10cm)withhandle

Step1Layabagflatonyourworksurface.Usescissorstocutoffthetopandbottomofthebag.

Step2Foldthebaginhalf.

Step3Folditinhalftwomoretimessothatyouhaveacompactlength.

Step4Cutthelengthinto1”(3cm)sections.

Step5Unfoldtwobagsectionsintoloops.Toconnecttheloops,threadtheendofoneloopintothetopoftheother.

Step6Pull theendofthesecondloopbackthroughitself tolinkit tothefirstloop.

Step 7 Use gentle pressure to pull the linked loop straight and flatten theconnection section Repeat the process to link a third loop to the end of thesecondloop.Continueaddingloopstocreateplasticyarn.

Step8Thinkofjoiningplasticloopsasawayofcustomdyingyouryarn.Ifyoucontinuewithonetypeofbagforalongtime,itwillcreateastrongstripeinthefinishedtote.Ifyouconstantlyswitch,you’llhaveamorevariegatedpattern.Ididalittleofboth,switchingbagvarietieseverytwotothreeloopsfortheyarnusedatthetotebase,andthenrepeatingsixormoreloopsofthesamecolorforthetopofthetotetomakebroaderstripes.Youcanrollupasmuchoraslittleplasticyarnasyouwishbeforecastingon.Agenerous12”(30cm)ballshouldgiveyouenoughplasticyarntomakethetote,butifitdoesn’t,it’seasytolooponsomemore.

WhataGreenIdea!Plasticbagsaremanufacturedwithoilandmakeupalargepercentageofourlandfills.Keepreusablebags,likethisknittedplastictote,closeathand.Whenshopping,avoiditemsthatareoverlypackagedorpackedinnonrecyclablematerials.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages68-69.

Step9Usethefollowingpatterntoknitthetote(seeKnittingTechniques,pages130-133):

a.)Caston30stitches.Garterstitch14rows.b.)Placeamarkerandturntheneedletopurl8stitchesfromthesideoftheknittedsection,purl30stitchesacrossthecastonedgeandpurl8stitchesfromtheremainingside,foratotalof76stitches.

c.)Knitintherounduntilthepiecemeasures10”(25cm)ordesiredlength.d.)Knit1,purl1for thenext6stitches.Placemarkerandpurl18.Placemarkerandknit1,purl1forthenext20stitches.Placemarkerandpurl18,knit1,purl1for12stitches.

e. ) Rib the 20 stitches of the handle sections and knit the 18 stitchesbetweenthemarkerinthefrontandbackofthepurse.

f.)Ribthe20stitchesofthehandlesectionsandpearlthe18stitchesfrontandbackbetweenmarkers.

g. ) Rib the handle sections and bind off the 18 stitches front and backsections.Removemarkers.

h.)Workeachhandleindividually.Knit2together,rib14,knit2together,16stitches.

i.)Rib4rows,decreaseateitheredge.j.)Continueuntilyouhave8stitchesleft.Knitfourrows.Usetheplasticyarn to sew the 8 remaining stitches from each side of the handletogether.

k.)Useacrochethooktoweavetheplasticyarnendintothehandle.

ChippedChinaMosaicPot

Nowthere’sareasontobehappywhenyoubreakafavoriteplate,cuporbowl!Theshardswillbeperfectforamosaicproject.Youcantransformanyplainpotintoapieceofart.Findtheperfectplantforyourbeautifulnewpot,andenjoythebeautyandbenefitsofgreeneryinyourhomeallyearlong.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSBrokenchinaandglasspieces

OTHERMATERIALSCeramicpotGlassbutterfliesTOOLS&SUPPLIESOldtowelRubbermalletEyeprotectionTilenippersWaterproofsealerTileadhesive(Plaid)PlasticspoonandknifeSandedgroutSpongeandbucket

Step1Toprepare theglassandchina,place thebigpiecesundera towelandbreak themwith a mallet.Wearing eye protection, use tile nippers to controlbreakanyremaininglargepieces.

Step2Preparethepotbyapplyingwaterproofingtotheinterior,andletitdry.Apply a layer of adhesive to one side of the pot, leaving the rim and baseuncovered.Presschinaandglasspiecesandglassbutterflies into theadhesive,theyneedtobefirmlyanchored.Repeattheprocesstoapplyadhesivetoanothersectionof thepot.Place themas closeaspossible, and try todistribute colorsandvarietiesaround thepot.Let theadhesivedryaccording tomanufacturer’sdirections.

Step3Spoongroutover theadhesive,working it inbetween thechinapieces.Onceyou’veencircledthepot,moveoverabucketofwateranduseaspongetowipetheexcessgroutoffthechinaandglass.Makesuretherimandbaseofthepotstayclean.Let thegroutdryfor24hours.Thenscrubanyremaininggroutofftheceramicandglass.

ZipperedInnerTubePouches

When I first saw a handbagmade out of bike inner tubes, Iwas intrigued. Iwondered how easily the rubber could run through a sewing machine. Idiscovered thatasingle layerpairedwithheavyweightcottonfabricwasmucheasiertosewthantwolayersofinnertube.Theresultingzipperedpouchhasaheavy weight base, making it perfect for pens, pencils, crochet needles ormakeup. If you don’t have a spent inner tube in your garage, punctured innertubesare readilyavailableatanybike shop.Most shops recycle the tubesat atire drop-off center and aremore than happy to have you take some off theirhands.Asingleinnertubemakesseveralpouchesandbags.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSBikeinnertubeFabricscraps

OTHERMATERIALSZipper:5”(13cm),6”(15cm)or9”(23cm)Rubbertubing(Beadalon)WoodenbeadBlackupholsterythreadTOOLS&SUPPLIESScissorsStraightpinsRegularthread(matchtofabricscrap)Sewingmachine(outfittedwithaleatherneedle)

Step1Cutaroundtheinnertubetoopenitupintoaflatpieceofrubber.Cuttwopiecesoffabricandasinglesectionofinnertubetothelengthofthezipper,andaddanextra½”(13mm)offabricalongthetopedgesoyoucanfolditundertoattach the zipper.Thedepth of your pouch is amatter of personal preference.Thesmallerpouchhasa5”(13cm)zipperandis6”deep×5½”wide(15cm×14cm).Amediumpouchhasa6” (15cm)zipperand is9¼”deep×6½”wide(23cm×16cm).Withtwoinnertubesectionsatthebase,thewidepouchhasa9”(23cm)zipperandis6½”deepx9½”wide(16cm×24cm).Makesureyoualsoadda¼”(6mm)seamallowancetothesidesandbaseofeachpouch.

Step2Laythezipperoutonyourworksurface.Workingwiththefabricrightsideup,foldunder½”(13mm)andpinthefoldededgetoonesideofthezipper.Repeat on theother side.Threadyourmachinewith the regularweight threadand replace your regular presser foot with a zipper foot. Stitch the fabric inplace, removing the pins and adjusting the position of the zipper pull so itdoesn’tinterferewithyourseam.Repeatontheotherside.

Step3Preparation:Refertotheowner’smanualtofamiliarizeyourselfwiththepressuresettingsofyoursewingmachineandadjust themtoaccommodate themost bulk possible. Switch the needle to a heavyweight leather needle, andthread both the bobbin and needlewith heavyweight upholstery thread.Run atest scrapof fabric and inner tube throughyourmachine.Makeanynecessary

adjustmentsbeforesewingthepouch.Tobegin,pinthebottomedgeofthefabrictothetopedgeoftherubber,right

sidestogether.Runthepinnedfabric throughyourcarefullypreparedmachine.Removethepinsasyousew.Repeattheprocesstoattachtheothersideoftherubbertothesecondpieceoffabric.

Step4Laythepouchwrongsideoutonyourworksurface.Smoothitflatandpinthesidestogether,liningupthetopedgesoftherubbersothattheymakeanevenlinearoundthebase to thepouch.Fold thezipper into thepouchandpinthe zipper tape ends together. Seam the sides closed, starting at the rubberbottom and working your way up to the zipper tapes. Trim away any loosethreads.Slidethezipperopentopullthepouchrightsideout.Loopa5”(13cm)sectionofrubbertubingthroughthezipperpull.Stringawoodenbeadontotheendsandfinishwithanoverhandknot.

LadderTrellis

Haveyoueverstoppedtoconsiderhowmanyplasticmilk,juiceandsodabottlelidsarediscardedeveryday?They’rebright, colorful,durableandwaterproof,makingthemidealforoutdoorcrafting.Wediscoveredthatshortmetalscrewsandanelectricscrewdrivermakeiteasytofastenthemdirectlyintocutplywoodshapes.The resulting fanciful butterflies and flowerswill bloomand flutter inyourgarden all year long.Two salvaged ladders are simplybolted together tomakeasturdytrellisbase.Onceembellishedwithyourbottlecapcreations,allyouneedisahardyvinetoactivelyshadeandcoolyourhomeallsummerlong.

WhataGreenIdea!Installatrellistoprovidenaturalcoolingnearwindowsanddoorways.Trellisesworkintwoways.First,theyblockthedirectraysofthesunfromenteringthehome.Andsecond,theyprovideaframeworkforplantstogrow.Theplantshelpwithshading,buttheyalsohelpcooltheairaroundthem.Aswaterevaporates,itreleasesenergythatprovidesacoolingeffect.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages68-69.

Twosalvagedwoodenladders

LargeassortmentofplasticlidsPaintedscrapplywood(ourswasaround½”(1cm)thickTOOLS&SUPPLIESBandsaworcopingsawPaintbrushesAcrylicpaintinavarietyofcolorsWaterproofsealer¾”(19mm)woodscrewsDrillTwocarriageboltswithwashersandnutsHammerNails

Diagram1:SideView

Diagram2:FrontViewStep1Traceanassortmentofdifferent sizedsimple flower, leafandbutterflyshapesontoplywoodscraps.Useabandsaworcopingsawtocutouttheshapes.Roundshapesarehardtocut,sosquareupyourdesignifyouwanttosimplifythe cutting process. If desired, accent the shapes with acrylic paint. Brushwaterproofsealerovertheacrylicpaint.Step2Arrangetheplasticlids,flatsidedown,overtheflowers.Ifoundtightly

groupingthesamecolorsintheflowercenterstobeasuccessfuldesignsolution.Also, repeating the same lid design on both of the butterfly wings addedsimplicityandsymmetry.Savegreenlidsfortheleaves.Onceyou’velaidoutallthelidsontheflowers,you’rereadytoscrewtheminplace.Step3Selectwhichfloweryou’regoingtoworkonfirst,andsetthelidsaside.Positionascrewontheendofyourdrillanddrivethecenterof thefirst lid inplace.Continueattachinglidsaroundthefirstone.Repeat theprocesswiththeremainingshapes.Step4Drillaholethroughbothladderswheretheywillconnecttoeachother,one at the top and another at the bottom.Thread a carriage bolt through eachholeandwasher,andtightlyscrewthenuttotheendofthebolt.Step5Laytheattachedladdersonthegroundandbeginarrangingtheflowers,leaves and butterflies over your trellis. Position the majority of theembellishment on the protruding vertical ladder posts. Use a hammer to nailtheminplace.

Planter’sPottingBench

Whenour friends theBeattiesmoved into their new home this summer, thispotting bench came with them. It’s a fabulous piece of repurposed outdoorfurniture,anditlookslikeitwascustom-madefortheirnewdigs.BartBeattieisthegeniusbehinditscreation.Thesinkcaughthiseyeatagaragesale,andthepotting benchwas conceived and designed around it. The sink can be hookeddirectlytoanoutdoorhose,andabucketunderthedraincaptureswastewaterforreuse. Bart’s primary goal when building this project was to make his wife,Hannah,happy.Needlesstosay,hewassuccessful.Afterall,whowouldn’tlovetohaveacharmingoutdoorworksurfacetorepotplantsandstageplantingsingardenbeds?

WhataGreenIdea!Plantdrought-resistantandnativeplantsforlandscapingtominimizeoreliminatetheneedforirrigationaroundthehouse.Theseplantswillalsoattractbirdsandbeneficialinsects.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages68-69.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSWooddoorSalvagedsinkandboards

Woodshelfbrackets

TOOLS&SUPPLIESSawHammerNailsScrews

Diagram2:FramingPlanforBase

Diagram3:FramingPlanforTop

Diagram4:SideView

Diagram5:FrontViewStep 1 Startwith constructing the base.Cut 2”× 4” (5cm× 10cm) boards tolengthsindicatedinDiagram1(page65)forthelegs,braces,andshelves.Step2Attachthehorizontalsupportstothebackofthefrontlegsandthefrontofthebacklegs,about6”(15cm)abovetheground.Thesewillformthesupportfortheboardsthatmakeupthebottomshelf.

Step3Attachthe2”×4”s(5cm×10cm)atthetopofthetablelegsatthefront,sidesandback.Positiontheboards thatwillmakeupthe topof thebenchanddeterminewheretheholeforthesinkwillbelocated.Step 4 Frame the opening with bracing to support the boards making up thebench top. Attach the boards for the top of the bench. Set the sink into theopeningprovided(seeDiagram3,page65).Step5Cut thewooddoorto3’(91cm)inlength.Attachthe2”X4”(5cmX10cm)reardoorsupportstotherearhorizontal2”X4”(5cmX10cm)supportfor the top. Screw through thewood door supports into the back of the door.Positionthedoorontopofthebenchtop.Step6Attachshelf supportbracketsas shown inDiagrams4and5 (pages66and67).Step7Attachtheshelftothesupportbracketswithscrews.

LivingtheGreenLife:Ideas,ActivitiesRecipes

EcoIdeas

Theseideaswillhelpyougetthemostoutofyoursummer,whileimpactingtheenvironmenttheleast:

○Buyyourfoodatlocalfarmersmarkets.Thisnotonlysupportsyourlocaleconomy,itsavesonfossilfuels;produceisn’tflownandtruckedacrosscountry. If you do shop at a retail store, look for locally grown andpreparedmerchandise.Wheneverpossible,selectorganicallygrownandraisedmeatsandvegetables.

○ Conserve drinking water by collecting and using rainwater to irrigateoutdoor plants. Look for handy barrel collectors that connect to adownspout.Insidethehouse,don’tletthetaprunwhilewaitingforcolddrinkingwater—fillapitcherandplace it inyourfridge.Whenwaitingforwarmtapwater,collecttherunningwateranduseittofillpetbowls,waterplantsandpre-soakdirtydishes.Runyourdishwasheronlywhenit’s full. Avoid using or installing a garbage disposal. Install dams ordisplacementbagsinyourtoilettanktoreducetheamountofwaterusedwitheachflush.Trytokeepyourshowerstofiveminutes.

○Considerthelandscapingaroundyourhome.Treesandplantingsshouldbearrangedtoprovidenaturalscreeningagainstprevailingwinterwindswhilemaximizingsolarexposureforwinterpassiveheating.Thesesametrees and plants can also provide maximum potential for the naturallycoolingeffectsofprevailingsummerbreezes.Consultwithanurseryorlandscapearchitectifyouneedhelp.

○ Garage sales are recycling outlets. Head out early with the newspaperlistings, and keep your eye out for furniture that you can creativelyrevamp, toys and books that will appease your child’s yearnings, andusefulhouseholdgoodsandgadgets.I’malwayssurprisedhowmanyartandcraftsuppliesIfind.

Relax,Unwind&Unplug

Theseactivitiesareperfect for longsummerdays,and they requirenoenergy,exceptyourown!

○Catchfirefliesandletthemgo.○Buildfortsoutofdriftwoodorbranches,orevenminiaturefairyhouseswithseedpodstwigs,rocksandleaves.

○Packalunchordinnerandenjoyanoutdoorconcertoreveningatapark.

FoodsfortheSeason

Summerisaveritableparadiseforanyonewholovesto-cook.Freshherbsaresteps away in the garden, and every week there’s a colorful array of freshlypicked vegetables and fruits at the farmers market. Grilling chicken andportabellomushroomsoutsidewillkeeptheheatoutofyourhome.Ifbakingisamust,cookabatchofblueberrybread—ittakesonlytenminutes.

BLACKANDWHITEBEANSALSA

This isour family’smostpopulardish.Wheneverweserve it,everyonealwaysasksfortherecipe.OurfriendsJimandElizabethLewinintroducedittousitatasummerpicnictenyearsago.Ithastheperfectblendofspicesandvegetables.Once you’ve taken a bite, it’s hard to stop piling more onto tortilla chips.Incrediblyversatileandhealthy,itcanbemadeaheadandservedwithchips,onscrambledeggsorasavegetarianentréeinwarmtortillas.3tablespoonscornoil2clovesgarlic1¼cupcornkernels16-ouncecanblackbeansrinsedanddrained16-ouncecangreatnorthernbeans1eachred,yellowandgreenbellpeppers1mediumredonion2tablespoonslimejuice1teaspoondriedoregano1tablespoonchilipowder1½teaspoongroundcuminSaltandpepperFreshcilantro1.Heat1tablespoonoilinaheavyskilletonhighheat.Sautegarlic.Addcornandsauteuntilbrown,about3minutes.2.Combinetheremaining2tablespoonsofoilinalargebowlwithalltheotheringredients.Addthecornmixturetobowl.Seasonwithsalt,pepperandfreshcilantro.

GREEKPASTASALADWITHLIMEDRESSING

This is thequintessential summermeal. IoftenhaveJongrillextrachickensothatwehave leftoversonhand towhipup thismealonaweekday. Itmakesagreatmain course and travelswell on evening picnics to the beach. The onlydrawback:Itdoesn’tlastlongwithteenagersinthehouse.16ouncespennepasta½redonion1cucumber1pintofcherrytomatoesGreekolivesFreshbasil,tornOptionalgrilledchicken,cutintothinstrips6ouncesfetacheese,crumbledLimeDressingJuicefromoneLime1/3cupofextravirginoliveoil¼teaspoonwhitepepper1teaspoonofdriedoregano2clovesofmincedgarlic

1.Cookthepastainrapidlyboilingwateruntilit’saldente.2. While the pasta is cooking, chop the onion and quarter and slice thecucumber. Then slice the cherry tomatoes and olives in half. Toss thevegetables and torn basil into a large mixing bowl. Add the grilledchickenstripsandcrumbledfeta.

3.Drainthepastaandaddtothebowl.4.Combinetheingredientsforthedressinginabowlandwhiskuntilwellincorporated.Pourdressingoverthepasta.

5.Stir thesaladuntil thepasta,vegetablesandchickenarewellcoated indressing.

PORTABELLOSANDWICHThis hearty vegetarian dinner is the perfect alternative to hamburgers on thegrill. The red wine vinegar marinade enhances the natural flavor of themushroom.Whentoppedwithrichdressing,lettuceandtomato,Iguaranteeyouwon’tmissthebeef.4tablespoonsoliveoil2tablespoonsredwinevinegar2teaspoonsmincedgarlicSaltandpepper2portabellomushroomcapsWholewheathamburgerbunLettuce,tornTomato,slicedParmesandressing

1.Whisk together the olive oil, redwine vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper.Pour over themushroom caps (stem side up).Marinate for at least 10minutes.

2.Preheat thegrill orwarma skillet andcook the caps6-8minutesuntilbrownedandtender.

3. Serve the caps on buns, with lettuce, tomato and dressing, just like atraditionalburger.

BLUEBERRYBREADThisisanoldiebutgoodiethathaswithstoodthetestoftimebecauseit’squick,simpleanddelicious.Inlessthantwentyminutes,youcanhavefreshblueberrybreadonthetable.Stickitintheovenwhileyouscrambletheeggsforbreakfast

or while the chicken grills for dinner. Last Fourth of July, the whole batchdisappearedsoquicklyImadeasecondandhaditonthetablebeforeeveryonehadfinishedeating.2cupsflour1tablespoonbakingpowder½teaspoonsalt3tablespoonssugar½cupbutter1egg¾cupplus1tablespoonmilk1cupoffreshorfrozenblueberriesTopping2tablespoonssugar½teaspooncinnamon

1.Preheatovento450°F.2.Lightlybutterbakingsheet.3.Mixtheflourwithbakingpowder,saltandsugar.Cutinthebutter.Setaside.

4.Beat egg andmilk together andpour into flourmixture.Mix just untilmoistened.Foldinblueberries.

5.Spread the stickydough intoa½”-thick rectangleona lightlybutteredbakingsheet.Sprinklethetopwithsugarandcinnamon.

6.Bakefor10minutesoruntilbrownandatoothpickinsertedinthecentercomesoutclean.

Chapter3

autumn

As theevenings turncooland thedaysgrowshorter, thoughts turn to thenewschoolyear.I’vealwayslovedgatheringschoolsupplies,butmakingyourownfromrecycledmaterialsisevenmoregratifying.Vinylrecordalbumcoversgiveused three-ring binders a facelift. Glossy magazine pages can be folded andgluedintouniquebowlsandofficetrashbaskets.Insteadoftossingcopypaperand cardboard food packaging in the recycling bin, consider cutting it andfolding it to create handy matchbook-style notebooks and woven baskets.Sometimesusedsupplies themselvesbecome thebasis formakinganewitem,whichisthecaseinthecoloredpencilwatchstrap.Ifyou’resettingupadormroomorapartment, thischapterfeaturesexciting

ways to transform recyclables into home furnishings, lighting and accessories.Onceyou’veunpackedyourcorrugatedcardboardboxes,foldandslotthemintoa functional chair.Water bottles are cleverlymelted, punched and tied into ahanginglightfixture.Aluminumcansareeasytocutopenandhammeraroundamirror.Oldrulersframeahomemadechalkboardtomakeapaper-freemessagecenter.Compactdiscsareproblematic to recycle,but I’vecomeupwith twoclever

ways to craft with this fabulous material. The first utilizes a single disc andpunctuates itwith computer keys tomake a handy clock. The second slices ahandful ofCDswith scissors and reconnects them into a prismatic disco ball.Directalightonit,turnupthemusicandhostapartyinyournewlydecorateddigs.

WhataGreenIdea!Grabarake,makeapileandjumpintoautumn!Enjoythefallfoliageandthecrisp,freshair.FindmoreautumnactivitiesinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages102-103.

GlossyMagazineBowl

Because ofmy husband’swork,we have stacks of beautifulmagazines filledwithfull-pagearchitecturephotographs.Iwasthrilledtofindaningeniouswaytorepurposetheheavyweightpages.Aseriesofsimplefoldscompactsasinglepage into a long, sturdy strip. The strips are then tightly coiled and hot gluedtogether.Aprotective coat of decoupagemediumpreserves the finishedbowl.Thisisagreatgroupproject;it’shelpfultohavelotsofhandstofoldpages.

ProjectNoteTheamountofcolorandtypeonthepagesyoucolorfoldwilldeterminethelookofyourbowl.Forexample,weddingmagazinescreateapredominantlywhiteandpastel-coloredbowl.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSFivetosixglossyfull-colormagazines

TOOLS&SUPPLIESGluegunandgluesticksWaxpaperModPodge(Plaid)andgluebrushRESOURCESFinishedSize:6½”×10¾”(16cm×27cm),witha4½”(11cm)base

Step 1 Carefully rip a generous pile of pages from the magazines. Don’t beconcernedifyoulosesmallamountsoftherippededge;itwillbeconcealedinthefolds.

Step 2 Fold the page in half lengthwise, leaving the image you want on theoutside.Creasethefoldlinewithyourfingernail.

Step3Foldinhalflengthwiseagain,crease.

Step4Foldinhalfagain,crease.

Step5Foldinhalfonefinaltime.

Step6Thefoldingtransformsyourrippedpagesintonarrowfoldedstripsreadyforcoiling.

Step7Beginninginthecenterbaseofthebowl,tightlycoiloneendofyourfirststrip, foldededgeup.Applya thin lineofhotglue to theoutsidecenterof thecoil.Wrapandpresstheremainingstriplengthintotheglue.Addasecondstrip,foldedsideup,wherethefirststripends.Continueapplyingasmalllineofgluetothecenterofthecoiledpaper,tightlywrappingnewstripsaroundthecoil.Thefoldededgeswillbecometheoutsideofthebowl,andtheroughedgeswillfalltotheinsideofthebowl.

Step8Whenthebaseisthedesiredsize(thisbowlis4½”[11cm]indiameter),beginpositioningthenewstrips½”(3mm)upfromthestripbeneathit.

Step9Continueaddingstrips,alternatingcolorsandpatternsuntil thebowl is6½”(16cm)high,orthedesiredsize.Tofinishthetopedge,foldseveralstripsinhalflengthwisethreetimesandgluethemdownsothatthecenterfoldcoversthetopedge.Foldanothersetofstripsinhalflengthwisefivetimesandhotgluethese narrow strips over the bottom edges of thewide top strip, placing thembothontheinsideandoutsideofthebowl.Thiswillhelpintegratethetoppiecewiththeestablishedpattern.

Step10Workingoverwaxpaper,applyagenerouscoatofModPodge to theoutsideandinsideofthefinishedbowl.

CDClock

Haveyoueverstoppedtothinkofallthecompactdiscsthatbecomeobsolete?Using one to create a perfectly, round lightweight clock facewon’t solve theproblem, but it’s a start. This white disc held a start-up program formy firstApple clamshell laptop.The functionkeys thatmark thehours come from theverysamecomputer.Iwrotemanyarticlesandbooksonthatbelovedmachine.The clockworks are salvaged fromapromotional give-away.Combining thesethingsmadesomethingnewand functionaloutof somethingold.Takea freshlookatyourusedstuff,andyoumaydiscoverthatyouhaveatreasuretroveofcreativityatyourfingertips.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSCDFunctionkeys(salvagedfromadefunctkeyboard)Clockworks(salvagedfromapromotionalclock)

TOOLS&SUPPLIESWasherBeadfixglue(Beadalon)

Step1Thefunctionkeyscaneasilybepriedoffthecomputer.They’reheldinplacebysmallplasticroutainers.Leverageafingernailornailfileunderanedgeandgentlyliftup.Removetheclockworksfromtheexistingface.(Inmycase,thisrequiredpullingoffthetoppinthatheldtheclockhandsinplace.Iwasthenable to slide off the hour,minute and second hands.With the help of a smallwrench, I released thenut that clamped the clockworks to the face.The smallbattery-poweredclockworks,alongwiththeemptypost,slideasilyoffthebackoftheoldclockface.)Step2ThreadaCDontothefreedpost.Threadawasherontotheposttohold

theCDinplace.Rethreadthenutandtightenit.Slidetheclockhandsbackontothepost,startingwiththesecondhandfollowedbytheminutehandandendingwiththehourhand.Finally,replacethetoppin.Step 3 Manually swivel the hands around the clock to mark the position oftwelve, three,sixandnineo’clock.Carefullygluetheappropriatefunctionkeytoeachofthosepoints.Applyaverysmallamountofgluetotheoutsideedgeofeachkey.Usecaution,astheglueisveryliquidanddripseasily.Fillintheone,two, four, five, seven, eight, ten and elevenkeys. It’s important not todisturbanyofthekeyswhilethey’redrying,astheywillinstantlymoveandspreadglueonto your clock face. Once the glue has dried, the connection is very strong.Replacethebatteryandhangyourfinishedclockonthewall.

AluminumMirrorFrame

Framesoftenarerefinishedwithtilepaint,beadsorsequins,buthaveyoueverthought of covering onewith aluminum cans? They’re extremely lightweight,easytocutwithscissorsandcomeprintedwithbeautifulcolorsanddesigns.Thealuminumalsowrapseasilyaroundtheframeandfoldstotuckundertheedges.Smallwirenailstackthealuminuminplace,asimpletaskifyouprepunchtheholes.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSAssortedaluminumcans

OTHERMATERIALSFlatwoodenmirrorframeStringorpicturehangerTOOLS&SUPPLIESScissorsNailpunchHammerNo.18⅝”(16mm)wirenailsWirecuttersEyescrews

Step1Cut the topsandbottomsoffof thecans.Unroll thealuminumand layflat.

Step2Selectasquareofaluminumandplaceitoveracorneroftheframe.Foldthemetalalongtheverticalandhorizontaledge.Cutanotchoutofthemetalsothat it wraps around the corner. Prepunch holes with the nail punch, thenhammertwonailstotheoutsideedgeoneithersideofthecornertoanchorthemetal.

Step3Foldunder⅛”(3mm)alongoneedgeofametalsectiontowraparoundthemirroropening.

Step4Hookthebentmetalaroundthemirroropeningandpullthelengthofthemetalacrossthefrontoftheframe,wrappingitaroundtheoutsideedge.Nailthepiece in place along the outside edge of the frame. Continue adding newaluminum pieces in this fashion until you’ve covered the front of the frame.Settingnailsaroundtheedgeistrickierastheglassisinsetintotheframe.Usewirecutterstocliptheendsoffthenailstoshortenthemto⅜”(9mm).Usethenail punch to prepunch a hole on the edge of the frame where you want topositionthefirstnail.Placeatrimmednailintothehole,andhammeritinplace.Usethismethodtohammertwotothreenailsintoeachmetalsectionaroundtheedge.

Step5Coverthebackoftheframewithyouraluminumscraps.Useshortenednails and the prepunchmethod to tack the metal sections in place. Affix eyescrewsandstringorahangertothebacktohang.

Black&WhiteMagazineBasket

TheNewYorkerwas the inspirationfor thisunique trashbasket.Thesporadiccoloredcartoonspopoutofthesimpleblack-and-white,text-richpages.LiketheGlossy Magazine Bowl (see pages 72-74), printed paper strips are repeatedlyfolded tocreatea strongerbuildingmaterial. In thiscase, fourpaper stripsarefoldedtogethertomakeeachsquare.Thesquaresarehotgluedtogethertomakethebaseandsidesofthebasket.Foursinglerolledpagesformeachcornerofthebasket.Stripsaregluedaroundthetopedgetohelpstrengthenthebasket.Ifyoudon’twanttocommittoawholebowlorbasket,youcanstopeitherprojectatcoastersize.

WhataGreenIdea!Doyourparttoeliminatepaperwaste.Visitwww.41pounds.org,anonprofitorganizationthathelpsstoptheflowofunwantedjunkmail.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages102-103.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSBlackandwhiteortext-heavymagazines

TOOLS&SUPPLIES

GluegunandgluesticksModPodgeGluebrushRESOURCESFinishedsize:11”×7½”(28cm×19cm)

Step1Rippredominatelyblack-and-whitepagesfromthemagazines.Savethecoversforthecornersupports.FoldeachpageintostripsaccordingtoSteps4-6in the chip bag tote (see pages 52-55). This folding technique traps the edgesinsidethestrip.Thenfoldthestripinhalflengthwisetwice.Thefirstfoldswillhelpcreateasmootherwrongsideedge.

Step2Accordionfoldthestripevery1½”(4cm).You’llneedfourfoldedpiecesforeachsquare,ninesquaresforthebaseandtwelvesquaresforeachofthefiverowsupthebasket,foratotalof276pieces.

Step3Using a small amount of hot glue, loosely tack the inside foldsof onestrip togetherandthenattachasecondstrip to theoutsideandglueitsfolds inplace.Thiswillcreatetheinsideofyourfirstsquare.

Step4Hotglueathirdstriparoundtheoutsideedgeofyourtwoinsidepieces.Usethefoldlinestocreatedthecornersofthesquare.

Step5Addasecondwrappingstriparoundtheoutsideofthesquare,continuingtomatchthefoldlinestothecorners.Thiswillworkuntilyoureachtheendofthestripwheretheextrabulkwillforceyoutogluetheendhalfwaydownoneside.Repeattheprocesstoassembleyoursquares.Besuretoworktherightsideup,facingthesinglefoldsideofthestripsup

whenassemblingthesquares.Thetwo-edgesidewillbethewrongsideandwillfallintotheundersideandinsideofthebasket.

Step6Arrangethreerowsofthreesquarestocreatethebase.Rotatethesquarestoalternatethedirectionontheinsidestrips.Forexample,thefirstrowwouldbehorizontal, vertical, horizontal. The next row would be vertical, horizontal,vertical.

Step7Tostrengthenandenlargethebase,hotgluefiverowsofstraightstrips(stripsthathaven’tbeenaccordionfolded)fromStep1aroundtheoutsideoftheninesquares.

TipTrytoplacethesideswiththepartialouterstrips(sideswithastriponlyhalfwaydowntheside)ontheinside.Thiswillensurethattheoutsideedgesareuniformlysmooth.

Step8Toglueyourfirstrowinplace,hotgluethreesquarestoeachsideofthebase, positioning them directly over the strips you just finishedwrapping andgluing inplace.Keep three things inmindwhilegluing:Make sure the singlefoldfacesout,alternatethedirectionofthecenterfolds(vertical/horizontal)andpositionthepartialendsontheinside.

Step9Thetop,bottomandinsideconnectionswillallhavedirectstrip-to-stripcontact.Theoutsidecornersaredifferent.Onlythe insideedgesof thesquareswill touch. This connection isn’t as secure but it leaves room to add rolledsupportslater(Step10).Continueworkingyourwayupthebasketuntilyou’vecompletedfiverows.

Step10Removethestaplesfromfourmagazinecovers.Tightlyrolleachcover,starting at the back cover and ending at the outside edge of the front cover.Applyalineofhotglueundertheedgetosecuretheroll.Hotglueeachrolledcovertoacornerofthebasket.

Step11Therolledcoverswillextendslightlyabovethelastrow.Wrapandgluetwo rowsof straight stripsaround the topof thebasket.These stripswillhelpstrengthenthetopofthebasket.ApplyaprotectivecoatofModPodgetoboththeinsideandoutsideofthefinishedbasket.

ColoredPencilWatchStrap

Ifyou’re someonewhoholdson topencil stubsandhaschildrenwhocollectnewcoloredpencilsetseachschoolyear,here’sawholenewwaytoutilizeyourextrasupplies.Thepencilsaretapedtogetherandsawedtothesamelengthwitha single cut. Then they’re drilled and strung together on heavyweight elasticcord.Youcaneitherrecycleanoldwatchfaceorbuyanewoneatyour localcraft store.Wooden bead danglesmatch the colored pencils and dress up thefinishedpiece.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSColoredpencils

OTHERMATERIALSLargecrimptubesSquarewatchface(Beadalon)Two11”(28cm)sectionsof1mmclearelasticjewelrycordSilverbeadcaps(BlueMoon)WoodenbeadsHeadpinsTOOLS&SUPPLIES1”-wide(3cm)maskingtapeBandsawDrillCrimpingpliersRoundnosepliersWirecuttersModPodgeFurnitureHardCoat(Plaid)

Step1Line the pencils side by side along a length ofmasking tape.Fold thetapeoverthelastpencilandpressitdownacrossall thepencils.Wraptheendunderthefirstpencil.Usethetopandbottomedgesofthetapeasyourguidetocutthepencilswithabandsaw.

Step2Removethetapeanddrilltwoholesineachpencilpiece¼”(6mm)fromthetopandbottom.(Wedidthiswhilethepencilswerestillcoveredintapeandfoundthatsomeoftheoutsidecolorcameoffwiththetape.)

Step3Usecrimpingplierstocrimponeendofeachelasticstrandtotheoutsideholesononesideofthewatchface.Youmayneedtostretchtheelasticinsidethe crimp tube to allow more room to thread the end back through beforecrimpingitflat.Beginstringingthepencilpiecesontotheelastic.

Step4Testfitthepencilwatchbandaroundyourwristtodeterminehowmanypencilpiecesfitcomfortably(oursamplehastwentypencilpieces).Onceyou’repleasedwiththeband,crimptheotherendoftheelasticstrandstotheothersideofthewatch.

Step5 String a bead cap and awoodenbeadonto a headpin.Use roundnosepliers to shape the headpin andwire cutters to trim the end.Hook it onto thecenterholeonthesideofthewatchface.Wrapthewireendaroundthebaseofthe loopand trimtheend.Repeat theprocess three times toadda totalof twobeadedheadpinstoeithersideofthewatch.

CDDiscoBall

This funky disco ball repurposes a small stack of compact discs. Not yourgenericpartylight,there’saNerfballatthecore.Theball’ssurfaceiscoveredwith irregular shards of hand-cut compact discs.When I hung it to dry in thediningroom,myeffortswererewarded.Thesunlightstreaming in thewindowsent hundreds of rainbow prisms all over the room. My daughter and Iimmediatelystartedourcelebratorycraftdance.

ProjectNoteIreadsomewherethatyoucanbreakapartaCDwithahammer,mosaicfashion.Ifoundthistobeanexerciseinfutility,asitshatteredthemirroredsurfacewithoutactuallybreakingtheCDapart.IalsodiscoveredthatsomeCDsareeasiertocutthanothers,dependingonhowtheyarelabeled.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSCompactdiscsWoodenhandlefromadamagedfoampaint-brush,ora5”(13cm)sectionof½”(1cm)wooddowelNerfbasketball

TOOLS&SUPPLIESDrillEyescrewCraftglueFishinglinePaintbrush

SilveracrylicpaintScissorsAleene’s7800All-PurposeAdhesive

Step1Usingadrill,prepunchasmallholeandthentwistaneyescrewintothetopofthewoodenhandleordowel.

Step2Drillanopening in the topof theball.Push thehandle into theball sothatthetopofthewoodendowelisflushwiththesurfaceoftheballandtheeyescrewextendsoutthetopoftheball.

Step3Pulloutthedowel,applycraftglueandreinsert.Letitdry.Afterthegluehas dried, thread a generous length of fishing line through the eye screw andsuspendtheballoveryourworkspace.Brushtheballwithalayerofsilverpaintandletdry.

Step4Withscissors,carefullycutintoaCD.Firstcutoutthecenterclearplasticsection,thencuttheremainingsilvermaterialintosectionsthatare1”(3cm)orsmaller.You’llprobablyneedpiecesfromfiveorsixCDstomirroryourball.Step 5 Cover the surface of your prepainted ball with the CD shards. ApplyAleene’s7800All-PurposeAdhesive to thebackofeachCDshardbeforeyouposition iton theball.Try tokeep thesurfacesclearofglueas itwillmar thefinishedball.It’sagoodideatostartinonesectionandbuildout,placingpiecesas close together as possible.Keep the scissors onhand as youmight need totrimsomepiecestogetacloserfit.Letthegluedrycompletely.Step6Hangyourfinisheddiscoballwhereitwillbeilluminatedfromadirectlightsource.

CerealBoxBasket

Graphicdesign is everywhere, includingourmorningcerealboxes.Haveyouever stopped to consider how beautiful all the printed colors are? Instead oftossing them into your recycling bin, you can preserve the colors andmake anew container.A paper trimmer cuts the boxes down into uniform strips.Hotgluejoinsthestripsendtoendtoincreasetheirlength.Rowsofpreparedstripsarelinedupandwoventogethertomakeabeautifulcatch-allforyourcounterordesktop.

WhataGreenIdea!Helpreducetheharvestingoftimberfordisposablepapergoodsbyswitchingtoclothnapkinsandtowelsinthekitchen,andbuyingtoiletpapermadewithrecycledfabrics.Whenyoushopforback-to-schoolsupplies,buyrecycledpaperproducts.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages102-103.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSAssortmentofdifferentcoloredcereal,popsicleandcrackerboxes

TOOLS&SUPPLIES

ScissorsPapercutterGluegunandgluesticksModPodge(Plaid)GluebrushRESOURCESFinishedsize:5½”×5½”×5¾”(14cm×14cm×15cm)

Step 1 Use scissors to cut open the boxes. Cut off the sides and the top andbottom flaps, leaving the front and back of each box intact. Place a flatcardboardpieceinthepapercutterandcuttheboxinto¼”wide(6mm)pieces.

Step2Useasmalldotofhotgluetoconnect⅛”(3mm)ofonestripendoveranotherstripend.You’llneedeighteenofthesedouble-lengthstripstoassemblethebase(seeStep3)andanothereightofthemtoweaveupthesides(seeStep5).

Step3Lineupninestrips(rightsideup)vertically,deliberatelydistributingboxvarietiesandcolors.Weaveanotherninestripshorizontallyoverandunder thecenteroftheverticalstrips.Shifttheoverlappedconnectionssothey’redirectlyoverorunderanotherpiece.Ifthey’reinbetween,theaddedbulkwillpreventatightweave.

Step4Turnthepieceover(wrongsideup).Workingononesideatatime,foldthe strips up over the woven section.Make sure the folds line up to make astraightedgetothebase.Thencreasethefoldswithyourfingertip.Repeatwiththeremainingthreesides.

Step5Weaveadouble-lengthstripinandoutofthesides,encirclingthebasket;crease the stripwhen it reaches a corner.Once you’re pleasedwith your fourfoldsandweaving,trimandhotgluethestripendstogether.Slidetheconnectedstripdownasclosetothebaseaspossible.Ifoundithelpfultoslipalittlehotglue between the strips at the corners to help anchor it in place. Continueworkinginthisfashiontoaddsevenmorestrips.

Step 6 Trim each vertical strip ¾” (19mm) from the top of the last wovenhorizontalstrip.Foldeachenddownintothebasketandhotglueitinplace.

Step 7 Hot glue a strip over the base of the glued strip ends to conceal theconnections. Continue working your way around the basket adding a secondstripand trimming theendwhenyou’ve finished.Finally, coatboth the insideandoutsideoftheboxwithaprotectivecoatofdecoupagemedium.

TeaBoxNotebooks

I love everything about a steaming cup of tea, even the package it’s sold in.This quick little project reuses a tea box along with copy paper that’s beenprintedononeside.Theboxiscutandfoldedalongitsoriginalfoldlines,andthe paper is trimmed to a uniform size to fit inside. A heavy-duty staple gunclampsallthepiecestogether.Thisistheperfectnotebooktoslipinyourpurseorworkbagforquicklistsandreminders.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSTeabox(thebiggerthebox,thelargerthenotebook)Copyorprintedpaper(usedononeside)

TOOLS&SUPPLIESPapercutterBlockofscrapwoodStaplegunWirecuttersPliersCraftglueandrubberband(optional)RESOURCESFinishedsize,redbook:2¾”×5”(7cm×13cm)Finishedsize,greenbook:5”×5”(13cm×14cm)

Step1Carefullypull apart thegluededges tounfold the teabox.You’llneedtwosidesandpartofathirdtomakeeachnotebook.Thefullsideswillmakethebackandfrontcover.Thethird,smaller(1”-1½”[3cm-4cm])sectioncreatestheflap that covers the base of the paper stack and holds the front cover closed.

Keepallthreesectionsconnected,andtrimawaytheremainingbox.Sometimestheboxesdon’tofferanattractiveconnectedthirdsideforthefrontflap.Inthatcase, leave theunattractive side connected andcover itwith adecorative stripsalvagedfromanotherpartoftheboxafterthestapleshavebeenplacedinStep3.Step2Useapapercuttertocutcopypapertofitinsidethecovers.You’llwantthem tobe at least an⅛” (3mm) smaller than the coverson all sides. I foundapproximately 20 pages work well. Stack the papers together and trim anyunevenpages.Step3Placethepapersagainsttheinsidebackcoverandslidethemintothefoldline between the front flap and back cover. Fold the front flap downover thebase of the pages.Lay the bookdownon awood scrap anddrive two staplesthroughthefrontflap,positioningthem1”(3cm)fromeitheroutsideedge.Flipyour book over and, if necessary, usewire cutters to trim the staple ends andplierstobendthemflatagainstthebackofthebook.Ifyou’replacingadecorativestripoveryourfrontflap,drivethestaplesinthe

oppositedirection,backtofront.Trimandpositionthestapleends,thengluethedecorativestripovertheflap.Usearubberbandtoholditinplacewhilethegluedries.

WaterBattleHangingLamp

It’sstaggeringtothinkhowmanywaterbottlesareuseddaily.Eventhoughourfamily recycles and faithfully returns our empty bottles, that is not the casenationwide.Therearestatesthatdonothavecashbottlereturnandrecyclingisnot convenient or strongly encouraged. This fascinating project utilizes ageneroussackfullofemptybottles.Thelabelsareremovedandthetopsarecutoff. The open end of the bottle is cut into strips, and a blast of the heat guncontracts and bends the plastic. The contorted bottles are punched and tiedtogetherwithfishingline.Acompactfluorescentbulbisplacedinthemiddleofthefinishedsphere.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSClearwaterbottlesSocketswitchandcordassembly(salvagedfromautilityclamplight)Circularmetalfaceplatehardware(salvagedfromawall-mountedsconce)

OTHERMATERIALSLightbulbClearfishinglineTOOLS&SUPPLIESGooGoneScissorsHeatgun⅛”(3mm)holepunch

Step1Makesureallthebottlesarecompletelydrained.Recycleorsavethelids,thenremovethelabels.UseGooGonetoremoveanypersistentresidue.Usescissorstocutthespoutsoffthebottles.Cutfivetosixslits1”-1½”

(3cm-4cm)downfromthespout.Makesureyouleavethebaseofthebottleintact.

Step2Workinginawell-ventilatedarea,holdthebaseofthebottleandpositiontheheatgunseveralinchesfromacutstrip.Thestripwillcontract,curlandshrink.Onceastriphascompleteditsreaction,quicklycirculatetheheattothenextstrip.Onceallthestripshavealtered,switchyourgrasptotheendofastripanddirecttheheattothebaseofthebottle.Itwillcontractandthicken.Theshrinkingprocessshouldbecompleteinaminuteortwo.Don’texposethebottletounnecessaryheatthatwillcausetheplastictobreakdownandproducenoxiousfumes.

Step3Holdthebasesoftwobottlessidebyside.Pullthebaseoftwostripstogetherandpunchaholethroughbothlayers.Stringan8”(20cm)sectionoffishinglinethroughtheholeandtietheendsinatightknot,usingtheknottingtechniquediagrammedinSnacker’sBag(seepage55,Step13).

Step4Connectathirdbottletobothofthefirstbottles,aligningthebottlebasestogetherandcreatingthecenterbaseofthelamp.Beginbuildingringsofbottlesaroundandoverthem.Alwayspositionthebottlebasesontheinsideandallowthetwistedstripstocreateatexturedoutside.Ifaconnectiondoesn’tfeelsecure,findanotherpairofadjacentstripsintheloosearea,andpunchandconnectthemwithfishingline.Everynewringmayrequireadditionalbottles.Ourglobehasapproximatelythirtybottles;it’slargeenoughtocompletelyconcealthecompactfluorescentlightbulbandallowplentyofroomforventilationaroundthebulb.Step5Using4”(10cm)wirestripsortwistties,connectthemetalplatetofourofthetopbottles.Punchaholeinabottleclosetotheopeninginthemetalplate,thenthreadthewirethroughtheholeandupthroughtheplate.Twisttheendstogether.Repeatthreemoretimestofirmlyattachtheplasticglobetotheplate.Insertthelightbulbthroughoneoftheopeningsbetweentheplateandthebottles.Pokethescrewendofthebulbupthroughthecenteroftheplate.Screwthesocketassemblydownontothebulbend,trappingtheplatebetweenthebulbandsocket.Yourlampisnowreadytohang.

RecordAlbumBinders

Instead of running out to buy new school supplies, give a new look to oldsupplies. It’s amazing how notebooks and binders breathe new lifewhen yourecover them with popular retro images. After making someGroovy RecordBowls(seepage21),Ihadwonderfulalbumcoversthatneededanewpurpose.WiththehelpofscrapbookingguruCatherineMatthewsScanlon,wedrilledthethree-ring metal mechanism out of an old binder. Then I slit open the vinylcoveringand salvaged three cardboard inserts. I recovered theold insertswithalbum covers and fabric and reattached the binder hardware with scrapbookposts.MysonsarefightingovertheWhoalbum,andI’mprobablydatingmyselfwhenIadmittheGreasealbumbringsbackfondmemories!

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSVinylalbumcoverandrecordsleeve1”(3cm)vinylthree-ringbinder

OTHERMATERIALS⅛yard(91cm)HeatN’BondFusibleInterfacing¼yard(23cm)offabricScrapbookposts(availableinscrapbookingandhard-warestores)TOOLS&SUPPLIESDrill(withbitlargeenoughtoremovebinderrivets)Pliers

ScissorsAcrylicpaintCraftgluePaperModPodge(Plaid)IronInterfacingRotarycutter,clearrulerandself-healingmat

Step1Workingoveraprotectedsurface,positionadrillbitrightintotherivetthatanchorsthethree-ringhardwaretothebinder.Itshouldn’ttaketoolongforthedrilltoremovetherivetandfreeoneendofthehardware.Ifyou’rehavingdifficulty,tryadjustingthepositionandangleofthedrillbit.Repeattheprocesstodrilloutthesecondrivet.Pullthehardwareoffandsetitaside.Useplierstoremovethebacksoftherivetsfromtheundersideofthebinder.Step 2 Use scissors to cut the vinyl covering off the binder. You’ll need thesalvagedcardboardspine,frontcoverandbackcovertomakeyournewbinder.Next, cut open the vinyl album cover so that you have a single thickness ofcardstockforthefrontcoverandbackcover.Repeattheprocesswiththerecordsleeve so that you have two separate pieces of lightweight paper. Use thesalvaged binder covers as pattern pieces by laying them over the separatedalbum covers and tracing around the edges. Then repeat the process to tracethemontotherecordsleevepaper.Carefullycutalongthelines.Thiswillgiveyoutwooutsidecoversmadefromcardstockandtwoinsidecoversmadefromtherecordsleeves.Step3Brushacrylicpainttotheoutsideedgesofthesalvagedbindercoversandlet dry.Use craft glue to adhere the albumcovers to theoutsideof thebindercovers.Useathinlayerofgluetoattachtherecordsleevepaperstotheinsideofthecovers.Smoothanywrinklesand, ifnecessary,applyadditionalgluetotheedgestoreinforcetheconnection.Step 4 Brush a protective coat of PaperMod Podge over the front and backcovers.After the clear coat dries, you can apply a coat to the inside covers. Ifoundthatthewaxcontentintherecordsleevepapercausedthepapertoripple.I removed therippleswithaheatgun,butyoumaywant tospareyourself thefrustrationandleavetheinsidepapersuntreated.Step 5 Iron interfacing to the back side of your fabric. Remove the paperbackingafterthefabrichascooled.Usearotarycutter,matandrulertotrimthe

fabric so that it’s4½” (11cm)wide.You’llneed to increase thatmeasurementfor binders larger than 1” (3cm). Cut the fabric so that it’s long enough tocompletelywrapthefrontandbackofthesalvagedbinderspine;inmycase,thatwas24”(61cm).

Step6Laythefabricrightsidedownontoyourworksurface.Centerthesalvagespineinthemiddleofthefabric.Positiontheoutsidecovers¼”(6mm)outfromeither side of the spine. Temporarily remove the pieces and apply a generousamountofcraftgluetotheentirecenterofthefabric,thenreplacethespineandcovers.Applymoreglue to the fabric that extends above andbelow the spineandcovers.Foldthefabricupandoverthespinesothatitcompletelyenvelopsthespineandinsideedgesofthecover.Runyoufingerdowneithersideofthespinetoadherethetwolayerstogether.Allowthegluetodrycompletely.Step 7Use your fingertips to find the original holes in the spine.Use scissorpoints to create a small opening in the fabric so that you can thread a postthroughtheopenings.Threadthebinderhardwareontothepostsandscrewthetopsintotheposts.Loaditupwith100-percentrecycledpaper,andyou’reready

forclass!

RaffiaGarlicDryer

I’ve always admired my friend Hannah’s garlic dryer. It hangs from herwindowsill away frommoisture. She purchased it several years ago at a craftfair.Afterclose inspection, I realized it’scrochetedoutof raffia, the frondsofthepalmtree.Iliketheideaofexperimentingwithanatural,renewablematerial,especiallywhen theend resultmakesabreathablecontainer to store thegarlicharvest. Raffia isn’t as easy to crochet with as conventional yarn is, but it isflexible and forgiving, and the constant addition of new strands creates aninterestingtexture.

WhataGreenIdea!InstituteaSundaybakeday,cookingalargepieceofmeatthatyoucantransformintoothermealsduringtheweek.Bakemuffinsandcookiesatthesametime,makingtotaluseoftheenergyspentonheatingtheoven.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages102-103.

MaterialsListOTHERMATERIALSRaffia(athirdofabagorlessmakesonegarlicdryer)

TOOLS&SUPPLIESCrochethookK10.5

RESOURCESCrochetTechniques:pages134-135

Step1Hold twopiecesof raffia togetherandcrochet themasa single strand.Beforeyoureachthelast4”(10cm)ofyourstrands,grabtwomorepiecesandcrochetallfourstrandstogether.Onceyou’vemadeastitchortwo,letthetwoendsstickoutandcontinuecrochetingwiththenewstrands.Repeattheprocesseachtimeyoucomeneartheendofyourstrands.Don’tworryiftheendslookuneven;youcangiveyourbagahair-cutafteryou’refinished.Step2Make a slipknot and then hook 4 stitches on a chain.Connect the lastchainstitchtothefirstknottomakealoop.

ProjectNote

Raffiaisharvestedfrompalmtrees.It’sanaturalfiberthatageswellandattractivelystoresgarlicwhileallowingittobreathe.Raffiaisalsousedtomakegarlicbraids.

Step3Usethefollowingpatterntocrochetthedryer(seeCrochetTechniques,pages134-135):

a. ) Row 1: Chain 2 and then make 8 double crochets around the loopcreatedinStep2.Connecttothesecondchain.

b. )Row2:Chain 2 and then *double crochet in the first stitch and thenmake 2 double crochet in the second stitch*. Repeat the stitches listedbetweentheasterisksallthewayaroundtherowtoconnecttothesecondchain(totalof14stitches).

c.)Row3:RepeatRow2(totalof21stitches).d.)Rows4and5:Doublecrochetineachstitchfor21stitches.e. )Row6:Make 2 double crochet in the first stitch andmake 1 doublecrochetintheremaining19stitchesfor23stitches.

f.)Row7:RepeatRow6for25stitches.g.)Row8:Doublecrochetinthenext6stitches,thenturnwork.Thiswillraiseupthecenterbackofthepouch.

h.)Row9:Chain1andthenmakeasingledoublecrochetinstitches3,4and5ofRow8.Thiswillfinishraisingthecenterbackofthepouch.

i. ) Row 10: Make a single crochet around the entire top of the pouch,ending at the top of the raised portion. Chain stitches to the desiredhanger length and then connect the chain alongside the last singlecrochet.Pulltheendsthroughtheloopandpulltight.

RulerChalkboard

This chalkboard rules! No more searching for paper and tape with thisbeautiful message board hung in the center of your home. All you need is asmooth scrap of wood and some chalkboard paint. (You can add a layer ofmagnetic paint, if you’d like to hangmagnets from your board, too.) For ourboard,wehadasheetofmasoniteonhand.Afterthepaintdried,Joncreatedaframeworkofsalvagedyardsticksandgluedthemaroundthechalkboard.

TipFleamarketsandhardwastoresaregreatplacestofindwoodenyardsticks.

MasoniteboardorsmoothboardplywoodApproximately9salvagedyardsticksTOOLS&SUPPLIESChalkboardpaintFoampaintrollerSawWoodglueClampsorbricksforweightsPicturehangers

Diagram1:PlanDetailStep1Cutyourmasoniteorboard to thedesiredsize.Takeamoment toplanwhereyouwanttohangyourboard,andsizeitaccordingly.Ourboardis24”×36”(61cm×91cm).Alsokeepinmindthatthebiggeryourboardis,themoreyardsticksyouwillneedtoframeit.Step2Smoothseveralcoatsofchalkboardpaintontotheboard,lettingeachcoatdrycompletelybeforeapplyingthenext.Step3Lay theyardsticksaround theperimeterofyourboard,planningwhichones will need to be cut and where.We avoided cutting the yardsticks at ananglebybutting thestraightcutedgesagainsteachother.Onceyou’vecut theyardsticks, apply a generous amount of glue to the underside and clamp orweighttheminplacewhilethegluedries.Step4Attachpicturehangerstothebacksideofthefinishedboard.

CorrugatedCardboardChair

Ilovetheideaofmakingsomethingfunctionaloutofdiscardedpackaging.JonandIworkedhardonthisdesigntoensurethatitcouldreallysupportweightandbeusedasachair.Thecardboardhasbeenfoldedandlayeredforextrastrength.There areminimal cuts and connections that could add towear and breakage.Wefoundthatheavy-dutycardboardtubesweretheperfectseatsupports.Ifyoudon’t have any tubes, you can fold and glue additional triangle cardboardsupports.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSThreechair-sizedcorrugatedcardboardboxes(checkwithyourlocalfurniturestore)Twoheavy-dutycardboardtubes(checkwithcompanieswhoprintonlargerollsofpaper)TwoU-shapedcorrugatedcardboardsleeves

TOOLS&SUPPLIESUtilityknifeWoodglueClampsandbricksforweightsDrillwithholesawattachment

Diagram1:IsometricView

Diagram2:LayoutView

Diagram3:Seat

Diagram4:Back

Diagram5:LayoutViewStep1RefertoDiagram1(page99)tocreatetheU-shapedchairbase.Cuttwoboxesopendown themiddle on the front side.As shown inDiagram2 (page99),placeoneflattenedboxovertheother.Removetheflapsfromthetopbox.Foldthesideflapsfromthebottomboxupandoverthetopbox,thenglueandweighttheminplace.Foldthetopandbottomflapsupandoverandgluetheminplace.Placeweightsoverthegluedsectionswhiletheydry.Thiswillcreateasturdybaseforyourchair.Step2Cut twopiecesforboth theseatand theback,asshowninDiagrams3and4(page100).Gluethelayerstogetherandplaceweightsonthemwhiletheydry.Foldtheflapsatthefrontandbackoftheseatintotriangularprismshapesandglue.Useclampstoholdtheminpositionwhiletheydry.Rolltheflapatthetopof the chair back around a cardboard tube, andglue and clamp it in placewhilethegluedries.Step 3 Refer toDiagram 5 (page 101) to cut triangular slots in theU-shapedchairbasewithautilityknifeandmaketheroundopeningswithaholdsaw.Slotthe triangle seat ends into the chair base, and then slide the tub seat supportthroughtheholes.Cutadiagonalslitandslidethechairbackintotheslots.PushtheU-shapedarmrestsoverthesidesofthebase.

ProjectNoteTobuildhtesamesizechairasours,referstothediagramforexactsmeasurements.Feelfreetomodifythe

dimensionstoworkwiththeboxesyouhave.Avoidplacingthefoldedboxseamswherethetakedirectpressure,especiallyintheseatarea.Thestrengthoftheoftheoriginalboxwilldeterminethesturdinessofyourfinished.

EcoIdeas

Autumnistheback-to-schoolseason,soputonyourthinkingcapsandconsiderwaystogreenyourroutine.Herearesomeideastogetyoustarted:

○Organizeacarpoolingnetworkwithneighborstohelpconservefuel.Thisisthetimeofyearthatafter-schoolactivitiesswingintogear.

○ Instead of turning up the heat, wear an extra layer of clothing, warmsocksandslippers.Keepawarmafghanonthecouchtosnuggleupwithintheevenings.

○Performanenergyaudit.Contactyour localenergyprovider.Mostwillperformanauditofyourhomefor littleornocost,and it’smoneyandtime well spent. The resulting cost-benefit analysis will help youprioritize which projects you choose to do and give you an idea ofpayback.For instance, caulkingand replacing leakywindowsmaycosttwiceasmuchasaddinginsulationtoyourwalls,butitmaypayforitselfinenergysavingsinhalfthetime.

○Weatherproofinautumn.Ithelpssaveenergyduringtheheatingseason.Install storm windows, seal gaps around windows and doors withcaulking,andmakesureyouhaveenoughinsulationwhereitcounts.

○Preparetodefendagainstoldmanwinterbymakingorinstallingthermalshades.Theycreateagreatthermalbarriertopreventcolddraftsandstopthelossofradiantheatthroughwindows,especiallyatnight.

○Tuneupyourcar,andhaveyourchimneyandheatingsystemcheckedsotheyallrunefficientlyandsafelythroughthewintermonths.

Relax,Unwind&:Unplug

Fallbackintofall,andenjoythegoodweatherdays,andeventhecolderones,withthesefunactivities:

○PlantinAutumn.It’sagreattimetoenhanceyourlandscapingwithnewtreesandshrubs.

○Enjoythelastfewfarmersmarketsandstockuponhoney,maplesyrup,picklesandjamstoseeyouthroughthewinter.

○Breakoutthecards,dominosandboardgamesintheevenings.○Hostapumpkin-carvingparty.Youcanroasttheseedsandcomposttheguts.

FoodsfortheSeason

Harvest time marks the end of the growing season. Black bean soup is theperfectcatch-allforthelasttomatoes,corn,peppersandsquashtocomeoutofthegarden.Nothingtakesthechilloutoftheairandwarmsyourhomelikethesweet, spicy aromaof pumpkinbread and apple crispbaking in theoven.Cutandfreezeanyextraapplesfromanorchardtrip,soyoucanmakeapplecrispallwinterlong.BLACKBEANSOUPSome dishes conjure good memories. This one will always remind me of adelicious lunch with my crafty girlfriends. CatherineMatthews Scanlon is anexcellent vegetarian cook and served this soup one September afternoon.Betweenbites,wegrilledherforthedetailsoftherecipe.ItwassogoodthatImadeitformyfamilythenextweek.You’llappreciatethisgreatwaytousetheabundantsupplyofzucchini,summersquashandcorn.2tablespoonsoliveoil1onion,diced2clovesofgarlic,minced7mushrooms,quartered4greenonions,sliced1redpepper,finelychopped1tomato,seededandcubed1smallsummersquash,quarteredandsliced1smallzucchini,quarteredandslice2cansblackbeans,rinsedanddrained2quartstomatojuice2cupschickenbroth1teaspooncuminSaltandpepper2earsfreshcorn,kernelscutoffthecob¼cupchoppedcilantro

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven. Saute onion and garlic. Add themushroomsandcookforseveralminutes.

2.Addtherestofthevegetables(exceptforthecorn)andsautethemuntiltender,approximately5minutes.Addthebeans,juice,broth,cumin,saltandpepper.

3.Bringtoaboilandpartiallycover.Simmerfor20minutes.4. Add the corn 10 minutes before serving, and toss in the cilantro justbeforedishingitintobowls.

LEMONGARLICBAKEDFISHIttookmealongtimetogetcomfortablecookingfish.Livinginlowaforthefirstdecadeofourmarriagelimitedouraccessibility to freshfish.InMaine, fish isalways in season and offordably priced. This surefire recipe will work on allkindsofwhitefish.HaddockandcodwouldbemytoppicksontheEastCoast.Itwouldworkwellwithmyin-laws’freshMinnesotalakecatchofwalleyepikeandnorthern.Therecipegivesthefishaflavorfulcrunchytoppingwhilekeepingthefleshmoist.1to1½poundsofwhitefish¼cupbutter1cupbreadcrumbs2tablespoonsparsley2teaspoonslemonzest½teaspoongarlicpowder

1.Preheattheovento350°F.Butteraglassbakingdish.2.Laythefishinthebakingdish.3.Meltthebutterandaddthebreadcrumbs,parsley,lemonpeelandgarlicpowder,mixingwell.

4.Spreadthemixtureoverthefish.5.Bakefor25minutesoruntil thecenterof thefishisopaqueandflakesapart.

APPLECRISPMyneighborClaudiaBrzozoturnedupthisrecipefortheperfectcrisp.Iloveitssimplicity.There’snocrusttomesswith,justthrowthefruitinthebakingdishandspreadthebutterycrunchytoppingontop.It’smygo-todessertwheneverIhave fresh berries or apples on hand. Claudia has even made it withstrawberriesandrhubarbinthespring.4-6cupspeeledandslicedtartapples,suchasCortland(Ifyou’reusingfewerapples,add2cupsofmixedberriessuchasraspberriesandblueber-ries)¼cupflour¼cupsugar¼teaspooncinnamonTopping1cupoats½cupbutter½cupflour½cupbrownsugar½cupsugarSalt

1.Preheattheovento350°F.Buttera9”×9”squaredish.2.Combinetheapples, flour,sugarandcinnamoninamixingbowl.Tosssothattheapplesarecovered.Placeinprepareddish.

3.Placethetoppingingredientsinafoodprocessor.Pulseuntilthebutterisbroken into small pieces and well incorporated. Pour and press themixtureontotheapples.

4.Bake1houruntiltheapplesarebubblingandthecrustisgolden.Servewarmovericecream.

PUMPKINBREADThere’snothinglikethesmellofpumpkinbreadcookingintheoventomakeitfeellikefall.Thisrecipemakesthreemoist,deliciousloavessoyoucanhaveonerightaway,anothertokeepinthefridgeforbreakfastandanothertogivetoafriend. Ifyoudon’thaveenough loafpans,makeadozenmuffinsandasingleloaf.115ozcanpumpkin4eggs½cupvegetableoil½cupsweetenedapplesauce⅔cupwater2cupswhitesugar1cupbrownsugar3½cupsall-purposeflour2teaspoonsbakingsoda1½teaspoonssalt1teaspoongroundcinnamon1teaspoongroundnutmeg½teaspoongroundcloves½teaspoongroundginger

1.Preheattheovento350°F.2.Greaseandflourthree7”×3”loafpans.3.Inalargebowl,whisktogetherthepumpkinpuree,eggs,oil,applesauce,water and sugars until well blended. In a separate bowl, combine theflour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir thedryingredientsintothepumpkinmixtureuntiljustblended.Pourintothepreparedpans.

4.Bakeforabout50minutes.Loavesaredonewhenatoothpickinsertedinthecentercomesoutclean.

Chapter4

winter

Don’tletthechillyaircoolyourspirits!Thischapterfeatureswaystokeepyouwarmandspreadholidaycheer.Enjoyquieteveningsathome,relaxingbytheglowofyourownhand-pouredcandlemugs.Wrapupinacozyafghantokeepwarm when you dial down your thermostat. Save more energy by using ourhandyspace-savingindoordryingrackinyourlaundryroom.I’moftenamazedhowmuchwasteisgeneratedinholidaydecorating.Ifyou

havethetime,considercreatingreusabledecorationsfromusedmaterials.Cutworndress shirts into triangles, iron the layers togetherandstring them

intoafestivebanner.Coveremptiedmatchboxeswithpaperandribbonscrapstomakepreciousshadowboxornaments.Take advantage of more unconventional recycling materials to make your

holiday gifts. Felt oldwool sweaters in yourwashingmachine, then cut themapartandstitchthepiecestogethertomakeuniquemittens,bagsanddecorativebirds. Barbie shoes, old campaign pins and bottle caps are all ideal basematerials for making unique jewelry gifts. Even old license plates can makegreatcraftingmaterial.Oneofmyfavoriteprojects is thelicenseplate-coveredmailbox.Itgivesnewlifetoarustedmailboxandreflectsheadlightstopreventsnowplowcollisions.

WhataGreenIdea!’Tistheseasontobecraftcycling!Makingrecycledgiftsisafestive,funindooractivity,andthesegiftsareperfectforaholidaygiftexchangewith

family,friendsorco-workers.FindmorewintertimeactivitiesinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages128-

CandleMugs

If you’ve ever hesitated before tossing a candle stub or crayon into the trash,thisprojectwillgiveyouareasontoactivelycollectyourwaxremnants.You’llalsoneedtosalvageatincanandamugorteacup.Thewaxismeltedinthecan,tinted with a crayon and poured directly into the mug. This quick and easyprojectdoesn’t requiremoldsormakeamess. It doesyield abeautiful candlethatwon’tdripwaxwhenitburns.Themugcanbereusedandenjoyedwhenthecandleisfinished.

WhataGreenIdea!Useaholidaymugasthecandleholderforanunpluggeddecoration.Forholidaydecorationsrequiringelectricity,switchtoLEDlights.Theyuseupto90percentlessenergythanconventionalChristmaslightsandtheylastlonger.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages128-129.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSMugTincanCandlestubsorwarpedcandlesticksCrayonstubs(toaddcolor)

OTHERMATERIALSWickEssentialoilsTOOLS&SUPPLIESTwobambooskewersTwoclothespinsSaucepan

Step1Layoneendofacandlewickinthebaseofamug.Sandwichthetopofthewickbetweentwobambooskewerstoholditupstraight.Holdtheskewers

togetherwithclothespins.Nowyourmugisreadyforthewax.

Step2Fillathirdofthepanwithwaterandbringittoaboilonyourstovetop.Fillthetincanwithwax.Don’tworryaboutanyimbeddedwicksintherecycledcandles.Standthetincanintheboilingwater.Youmayneedtosteadyitwithawooden spoon or your hand, protected with an oven mitt. Once the wax hasmelted,removeanyoldcandlewickswithafork.Laythesalvagedwicksstraighton wax paper. You should be able to reuse them after they’ve cooled andhardened. Add ¼” (6mm) or ½” (13mm) crayon into the wax to color it. Ifyou’re using a very opaque crayon, use less because the color is intenselysaturated.Stir themixture to integrate thecolor. Ifyou’readdingessentialoilsforscent,doitjustafteryoutakethewaxofftheheat.

Step3Carefullypour thewaxinto thepreparedmug.Fill itall thewayto thetop.Asthewaxcools, itwillsink.Savetheremainingwaxin thetincansoitwill be ready to heat for a second pouring.Allow thewax-filledmug to coolcompletely.Step4Reheat thewater, replace the tincanandmelt theremainingwax.Pourthemeltedwaxoverthefirstpouringtobringthecandlelevelbacktothetopofthemug.Letthecandlesetovernight.Removetheclothespinsandskewersandtrimthewick.

MiniatureDollShoeBracelet

It’snowonderBarbie’salwayslosingshoes;it’shardtokeepthemonhertinypointedfeet.Butherlossisourgain.Miniaturedollshoesareplayfulinspirationfor jewelry. Simply drill a hole through them, and they can be threadedwithbeadedeyepinsorjumprings.Ipairedtheshoecolorswithavarietyofshapedplasticbeads fromanassortedpack.Asmall lengthof rubber tubinggives thefinishedbraceletasimple,clean look.Youcouldeasilyhang theshoes fromalinkbraceletorabeadedstrand.

ProjetNoteTheseminiaturedollshoesmakegreatearrings,too!Simplyhookadrilledshoeontoajumpring(seepage109,Steps1and2).Next,hookaneyepinontothering.Stringaseedbeadandaplasticfloweredbeadontotheeyepin.Trimandshapetheendintoaloop,andhookitontotheearringfinding.Repeatforthesecondearring.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSMiniaturedollshoes

OTHERMATERIALS19strand.018”(0.5mmsilverstringingwire(Beadalon)10mmjumpringsSilverbumpers(Beadalon)Plasticbeads6¼”(16cm)rubbertubing

(Beadalon)LobsterclaspCrimpbeadsTOOLS&SUPPLIESDrillwith⅛”(3mm)bitBeadfixglue(Beadalon)CrimpingpliersWirecuttersRESOURCESFinishedlength:8”(20cm)

Step1Drillaverticalholethroughthebackoftheshoes.

Step2Openajumpringlaterally,andthreaditthroughthedrilledhole.Applyglue to the jumpringconnection,andswivel the ringso that theconnection istrappedinsidetheshoe.Squeezeglueintothedrilledholeintheshoe.Letdry.

Step3Withacrimpbead,attachonesideofa lobsterclasp tooneendof thestringingwire.

Step 4 Begin stringing in the following sequence: silver bumper bead, plasticbead,silverbumperbead,rubbertubing.

Step5Stringtheshoeontotherubbertubing.

Step 6 String the following sequence: silver bumper bead, plastic bead, silverbumperbead.

Step 7With a crimpbead, attach the other end of the clasp to the end of thestringingwire.

MatchbookOrnaments

Goodold-fashionedcardboardmatchboxesmakeanidealframeforminiatureoddsandends.Theonlyrestraintisfindingsomethingsmallenoughtofitinsidethe removable inner tray.Doors and openings are cut out of the outer sleeve.Paperandribbonscrapsquicklyconcealtheboxandinstantlytransformitintoapieceofart.Thisprojectisperfectforaholidayartnightwithfriendsorafamilycraftingsession.Eachornamenttakesonthecharacterofthecreator.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSMiniaturetoysorfavorsCardboardmatchbookScrapsofpatternedpaper¼”wide(6mm)and⅛”wide(3mm)ribbonscraps

TOOLS&SUPPLIESCraftknifeCraftglueGluegunandgluesticks26-gaugewire

TipAdaptthisprojecttomaketinyshrinesshowcasingtreasuresandcollectiblesyear-round.TinykeysandheartsforValentine’sDay,bunniesandeggsforEaster,evenaspookyminiaturehauntedhouseforHalloween.

Step1Selectthetoyorfavoryouwanttofeatureinyourornamentanddouble-checkthatitwillfitwithinthebox.Slidethematchtrayoutofthebox.Select

paperthatcomplementsthetrinket.Tracearoundtheoutsideofthetray,andcutout the rectangle.Glue it into the box.With a craft knife, cut a narrowpaperstripandglueitaroundtheinsideandoutsideedgeofthetray.Useagenerousamountofcraftgluetoanchorheaviertrinketsinthebox;hotgluewillworkforlightweight,moreporousobjects.Step2Letthefinishedtraydrywhileyouworkonthesleeve.Useacraftknifetocutawindowinthefrontofthesleeve.Makeacircle,rectangleorI-shapedcut that unfolds into two window shutters. Cover the remaining exposedmatchbookwithmorepaperorribbonscraps.Step3Slidethetrayintothefinishedsleeve.Threadahangingwireupthroughthe center topof the trayor tray and sleeve (for horizontal shrines). Form thewireintoaloop.Threaditbackdownandmakeaknot.

BlizzardYarnAfghan

MyfriendChesley had awrapmade out of cozyBlizzard yarn sitting on thecouch in her store,TheKnittingExperienceCafé.Day after day, shewatchedhowhercustomerswereluredtoitswarmth,weightandcoziness.WhenIaskedhertodesignabeginner’sprojectforthisbook,sheinstantlyknewwhatyarntouse.It’saheavyalpacawithjustenoughacrylicinittomakeitwashable.Theentireafghan isknit ingarterstitch,whichmeanssimplestraightknittingwithnopurlstitches.Tomakethethickpinkcolorsquares,addastrandofpinktothebrown,andthendropittocontinueworkinginbrown.AsIwritethisonacoldwinternightinMaine,Ican’timagineanythingmorewonderfulthanwrappingupinthiswarmafghanandsettlingintoanovel.Step1Use the followingpattern inSteps1-8 to knit the afghan (seeKnittingTechniques,pages130-133):a.)Caston82stitchesusingyourmaincolor.b.)Knit20rows.Step2:Begincolorblocks.a.)Row1:Knit10stitches,holdingonestrandofthecontrastcoloralongwiththemaincolor.Knit14stitches,dropthecontrastcolor and knit 10 stitches in the main color. join another ball of the contrastcolor,andholdingthecontrastcolorwiththemaincolor,knit14stitches,dropthecontrastcolorandknit10stitchesinthemaincolor.joinanotherballofthecontrast color, and holding the contrast color with the main color, knit 14stitches,dropthecontrastcolorandknit10stitchesinthemaincolor.b.)RepeatRow 1 twenty-four times. Each time you come to a color block, pick up thecontrastcolorstrandandholdittogetherwiththemaincolor.Dropthecontrastcolorwhenyoureachtheendofeachsquareandcontinuewiththemaincolortothenextblock.Step3:Knit20rowsinthemaincolor.Step4:Repeatcolorblocks(Steps2aand2b).

Step5:Knit20rowsinthemaincolor.Step6:Repeatcolorblocks(Steps2aand2b).Step7:Knit20rowsinthemaincolor.Step8:Bindofflooselyandweaveintheends.

MaterialsListMATERIALSReynold’sBlizzardyarn(65%alpaca,35%acrylic):nineskeinsinmaincolor(brown#118),twotothreeskeinsincontrastcolor(pink#641)

TOOLS&SUPPLIES40”(102cm)sizeUS15circularneedlesRESOURCESProjectNote:Gauge:9stitches×13rows=4”(10cm)onUS15needlesingarterstitch.KnittingTechniques:130-133Finishedsize:39½”×38”(100cmx97cm)

AlteredPins

Ifelectionoradvertisingpinsareclutteringupyourdresser,here’sawaytoturnthemintotimelessartobjects.Simplydécoupageafabricscrapoverthepinandembellish itwith a cut paper shape andmetal scrapbook charm.Spiraledwireandrhinestonesaddsheenandsparkle.Platinumbondglueensures thatall theelementsarefirmlyattachedsothatyourpincanbewornoncoatsandtotebags.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSFabricscrapsPinsPagesfromanoldbookScrapbookpaperscraps

OTHERMATERIALSMetalcharmsRhinestones20-gaugewireTOOLS&SUPPLIESWaxpaperModPodge(Plaid)GluebrushAleene’sPlatinumBondGlassandBeadglueScissorsFlushcuttersPliersRESOURCESPatterns:page140

WhataGreenIdealWhenyoupersonalizeyourpinswitholdphotos,scrapsoflettersornotes,orothersentimentalitems,theybecomegreatgifts.Recyclecomics,children’sdrawingsandfabricintowrappingpaper,anduseittowrapyourpins.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages128-129.

Step 1 Cut a piece of fabric that will cover a pin, and wrap it around theunderside.Workingoverwaxpaper,brushModPodgeover thetopof thepin,smoothingthefabricovertheglue.

Step 2 Flip the pin over and brush glue around the outer edge, avoiding theworkingsofthepin.Pressthefabricedgesdownintotheglue,andapplyanothercoat of glueover the fabric to hold it in place.Brush twomore coats ofModPodgeoverthefrontandbackofthepin.

Step 3Using the patterns on page 140 as your guide, cut birds, butterflies orbranchesoutofscrappaper.

Step4Useplierstobendwireintothedesiredshape.

Step 5 Arrange cut paper, wire, rhinestones and charms over the pin. Whenyou’repleasedwiththearrangement,useModPodgetoglueontothepaperandplatinumbondgluetoattachthewirecharmsandrhinestones.

FeltedSweaterPurse

Thesimplicityofthispurse’sdesigniswhatinitiallycapturedmyinterest.Thebagandhandlesarecutatthesametimefromasinglesweater.Stitchingupthebaseandfoldingthehandleswasacinch.Iembellishedthefrontwithcolorfulscrapscutintocirclesandsquares.Decorativestitchingholdsthepiecesinplacewhilemakingthisanaccessorythatdoesn’tgoanywhereunnoticed.(Forotherfelted wool projects, see Sweet Sweater Birds, page 118, andFelted SweaterMittens,page122.)

ProjectNoteFeltedsweatersaresimplywoolsweatersthanhavegonethroughthewashing machine and dryer. The soap, water, heat and agitation pulls theindividualwoolfiberstogethersothat thematerialshrinks.Feltedwoolisstrongandthick,anddoesn’tfrayattheedgeswhenit’scut.IliketofindsweatersatSalvationArmyandGoodwill;thekeyistolookforthosethatare100-percentwool.Somemohaircashmereandangorablendswillalsowork,juststayawayfromacrylicblendsbecausetheywon’tshrink.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSFeltedsweater(turquoise)Scrapsoffelttomatchtheembroiderythreads(brown,mustard,red,green,turquoise,laven-der,pink)

OTHERMATERIALSLargebuttonEmbroiderythread(white,brown,purple,pink,

turquoise,ochre)TOOLS&SUPPLIESScissorsSewingmachineSewinganddarningneedle

Step1Layafeltedsweaterflatonyourworksurface.Followingthediagramabove,cutthroughboththicknessestoremovethesleevesanddeepentheneckopening.Opentheshoulderseamsandremoveexcessfabricsotheedgesareasinglethickness.Turnthesweaterinsideout.CutthecuffsoffthesleevesandsavethemtomakeFeltedSweaterMittens(page122).Useoneoftheremainingsleevestomakethebaseofthepurse(seeStep2)andsavetheothersleevefor

mittenpartsorbirds(seepage118).

Step2Cutapartthelengthofthesleeveseamyou’reusingforthepursebase.Open it and trim away any excess fabric so you’re left with a flat singlethicknessof felt.Fold it inhalf and trim the sideedges so that thebase is thesamelengthasthesweaterwidth.Trimthetopandbottomedgessothatthey’restraight.Trimawaymorefabricforathinnerbaseandlessifyou’dlikeawiderbase.

Step 3Unfold the trimmed base and position it in the bottom of the sweater,right side facing in. Pin it in place.Machine stitch around the base, removingpinsasyouwork.Trimexcessfabricoffthecorners,andturnthebagrightsideout.

ProjectNoteForfeltedfabricprojects,outfityoursewingmachinewithaheavy-dutyneedle.Loosenthetensiontoaccomodatethebulkofthefabrics.Runadoublethicknesstestpiecethroughthemachineandmakeadjustmentsbeforesewingyourbag.

Step4Tostrengthen theedgesofyourpurse, turnunder¼” (6mm)of fabric.Makea continuous seam, stoppingonly at the topsof thehandles.Tomakeacircularhandle,connectthestrapsfromthesamesideofthepursewithasingleseam.

Step 5 To form the handles into a rolled shape, hand stitch them together,trappingallthemachineseamsinsidethehandle.Step6Cuttwenty2”×2”(5cm×5cm)squaresand1½”(4cm)circlesoutofyour felt scraps.Stack the circles over the squares and arrange them into fourrowsoffivepairsacrossthefrontofyourbag.Distributethecolorsamongtherowsandavoidpairingthesamecolorstogether.Leavethecircleoffthemiddlesquare of the top row, temporarily place a button in this spot and check yourcolordistributionafinaltime.Usestraightpinstoanchorthecirclesandsquarestothefrontofthebag.Step7Threadadarningneedlewithafullstrandofembroideryfloss,andbeginstitchingupthroughthesquaresandsewingthecirclesinplace.Alternatewhip-stitching (seeEmbroideryTechniques, page136) around the edgesof someofthecirclesandspokinglargestitchesoutfromthecenterofothers.Selectflosscolors that contrast with the color of the felt so that your stitchwork will benoticeable. Use smaller running stitches around the edges of the squares to

anchortheminplace.

Step 8 Stitch the button through themiddle square (with no circle) and pursefrontseveraltimestofirmlyanchoritinplace.Cut6½”×1”(16cm×3cm)stripofturquoisefromyourscraps.Handstitchtheedgestogethertogivethestriparolledappearanceandaddedstrength.Foldthestripinhalftoformaloop.Tucktheendsunderandstitch them to the inside topof thepurseback.Test fit thelooparoundthebuttonbeforestitchingitinplace.Youmayneedtotrimendstoshortentheloop.Isewedpartwaydownthecenterofthelooptonarrowtheholeforatighterfitaroundthebutton.

HolidaySleeveBanner

Timetorollupyoursleevesandmakeano-sewbannerthatrecycleswornshirtsand celebrates the season. Each triangular pennant is cut from sleeves, givingyouadoublelayeroffabricwithatopfold.Iron-fusibleinterfacingbetweenthelayersholds them together, leaving the top foldopenso that the letterscanbestrung together into amessage.Additional fusiblewebbing irons letters to thebasetriangle.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSCottonshirtsPatternedfabricscraps

OTHERMATERIALSHeatN’BondinterfacingStifffeltTOOLS&SUPPLIESScissorsFabricgluePinkingsheersIronandironingboardRESOURCESPatterns:page140-141

Step1Cutthesleeveoffashirt,thencutthecuffoffthesleeve.CutapieceofHeatandBondtofitinsidethesleeve,narrowingitby1”(3cm)sothere’sa½”(13mm) gap between theHeat andBond and the top and bottom folds in thesleeve. Position the Heat and Bond in the sleeve. Use the iron to bond theinterfacing to the shirt.Reach inand remove thepaper lining,andapplymoreheattofinishbondingthetwolayersofthesleevetogether.

Step 2 Trace triangles (see pattern, page 140) onto the sleeve. Alternatepositioning the flat edges against the top and bottom sleeve folds. Cut thepennantsoutwithpinkingsheers.IronHeatandBondtothebackofyourpatternedfabricscraps.Tracetheletterpatterns(seepage141)ontothepaperbackinginreversesothey’llbecorrectlyorientedwhentherightsideofthefabricisshowing.Step 3 Cut the smaller triangles out of stiff felt or contrasting colored fabric.Peelthepaperbackingoffthelettersandpositionthemonthesmallerpennants.Iron them in place to activate the adhesive. Use fabric glue to attach the feltletterpennantstothesleevepennants.Threadtheassembledpennants(inorder)ontoagenerouslengthofribbon.

TipIfyouhavelargeletterstamps,brushacrylicpaintoverthestampandPrintaletterontoaplainpieceoffabric.Afterthepaintdries,usefusiblewebbingtoironthestamPedletterontoyourtrianglepiece.Makeadditionalletterstochangeyourmessagetofitanyoccasion.Bothloveandpeacearequickandeasybannermessagesthatworkallyear.

SweetSweaterBirds

Birdsofasweaterflocktogether.Thesecharminglittlefellowsmakefabulousholiday gifts, but feel free to enjoy them all year long poised on amantle orshelf.Thebodyismadewiththreepiecesoffabricthatcanbemachinestitchedor hand sewn. The black bead eyes are pulled into the headwith a couple ofstitches.Decorativeembroideryflossstitchesjointhewingstoeitherside.Thewirelegsaremadewithasinglewirelengththatispokedacrossthebottomofthebird.Onceyouseehoweasyitistomakeone,youmightjustdecidetosewawholeflock.

ProjetNoteOutfitthesewingmachinewithaheavydutyneedle.Loosenthetensiontoaccompmodatethebulkofthefeltedfabrics.Runadoublethicknesstesspiecethroughthemachineandmakeadjustmentsbeforesewingyourbird.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSFeltedsweaterscraps(Forshorttail:green,turquoise,burgundy.Forlongtail:tangerine,green,burgundy.)

OTHERMATERIALSBlackEbeadsStuffing(Nature-fil)18-gaugewireEmbroideryfloss(turquoise,pink,fuchsia)

TOOLS&SUPPLIESStraightpinsScissorsSewinganddarningneedlesThread(green,burgundy,black)FlushcuttersBeadfixglue(Beadalon)GluegunandgluesticksSewingmachine(optional)RESOURCESProjectNote:page114EmbroideryTechniques:pages136-137Patterns:pages141

Step1Usethepatterns(seepage141)asyourguidetocutouttwogreensidesandaturquoisestomachpanel.Placingrightsidestogether,pinthethreepiecestogether. Position the one tip of the stomach panel at the neck and the otherwherethesidetailpointsmeet.Forthelong-tailbird,thetailpiece(seepattern,page141)willextendbeyond

wherethebodypiecesmeet.

Step2Seamthestomachpaneltoeachbirdside.Stitchthetwosidestogetherstartingattheneck,workingoverthetopoftheheadandending1”(3cm)beforethetail.Turnthebirdrightsideout.Stuffthebirdwithfiberfill,pushingsmall

amountsintotheheadandthenfillingtheremainderofthebody.Usingmatchinggreenthreadtohandstitchthetailopeningclosed.

Followthesamebasicinstructionsforthelong-tailbird,exceptplacetheextratailpieceintheopeningbeforestitchingitclosed.

Step 3 Use the wing pattern (see page 141) to cut out two burgundy wings.Thread the darning needle with the full strand of embroidery thread andwhipstitch(seeEmbroideryTechniques,page136)thewingstothesidesofthebird.Stitchanoptionaldecorativeswirlontothecenterofeachwing.The long-tail bird doesn’t have wings, so make decorative stitches on the

sides.

Step4Cutasmallbeak(seepattern,page141)fromtheburgundyscrapsandhot glue it into the seam that joins the front of the head together. Thread asewingneedlewithblackthreadandstitchanEbeadtoeithersideofthehead.Pass theneedleback through theeyesseveral times topull theminto theheadandholdthemtightlyinplace.Followthesamebasicinstructionsforthelong-tailbird.

Step5Workingontheundersideofthebird,pokewireendthroughthecenterpanelandside seam.Push thewireacross the insideof thebelly, thenpoke itbackout throughopposite sideof thepanel.Pull 5½” (14cm)ofwire out andfoldbothwiresdownwheretheyemergefromthefabric.Shapeeachendintoa1”(3cm)N-shapedfoot.Applyaspotofgluewherethewirelegsemergefromthebird’sbody.Forthelong-tailbird,shortenthelengthofthelegsbeforeshapingthefeet.

BottleCapNecklaces

IlovethelookofcastresinbottlecapjewelryandeventhoughIenjoyworkingwith resin, sometimes I just want to craft something quick and easy withoutworrying about the fumes and mess. This kid-friendly project is the perfectsolution.Themessageorimageiscutfrommagazinepages(inthiscaseRollingStone) glued inside the bottle cap and covered with a round bubble sticker.LiquidBeadzissmearedaroundtheinsideedgeandvoilà,instantjewelry!

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSMetalbottlecapTypeandwordscutfrommagazineBallchainnecklace

OTHERMATERIALS½”-¾”bubblestickersjumpringCardstockTOOLS&SUPPLIESScrapofwoodDrillwith1/16”(1mm)bit1”(3cm)circlepunch(ortraceasmalllidandcutthecirclebyhand)Aleene’sTackygluePliersLiquidBeadz(DecoArt)Plasticknifeorwoodencraftstick

Step1Invertthecapsontoascrappieceofwoodanddrillaholethroughthetopofthemetal.Positiontheholebetweenwherethemetalbeginstocurveandtheripplededge.

Step2Selectwordsfrommagazines.Applyaverythinlayerofgluetothebackside of the page.Press the type over cardstock and let the glue dry.Carefullypositionthemountedwordsinthecenterofapunchandpressoutacircle.

Step3Use craft glue tomount the cut-out circle in the center of the inverteddrilled bottle cap. Be sure to position it so that the hole remains unblocked.Firmlypressaclearbubblestickeroverthetype.

Step4Carefullyopenajumpringlaterallywithpliersandthreaditthroughthehole.Closetheringsothatthewireendsareflush.

Step5UseaplasticknifeorwoodencraftsticktosmearLiquidBeadzaroundtheedgeofthebottlecap.Loopaballchainnecklacethroughthejumpring.

FeltedSweaterMittens

I love the idea of making a newwearable out of a worn garment, and thesemittens do that with style. It takes four felted sweater pieces to make eachmitten: a back, two inside pieces and a sleeve cuff.Mixing andmatching thecolors is half the fun. Butwhat reallymakes thismitten design unique is theneedle felted embellishment on the back. If you’ve never tried needle felting,you’re in for a treat. Simply lay wool roving over the felted wool and use abarbedneedletopokeitdirectlyinplace.Witheachprick,thetinyneedlebarbsblend the wool fibers together so they stick. You get instant results withoutthreadinganeedle.

WhataGreenIdealPurchaseseasonalsportinggoodsfromalocalskiandskateswapsale.Ifyoudon’thaveoneinyourarea,seeaboutorganizingoneanddonatingprofitstoenvironmentalcauses.FindmoreseasonalideasinLivingtheGreenLifeonpages128-129.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSFeltedsweatersleevesFeltedsweatercuffs

OTHERMATERIALSWoolrovingRigidinsulationDarkthreadTOOLS&SUPPLIESSewingmachineFeltingneedle(Clover)StraightpinsRESOURCESProjectNote:page114ProjectNote:Woolrovingiswashed,cardedanddyedwoolthathasn’tbeenspun.Itisavail-ableatyarnandcraftstores.Patterns:page142

Step1Laythemittenwithitsbackrightsideuponyourworksurface.(Iliketoneedlefeltoverrigidbluefoaminsulationscraps,buttraditionaldensefoamwillalso cushion the back of yourwork, and protect both the needle tip andworksurface.)Pulloffasmallstrandofwoolroving.Rollitintoshapeandpositionitoverthemittenback.Workyourneedleupanddownthroughtherovingintothe

felt piece.The repetitivemotionwill compress the rovingand integrate it intothefelt.Repeattheprocesswiththesecondmittenback.

Step2Placingrightsides together line the thumbof the insidemittentop(seepattern, page142)with the thumbof the insidemitten base (see pattern, page142).Stitchasingleseamfromonesideofthemittentotheothertoconnectthetwopiecesofthethumbandthecenterofthemitten.Turnthethumbrightsideout.

Step3Placing right sides togetheragain,pin thedecoratedmittenback to thejoined inside piece. Seam the entire outside edge together, leaving the bottomopen.

Step4Usesalvagedsleevecuffsforthemittencuffs.Foldfeltrightsidesfacingtogetherandcut twomatchingpiecesofeachpatternpiece: insidemitten tops,insidemittenbasesandmittenbacks(page142).Thisisthetrickypart:Pinthewrong side of the sweater cuff to the right side of themitten.Machine stitchthemtogether.Therightsideofthesweatercuffwillfoldovertherightsideofthemitten,hidingtheseaminsidethefold.

RetractableDryingRack

Thiseasy-to-buildspace-savingdryingrackhangsfromtheceilingandcanberaisedandloweredasneeded.MyneighborClaudiadevelopedthisracktodryher handmade marbleized papers in her studio; we modified it for hangingclothing. You can either pin the clothes to the clothesline or hang them on ahanger and then loop the hanger onto the line.Hanging clothes up to dry notonlysavesenergy,italsolengthenstheirlifespanandpreventsexcessshrinking.Inafamilyoftallpeople,thelatterbenefitismyfavorite.

ProjectNoteNospecialstainsorfinishesarenecessaryforthewoodinthisproject.Wetintedthewood.withdilutedacrylicorangeandpurplepaints.

MaterialsListOTHERMATERIALSTwo1”×3”(3cm×8cm)furringstripsClotheslinecord

TOOLS&SUPPLIESSawGlueFoureyescrewsDrillwith¼”(6mm)bitOrangeandpurpleacryliccraftpaintPaintbrushWaterproofsealer

Diagram1:FrontView

Diagram2:EndView

Diagram3:TopViewStep1Useasawtocutthefurringstrips.Youwillneedtocuttwo3’(91cm)andtwo1’6”(45cm)lengths(seeDiagram2).Pre-drillthescrewholestokeepthewoodfromsplitting.Glueandscrewthecornerjointstogether.Step 2 Measure, mark and drill equally spaced holes along both of the longsides.Step3Dilutetheacrylicpaintwithwaterandbrushatestsampleonapieceofscrapwood.Whenyou’repleasedwiththewatertopaintratio,brushitontotherack.Wipeoffanydripsandletitdry.Applyaprotectivecoatofsealeroverthetintedwood.Step4Knotoneendofthelineandthreadtheopenenddownintothefirsthole.Stretchthelinestraightacrosstotheholeintheothersideoftheframe.Makeastitchbybringingthelineacrosstheoutsideoftheframeanddownintothenexthole.Continueworkinginthisfashion,makingstraightlinesacrosstheinsideofthe rack and making stitches on the outside (see Diagram 2). Threading andpullingtheclotheslinetightworksbetterasatwo-personjob.Step5Attachtwoeyescrewson,neareachcorneroftheshortboardsandattachahangingcordbetweeneachpairofscrews

LicensePlateMailbox

Ifyourmailbox isshowingsignsofrustandwear, itmaybetimetogiveitacreativemakeover.Covering itwithold licenseplatesnotonlystrengthens thebox, italsomakesaneye-catching reflectivemarker foryourhome. InMaine,our mailbox has to survive close encounters with snowplows, and the extrailluminationthelicenseplatesprovidehashelpedprotect it.Myhusbandlovedthisprojectbecauseitwasagreatexcusetobuyanew(albeitinexpensive)tool—arivetsetterisamusthere.Askyourfriendsandneighborsforlicenseplates.Manypeoplesavethemin

theirgaragebutneverusethem.They’llbehappytoseethemputtouse.Vanityplates can add a humorous touch.Veryold plates are collectors items and areoftenhighpricedinfleamarketsandantiquestores.Keepyoureyeoutformorerecentcast-offs.

MaterialsListRECYCLEDMATERIALSMailboxEightlicenseplates

TOOLS&SUPPLIESDrillRivetgunRivets

Tinsnips

Diagram1:TopViewStep1Unscrewtheclosurebarfromthetopofthemailboxandtheleverfromthefrontdoor,andcarefullysetthemaside.Step2You’llneedthreelicenseplatesforeachsideofthemailbox.Lining

uptheshortendoftheplatewiththebaseofthebox,useyourhandstoshapetheplatetocontourthebox.Repeattheprocesstoshapetheremainingfiveplates.Drillholesasneededtoaccommodatetherivets.Loadarivetintherivetgunanddriveitthroughacornerofthefirstplatetopermanentlyattachittothebox.Drivefourrivetsintoeachplatetofirmlyanchorthemtothebox.Step3Usethefrontdoorandbackoftheboxastemplatestocutthetworemainingplatestosize.Rivetthesepiecestothefrontandbackofthebox.Step4Drillaholethroughtheplatesinthetopoftheboxsothatyoucanreinstalltheclosurebar.Drillasecondholethroughthefrontdoorplatetoreinstallthelevermechanism.Step5Reinstalltheboxoutside.

Diagram2:SideView

EcoIdeas

Thedaysmaybegettingshorter,butthereisnoshortageofwaystosavemoneyandhelpdoyourparttosavetheenvironment:

○ Remember that shorter days mean the lights stay on longer. Try toremember toflip theswitchwhenyouexitaroomandunplugchargerswhennot inuse.Considerborrowingakilowattdevice fromyour locallibrary.Itwillhelpyoudeterminewhatelectronicsdrawthemostenergyinyourhome.

○Usecompactfluorescentlightbulbs,whichareproventosaveelectricityand money. Note: They contain hazardous chemical compounds andmustberecycledappropriately.Whendefunct,theycannotsimplygointhetrash.

○Save gift bags and tins for reuse.Carefully separate gift packaging forrecycling. Remove nonrecyclable parts, flatten boxes and place usedwrappingpaperandtissueinyourrecyclingbin.

○Minimizeair infiltration; installweatherstripingatdoors, including thegarage.

○Maximizesolarheatgain;letthesuncomeinsouth-facingwindows.Tileandmarblefloorscanhelpcollectheatduringthedayandslowlyreleaseitduringthenight,especiallyifthereisenoughthermalmassstorageinthesubfloor,i.e.,slabongradehomes.

○ Explore biodiesel alternatives and see if you can find a local drop-offcenterforyourcookingoils.

○Checkwith your state and local agencies for tax incentives and rebateprogramsthathelpdefer thecostsofmanyhomeimprovementprojectswhichreduceenergyconsumption.

Relax,Unwind&Unplug

Withthesewintertimeactivitiestokeepyoubusy,therewillbenotimeforcabinfever:

○Ski,sledandiceskate.Takeinthebeautyoftheseason.○Readawell-lovedbookorvisityourlocallibrary.○Playcharades,cardsanddominostogetthefamilylaughingtogether.○Makecandleliticeluminaries.○Decorate a treewith peanut butter pinecones, seed sprays and popcornstringsforthebirds.Alsobringthemopenwater.

FoodsfortheSeason

Inthenortheast,localfreshproduceishardtofindinthewinter,butthisdoesn’thavetostopyoufrommakingdeliciousmeals.Therearefabulousdishesbasedonlong-lastingrootvegetableslikesweetpotatoes,onionsandcarrots.Thefreshcranberrycropsaddaburstofflavortodessertsandholidaymeals.Stapleslikehomemadegranolarelyondriedfruitsthatareavailableanytime.GRANOLAThiswonderfulwholesome snack is another goodie frommy friendCatherine.Individuallywrapped bags of homemade granolamake fabulous holiday gifts.I‘manxioustogetabatchbakinginmyoven—thisgranolaputsallprepackagedversionstoshame!½stickbutter½cuppeanutbutter½cupagavenectar(orhoney)4cupsrolledoats(oldfashionedoatmeal)½cupwheatgerm1/3cupbrownsugar¼flour1teaspoonbakingsoda½cupofany(orall)ofthefollowing:

PecansRaisinsDriedcranberriesChocolatechipsSunflowerseedsPumpkinseedsSesameseedsCoconut

1.Preheattheovento325°F.

2.Blendthebutter,peanutbutterandagavenectarinafoodprocessor.3.Measurethedryingredientsintoalargebowlandstirtogether.4. Pour the butter mixture over the dry mixture and mix until wellincorporated.

5.Shapethemixtureintoarectanglethatcanbecutintobarsafterbaking,orscatterthepieceslooseonyourbakingsheet.

6.Bakebarsfor30minutes,orloosegranola15-20minutesuntilgolden.CHICKENNOODLESOUPEveryone needs to have a good chicken soup recipe on hand. This one ismyfavoritebecausethechickencooksinthebroth,enrichingthesoupandflavoringthemeat.Nothingisbettertochaseawaysnifflesandtakeabiteoutofthechillyair. Soup is one of the easiest meals to fix, and homemade soups lack thepreservativesand salt of cannedvarieties.Even in thedeadofwinter, onions,carrotsandbrotharereadilyavailable.1onion,diced1carrot,quarteredanddicedCelery,cutinhalfandslicedthin1tablespoonvegetableoil1poundbonelessskinlesschickenbreast2quartslow-sodiumchickenbrothFreshthymesprigor¼teaspoondriedthyme1bayleaf8-ouncepackagewideeggnoodles

1.Seasonthechickenwithsaltandpepper.HeattheoilinaDutchovenandlightlybrown the chickenovermediumheat.Transfer the chicken to aplate.

2. Add the onion to the pan and cook until lightly browned. Return thechicken to the pan, along with the remaining vegetables, broth andspices. Bring the soup to a boil and then cover the pot and allow thechickentocookthrough,about10minutes.

3.Removethechickentoacuttingboard.Addthenoodles to thepotandallowthemtocookuntiltender,about5minutes.

4.Meanwhile,shredthechickenwithtwoforks.Stirtheshreddedchickenintothesoupandserveimmediately.

SWEETPOTATOANDBLACKBEANBURRITOSJeanneBakerStinsonsharedthiseasyyet incrediblydeliciousdishatarecipeswapparty,andit’sbecomeoneofmystandbys.Grabsweetpotatoeswhentheharvest comes in around Thanksgiving, then peel, grate and sauté them withblackbeanstomakeafabulousdinner.1teaspoonoliveoil1largesweetpotato,peeledandgrated116-ouncecanblackbeansTortillashellsMontereyJackcheese,gratedLettuceSourcreamSalsa

1.Heat theoil inaskillet.Addthepotatoandcook,stirringoccasionally,forabout10-15minutes.Addbeansandcookuntilheatedthrough.

2.Warm the tortilla shells.Fill eachonewith thepotatomixtureandaddsomegratedcheeseandlettuce.Otherburritoingredientscanbemixedinorservedontheside,withsourcreamandsalsaasadressing.

CRANBERRYSQUARESThissweettreatisperfectfortheholidayswhenfreshcranberriesareabundant.Butter,sugarandahintofalmondcomplementthecranberries‘tartflavor.1½cupssugar2largeeggs1½sticksbutter,melted1teaspoonalmondextract1½cupsflour2cupscranberries½cupchoppedalmonds

1.Preheattheovento350°Fandlightlygreasea9”×9”pan.2. Beat the sugar and eggs until thickened. Beat in melted butter andalmondextract.Add the flour and stir.Stir in the cranberries andnuts.

Pourmixtureintogreasedpan.3.Bakefor1houroruntilaknifeortoothpickinsertedinthecentercomesoutclean.

CARROTCAKECarrotsaresweetandwonderfultobakewith.Thishandyrootvegetablekeepswellallwinterandplaysamajorroleinmakingourfamily’sfavoritebirthdaycake.Therecipecomesfrommyhusband’schildhoodneighborJeanneHoulten.3cupsgratedcarrot4eggs2cupssugar1½cupsvegetableoil2teaspoonsbakingsoda½teaspoonsalt2teaspoonscinnamon2teaspoonscinnamon½teaspoonallspice2cupsflour½cupwalnuts,plusmorefortoppingIcing4ouncescreamcheese¼poundbutter½poundpowderedsugar

1.Preheattheovento350°F.Greaseandflourtworoundcakepansorone13”×9”pan.

2. Combine the carrot, eggs, sugar and oil and mix well. Combine thebaking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice and flour and add to the wetingredients.Grindthenutsandfoldthemintothebatter.(Wedothisinthecoffeegrindertoenhancetheflavorofthenuts.)Pourthebatterintothepansandbakefor40minutesoruntilaknifeortoothpickinsertedin

thecentercomesoutclean.Letthecakecoolcompletelybeforefrosting.3.Beattogetherthecreamcheese,butterandsugar.Spreadagenerouslayeroverthecake,andtopwithasprinklingofchoppedwalnuts.

Resources:KnittingTechniques

Thoughthemajorityoftheprojectsinthisbookareknittedwithnontraditionalmaterials, theconventionalknittingtechniquesareused.Onceyoucancaston,knit,purl,decreaseandbindoff,youcanmakeanyoftheprojectsinthisbook.Keep inmind, traditional yarn is consistent and slides easily on the needles,making it ideal to workwith. If you’re a true beginner, theBlizzard YarnAfghan(seepage111)isawonderfulplacetostart,thenworkyourwaytotheKnittedLinensRug(seepage26)orKnittedPlarnTote(seepage56).

CASTONThisisthetermusedforcreatingthenumberofstitchesneededforthefirstrowofanyproject.It’salsothemostcommonwaytocastonstitches.Itmightseema littleawkwardtohold theyarn thiswayandhooktheneedle tipthrough each loop, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at howquicklythestitchesaddup.

Step1Makeaslipknot,leavingalongtail(atleast2”[5cm]forevery1”[3cm]you’llbecastingon)andslideitontotheneedlewiththelongtaildanglingfromthe front of the needle. Slide your thumb and index finger between the twostrandsofyarn,andwrapthetailaroundyourthumbandthestrandstillattachedtotheskeinaroundyourindexfinger.Catchbothstrandsunderyourremainingfingerstoprovidestability.

Step2Bringtheneedletipunderthestrandofyarninfrontofyourthumb,thenoverthestrandbehindyourthumb.

Step 3 Bring the needle behind the strand of yarn on the front of your indexfingerand“grab”itwiththeneedletip.

Step 4 Bring the yarn back through the loop you created with your thumb,creatingasecondlooponyourneedle(yourfirstcast-onstitch).Lettheloopfallaway from your thumb, then tug gently on the strands with your thumb andindex finger to tighten the loop.Keep your cast-on stitches on the looser sideratherthantighteningthemexcessively.

KNIT (CONTINENTAL)This technique showsyouhow tohold theyarn inyour left hand and dip the right-hand needle into it with each stitch to avoidrepetitiveyarnwraps.Ifyou’rehavingtroublewiththismethod,youcanalways

holdtheyarninyourrighthandandmanuallywrapitaroundtheneedleinStep2.

Step1Withtheyarnwrappedaroundorunderyourleftindexfinger,inserttherightneedleintothefirststitchontheleftneedlefromfronttoback.Theright-handneedleshouldcrossbehindtheleft-handneedle.

Step2Placetherightneedletipbehindtheyarnheldinyourlefthand.Thesideof the needle facing youwill bewrapped in yarn.Dip the needle tip down tobeginpullingitthroughthestitchontheleftneedle.

Step3Pullthewrappedyarnthroughthestitchontheleftneedle,andbringtheyarnupontherightneedletocreateanewstitch,allowingtheoldstitchtoslideeasilyofftheleft-handneedle.Thenewstitchremainsontheright-handneedle.

OtherUsefulKnittingTermsPlacingaMarker:Whenthepatterncallsforyoutoplaceamarker, thissimplymeansslidingaplasticdiskordifferentcoloredyarnloopontotheneedlesoit rests inbetweenthespecifiedstitches.Movethemarkerfromoneneedletotheotherwhenyoucometoit.

GarterStitch:Garterstitchiscreatedwhenyoukniteverysinglerowbackandforthonstraightneedles.It’sperfectforrugsandafghansbecausethefinishedpiecelaysflat.Ribbing:Tocreateribbing,yousimplyalternatebetweenmakingknitandpurl stitches.Ribbingcreatesamoreelasticcompactedge, and it isoftenusedforcuffsandhatbrims.Knitting intheRound:Knitting in theroundisaquickandeasywaytocreate a tubular knitted piece,which is ideal for creating bags.Cast yourstitches onto a circular needle; make sure they’re not twisted. Push thestitches to the needle ends and begin knitting into the left needle. Thestitcheswillautomaticallyconnectsothatyoucancontinueknittingaroundandaroundwithoutinterruption.

PURL (CONTINENTAL) Purling creates a raised wavy pattern, producing

bumpsinthefrontwheretheyarnisheldandwrapped.Notethebacksideofaknittedrowlookslikeapurlrow,becauseinaknitrowtheyarniswrappedatthebackof thework.Conversely, thebackofapurlrowlookslikeaknitrowbecausetheyarniswrappedinthefront.

Step1Holdtheworkingyarninyourlefthandandsituatethestitchesabout½”to1”(1cmto3cm)awayfromthetipsoftheneedles.Slidethetipoftheright-handneedleintothefirststitchontheleft-handneedlefrombacktofront.

Step2Useyourlefthandtowraptheworkingyarnaroundthetipoftheright-hand needle counterclockwise. Draw the right-hand needle back through thestitch,catchingthewrappedworkingyarnwiththetipoftheneedleandbringingitbackthroughthestitchontheleft-handneedle.

Step3Pulltheoldstitchofftheleft-handneedle,creatinganewpurlstitchontheright-handneedle.Forillustrationpurposes,theworkingyarnisshownheldbetween the index finger and thumb. However, when working an entire rowwithout stopping, the yarn should remain in the position shown in Step 2 tocreatepropertension.

Decrease/Knit TWO Together Decreasing, or eliminating stitches, makes apiecesmaller.Toknit two together,placeyourneedle tip through twostitchesinsteadofone,knittingthestitchestogetherinasinglestitch.Slide the right-hand needle (from front to back, as for a regular knit stitch)

into twostitches together, andknit them togetherasone stitch.Thisdecreasesonestitch.

BIND OFF Binding off is the technique of looping one stitch into another,stabilizingtheedgeofyourworksothestitchesdonotunravel.Becarefulnottopullthestitchestootightlywhenyoubindoff.Ifyourtensionistootight,you’llpuckertheedgeofyourwork.

Step 1 Knit the first two stitches in the row just as you would for a normalknittedrow.

Step2Inserttheleft-handneedleintothefirstknittedstitchandpassthatstitchoverthesecondknittedstitch.

Step3Thereisnowonelessstitchontheright-handneedle.

Step4Tobindoffthenextstitch,knitonemorestitch(twostitchesarenowontheright-handneedle),thenpasstheprecedingstitchoverthatone.Continuetoknitonestitchandthenpasstheprecedingstitchoverituntilyouhaveboundoffallthestitches.Cuttheyarnandpullthetailthroughthefinalstitch.

Resources:CrochetTechniques

Allthecrochetprojectsinthisbook—FruitNetPotScrubbers(seepage25),T-ShirtFrisbee (seepage50)andRaffiaGarlicDryer (seepage94)arecircular.Youstartthembymakingafewlinksofchainandthenhookingtheneedlebackthroughthefirststitchtoturnthestraightchainlinksintoaloop.Once you’ve made a loop, follow the directions to make either single or

double crochet stitches through the center of the loop.Once you’vemade therequired number of stitches into the center of the loop, push your hook backthroughyourfirststitchtocompletethecircle.Fromthispointonyou’rereadytocrochetdirectlyintothetopofeachstitchasshowninthefollowingdiagrams.

CHAINSTITCHThechainisthefirststepofanycrochetproject.It’salsojustlikeasingleknittedstitchthatgrowswitheverynewloopofyarn.

Step1Makeaslipknotatthefreeendoftheyarn(theotherendwillbeattachedtotheskein/ball).Slidetheslipknotontoacrochethook,thenwraptheworkingyarnaroundthebackofthehookclockwise.

Step 2 Move the hook so it grabs the wrapped working yarn, then pull theworkingyarnthroughtheslipknottoformthefirstchainstitch.

Step3Continuetowraptheworkingyarnandpull it througheachsubsequentloopuntilthechainisthedesiredlength.

SINGLECROCHETThistypeofstitchmakesaneatrowofcompactstitches.If you’re just beginning yourwork, you’ll need to prepare a crochet chain orloopbeforemakingyourfirstsinglecrochetstitch.

Step 1 To begin the single crochet stitch, pass your hook through the closeststitch in thechainor thecenterof the loop.Wrap theyarn from front tobackaroundtheneedle.Bringthehookedyarnbackupthroughthestitch.

Step2Youshouldhavetwoloopsleftonyourhook.Wraptheyarnaroundthehookagainandbringtheyarnupthroughbothloops.Thiscompletesyourfirstsinglecrochetstitch.

DOUBLE CROCHET The double crochet stitch is taller with a more laceyappearance.Ifyou’rejustbeginningyourwork,you’llneedtoprepareacrochetchainorloopbeforemakingyourfirstdoublecrochetstitch.

Step 1 Start by wrapping the yarn front to back around the hook. Keep itwrappedwhileyoupassthehookthroughtheclosestchainorcenteroftheloop.

Step2Wraptheyarnaroundthehookandbringitbackupthroughthestitch.You’llnowhavethreeloopsonyourhook.Wraptheyarnaroundthehookagainandbringitthroughthenexttwoloopsclosesttothehookend.

Step3Wraptheyarnaroundthehookafinaltimeandbringitthroughthetworemainingloops.Thiscompletesyourfirstdoublecrochetstitch.

Resources:EmbroideryTechniques

The decorative stitches in this book are made with a full strand ofembroidery floss.Using embroidery floss creates highly visible stitches, evenwhen made on top of heavy denim and recycled sweater pieces. Thesesimplestitchesareagreatintroductiontotheartofembroidery.

RUNNINGSTITCH

This is the first hand sewing stitch.Theneedlegoes in andout, upanddownthroughthefabricatregularintervalstomakeevenstitches.Thisstitchisusedtosewtwopiecesoffabrictogetherortomakeastraightdecorativeline.Drawtheneedleupthroughtheundersideofthefabricsothattheknotrests

against thebacksideofyourwork.Poketheneedle inandoutof thefabric tomaketwoorthreestitchesatatime.Pulltheneedleallthewayupsothatanyslack is removed from the thread. You’ll have instantly made two or threestitches. Repeat the process until you’ve stitched the desired length. Knot thethreadontheundersideoftheworkorturntheneedlearoundtofillthespacesbetweenstitches(seeFillinginBetweentheRunningStitch,totheright).

FILLINGINBETWEENTHERUNNINGSTITCH

Tomake thebirddesignson theDenimQuilt (page30), I filled in thespacesbetween stitches with a second running stitch. Some people prefer to use abackstitch tomake a solid line, but I think this is just as easy andworks thethreadbackdown to thestartingpoint so thatyoucanstitchotherelementsofthedesign.Drawtheneedleupthroughthebeginningofthelaststitch.Threadtheneedle

up and down between the last couple of stitches to completely fill the blankspacesbetweenthem.Pulltheneedleandthreaduptoremoveanyslack.Repeattheprocessuntilyou’vecreatednewstitchesbetweentherunningstitches.Knotthethreadonthebacksideofthefabric.

WHIPSTITCH

Like the running stitch, a whipstitch can be functional or decorative. Itcommonly serves both purposes at once, decoratively joining two overlappingpiecesoffabric.Theneedlegoesupanddownthroughthefabrictomakesingleparallelstitches.Itrequiresalittlemoretimethantherunningstitch,asyoucan’tlineupmultiplestitchesonyourneedle.Drawtheneedleupthroughtheundersideofyourworksothattheknotrests

against the back side of yourwork.Thread the needle back down at an anglefromwhereyoufirstpulleditup.Repeattheprocess,tryingtokeepthestitchesthesamelengthandangledinthesamedirection.Note:Ifyouweretoreversedirectionsandfillinthisstitch,itwouldmakeazigzag.

FRENCHKNOT

TheFrenchknot isacleverway tomakeeyesand flowercenters. It’saknotthat sits on top of the fabric exactly where you need it. I’ve intentionallysimplifiedthetechniqueformybenefitaswellasyours.a.)Drawtheneedleupthroughthefabricwhereyouneedtheknottoshow.Pushtheneedlethroughthefabric to catch a small amount on the needle (just like the first stitch in therunningstitch).b.)Wrapthebaseofthethread(whereitfirstemergedfromthefabric) four timesaround theneedlepoint.c.)Pull theneedlepointstraightupthroughtheloopedthread.Ifnecessary,slidetheloopsdownagainstthefabric.Tofinishthestitch,simplypoketheneedlebackdownbesidewhereitcameupin the first step. d.) When you pull the excess thread taut your French knotshouldsitontopofthefabric.

LEAFORFLOWERPETAL

This stitch requires two steps: The first stitch is a very loose loop, and thesecondstitchholdsthecenteroftheloopinaflowerorleafshape.Fourorfiveofthesestitchesplacedtogethermakeafabulousflower.Oneortwoalongsidearunningstitchstemmakegreat leaves.a.)Drawtheneedleupwhereyouwantthebaseoftheleaforflowertobe.Bringtheneedlebackdownnexttowhereitcameout.Becarefulnot topull thethreadtight.Positiontheloosethreadhowyou’dlikeyourfinishedleaforpetaltolook.Themoreloosethreadyouleaveinthe stitch, the bigger your finished leaf or flowerwill be; conversely, the lessthreadyouleave, thesmaller theywillbe.b.)Bringtheneedlebackupontheinsidecenteroftheloop.c.)Bringtheneedlebackdownontheoutsidecenterofthe loop leaf/petal shape.d.)This shouldmakea tiny stitch that traps the firststitchinplace.

Resources:Materials

BEADALON (www.beadalon.com) Rubber tubing, cabled stringing wire,Supplemax,Beadfixglue,jewelry-makingtools

BLUEMOONBEADS

(www.creativityinc.com)BeadsandjewelrysuppliesCLOVER (www.clover-usa.com) Felting needles and wool roving supplies,knittingandcrochetneedles

CRYSTALLIZEDSWAROVSKIELEMENTS

(www.create-your-style.com)RhinestonesDECOART(www.decoart.com)LiquidBeadzglueDMC(www.dmc-usa.com)SewingandembroiderythreadsDUNCAN(www.ilovetocreate.com)Aleene’s7800All-PurposeAdhesive,Aleene’sPlatinumBondGlassandBeadAdhesive,Aleene’sTackyGlue

FAMOWOOD

(www.eclecticproducts.com)CastresinsolutionFISKARS(www.fiskars.com)Papertrimmer,softouchscissorsPLAID(www.plaidonline.com)Glassrings,ModPodge,Make-ItMosaicstilecutter,adhesiveandsealerPRYM-DRITZ(www.dritz.com)PursehandlesNATURE-FIL(www.poly-fil.com)

Bamboostuffing

RANGERINDUSTRIES

(www.rangerink.com)GlossyAccentsJCA,INC.(www.jcacrafts.com)Blizzardyarn

THERMOWEB

(www.thermoweb.com)HeatN’Bondiron-onadhesive

TONERPLASTICS

(www.tonercrafts.com)FunWire

Resources:Patterns

DenimQuilt,page30:FlyingBirdenlargeto150%

DenimQuilt,page30:FlowerBirdenlargeto150%

DenimQuilt,page30:Snailenlargeto125%

OwlClothespinHolder,page46:Foot(need4)enlargeto150%

DenimQuilt,page30:WalkingBirdenlargeto150%

OwlClothespinHolder,page46:Breast(need1)enlargeto150%

OwlClothespinHolder,page46:InnerEyeandOuterEye(need2each)enlargeto150%

HolidaySleeveBanner,page117:c(need1),a(need1)enlargeto150%

HolidaySleeveBanner,page117:Triangles(need9)enlargeto150%

AlteredPins,page112:Birdsactualsize

AlteredPins,page112:Branchesactualsize

AlteredPins,page112:Butterfliesactualsize

HolidaySleeveBanner,page117:r(need1),e(need3),/(need1),t(need1),b(need1)enlargeeachletterto150%

SweetSweaterBirds,page118:Beakactualsize

FeltedSweaterMittens,page122:MittenBack(need2)enlargeto160%

FeltedSweaterMittens,page122:insideMittenBase(need2)enlargeto160%

Afghan

Bagsmylar(chips)net(fruit)plasticBallchainnecklaceBanner,holidaysleeveBasketprojectsblackandwhitemagazinecerealboxlaundryBike inner tube Binder, record albumBirdhouse Birds, sweater Blizzard yarnafghanBottlecapsBowlprojectsglossymagazineplastictoyrecordBoxescereal,popsicleandcrackercorrugatedcardboardteaBracelet,miniaturedollshoe

CandlemugsCandlestubsCans aluminum tinCatalogpagesCDs clockproject discoballprojectChair,corrugatedcardboardChalkboard,rulerChina,brokenClockClotheslinecordClothespinholderCoastersColdframeColoredpencilsCorrugatedcardboardCrayonstubsCrochettechniques

DiscoballDollshoes,miniatureDriftwoodDryingrack,retractable

Ecoideas autumn spring summer winterEmbroiderytechniques

FabricscrapsFeltedsweater birdproject mittensproject pincushionproject purseprojectFruitbags,netFurringstrips

GameboardandpiecesGarlicdryerGlasspiecesGloves,knit

Jeans,denim

Keyboard,computerKnittingtechniques

Ladder,woodenLamp,hangingLampshadeLicenseplatesLids,plastic

Magazines blackandwhite glossyfull-color pagesMailbox,licenseplateMatchbook,cardboardMaterials,resourcesforMirrorframeMittens,feltedsweaterMobile,driftwoodandglassMugs,candle

Necklace,bottlecapNerfbasketballNotebook,teabox

Ornaments,matchbook

PajamabottomsPatternsPebbles,flatPincushionPins,electionPlarn(plasticyarn)PlasticbagsPlasticfiguresPot,chippedchinamosaicPotscrubbersPottingbenchPouch,zipperedinnertubPurse,feltedsweater

Quilt,denim

RaffiaRecipes autumn spring summer winterRecord,vinylRecordalbumcover“Relax,unwind&unplug”ideas autumn spring summer winterRugprojects hookedT-shirt knittedlinens

ServingtraySewingcaddySheetsShirts,cottonSinkSlidesinplasticmountsSocks

TeaboxToteprojects fusedplastic knittedplarnToys,miniatureTrellis,ladderT-shirts clothespinholderproject frisbeeproject rugproject

Vinylrecord

Watchstrap,coloredpencilWaterbottle,clearWindowsashWood,scrapWooddoor

Yardsticks

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