n u n d e: WIP'S

Green Speak

recycle [riːˈsaɪk^əl]vb (tr)

1. to pass (a substance) through a system again for further treatment or use

2. to reclaim (packaging or products with a limited useful life) for further use

re·fash·ion : \(ˌ)rē-ˈfa-shən\

Function: transitive verb

Date: 1628

Conflict-free is a product that can certify that it wasn't obtained through the use of violence.
Fair trade is a system of trade where the workers receive a living wage for the goods they produce.
Carbon-neutral is when greenhouse gas created during an item's production is then mitigated by planting trees. Think about giving back what you take.
Upcycled is taking disposable items and transforming them into something of greater use and value. Aluminum and glass, for example, can usually be upcycled into the same quality of aluminum and glass as the original products.
Post-consumer waste products are used by one consumer, recycled and remade into another product. Think paper that has been recycled into new paper
Source: Craig Minowa and the Sustainability Dictionary

Saturday, January 3, 2009

I have been busy

And so have the mice... 30 draw fresheners that I had left in a tub without a lid were invaded by mice. This is what has led me to gutting my shed in a fit of obsessive cleaning. I would put a cat in my shed/studio but what if some one I sell to is allergic to cats? It was only the one tub. Nothing can get into the containers or the cupboard.

While the mice have been busy(before they were made forcefully to move out) I have been busy making all kinds of things but I have no pictures yet. I have had so much fun making stuff and cant wait until at least one is completed.
Oh , one thing I am totally excited about is my camera bag. I finally started on something for it and its alot further along than this first picture but it has been so much fun constructing the foam and fitting it into a standard bag. Hope to finish it very soon and show it off.

Sculpting the foam has been the funnest thing ever. So many things I am going to make this year and I am busting to do them all at once, like right now.....

Thank you so much Elsie for posting me the sock pattern that I have lost. I have 3 pairs of socks waiting for heels and this pattern was my favourite because it was easy for dummy knitters like myself.

Cheers all and good night!

Craft Projects

Inspired by my teenage daughter's cheeky face, I decided to give making a soft toy a go. I have used many features from many people from various other craft blogs and I am hoping that it still looks original. I can only do this late at night so it will take a while and I am doing it all by hand, lets see how long that lasts!!!

Cradles Cradles and more Cradles

I am a member of the local woodworking club and each year we make over 400 toys for under privaledged kids.

Bob and I are the cradle makers and we have whipped up 24 of these this year and now they are ready for sanding. Bob is one of the most patient people I know and has taught me most of what I know about woodworking. He manages to do it all without swearing too much because I do stuff it up sometimes. It is funny when he swears though because he has the coolest Scottish accent and no one sounds as cool as the Scotts when they swear.

I seriously hate sanding but it has to be done. It is important to ensure that no cabbage patch doll is harmed when using one of our cradles. No dolly will suffer splinters and no Baby Cry no More will cry because our cradles rocked too far to the left and tipped them out. Oh and of course the kiddies will be safe too!

We do these on Monday mornings. Thats our Toy day at the workshop and its like a fair dinkum santa's workshop. Then in December, we proudly line them all up in our community hall and hand them out to various charities for them to give out to the needy. The Mayor gives a presentation and the Local Choir sings Christmas Carols and the local Quilters Guild whip up all of the gorgeous blankets for the beds and cradles. So much time and talent donated. So much Community spirit!