Origami Centerpiece

I had to make a table setting for a charity event some months back and decided I wanted to keep the centerpiece on my counter. Of course the whole thing is much too large to a small apartment counter, so I broke it down a bit and used origami to fill in the gaps.

It really didn't cost anything. Most craft stores like Hobby Lobby will carry Origami paper and there are many varieties. This is so much fun to do with the whole family; everyone can make their own favorite shapes to add!

I love this site for origami instructions they have great videos on some of the tricky pieces. Try it out I would love to see your centerpieces! http://www.origami-instructions.com

Stay green,

Yasha

Charity Table

Simple At home piece

Counter top Piece

New Kitchen courtesy of Resale

I've just gotten home after a full day family fun. My only disappointment today was the realization that I was 100 tiles shy of refinishing the bathroom.

Today we visited Re-Store. Re-Store is a resale store featuring items needed to remodel an repair homes. Everything is donated or rescued from the dumpsters at job sites. This wonderful store is run laby Habitat for Humanity and everything you purchase goes to funding new homes for people that need them!

After spending 2 hours sorting through 8x8in tiles I finally realized I would be 100 tiles short of the 260 I need. *sigh* Oh well, I can try again later.

Stay green, Yasha

My desk-diaper-play-kitchen-ma-bob

I've seen many online DIY tutorial thing-a-ma-jigs recently on how to convert a desk, nightstand, shelf, or porcupine into a child's play kitchen. They are great. Using materials you have on hand is much better than purchasing everything separate or a prefab kit. To demonstrate how awesome these things are I shall now plug someone else's blog; her husband actually installed a semi-working sink. Thank you Nap Time Crafter.

So for our oldest's 3rd birthday I am hoping to turn what used to be a desk into a play kitchen. If you read some of my older posts there once was a desk that became a diaper station. It shall now and forever more be the basis for a play kitchen. Probably. Hopefully. Maybe. We'll see...

I promised more than a year ago to post a pic of the diaper station, here it is. Not much changed I can assure you.

Stay green,

Yasha

My "new" old picture frames

I have some old picture frames that just don't match. You know the kind, every shape, size, material, and color ever thought of. Some how my taste has changed over the years and I decided to buy new frames while never throwing out the old ones.

I finally got fed up with my frame fetish and decided to fix the problem only to discover a new and much larger problem.

I'm broke.

So what to do? What to do? Hmm... Don't I still have a can of spray paint around here somewhere? I do. I do! Hooray!

I am now the proud owner of 7 "new" black frames. All it took was a little bit of time and effort. No my frames don't all match in size or shape but they are all the same color. It gives it a kind of eclectic feel without being overwhelming. Since the color scheme in my living room is pewter and black this worked out pretty well for me.

Tips for decorating on a tight budget:

• Look around. You may have something you can use. The picture frames and spray paint I already had.
• Check resale, yard sales, and charity stores. Since I'm painting all the picture frames the same color and don't care if bevels or sizes match I could get any frame I want.
• Redefine your limitations. For the longest time I wanted frames from only one collection. One shape, one size, one bevel. I'm much happier with reusing my old frames and actually being able to display my pictures than having to wait and save up to buy the new frames at $8 a pop.

My next project will be a DVD stand that currently has a wooden finish. It will soon be black to match the rest of the living room!

Stay green,
Yasha

Pumpkin Toss

With only a week left before Halloween what are your plans for that pumpkin afterwards? Toss it in the trash right? Nah, that is too wasteful. Make it into a flower pot? Now that sounds more like it!

How in the world do you create a pumpkin vase? First, Cut the top off your pumpkin. Second, Scoop out the insides saving them for the next project (see below). Make sure you scrape the inside of the pumpkin and get all the meat. There should be nothing but shell left. Third, Place a small coffee can or vase in the pumpkin. Now place your favorite fall flowers inside!

What to do with the seeds and pulp. Separate the seeds from the pulp. Set the pulp aside for now. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet in an even layer and bake at 250°F until dry.

Now for the pulp! Puree the pulp of the pumpkin until smooth and store in the freezer for up to 1 month! That is just enough time for Thanksgiving!!!!!!

For more recipes to recycle your pumpkin:
Martha Stewart - Pumpkin Puree
Martha Stewart - Pumpkin Pie
Martha Stewart - Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Taste of Home - Cream Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
Taste of Home - Pumpkin Stew
Taste of Home - Spiderweb Pumpkin Cheesecake
Taste of Home - Candied Pumpkin Seeds

ATTENTION! PLEASE DO NOT USE PUMPKINS THAT ARE WRINKLED, MOLDED, OR THAT HAVE A BAD SMELL TO MAKE ANYTHING EDIBLE AS THESE MAY BE SIGNS OF A SPOILED PUMPKIN. By making these recipes you assume all responsibility to check the pumpkin for rot, mold, or anything else which may affect the recipes and your or anyone else's health.

The ugly little pillows...

Okay, perhaps they aren't so ugly but they don't go with the decor in my child's room. I hate to throw them out and I don't want to go through the hassle of buying new ones. Oh what to do, what to do...

I know! New covers!

I'll just go out and find some fabric that matches the room and make new covers for the pillows. This way when my little one gets older she can either revert the pillows to thier former glory or keep them as is!

Now it only I could knit, these covers would be even better!

Stay green,
Yasha

COMING SOON! Look for pictures!

Repurposing the Desk

I have this old cheap desk that I used for my computer before my hubby moved in with his awesome one. I've been getting around to repurposing it to fit my baby's needs. All I need to do is install some shelves and I think I'll be done.

My New Bag

I was shopping the clearance section of my favorite store the other day and I came across a cute little bag. Since I need something to tote around extra toys for my little girl I decided to get one. I picked out my favorite flavor and headed on to the checkout.

The bag, which I have gotten many positive comments on, is made from empty Capri Suns. The company calls it upcycling and encourages students to start a campaign at their schools to collect Capri Suns and send them to be upcycled. Schools are compensated for collecting the pouches so there really is no downside to this.

If you want to start a campaign or for more information check out Terra Cycle.

Stay green,
Yasha

What recycling really means

So I'm sitting here eating my cheddar bunnies and thinking of what recycling really means.

Recycling is not just the act of taking stuff to the recycling centers or putting it out in your curbside bin. It's more than that. Recycling is taking items to consignment shops, resale shops, goodwill, and yard sales. It's throwing that banana peel on a compost pile instead of in the trash. It's using cloth, hybrid, or green diapers.

You know that old t-shirt with all the holes in it? Well if you can't wear it anymore use it to wash or dry your car, dust your house, or wash windows, counters, etc! It's amazing what you can do with things when you put your mind to it.

The side of my cheddar bunnies box recommends using it for a bookmark, arts and crafts projects, and coloring paper. Go figure, my box of bunnies has a life outside of holding cute little edible rabbits.

I know that flylady would pull her hair out at my collection of boxes towards the end of the week and yes I know it's unsightly. However, as I find more ways to recycle I find myself getting rid of more clutter around my apartment. I guess recycling is a lot different from how my mom taught me it should be.

Stay green,
Yasha