As you can clearly see, I’m particularly drawn to hand drawn patterns, florals, ethnic patterns, and fun (and maybe childish?) designs that just make me smile. What are your favorite patterns? Are they timeless, funky or a little of both? We want to know!

2. These great bracelets by Kiel James Patrick. Nautical looks will never go out of style!

3. These AMAZING before and afters! Seriously, the time that goes behind these projects to create a completely different world…
 

 
4. This super simple, but very transformative DIY.

 
5. A dirtier, but still simple DIY planter using recycled coffee bean bags.

 
6. Air Plants, Seed Bombs, Plant-O-Grams, Terrariums!

Now that I’ve shared my favorite things about Earth Day and Spring, what are yours? Do you have any DIY projects you dive into as soon as the weather is warm? Take on any insane before and after projects? We want to know!
Share your favorites in the comments below and have a very green Earth Day!

If you are one of those who like getting their tree closer to the actual holiday, ditch the idea! Unless you are buying your tree from an organic and sustainable farm, you risk bringing in pesticides, which are dangerous to those kiddos who are in the “put-everything-in-my-mouth” phase and pets. Fake trees seem like a great alternative since they can last up to 5 years, you don’t have to maintain them and they never die, but they aren’t biodegradable and are often made with PVC, which is a giant gift bag full of carcinogens.

There are plenty of alternatives for you DIY-ers, but this is hands down my favorite idea.

Jane from All the Luck in the World made this simple and sentimental tree on her wall! Using little mementos and festive knick knacks can turn this simple idea into a meaningful tree that can be left up or changed around all year long!

If you do end up getting a real tree, decorate it with popcorn! Popcorn garland has been a traditional Christmas decoration for decades. You don’t have to worry about polluting either, since little critters will snack away on it and it’s decomposable. Another great green alternative are dough ornaments. This was a childhood tradition in my family. You can cut them with cookie cutters into any shape you want. Just add a hole for some string, bake them, and they’re yours to decorate! Use paint, beads, sequins, and ribbon. Just glue embellishments on and let them dry.

• When the holidays are over, take your tree to a recycling center or leave it out during your community’s tree pickup. Tree recycling centers are growing in popularity and many will chip trees down into mulch, which you can keep for your gardening and yard work! Just make sure you remove everything from your tree if you go the recycling route!  Check out Pick Your Own Christmas Tree for more information on farms and more recycling info!

Gift giving can be so exciting, too! There are hundreds of eco-friendly shops, artists, DIY’ers, and products out there, so finding something is never a hard task.

• If DIY is your thing, you can make gifts perfectly suited for someone. Know any good cooks? Make them some special salt blends. If there are future artists in your household, recycle old crayons by melting them and reshaping them in some cute molds. You can combine colors for dual tone crayons or create new ones altogether!
• If creativity isn’t your strong suit or you’re simply short on time, check out sites like Etsy, Folksy, and Buy Handmade. You’re bound to find some great handmade gifts made by artists and entrepreneurs.

Use recycled wrapping papers; or make some with different papers you might have around the house. Newspaper is great, magazines are great! Have some old wallpaper samples lying around? Those will work too! If it isn’t big enough, get non-traditional and make a patchwork paper big enough for any sized box.

Use energy-efficient lights. These days, LED Christmas lights are the only option at most places. This is great! LED lights are some of the most efficient lights out there and will last you years longer than traditional bulbs. Plus, the come in a variety of options, like icicle lights, traditional strands, snowflakes, and more.

There are SO many more great alternatives for having the greenest holiday celebrations. Browsing the web will unleash a number of activities, tips and ideas.

What are your favorite green alternatives you’re using this holiday season? Do you have any tips or ideas you’d like to share? Just leave it in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!

Happy Holidays!

Beauty

Simple Sugar Scrub

One of my all-time favorite facial scrubs is definitely the easiest andsimplest recipe.
First, get some organic cane or brown sugar and some organic honey. In a clean, sterile jar (however much you want to make is up to you), pour in your sugar and add some honey, more or less depending on how pliable you want your scrub to be, and mix! I prefer to steam my face with a hot cloth first to open my pores. Gently scrub your face in circular motions and rinse off with cool water. Tone and moisturize with the following…

Green Tea & Witch Hazel Toner

In a clean and sterile bottle (I use a 10 oz. size), pour in your witch hazel about 3Ž4 of the way full. Add in anywhere between 1-5 drops of tea tree oil (more or less depending on bottle size), suited for how sensitive your skin is (less oil for more sensitive skin). Put the cap on and shake until mixed. Apply with a cotton ball. For acne, dab a bit more tea tree oil on spots with a Q-tip. Now to moisturize…

Custom Moisturizing Oil

Lastly, moisturize with this simple, light oil. Choose a small, clean and sterile jar, and fill it 3Ž4 of the way full with jojoba oil. There are a number of essential oils you can add for different skin types. For instance, if you suffer from acne or blackheads, add a drop or two of essential lavenderoil. If you have sensitive or puffy skin in the morning, add a couple drops of chamomile oil. For dry skin, add rose oil. Shake together and apply 2-3 drops to your face in circular motions.

Household

Safe Bleach

Bleach is so full of chemicals, it requires you to wear gloves while handling! Why would you want to buy a product that is so harmful when you could make one at home with two perfectly safe ingredients? Just add a 1:8 mixture of hydrogen peroxide: water to your load of whites and wash as usual. Want to replace your chemical filled detergent as well? Follow this simple recipe…

Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent

Start by boiling 1 quart of water. Add equal parts borax, grated natural bar soap (castile is best), and washing soda/sodium bicarbonate (about 2 cups each). Mix until dissolved, then add about 2 more gallons of water, mix and store in a covered container. If youhave a hard time dissolving the bar soap, just melt it on low heat in a saucepan before adding it to the hot water! Add 5-7 drops of any essential oil you’d like for fragrance. Launder as usual.

Chemical-Free Kitchen Spray

Kitchens get messy, but chemicals aren’t the only thing that can cut the grime. For a safer alternative, mix together 16oz of hydrogen peroxide, 5 drops of tea tree oil (anti-bacterial) and 5 drops of lemon oil (fresh scent and stain remover) in a 16oz spray bottle. Clean as usual!

There are so many safe alternatives to various products on the market and for over half the cost of most, why wouldn’t you start making your own? Do any of you have some DIY alternatives to harsh products? Share your recipes and tips in the comments section – we’d love to read them!

Note: Shower hooks will ship to customers starting February 1, 2011.

Dimensions:
(1.25 in x 1.25 in)

http://www.designsponge.com/2011/07/diy-best-of-office.html