BACK TO BASICS

February 15, 2011 in Michele's Blog, Practically Green Tips

Now, more than ever, it’s critical that people reconnect with all that they can do with their own two hands. It’s time to re-ignite the independent, can-do spirit in us all. Self-reliance and the ability to do for oneself always leads to ways to save money, uplifting solutions to problems or hardships, and true happiness. We are all innately creative and capable, yet there are so many people these days that seem lost from a lot of the basic skill sets. Here are a few simple ways to embrace the basics and keep the skills alive:

FOOD Don’t rely on everything you nourish yourself with to come from a bag, box or jar. Grow at least one edible thing for yourself. Create more of your meals from scratch using wholesome ingredients. Even those who argue they don’t have time, will be surprised with how efficient this can be done. It will prove to be more budget-friendly and puts you in touch with natural, healthier options.

(view project)

SHELTER Learn some of the basic DIY skills needed to fix things or build something from scratch. Embrace the power of tools – They are your friends. Use your handiwork to create a living space for yourself that celebrates YOUR ideas and YOUR personality.

(view project)

CLOTHING Learning to mend and basic sewing skills will open up your fashion world and put you in charge of your style. Repair things rather than toss them. Be creative and upcycle your wearables into other useful things.

(view project)

NATURE – Air/Water Reconnect with nature and outdoor activities – Breathe it in. Look around and figure out new ways to make use of what is naturally available to you on a daily basis. Collect rainwater or install a rain garden. Improve your indoor air quality by growing a few houseplants.

(view project)

The more you do, the more you’ll learn and all skill sets will naturally evolve and grow, guaranteed. Cheers my friends, to all that YOU can do with your own two hands.

- Michele

this just in…

February 15, 2011 in Michele's Blog

The snow is melting, the temperatures are climbing, the bird chatter is getting louder AND our Eldorado Heirloom Seed Kits just arrived.

Ahhhh, spring and all its’ renewed energy.

Food costs are expected to double this coming year so I expect to see a larger number of people working to grow more of their own edibles themselves.   Which I happen to think is a beautiful thing.

Why heirloom seeds?

They’re a mark of independence.

The seed quality is better.

The seeds from these plants can be saved and replanted.

The nutritional integrity of the produce is greater and they’re more flavorful.

It’s a renewable, and self-sustainable food source.  If they’re handled correctly, you’ll never have to purchase seeds again.

Much more to come on all this……….

Cheers to the first signs of spring, my friends!

michele.

‘charming’ last minute handmade valentine idea

February 9, 2011 in Michele's Blog

oh and VERY budget friendly

and quick

and easy

to make

using two items from the garage or toolbox

Silver lead-free plumbing solder

100 Watt Soldering Iron

I love creating free form solder shapes.  I did these for our courage to create jewelry DVD a while back and continue to make them for different occasions. They make beautiful pendants and charms that can be worn, placed in a decorative dish or box, or simply carried around in your pocket.

Simply puddle your solder onto a slick, heat resistant surface like a piece of granite or a glass cutting board or a ceramic tile.  To create a heart, puddle one half in the shape of a tear drop and then the other, connecting and shaping as you go. You can then use your hot iron to further shape and smooth. Tip: Don’t try to overwork the puddle. Let cool.

Metal letter stamps can be used to personalize. You can drill a hole through it if you’re wanting to hang on a necklace or bracelet.

You can also play around with embedding things like small pieces of broken glass (place your item on your surface and then puddle your solder around it.   The bottom of your puddle will be the ‘front’ of your charm.

To finish them off, I like to use a bit of steel wool if needed or a file to do any ‘clean-up’.  Grinding, polishing, and buffing wheels for a Dremel tool work great.

Seal with a clear wax and buff.

You won’t be able to stop at just one.  Give them away proudly.

Cheers to another gift of the heart.

michele.