CONSCIOUS CHRISTMAS GIFTS

This year I've been plotting to give preluved jewellery gifts to all my friends which gave me the perfect excuse to indulge in my favourite past time - browsing Berlin's vintage markets, this time for some gold old sparkles.  Not only do they make fabulous Christmas treats for a bargain but I absolutely LOVE vintage shopping since it offers a great alternative to conventional gift shopping - saving the planet one reclaimed necklace at a time ;)

I managed to pick up a nice selection of different silver chains which I want to make into pendant necklaces using some decorative paperclips that I've found at Linie Clara Kaesdorf on my last stroll through Mitte.  To add a touch of class I decided to present them inside some re-usable upcycled jewellery bags which I made from old linen sheets I had lying around.

If you are looking to do something similar & fancy a little DIY this weekend you can start getting creative with this easy gift bag tutorial using old table cloths or other decorative materials you can find. In these crazy times of over-consumption it's so precious to experience the joy of giving handmade gifts to your loved ones!!

UPCYCLED | Christmas Cards

Making cards and little decorations is one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit I find, well apart from hitting one of Berlin's many gorgeous Xmas markets... (The vegan market on Sophienstraße, in Mitte is next on my list ;)

To help you get in a festive mood this weekend I've prepared a little upcycling tutorial for Christmas cards using furnishing catalogues. Since I'm totally addicted to modern furniture I always collect a few catalogues throughout the year.  Most of them include beautiful imagery and are way too cool to throw in the recycling.

SKIM YOUR RECYCLING BIN

So skim your paper bin or mag basket and get slicing.  Any close up photographs, or funny slogans that you can somehow add the word Christmas to are suitable.
I've had a little play with some different fonts before I printed my captions on the back side of used printer paper.  For a base you want a nice sturdy plain carton or thin cardboard.  I had a catalogue and a few old calendars with plain white backs and covers which are perfect card backing material!  All that's left then is to stick your cut out captions to your images and finally to your base.

Handmade Christmas cards always add a very personal touch and by upcycling pre-used paper and carton you can experiment with great images by collaging them or working on top of them.  Either way it can be an exciting and new Christmas tradition that will also leave you with a clean green conscience ❤

DIY CHRISTMAS CARDS

 

I love the giving Christmas cards tradition and since it's December 1st today,  I'm in the mood for some 'basteling' (sorry - the German term beats any translation)

If you, like me, have difficulties to throw out nice paper or card board you'll be happy to see it turned into some stunning DIY Christmas cards ❤

SKIM YOUR RECYCLING BIN

I had a few old calendars lying around made from brilliantly smooth card which inspired the snowy backdrop for my bauble motif cards.  Just dig through your cupboards as all fashion catalogs / look books, add pages in glossies or even carton carrier bags make excellent card material.
For the baubles I've upcycled old gift wrap in different colours and textures - it's good to have a mix of plain and patterns if you go for a contrast design . To add a bit of detailing to the patterns I've sprinkled on some sequins from the local craft shop.

STEP BY STEP

I love this spire shaped bauble design as it totally vin-tages me... Dazzling & swinging, try it out.  Happy first advent!

ALLIGATOR-MONSTER NOSE TUTORIAL

BOO!

Here comes a splash of colour & fun on a long cold Winter's day inspired by the amazing COVERkids magazine Make some little fantasy animal noses for and with your little monsters. This is also a fab way of keeping them busy during school holidays or at a fancy dress birthday party!!

SKIM YOUR RECYCLING BIN

>>you need an old egg carton, coloured straws (mine were used and cleaned), black foam or card board (old catalogues are good too!) & pom poms, little beads or old buttons

For utensils you will need scissors, some glue and a stapler

STEP BY STEP

Check here for step by step tutorial