There are lots of useful items that you can make out of old tyres. Tyre swings, planters, houses, art or even religious icons. Here’s an idea of how to upcycle old tyres that’s as old as, well, as old as… Read More »Eco-DIY: turn your old tyres into new sandals
Washing machine drums are interesting looking pieces of equipment, but what are they good for once your washing machine has spun its last cycle? Well, quite a number of things. I’ve seen them used as planters, made into gorgeous glowing… Read More »Eco-DIY: recycle a washing machine drum into a cool ottoman
Photograph by Sister72
Valentine’s Day. It can put quite a bit of pressure on a girl (or a guy) to live up to their partner’s romantic expectations. Cards, gifts, nights out… What’s expected and what’s too much? This year, I’m going to plead “green” and make it a DIY Valentine’s Day. Nothing bought, well nothing other than some organic food, and no commercial extravaganza pandered to.
I’m not quite sure what I’ll go with on the day, but here are some of my ideas for romantic gestures that don’t cost the earth.
The Caring Gesture
Nothing says “I love you” like a cup on tea in bed in the morning. My darling is up first in the morning and so I’m hoping that I’ll be sitting up in bed drinking lovely organic rooibos tea as Valentine’s Day dawns. My romantic gesture to him will be to get up straight after my cup of tea to cook him a lovely breakfast before he heads off to work.
The Crafty Gesture
Make something yourself to really put meaning into your gift. It’s easy to stop by the shop and buy a Valentine’s card and a bunch of flowers. It takes a lot more effort to make something individual and personal for your lover. I think that this Glass Bottle Oil Lamp (full details of how to make at Instructables) would make a great gift and would look perfect on the table at our Valentine’s Day meal.
The Earthy Gesture
I always prefer a living plant to a bunch of cut flowers. Here’s an idea for giving your beloved a tiny living reminder of your love to keep on the fridge door. Make a small magnetic plant pot from an old credit card and plant it with something small, like chickweed, from your garden, or your local park. Instructables tells you how to do this.
Read More »Eco-Valentine: DIY projects for lovers
Harness your creativity to make something useful and keep something else out of landfill. I like the idea of making unique pieces of furniture for my home, and I like not having to pay (or paying very little) for materials… Read More »Eco-DIY: make a chair