I love crafting. There’s something magical about taking a random assortment of items and turning it in to something new and exciting. And it doesn’t really matter if it’s any good because, gosh darn it, you made it! It’s yours! It’s a little expression of you, made from string or paper or sticks and some glue. Getting together the necessary materials, however, especially in current times, can be daunting. Maybe you’re in quarantine. Maybe it’s really cold out. Maybe you just don’t want to leave the house. Whatever the reason, your crafting projects can’t happen because you don’t have the correct materials, right? Wrong! I’m here to help you out. You can craft awesome, creative things just using what you have at home. Don’t believe me? Well, read on fellow crafter — have I got the books for you!
Winter is the perfect time to try upcycling! Recycling items you already have into new creations is environmentally conscientious and budget friendly! Check out “The Big Green Book of Recycled Crafts”, “Upcycling: Create Beautiful Things With the Stuff You Already Have” by Danny Seo and “Upcycling: 20 Creative Projects Made from Reclaimed Materials” by Max McMurdo. All three books contain a wide variety of projects for all ages which utilize common household items and tools.
If you haven’t already, check out last week’s post, Hygge and Friluftsliv: Twin Concepts of Nordic Living. Exploring the outdoors during winter can be both peaceful and exciting! And coming home to a warm fire and some hot cocoa is one of winter’s joys. While you’re out exploring, why not look around for some crafting items you can use? In “Crafting with Nature” by Amy Renea, you’ll find instructions for wreaths, firestarters, dyes, candy, charms, beauty products and more. Also check out “The Organic Artist” by Nick Neddo where you’ll learn how to make your own inks, crayons, charcoals, sketchbooks, etc. And finally, dive into Hygge through crafting with “Making Winter: A Hygge-inspired Guide for Surviving the Winter Months” by Emma Mitchell.
If you’re anything like me, cardboard boxes from deliveries have been slowly accumulating over the past few months. Nothing is quite as exciting as a cardboard box when it comes to crafting! “Out of the Box” by Jemma Westing and “Epic Cardboard Adventures” by Leslie Manlapig both feature amazing projects including costumes, games, flowers, toys, props, and so much more. The majority of the projects in these books can be completed independently by most kids, but are intricate and fun enough for adults, and call for simple crafting supplies. If you have small children, check out “Easy Cardboard Crafts in 5 Steps” by Anna Llimos.
Some more suggestions for crafting with items at home:
- “DIY T-shirt Crafts: From Braided Bracelets to Floor Pillows, 50 Unexpected Ways to Recycle your Old T-shirts”, by Adrianne Surian
- “Craftivity: 40 Projects for the DIY Lifestyle” by Tsia Carson
- “ReMake It! Recycling Projects From the Stuff You Usually Scrap” by Tiffany Threadgould
- “The Upcycled T-shirt: 28 Easy-to-make Projects That Save the Planet” by Jenelle Montilone
- “Eco-Craft: Recycle, Recraft, Restyle” by Susan Wasinger
- “Crafts for Every Season: Creative Recycling and Handmade Treasures” by Kelly Doust
Enjoy your winter crafting adventures, and don’t forget to sign up for The Comforts of Winter program. You’ll set your own reading goals, and when finished, get a neat prize!
