We’ve been talking a lot about upcycling lately here, so it’s just got to be the theme of your monthly challenge.
If there’s ever a time when reusable waste gets sent in mind-boggling amounts to the landfill site, it’s post-Christmas. But as it’s Christmas, new year and winter solstice… what could be more appropriate than reflecting themes running through all of those festivals by giving new life to something?
Wrapping paper’s the obvious place to start – there is so much of it and so much you can make from it: why not shred your used or damaged giftwrap to make colourful protective packaging for a future gift? Or shred again for confetti. Wrapping paper can make some nifty outfits for paper dolls. Or even jewellery.
Or use it to make beautifully patterned origami – you could create a new post-Christmas tradition that by New Year’s Day your home will welcome the new year by being adorned with carefully crafted paper-folded birds.
Other Christmas waste is also brilliant for craft projects: tin foil from mince pies can become tree decorations; cards and cardboard are always reusable – here’s a nice idea using old playing cards to create notebooks, which could just as easily use greetings cards. Or make next year’s tree-top ornament.
Most homes, let’s face it, are going to have a fair number of empty wine bottles left after the festivities. Instead of sending them for recycling, why not go one better and make some beautiful ornaments? And don’t forget you can upcycle your corks, too.
And saving the best for last…
Is your once-trusty old Twister mat well past its useful life and been replaced by a new one this year? Here’s one way for the, er, fashion-forward among you to give it a second life.
We’d love to hear about or see your creations, so send them in to us at gavin@otesha.org.uk.