Do you have lots of creative reuse ideas, but struggle to get them started? It can be difficult to prioritize creative reuse projects in a busy life. So in January 2017, I started a project to make one creative reuse item per month – as a gift for my grandmother. It’s like a Christmas present that lasts all year. She gets a monthly care package in the mail, and I move ideas into action.
There are many ways that makers can build more creative discipline, through projects such as:
- the 100 Day Challenge
- the Creative Sprint where you make something for 30 days in a row
- “Me-Made-May” where people post a photo on Instagram of themselves wearing something they made each day
But if a daily challenge sounds overwhelming, you might consider a monthly challenge like mine, with an eager audience checking her mailbox.
Homemade Gifts from Recycled Materials
I made the following gifts for my grandmother Rea from January 2017 to November 2019:
Hand-woven Valentine’s cushion – January 2017
Handwoven heart cushion on my hand loom
Embroidered Squirrel – February 2017
This was inspired by the pattern designed by Hawthorn Handmade.
Hexagon Quilt – March 2017
Butterflies Made from Recycled Men’s Ties – April 2017
Rug-hooked Swirl – June 2017
This was inspired by Jess Wrobel’s peppermint hooked rugs.
Newfoundland Trigger Mitten Embroidery – September 2017
Remembrance Day Poppy Quilt – November 2017
This was inspired by Jen Manuell at Fish Eye Sisters.
Felt Bagpiper Ornament – December 2017
Felt Fruit Salad Mandala – January 2018
Valentine’s Beaded Broach – February 2018
Felt Circle Necklace – March 2018
Felt Owl Ornament – April 2018
Dandelion Puff Embroidery – May 2018
This was inspired by the work of Velvet Meadow.
Rainbow Swirl – June 2018
Embroidered Autumn Leaves – October 2018
Hooked Evergreen Tree – November 2018
Bojagi Quilt – February 2019
Embroidery of Nanny and me – March 2019
Bluebird felt ornament – April 2019 (because she dyed a small part of her hair blue)
Pink Circle Quilt – June 2019
Pastel Punched Rug from Chenille Yarn on a recycled rice burlap bag – July 2019
Windy Day Bike Ride Ornament – October 2019
Christmas Tree Bag – November 2019
Nanny with My Children
Here’s some photos of my grandmother (who I call “Nanny”) with my children last summer:
