Project Genesis

PROJECT GENESIS reminds us that even small acts add up to goodness, for our Earth, for us, and sometimes our pocket book or wallet.

I went to Starbucks yesterday, treated myself to an iced coffee and found they were offering coffee grounds to recycle.  I did this in the spring  and thought it would be a great way to add some ph to my
garden. We do have a couple more months to reap what we sow.

   The first of every month, Suzan of Old Grey Mare, encourages us to share tips and how we can reuse, recycle, aid in helping our planet, Earth. 

Coffee compose adds a richness to your roses and your garden. It slowly releases nitrogen, which aids in making your plants healthy!  You enjoy the perks of coffee or tea, now you can add them back to your soil.

I do want to remind you, that if a plant has a high ph, it may make change the plant's color.  I discovered this last spring.  We have two hydrangeas, one pink and one blue.  I added it to both of them; Pink was fine, but blue turned mauve and lavender.

It suggests on the bag, to reuse, re-imagine the bag and other containers.  The bag is for my daughter, to cover a book, so that was out.   I came up with this:
                                                                                                  

These are the containers you get in grocery stores, near the salad or olive bar.    I thought I would make something to put my Mom's birthday gift in.  I glued felt to the outside and the cut a circle to cover the puckered look.

  I would have added a bigger circle, but didn't want to use a different color felt.  This was all I had of the creamy white color.  If you want a more professional look, make the circle at least 1/2 inch wider.                                   

You will need 2 pieces of felt to fit this correctly, trim the top, so it is even.  I didn't have enough...so I took a piece of lace and glued it inside.  Next I added a flower and some ribbon.  I didn't glue the flower on, but used a painted clothes pin.  You can write the recipient's name on the tag or be creative and add scrapbook or wallpaper.   Now, I can switch out the flower.  I made a tag and used wire to thread onto the clothespin.  An old fashion pin would look nice to.
Add ribbon, shredded fabric to make a bow or your choice.                                   

Use any type of ribbon to attach to the sides.  I punched holes through the plastic, prior.  You can sew them on.  I made knots every 2-3 inches to give it some shape, so it wouldn't droop.

I had a bakery box, I used lots of wax paper and bought dinner rolls.
I wish they had been doughnuts, but that is another dream...lol.



I thought I would wrap one of my Mom's gifts inside; A sweater I bought for her.   I stamped the outside of the box with a flower stamp and some copper ink.  You could attach a photo or card inside, put I prefer to tease her, let her have a peek.   Then add jute cord  and flower of your choice.  I found these at the thrift shop!   Endless possibilities on how to jazz it up~

                                             
Here are some links to some creative container ideas:

Becky baked up some bars and then used the containers of sweetened condensed milk to create these cuties.

Dawn was creative with soap boxes; Check this out~

Shona uses all kinds of recycled finds; She has a large family and finds time!  Awe inspiring~

Regina took cereal box cardboard to the next level.

You can find a lot more inspiration in Green Craft Magazine; Here is a peek....

Thanks Suzan;  Check out her amazing tips and join in!  It is only once a month to exchange ideas, but these small tips can reap many rewards~