Another Green Craft Project: A Lil'Beach Bag

Our Second Hand Finds

My niece and I went on a green crafting frenzy the other day. We headed to the thrift store with one project in mind, but of course I left with several other potential projects in hand, just in case we decided to get really crafty!

In the kids section, I just couldn't resist some of the fabrics in the second-hand clothes that were on sale. Little flower prints, all ready made patchwork dresses, polka dots and more... oooo, what could be made from these precious items? A little hand bag, of course -- great for the beach, the store for a few grocery items, or where ever you may roam!

We tromped over to the belts to find the perfect straps for our bags... 2 ribbon belts just happened to be there, how perfect!

Back home the project was simple as pie. I just cut off the bottom of the dress with the patchwork fabric, cut 2 pieces, and sewed the open edges to make a little bag. Then cut off the belt loops, and sewed the ends of the belt to the bag as a strap.

Voila! Our little bags... perfect for our upcoming trip to the beach!

What a great model my niece is! Now, off to make more little bags with the other goodies I found!

Craftin' with My Niece: Thrift Store/Green Fun

My teenage niece was in town the other day on spring break and I got a chance to spend the day with her! We don't get much time to spend together since she has lived a couple states away for many years... and when we do, it's usually with the whole family. So, this was a big treat for me to just be one on one together.

I tried to rack my brain of ideas of what would be "cool" to do -- from a teenagers perspective. When that didn't work, I of course resorted back to good ol'crafts!

We headed to the bookstore, and I saw one of Somerset Studios new publications, Green Craft Magazine. Lots of great ideas... perfect for some aunt and niece fun!

We decided to start in on the t-shirt necklace project, so we headed to the thrift store to pick up some old colorful t-shirts. In doing the project, I definitely recommend patterned t-shirts as well as solid shirts. When braided, the different colors in the patterned shirt make for an more interesting design.

Once home, we started to shred! My niece used scissors and I tried my luck at tearing. The trick is you want long strips, so sometimes tearing doesn't work. Once we had our pile, it was time to braid.

We made many necklaces as well as a couple bracelets and anklets too! My niece also did extra braiding and made some bracelets for her younger cousins. Weren't they lucky.

Do you have a fun craft you like to do with your niece or nephew? Would love to know!