happy earth day

Since I'm hobbling around on crutches it's hard for me to kick the ball around in the yard for hours, and on top of it, today there was hail, thunder, and lightning when I got home from work. So, to celebrate Earth Day, I found some great crafts that don't require a hobbly wet trip to the craft store. Crafts using all that junk mail that would normally just become trash!

Aiden especially likes me to use long strips to make little springy papers...
Here are ideas I took from some NY newspaper:

Turn response envelopes into stickers
This craft is the perfect activity for a rainy day or after school playdate. Every time you receive a piece of junk mail, check to see if it has a response envelope. If an envelope is included, tuck it away in a drawer or storage box. That way, you'll have a good supply of envelopes on hand at a moment's notice.

You will need:
Response envelopes
Markers or crayons

Directions:
Cut the lick-and-stick strip of each envelope into 2-inch rectangles.
Decorate the non-adhesive side of the rectangle with markers or crayons.
Place anywhere you would normally put stickers.

Turn a catalog into woven coasters
These easy-to-make coasters are a throwback to the '70s, proving that when it comes to recycling, everything old is new again. Thank you to Jessica Jones and her blog howaboutorange.blogspot.com for sharing this fantastic idea.

You will need:
6 catalog pages (per coaster)

Directions:
Tear out six magazine pages.
Cut off the ragged edges on each page, and then cut each page in half lengthwise.
Cut each strip in half lengthwise again.
Fold the resulting pieces in thirds, folding the cut edges inward first so they're hidden inside.
Now you will have long, thick strips that are perfect for weaving. Before you begin, fold each strip in half at the center.
To weave, interlock two strips. This is the bottom left corner of your coaster.
Add another strip that wraps around the outside of the horizontal bottom strip, and continue until your coaster has 6 horizontal and 6 vertical strips.
Finish the edges by trimming, taping or folding pieces that stick out. The goal is to make sure each coaster is perfectly square and the edges are even.

We also tried making an easier version with a big open placemat. Aiden got the idea, but needed help sliding them under. He helped me figure out if it was ready to go over or under.