Crafting has always been about re-purposing, but this year I found myself far more conscious of recycling and reusing. Being a new grandmother and a grand-aunt has inspired me to think carefully about materials and taking care of "their" planet.
This page was last updated: July 20, 2011
Norma Anne is the humble princess of her own domain. Many thanks to all who help and apologies for my mistakes. All artwork and articles copyright Norma Anne Chattin 2000-present. Please do not reproduce with permission.  Contact Norma Anne at NAChattin@NAChattin.com

Grow Biz_468x60banner
Create gifts and art from items you find around your home or office. Crafters have been recycling and eco-friendly long before it was hip.

See online article on the Santa/Wizard necklaces here....
Environmentally Friendly Projects ------click to enlarge
display of upcycle Xmas card used to post on Craftsterholiday card from recycled Xmas card. This card is recycled from a card I made previously for my parents. They save my cards so I can recycle themAce valentine uses old playing card from incomplete deck and chipboard die cut from tissue boxinside Ace valentineflowers made from paper scraps and pages of an old dictionary in my studioPalm tree from die cut tissue boxMagazine punched tagspunched swirls from magazine and champagne bottle stampedchocolate tag with blue accentslayers of chocolate from magazinemagazine pictures punched and stampedBottled energy. Used a jar that Prima flowers came , decorated it, and filled it with energetic words and quotes for my friend Lynn's 50th birthdayFloppy diskette converted to handing ornament. Check the articles page for a video tutorial on this onesanta necklaces from leftover wood scrapsold chandelier crystals strung into ornmanetsMint tin made into digital photo albumtote bags made of crocheted grocery bags--I didn't make these got them at a thrift sale. they were made in Africa to benefit a women's charityI wrapped tops and bottoms of old shoe boxes for reusuable gift containersI used 12" square card stock from the the "scrapbook stash" to make boxes for the crystal ornamentsTry those clear plastic packaging peices converted to gift baskets lined with dish towels or scraps of wrapping paper.My "tissue paper" was holiday dishtowels from a discount store.I used grocery store reusable shopping bags as gift bags--tied handmade tags to handlesI bought photo frames at yard sales and put digital scrap pages in them as giftls.I covered a composition book in angel images cut from cards and scrap paperscosmetic box turned birthday cardCovered pringles cans--I recycled a plan can into a customized gift.the wrapper for the pringle can in full view. Note--cookies stack really well in these cans to send in the mail oldie but goodie--recycle a canceled postage stamp into a fun pin to wear. I get offers to buy this pin every time I wear it, but I can't let go of ElvisUsed scraps of paper and an broken wrist watch on a birthday party decorationMint tins repurposed as business card holder and paper clip holderlamp from empty chip canRed and green chipboard die cuts are from tissue boxes.Flower and word banner from old Christmas cardinside palm Christmas where more recycled holiday card and tissue box cuts were usedAlcohol inks and diecuts embellish waterbottles that could be reused. They have carrier handles on them too.Alcohol Inks and a die cut decorate a regular light switch.A gift box that held a watch and bracelet set was converted into a box for fancy soaps.Inside the receycled gift box."The clip dancer" is a paper clip converted into a book mark. Am I stretching the recycle part here?More paper clip book marks using sticker images this time.Tags made from the counter top samples they give out at the "big box" hardware stores.Use a clip board as a photo frame.Use colorful hats mounted on long dowel rods for party decorations. They can go in a floor vase or in the ground.Game peices make great recycled treasures. This is made from a domino.Fill canning jars with everything from cookie mixes to popcorn or jelly beans and add a tag for decoration.Upcycle a pair of shoesAn old clear plastic calendar cover was recycled into a folder for take out menusDie cut a soda can into the shape of an art doll to embellish a scrapbook page--this would be a fun ornament too.
Renew, Recycle, Alter
Artist Statement/Bio
Norma Anne Chattin, The Artful Tourist
                             Make something of it