Magazine Flowers

Second Post as promised for Mothers day here's another easy recycled project to do:

                                       MAGAZINE FLOWERS

Step One: The First Flower Piece

Rip out a magazine page

fold in half

Fold that half in half

Cut Along the folded lines to get 4 squares

                                           Use Different colors to add variety to your flowers
                                                                           

fold this small square the same was as the large, so there are 4 smaller squares

Fold into a triangle

fold the other side as well. It should like this when done :)

round out the corners by folding them backwards.

cut small slits on the sides where the first folds were made.

Fold these sides in as well. TIP: longer slits slimmer petals

TA DA! the first flower is done

STEP TWO: Making the center piece to hold your flower together

                                                                         

                                                                           

about one third and one half of a piece of paper (easier to shorten the middle piece than lengthen)

Roll it up

roll it up. use glue, tape, glue dots, craft stick. your choice. (to help it stay together)

You should have a small hole in the center (right). Simply put the stem through the hole (left)

fold the next flower the opposite direction to add depth to your flowers. 

And repeat the same directions as the last flower piece

Here is an example of the slimmer petal look :)

Combine these two flower pieces and TA DA! a beautiful magazine flower

Google magazine flowers for more ideas!

checkout my gift basket site to see some more recycled magazine art. 

http://harmoniousearthgb.yolasite.com

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS IDEA. NEXT MAGAZINE BRACELETS :)

Tissue Paper Flowers

Mothers Day is right around the corner. I will be posting easy recycled ideas for presents until the big day.

EASY IDEA NUMBER ONE:
                                   Tissue Paper Flowers

Step One:

Supplies- Two colors of tissue paper (what are your moms favorite colors),scissors,pipe cleaner,twistie,or green floral wire.

Step Two:

Cut out 4 squares of each color and alternate them as above. TIP  - bigger squares bigger flowers, smaller squares smaller flowers

Step Three:

Fold one side down about half an inch.

Flip The Paper and Fold down on that side. Keep this up until the paper reminds you of a polka playing accordion. 

Step Four:

Add what ever you decided to use. (twistie,floral wire, or pipe cleaner) 

Step Five:

Peel up one piece of tissue paper. Be Careful! It rips easily :)

Repeat Until All layers are Peeled up.

TA DA! I told you it was easy. 

I Hope you enjoyed the first idea. Next, A magazine Flower.....

Do you have a mother that would rather join in the craft making? Check out my "Crafters Dream" Basket @ harmoniousearthgb.yolasite.com

Thanks for checking out my How to on Tissue Paper Flowers! ~ Jamie

Recycled Magazine Baskets

 I tried this basket first but it was too time consuming

This one was MUCH quicker and used less magazine pages 

( a step by step how to will be posted soon!)

         
ABOUT THESE BASKETS: When I decided to start my own gift basket company I didn't want to use store bought baskets, everyone was doing that. I've always liked to think outside the box. So, it was settled I needed something different. You have to love and support your own creations, right?
          I am a nature loving, non- meat eating, environmentalist,   recycler, artist, DIYer, etc. So, naturally my next step was to come up with Harmonious Earth Gift Baskets, my gift baskets are made with products never tested on animals and in recycled magazines. It took A LOT of trial runs before i found my baskets.  Never be afraid to experiment. They are recyclables! you can always actually recycle them if you mess up too badly :)
 
         
CHECK OUT MY SITE FOR MORE INFO AND LOOKS AT MY BASKETS         http://harmoniousearthgb.yolasite.com 

Exercise Tips

Exercising

Kickboxing benefits http://www.livestrong.com/article/337421-the-health-benefits-of-kickboxing/ I LOVE kickboxing!!! it really is a fun way to get in shape. Also, those kicks are GREAT for trimming your thighs :)

CARDIO Everyday if possible. Depending on how rigorous. Simple ways to get it in: Bike to work. During commercial breaks after a long day (and at least an hour after eating, if it's a large meal) here are some 60 second cardio bursts you can do :) http://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/60-second-cardio-moves

Most of the time. Starting to exercise is the toughest part. Once you start the adrenaline and endorphins make you want to do more! So, you can also use these 60 second moves to get you going.

Weight training http://www.livestrong.com/article/438477-how-often-should-i-lift-weights-per-week/ I personally have trouble with my nerves when I lift too much. So, I like exercise videos (while i'm learning the ropes) that alternate with cardio, weights, and abs! Jillian Michaels does a very good job with this. A lot of her DVDs are only 30 minutes or 20 minutes. Very Intense! But, if you are short on time it is a great fit for you. I tried insanity (no weights, yay!) but it's about 40 minutes for each video, a set program for 60 days, and so exhausting (loved that!) that you need wind down time, shower time, eating time added to the videos. I would recommend starting easier and once you are already in decent shape trying insanity. It definently DOES get you in killer shape. My heart and lungs felt much stronger. But, the 60 days are hard to stick to if you travel frequently. 

Most importantly, find what you love and enjoy and stick to it. Try to follow a routine so the exercising becomes just a normal part of your day. If you need a rest day, I'd recommend Yoga! It allows you to get some recovery without stopping completely and having to restart

Hope you enjoyed My Helpful Tips! ~ Jamie

http://harmoniousearthgb.yolasite.com

Composting Tips

Composting!

I've been looking into composting for awhile now. Here are some good sites and tips that i've found:

 A start up how to with pictures! http://www.wikihow.com/Compost

Compost guide! What's okay, what's not? http://compostguide.com/composting-chart/

Don't let the “dummies” site turn you off from checking this out. Keep animals from getting in your compost bin: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-keep-wildlife-out-of-your-compost-container.navId-403804.html

more keep rodents away tips! Read all the way to the bottom where the extra tips are: http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rats-and-Mice-out-of-Compost

plant lavender and mint around the bin to help deter critters :)

Hope you Enjoyed These Helpful Tips! ~ Jamie

http://harmoniousearthgb.yolasite.com