Eco-Activities

A few weeks ago I went to a different type of craft fair. Instead of just having stalls selling crafts they also had workshops where you could learn how to do a whole range of different craft activities. I thought this was a great idea as many people in our current generation have never learnt to knit, sew, make or mend.

These sorts of skills are great fun and well worth having a go at. Not only are they relaxing and rewarding, they are also good for the environment. Instead of buying nasty mass produced things (which often have toxic by-products or are made by badly treated workers), you can make many lovely things from scratch. Even better is to recycle old materials and household objects into other useful stuff (much better than putting it into landfill).

At this craft fair I joined the felt bag-making workshop and it was so much fun, and so easy, I thought I'd share the concept with you.

Old Woollies into New Felt Bags

Dig out an old wool jumper or blanket (100% wool) - or go and buy a cheap one from a charity shop. There are loads in the shops here in Scotland as we have so many golfers . You can also find old baby blankets etc - I just picked up two for 50p each. Put the wool items through the washing machine at 40 degrees. They have to be 'hand wash only' or this will not have the desired effect of creating felt. Remove and line dry the (now shrunken) woollen item(s).

Next - cut out a bag template using a piece of old newspaper.

If you are using a blanket fold it over so you have 2 layers which will make up both sides of a bag, if its a jumper you will already have a double layer. Pin your newspaper template to the wool and cut your bag shape out around the edges.

Pin your bag together and stitch three sides of the bag closed, using a nice bright embroidery thread and a big needle.

Then, make some cardboard  templates for shapes such as flowers, leaves, circles, squares, butterflies or anything else you fancy. Using some smaller, different coloured pieces of felt, cut around these to make some attractive decorations for your bag.  

You can also dig out any old buttons, bits of lace or ribbon or any other little fun decorative bits and pieces. These can all be used to personalise your bag.

On the left is my first attempt - made in the two hour workshop. I then added some extra bits and pieces at a later date to make it a bit more interesting.

Have fun and I hope you enjoy your new bag. Be sure to supervise children closely if they are doing this type of activity. For young children an adult should do any of the parts requiring scissors or needles.

If you would like to find out about our new Eco-Activity days which provide an opportunity for you to learn and engage in a range of similar activities, call 01309 674768, email us at enquiries@wildatheart-ecoholidays.com or use the Contact Form. Eco-activities are also part of all our holidays and short breaks. Click here for our full 2009 programme.