Long before recycling... re-purposing... and reusing became popular...
we have harvested nylon/plastic netting...saving them from the landfill.
We store them in a pretty apothecary jar on the counter-top.
we have harvested nylon/plastic netting...saving them from the landfill.We store them in a pretty apothecary jar on the counter-top.
Sometimes we use them as-is...
other times, we paint them to create whimsical gift packaging...
This Bean Soup Mix is prettily packaged inside a recycled fast-food cup...
(it has been cleaned out with bleach & water...allowed to dry...then painted)...
and then wrapped in re-cycled netting.
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We originated this idea in our first book...
Frugal Luxuries
(page 230).
Below, you'll find the actual excerpt with detailed instructions on how to
make this environmentally friendly, easy, project.
------
WHIMSICAL GIFT PACKAGING
You Will Need:
(it has been cleaned out with bleach & water...allowed to dry...then painted)...
and then wrapped in re-cycled netting.
-------
We originated this idea in our first book...
Frugal Luxuries
(page 230).
Below, you'll find the actual excerpt with detailed instructions on how to
make this environmentally friendly, easy, project.
------
WHIMSICAL GIFT PACKAGING
You Will Need:
Spray paint [I try to minimize my use of spray paint & either buy it at yard sales or use a sponge brush and leftover latex paint from other projects around the house]
One large, clean drinking cup (like one from a fast-food restaurant)
Nylon netting (from store-bought onion or garlic)
Raffia or other coordinating ribbon
A small piece of masking paper or newsprint
One large, clean drinking cup (like one from a fast-food restaurant)
Nylon netting (from store-bought onion or garlic)
Raffia or other coordinating ribbon
A small piece of masking paper or newsprint
To Make:
Over the masking paper, spray-paint the netting. [Or sponge paint, one side at a time, allow to dry between sides.] Allow the netting and paper to dry thoroughly. Crumple the paper and put it loosely into the bottom of the cup. (This will raise your gift item so that it makes a better presentation.) Next, put your gift (I use homemade three bean soup or homemade gourmet coffee) into the cup and netting then tie it with a raffia bow.
This beautiful package will stand alone as a small hostess gift (you can put cookies or candies inside instead of soup or coffee) or as part of a larger gift basket.
This beautiful package will stand alone as a small hostess gift (you can put cookies or candies inside instead of soup or coffee) or as part of a larger gift basket.
Take from Frugal Luxuries, by Tracey McBride. Published by Bantam Books, 1997.
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6 comments:
this is so fabulous and thrifty!
Tracey,
You always have such lovely ideas! Thank you for sharing them with us.
Gina
What a cute idea with the netting! I don't think I see it very often any more.
Hello to you all! Thank you so much for your nice comments! I buy a lot of my produce from small farmer's markets, where I bring my own bags to hold produce. Even still, there are times when we miss out on the farmer's market. When that happens I usually turn to Trader Joe's. This is where I buy the netting packaged produce...usually onions, avocado and oranges...and sometimes garlic! This recycling project (above) helps to keep the plastic out of the landfill and is fun and easy too!
Have a great weekend my kind friends.
Warmly,
Tracey
Hey Tracey!
I found you again! I love these ideas. What a great way to be "green"!
That is a wonderful idea! I'll be looking at my netting bags with new eyes now, seeing more than pot scrubbers!
An idea I saw Lynette Jennings mention years ago on one of her decorating shows (I don't think these shows are around anymore) was another creative use for something all of us have and probably throw away. She "recycled" the tube that wrapping paper comes on as a "box" - her daughters gift was several pair of new socks which she safety-pinned together and then stuffed down the tube, and then wrapped in gift paper. Apparently her daughter got the giggles as she pulled out pair after pair after pair of socks!
Blessings on your day!
Michelle
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