8 Ways to be a More Eco-Friendly Artist and Craftsperson

For some people, having the ability and opportunity to express themselves artistically and creatively through art, crafting, dance, music, or whatever else moves them, is essential to their overall happiness and well-being, and we at OGP are all over it!

If, however, you are one of those people who recognizes that some forms of artistic expression mean having to buy a bunch of materials, some of which not being super healthy for you or the environment, then this can put a bit of a dampener on things.

No one wants their creative juices to be quashed in any way, so if you are looking for some ideas on how to keep the energy flowing without having to buy a bunch of toxic stuff, then take a look at these OGP articles.

They give tons of ideas on how to proceed as an artist or craftsperson by using safer products, homemade materials, and recycled or upcycled stuff.

1. Nature Crafts

Getting outside with your kids is a wonderful way to spend some time together, get some exercise, and connect with nature. Making arts and crafts together is pretty cool, too. Combine everything, and you can start creating some sweet stuff that celebrates nature. Get out in the garden or the woods and start a nature scavenger hunt with your kids for sticks, feathers, pinecones, and leaves. Be aware of your surroundings and very careful about what your little ones get their hands into. Be sure not to allow over-harvesting or even any harvesting of certain live plants or wildflowers. Have a look at these 5 Nature Crafts for Your Kids and You.

2. Upcycled Christmas Crafts

Kids love making stuff. They love that feeling of completion, of accomplishment. It helps them build confidence. And, they love spending time with mom, with dad, with mom and dad. What if there were a way to get that as an all-in-one special? How about 12 days of Christmas crafts from recycled materials? And, if you need more persuading, you’ll save money on decorations, gifts (Grandma would much rather have a handmade Christmas craft from her grandchild than another box of fancy jam), and cards. Read on to learn How to Make Upcycled Christmas Crafts (Not Just for the Kids).

3. Thanksgiving Crafts

Spending some time decorating for Thanksgiving can make the meal and day all the more memorable. A nice setting, including place settings on the table, creates an atmosphere for celebration, so it only makes sense that we garnish our home as well as our plates. But, that doesn’t mean we need to run out and drop a bomb on another collection of ornaments to store in the attic for 11 or more months of the year. Instead, we can use what we have around the house and yard for simple crafts that’ll have the house looking the part. Here are 8 Fun and Easy Crafts for Celebrating Thanksgiving to Its Fullest.

4. Autumnal Crafts

You don’t need to spend too much money to make a really big statement. Lots of materials that would otherwise be sent to recycling can be jazzed up into a classy or kooky decoration. There are also lots of things that you can forage for, such as colored leaves, pinecones, and acorns, that make gorgeous, free, and very environmentally friendly decorations. Sometimes, it’s nice not to have boxes of holiday and seasonal decor to have to store away. Making things from natural materials or old bottles and cans means that you can compost or recycle your crafts once the season has passed. Check out these 4 Autumn Crafts Made From Natural and Recycled Materials.

5. Crafting With The Kids

Many of the following crafts involve preliminary tasks like collecting items and making mediums, as well as multiple steps to complete the project. This means that the crafts can span several days, and/or they can provide hours of entertainment. Afterward, many of them become toys that can further occupy the kids in creative pursuits. Not only do they keep the kids busy, but they hardly cost a thing, just time, which seems to be in abundance of late. So, here’s what to do with it: 7 Ways to Engage with Your Kids at Home with Crafts.

6. DIY Art Supplies

A great advantage to making art supplies at home is that they are often much cheaper, and it’s an activity that the kids themselves can learn to do, an interesting art project in and of itself. So, why not start with some basic items that most art kits include and find out just how to make this stuff — healthy, clean, cheap — ourselves? After all, we are the adults here, so we’ve got to make sure the kids know that we know our stuff. Take a look at these DIY All-Natural Art Supplies For Your Kids (With 7 Simple Recipes).

7. Eco-Friendly Artist

Many art supplies can harm the artist and the environment in terms of the toxic ingredients found in paints and the continuous waste from empty paint tubes, dirty paint water, and soiled solvents. No one here is asking artists to give up painting or even their preferred painting of choice. This is just about taking a moment to give a second thought to the ingredients in the paints and how to protect yourself better, and a little thought to how better deal with typical artist studio waste. Read on to learn a few Tips on Being a More Eco-Friendly Artist.

8. Natural Dyes

Using plants for dyeing fabric is a really fun activity. You can plant plants specifically for this reason or play around with kitchen scraps for your dyeing needs. Take light-colored cotton or linen t-shirts, tea towels, and washcloths, and have a go at changing their colors safely and cheaply. A lot goes into how well a fabric will take on a natural dye. In general, homemade plant dyes tend to be on the more subtle side and may not stay as vibrant as a chemically dyed item. Frequent washing and sunlight exposure can dramatically reduce the intensity of the color. However, this earthy, natural, and ever-morphing look can be appreciated as part of the beauty. Here are 3 Plants You Can Grow That Are Perfect for Natural Dyeing.

Related Content:

• DIY All-Natural Art Supplies For Your Kids (With 7 Simple Recipes)
• Eco Artist Creates Entire Grocery Store Made From Discarded Plastic Bags
• 5 Nature Crafts for Your Kids and You
• DIY Projects to Make the Most of Fallen Branches
• Holiday Decorations You Can Make from Natural Materials

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