Movin' on UP

I've always been big into recycling, Leave No Trace backpacking/hiking/camping, reusable water bottles rather than disposable, etc. I like the earth. I try to do my part, and teach Bean a way of life that shows respect to our environment.  You won't catch this kid letting the water run when she's brushing her teeth (she even scolds me if I forget from time to time!) and I love that she hands me the teensiest pieces of trash to put in my pocket if we aren't around a trash bin, so that she doesn't litter.  A girl after my own heart.

Bean, loving our Earth

My newest interest has been Upcycling. Wikipedia defines upcycling as "the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or higher environmental value." Thus far, my upcycling has consisted of making accessories and cute clothes for Bean from reclaimed clothing or fabrics. I really get a kick out of creating something from materials that otherwise would be seen as useless. I also like that Bean can have some unique pieces of clothing that would sell on Etsy for $35-$60, yet cost me only a few bucks. Score one for Mama!

Here are a few of my recent projects:

plain T that Bean wore last year, embellished with another T cut into flower petals. Plain T- maybe $4 from Target. Cut T- hand-me-down.  for $30 Mini Boden sells this similar shirt

Pillowcase dress (and also my first adventure on the sewing machine!) made from an actual pillowcase that I picked up at the Goodwill for a whole $.69. thats right...CENTS!

Apron dress. The only thing I actually purchased for this was the pink doily. I got 3 of them at a flea market for under $1 total. white T was a hand-me-down. skirt was made from one of Grammy's shirts, and the buttons were from Grammy's button bin. The fabric was purchased from a local fabric shop, but I had a gift card from my birthday (thanks, Ma!)

Bean, saying "hurry up Ma! No more pictures!" This little dress was compliments of Half-off day at Salvation army. T was under 50 cents, and the skirt part was made from a Maternity T that was $1.50. Cha-Ching!

Meet my sundress. although I love this Loft dress, and once paid a pretty penny for it, alas it does not cover the goods up top..at least not to my satisfaction. Even putting a cami or tank under it was too revealing for my conservative style. Instead of taking it to the next Mama clothing swap (which I am still hoping to get a larger group together!) I decided to snip it up, and make it into a mini dress for my Mini Me.

 Meet Bean's new sundress. I cut off the bodice, took out a bunch of elastic, and created flutter style sleeves. I think this dress is going to be a Grassroots Festival must have for this summer. Breezy, twirly, and perfect for Bean to dance barefoot in :o)

Now I just have to find something as perfect for me to wear this summer!