Finding new and fun ways to recycle old things is a hobby of mine, and I have just discovered some great new books that would make terrific gifts for any creative recycler on your Christmas list. Or don’t wait, buy them for yourself.

This book is so much fun, even the cover is interesting:

Eco Books: Inventive Projects from the Recycling Bin

Here are 40 innovative book-making ideas using recycled and green materials! More than just earth-friendly, they’re also beautiful, clever, and witty, stitched with traditional binding techniques. Egg cartons, wood, beer cans, and cassette tapes morph into covers, while brown bags, coffee filters, and discarded newspapers are transformed into pages. Create a boxed set of cereal box books, an exposed stitch sketchbook out of cardboard and remnants, and even a faux leather journal made from teabags.

In addition to how-to drawings, close-up detail photographs, and simple stitch diagrams, a gallery of eco-books from an international roster of artists provides inspiration.

Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials
Re-Bound is a beautiful book on bookbinding with a fun green twist-all the projects use recycled and upcycled materials. This book shows you how to take everyday materials from around the house, flea markets, thrift stores, and hardware stores and turn them into clever and eye-catching hand-made books.

Rejuvenated Jewels: New Designs from Vintage Treasures
In this book, readers learn where to find fabulous vintage jewelry, beads, and artifacts, and how to create stunning one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces using these amazing finds. Rhinestone beads and clasps, mercury glass beads, oxidized metal chains, rosary beads, tiny book charms and more are retooled into fabulous statement pieces that can be worn every day.

Semiprecious Salvage: Creating Found Art Jewelry
Semiprecious Salvage shows readers how to think beyond the techniques taught in traditional beading and jewelry books in order to create found art jewelry. Mixed-media applications like sewing, plasterwork and altering found objects tie together to create jewelry pieces such as brooches, pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and belts. In addition to thought-provoking stories on the origination of some of the found items, Stephanie provides the reader with practical jewelry-making techniques that they can incorporate into their own inspired pieces. A simple, organic approach gives the reader limitless ideas for crafting their own jewelry as well as ideas for locating found items whether it be on a nature walk, one’s travels or in the comforts of home.

Each one of these books would be a terrific gift for someone creative on your list.  And there are more similar books.  If you click through the links for each book you will find more books listed underneath each main title on Amazon.

It amazes me every time I research baby items for gifts or just for fun how many innovations have been made in baby items since I had a baby. My youngest is only 12 years old, so that wasn’t that long ago. Today I was searching for interesting baby furniture and came across the Cariboo line of baby furniture.

Cariboo’s line of furniture is very simple, sleek and modern looking and entirely functional. I would have loved to have had something like this in my home when I had my babies. Not only that, but they are made from sustainable wood.

“Cariboo is a line of children’s furniture that showcases elegant design with practical features. Designed and made in New Zealand, the Cariboo line is constructed of sustainable Radiata wood. The coordinating bassinets and changing tables blend easily with the most stylish home decor. Each piece will be a striking addition to any nursery or master bedroom.”

Cariboo Classic Changing Table
The timeless beauty of the Cariboo Classic Changing Table adds a touch of class to any nursery. The Classic Changing Table also has long term use as a stand for toys or books when a changing table is no longer needed. The Classic Changing Table is environmentally friendly, made from sustainable New Zealand Radiata wood. Comes complete with a changing table pad and fitted toweling cover.

Specifications:

* Dimensions: 35″ H x 32″ D x 33″ L
* Weight Limit: 45 lbs
Cariboo Folding Bassinet

The Cariboo Folding Bassinet is perfect for parents with little room to spare. Stylish and functional at the same time, this bassinet folds flat for easy storage or travel.

The Folding Bassinet is environmentally friendly, made from sustainable New Zealand Radiata wood. The stain is lead free and all materials are non-toxic and PBDE free.

Available in Teak or Mahogany.

Specifications:

* Dimensions: 36″ H x 27.5″ D x 34″ L
* Weight Limit 22 lbs.

You can purchase these and many other eco-friendly baby items at BabyEarth.

If you are a fan of local history or green living, then you should get to know the work of a local Cleveland, Ohio company called A Piece of Cleveland.

A Piece of Cleveland or APOC, is a both a company and a mission. This group is creating a demand for recycled wood in Cleveland, Ohio by creating beautiful wood furniture, accessories, and custom furnishings all out of wood from deconstructed buildings.

For more information on A Piece of Cleveland, follow this link.