{eco} DIY - paper wreath

I made this using paper!  It was supposed to go in the last issue of Pure Green Mag but it didn't make the cut.

 It was easy! Try it!

1. Using some recycled cardboad, cut a 16" circle.  Within that circle, 2" from the outside edge, draw another circle and cut out the center.

2. Measure cut 4.5" squares of paper (the amount will depend on how big you want it), but for a 16" wreath you'll need about 36.

3. Gently shape the squares into cones and use clear tape to secure. Glue onto the wreath about 1" from the edge, using a hot gluegun.

4. Cut 36 more squares of paper, this time at 4", shape into cones and layer intween your first row.

5. Cut 36 more squares at 3.5", shape into cones, and again, layer in between the previous row. This time, leave a short tail hanging off the inside edge of the wreath.  Wrap the tail under the wreath, and secure.  This will finish your inside edge.  You're done!  Easy!  It'll take you 2 hours.  I used recyled kraft paper, but it would like nice with bit of left-over wrapping paper too.

Home Feature on Casa Sugar

Fun stuff today!  Check out my home feature on Casa Sugar!  When the lovely Elka asked if I'd be interested in doing this, I immediately thought 'goodness, my home's a mess, but sure'!  It's a work in progress to be sure, and is far from perfect, but it's our home and we like it! Take a peek! 

Also, Casa Sugar is doing a poll of online magazines today.  I'm up against some pretty heavy hitters, but stop by and give my little mag {Pure Green Magazine} some love!

Thanks Elka for your support as always.

p.s. - if you love Elka's posts on Casa Sugar, don't miss our next issue, out January 15!  Elka will be contributing her style picks for 2011!

{green} traveller: Urnatur & Anthropologie

Often, my favourite part of the day is taking Rusty, my beloved pup, for a walk after a long day.  He's an active dog and won't settle for less than an long walk off the leash in the woods.  Even if I don't always feel like going, once I'm there, the day melts away and I feel more focused.  I often do my best thinking and feel the most creative on those walks.  Which may be why, after curiously reading yesterday's email from Amanda, who works on Anthropologie's PR team, I felt so drawn to the their latest feature on The Anthropologist, a site where Anthropologie features "the inspiring works of inspiring individuals. It {the site} is a testament to the idea that revealing the passions and pursuits of one person can result in the progress of many."  If you've had a gander at Anthropologie's gorgeous December catalog, you may have noticed the breathtaking, ethereal set location - the swirling mist, emerald greenery and dappled light, only a few of the things that makes the actual location, nature retreat Urnatur, hand built by proprietors Håkan Strotz and Ulrika Krynitz, so spectacular.  Urnatur in Swedish means "ancient nature," a principal that is embraced and embodied by the retreat (which has been awarded 5 green stars by Eco Hotels of the World)... the green roofs on the cottages look aged and ensure the landscape is uninterrupted; the tree houses give you new perspective on your surroundings; the interiors are simplistic and organic, emphasizing that the outdoors is your playground. "Urnatur is a refuge from many of the trappings of the modern world. Its approach extends not only to the pace of life at Urnatur, but also to its design. It has been said by guests and Urnatur’s creators that you must experience Urnatur to understand it. The video and photographic series {on The Antropologist}does just that. It brings viewers into the magical simplicity of Urnatur’s world."

{eco} design: a home to knit

Normally I don't like to repost what I see on other blogs, but this time I COULD NOT resist!  Whenever I am in need of some inspiration, Desire to Inspire {no pun intented} never fails to disappoint.  I saw this and immediately checked out the site to see for myself (you will need Google translate).  Talk about handmade charm... the owners of this home, a crafter mother and a carpentar dad, have created the most perfectly rustic, natural, handmade home ever.  The abundance of natrual finishes and reclaimed peices make this home nice'n'eco to boot.

I have seen a few pouffe's done in a chunky knit, and have always loved it.  Seeing this one makes me want to try, but have you seen her knitting needles?  It looks impossible to me!  Oh, and keep scrolling to feast your eyes on perhaps one of my favourite kitchens ever.

{eco} style: tinted mint

I'm off to the One of a Kind show in Toronto today!  Yippee!  I look forward to it every year, and I'm going to look for new fodder to share with you in the next issue of Pure Green Mag.  In the meantime, I came across another lovely emag today {more on that later}, and in it was an ad for The Tinted Mint, a virtual mecca for eco friendly crafty ladies!  I have always admired japanese masking tape, pretty stickers and so on, and now, I can have them, eco style!  It's a must see.  Go. Now!

{eco} style: Cartolina App

I hope everyone is feeling cheerful today!  It's been a very busy day for me!  Lots of customers into the store, which makes me happy!!!  Also, lots of great stuff happening with the magazine!  I feel so grateful, each and every day, for the opportunities I have and for the great community that blogging and publishing the mag allows me to have!  It's so amazing!  You guys are amazing!  Perhaps feeling like this is why I fell so instantly in love with the new holiday greeting card app for iPhone from Fiona at Cartolina.  I know these have been floating around tons already, but I couldn't resist posting about them because they are beautiful, and I LOVE them, but also, no one has mentioned how green they are!  Send a holiday greeting that is lovely to look at without using any paper or any resources to post it!  And, it only costs $1.99 to send. 

But, if you feel that nothing can replace the fun of getting an actual card in the mail, I just got these today!  I'm so excited about them.... they are so adorable!  They are printed on actual wood veneer that was harvested from FSC Certified sources.  Love.  Purchase them from my online shop - Sustain!

{eco} style: Holiday Glam

I'm heading to a few holiday parties in the next few weeks, and if the fairy godmother of eco fashion granted me one wish, this is what I would be wearing!

1. I might not be wearing this but I might certainly decorate with it....handmade confetti from Confetti Systems

2. shoes from Milk & Honey

3. bag from Ecoist

4. bracelet by Made

5. pantsuit by Kristinit

p.s. don't forget to enter the giveaways from the latest issue..... click here and leave a comment!

Savoury Herb & White Cheddar Scones from Farmer's Daughter

As promised in our latest issue, here is the recipe from Farmer's Daughter, who many may know from their former store in Toronto and their current Muskoka location.  Famous for their delicious pastries, they were kind enough to share their Savoury Herb & White Cheddar scones with us!  Believe me, as soon as I finished taking that picture (the one that's oozing with butter) I dived in, and it doesn't disappoint!  Make them as a gift or just to enjoy. Happy Baking!

Ingredients:

4 cups All Purpose, Organic Flour

2Tbsp. Baking Powder

1tsp. Baking Soda

1/2tsp. Salt

1/2tsp. Onion Powder

5oz. Old White Cheddar, Grated

2Tbsp. Assorted Chopped Herbs, including Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley & Chives

3/4 cups Cold Butter, cut into cubes

1 1/2 to 2 cups 2% Mild, plus extra for finishing

Pinch of Cracked Black Pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Farenheit.

2. Combine the flour, powder, soda, salt and onion powder in a large bowl.  Set aside.

3. Place grated cheddar into another bowl, finely chop the herbs and add to the cheddar.

4.Cut the chopped butter into the dry ingredients and work until the butter is pea-sized.

5. Add the cheddar and herbs to the flour/butter mixture.  Toss to combine.

6. Make a well in the centre and add the milk to the flour mixture.

7. Using a fork or wooden spoon, combine the ingredients until just well mixed.

8. Gentry knead until the dough froms a smooth ball.  Lightly flour work surface if the dough becomes too sticky.

9. Shape into rectangle and cut into 12 equal squares.

10. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place scones evenly on tray.  Brush with milk or egg wash and sprinkle freshly cracked pepper.

11. Bake for 8-10 minutes.  Rotate tray and continue baking until scones are golden and firm.  Approxminately 10-12 additional minutes.

That's it!  Enjoy!

p.s. don't forget to enter our reader giveaway, posted below!

Reader Giveaways from the latest issue!

Win this adorable ipod case made with vintage fabrics made by Mari of Stash!!!

Or, you could win this eco deco kit from Polli!  Contains 30 decorations with 6m of red twine.

To enter: leave a comment below with your email!  That's it!  Giveaway closes Dec. 1, 2010.  Tell your friends!

You can also enter via

1. Twitter: send a direct message to @puregreen01 (giveaways)

2. Facebook: become a fan and enter a comment below our giveaway post.

Good luck!

Thank you to both Stash and Polli for sponsoring this giveaway!  Check out our many other gift ideas in the latest issue of Pure Green Magazine.

It's Here!!!!!!!! Check out the new Holiday Issue

Open publication - Free publishing - More design

Hello everyone!  The new issue of Pure Green magazine is finally here!  Yippee!  I'm so happy to be sharing this, finally!  It took a little hard work and a lot of passion, and I couldn't have done it without my contributors.  You are all so amazing!  I'm so grateful!  I feel like running around and hugging everybody!!!  Help me spread the word... the new mag is here!  Happy Holidays!!!  I can't wait to hear what you think!