Reuse your old socks - make #Halloween Sock Spiders!

Green Halloween Craft Idea: Sock Spiders!

Do you have single socks or worn-out socks taking up space in your closet or dresser?  For some reason, I have a mound of these and even though I use them for cleaning - they just seem to multiply!  Since I have a lot of black socks, I thought I would reuse them and create "Sock Spiders" to use as Halloween decorations.  This past weekend, we walked over to Michael's Craft Store and purchased some black pipe cleaners and what my son calls, "googly eyes" then came back and collected all those socks.  We stuffed the end of the socks with other socks or old ripped t-shirts (you could use cotton, paper or tissue) and folded the open end of the sock over the whole thing and tucked it into the open end.  Then we poked through the bottom with 4 pipe cleaners to form the legs.  I sewed the end of the folded sock top to make a smooth bottom.  My son stuck the googly eyes onto the top then I pulled some thread through the top using a needle and hung one over the doorway to the kitchen.  They turned out so cute!  We can use these every year now AND I got rid of all those lonely socks!  Way to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!!

If you have black, purple, red or brown socks that have patterns or colors on them. you can have some fun - here is a sock spider using argyle socks!

 If you make your own recycled Halloween decoration, please share by posting a comment and if you have a photo, please send it to me and I'll post it here!

Thanks!
Happy GREEN Halloween!

Want more Green ideas? Go to  http://greenhalloween.org/`

12 Days of GREEN! Day 7: Green Crafts!

Day 7: Green Crafts and Free Printables!

Now that school is on break, and the kids are spending more time indoors, keep them busy with creative, fun crafts that you can download and print right at home!  I found several websites that have free printables but my favorite is Canon's Creative Park!  In their Paper Craft section they have TONS of free printables that you can download, print out (on recycled paper if you want to be green!), cut, fold and glue.  They have such a huge selection - from Holiday decorations to toys to an entire buildable city, Craft Town!  They have all levels of difficulty - some really simple but many are complex and perfect for older kids or those who love a challenge!  These are not only perfect for rainy/snowy days, they are great for playdates and trips to Grandma's (I'll be printing bunches before I leave!!!).  Canon also has a wide variety of other activities and downloads like calendars that you can customize with photos, photoframes, origami, and lots of scrapbook layouts and objects. 
Here are some of the coolest crafts they have:

  

Santa's Cottage:  http://cp.c-ij.com/en/contents/3159/03504/index.html

Ivy Christmas Wreath - Pop Style: http://cp.c-ij.com/en/contents/3159/03500/index.html

Snowflake Ornament: http://cp.c-ij.com/en/contents/3159/03496/index.html

Miniature Christmas Tree (pictured at top): http://cp.c-ij.com/en/contents/3159/mini-tree-pop/index.html 

You can also build an entire model city with paper buildings, vehicles and people!  This is perfect if you have a train set or want a little winter village scene.  Check these out:

 

Fire Station : http://cp.c-ij.com/en/contents/2028/03457/index.html  

School Building: http://cp.c-ij.com/en/contents/2028/03450/index.html
House: http://cp.c-ij.com/en/contents/2028/03451/index.html

Check out the rest of the collection at: http://cp.c-ij.com/en/contents/2028/list_15_1.html
Need recycled paper?  Click here
How about a wireless printer?  only $69.99 for copy, scan, fax, print:
 Canon PIXMA MX340 Wireless Office All-in-One Printer (4204B019)
 or only $49.99 for Canon PIXMA MP495 Wireless Inkjet Photo All-In-One (4499B026)

I love my canon Pixma - it prints great photos and everything else you need!


  
Happy Green Crafting!