A MAGAZINE STAND - created from recycled plastic bags!

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

Caryl here...

I've had such fun in the past couple of days making this magazine holder/stand so I had to share it on this blog.  You see, a couple of weeks ago, I was introduced to a fabulous internet site: 

PININTEREST

For a creative person like me, the site is simply heaven! I immediately started my own board, which you can view by clicking

HERE

Whilst browsing through the thousands of wonderful images, I picked up the idea of using plastic bags as the raw material for crochet yarn. What a fabulous concept - especially where recycling is becoming such a buzz-word.  It certainly got my brain churning, so I decided to give it a try.  

What to you think of my efforts?

I'm pretty proud of the end result and my magazines are now stored comfortably on the shelf near my bed.

It really isn't that difficult to make, but unfortunately I simply shaped it out of my head, so there is no accompanying pattern.  I suppose one can use any crochet pattern to construct absolutely anything...so give it a go. My 'shape-as-you-go' project was most enjoyable.

Today, however, I'd like to share the method of cutting up those plastic shopping bags to make up the yarn, so here goes:

1.  Smooth the plastic bag out on the floor/hard surface.

 2. Cut off the ends of the bag, i.e. the handles and the bottom.

 3. Fold up the bag and smooth it out.

 4.  Cut off thin stips - about 3/4 cm each.

 5.  Open up one of the strips to reveal a circle.

 6.  Interlink the circles to make a double-stranded yarn.

 7.  START CROCHETING!!!

Finally - take pride in the result!

I hope this has been helpful.  Let me know if you've tried it out or something similar.

Don't forget to visit my

'PININTEREST BOARD' !!!

Sending lotsaluv

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Dear readers,

Welcome to my blogs!!!

If you are visiting me for the first time as a result of the mention of

'MAXDOG' (The book) 

... on 702 Talk Radio today, please would you click 

HERE

...to visit my CURRENT BLOG
LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX.

You will be able to read all about the 'MAXDOG' household on that blog as well as the book.

See you there...

LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX

Sending lotsaluv

MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

FALLING LEAVES

It's Autumn!

Autumn/Fall is a time of the year which resonates deep into my soul.  It is so reflective of the circle of life and seems to fill the world with nostalgia and darkening gloom.

Despite the beautiful colours of Autumn, the knowledge of the icy chill of winter (just around the corner) seems to distract us from the beautiful colours which surrounds us. 

Soon the gloom of winter will descend and we will think it is forever. 

Is it not possible, however, to alter this thought into one of wonder and anticipation? 

Let me explain…

We often hear the phrase “Born again” in religious circles; a phrase which symbolises the dying of the self and the rebirth of the soul.  

In my mind, Autumn symbolises this phrase directly into the heart of nature.  We can even visualise it in ourselves.  

Leaves – symbols of a previous prosperous life – suddenly morph into strange, unusual colours, and then detach themselves from trees to fall and become dust... 

The incredible beauty of our surroundings suddenly disappears and leaves us with a grey world.  It can be a time of depression and deepening despair.

But amidst the beautiful leaves of Autumn lies the energy of the transformation; the hope of Spring and a new world.  One just has to look for it. 

How often do we see this in the world  at large too?  
Sometimes, usually vibrant people are suddenly struck with some fatal diseases or permanent affliction, and then sadly succumb to their illnesses? 

It seems that the notions of “Autumn” and “Death” hold hands together.  

But there is hope…always!!!…

This particular branch on the tree outside our house, for example, will soon become bare.  The tree itself will loose its leaves and lie, dormant, for a couple of months.  

But in a few months, new shoots will emerge signalling spring.  Suddenly the whole world will come to life.

Although,the months of winter may seem endless, we know, with certainty, that it is only transitional. The miracle of what lies below the solid bark and the seeds which lie desolate continues to work its magic.  

Soon, a whole new world will emerge.... 

Perhaps as human beings, we too fall into the same process … 

Is this also our season to change?  To begin our own transformation?

Perhaps it's the opportunity to rest and then to embrace new-found energy:  perhaps a new life;  a chance to grow as a person and a precious soul. Our Autumn is simply a transforming energy. A brand new life is on the horison - the promise is there...

But yes, like the trees, we first have to rid ourselves of our clutter – emotional and otherwise - turn our back on the things which burden us and keep us from springing to life.  

And then, finally, we need to embrace the wonderful, God-given hope of a new day; a new season; a new life...

Let us all rest in that hope...

With love

Caryl