Seasons Greetings! Thank you for downloading ecokaren’s Holiday Guide 2013. As the holiday season draws near, I wanted to share my tried and true green holiday tips, crafts and recipes with you. I can’t think of more meaningful gifts than handmade crafts and homemade treats for the holiday season. In this 33 page holiday guide, you will find simple but festive holiday crafts and recipes for yummilicious treats I love. And if your friends and family are like me, they would love receiving homemade gifts. You can make crafts with materials you already have, package, and decorate with homemade bows. You can make edible treats and put them in mason jars or vintage tins and include handwritten notes. Regardless who the recipients are, I’m sure they will love any homemade gifts you give. And to make your life easier, there is a handmade gift giving worksheet at the end of the guide. Don’t forget to print it to help your gift giving season so much more organized! Regardless how much you love making handmade gifts, I understand how busy you are this time of the year. So just in case you don’t have time to make handmade gifts, I included some of my favorite businesses , mostly handmade, for you. So peruse through the pages and click on the links and check out their shops. I KNOW you’ll find some great gifts ideas from them. And you are supporting small businesses! And last but not the least, check out my “green” sisters from Green Sisterhood who share the most awesome green living tips. They are my green “soul” sisters who make “living consciously” easy! So, check them out! Have a happy holiday and healthy & prosperous New Year!

Co-Founder: Green Sisterhood Publisher: ecokaren Etsy Shop: ecokaren Copyright ©2013 Karen Lee

Green Holiday Tips

Give what they want: Wish list - this might sound simple but ask what they want for the holiday to minimize wasting

money on gifts that they don’t want. Secret Santa - if you have a large family, consider using this traditional method of giving and

receiving gifts to one person in a crowd so you are not buying gifts for everyone.

Experiential Gifts: A restaurant gift certificate. A massage or a spa experience. Tickets to a show or a concert or a sporting event. Season tickets to the theatre or other forms of fine art. Museum membership. Donation in their name for a charity. i.e. green organization or a local animal shelter.

Cards: Send electronic cards or e-texts. Use last year’s cards to make NEW cards. If you have to buy cards, buy seeded cards or cards made with recycled card stock.

Wrapping Use Furoshiki, a reusable fabric cloth. Reuse wrapping papers from last Christmas. Use brown kraft grocery bags and decorate the outside. Make homemade paper bows with magazine pages. Be creative and use pages from calendars, comic strips, wallpaper samples, old maps, posters,

newspaper painted by your kids. Reusable gift bags - sew two equal-shaped fabric remnants into a bag and secure with a ribbon. Wine Gift Bags - Cut the sleeve off of an old dress shirt or sweater, sew the armhole closed, and

place a bottle of wine inside. Secure the top with the existing button and tie a ribbon on top.

Decorations Choose a live potted Christmas tree or buy from a local tree farm. Then, recycle it afterwards. Buy LED lights for any decoration needs. Use a timer and turn the lights on only after dark and turn them off when going to bed. Buy rechargeable candles and do not use paraffin wax candles. Make handmade memory filled glass ornaments. Buy ornaments that are well made from local artisans that will last a long time.

I make unique and memorable gifts out of materials that are rescued or repurposed, like vintage sheet music, old maps, and even old library catalogue cards. Since I find the resources to reuse to make items in my shop are one of a kind, you won't find these exact items anywhere else!

www.ecokaren.etsy.com Facebook: @ecokarenlee Twitter: @ecokarenlee

Growth Chart Art

www.growthchartart.com

Facebook: @growthchartart

Twitter: @growthchartart

Growth charts are a great way to create family memories together. Putting your fingers on marks made in time is a powerful way to connect with memories. It’s never too late to start a growth chart - just request previous height measurements from your child’s pediatrician. ALL of our children’s growth charts can be personalized with either a child’s name or a family name. It’s a service we do by hand, here in house, to ensure that the end result has the same artistic quality that our growth charts possess. Personalization is $8 per name.

Vintage Paperback Garland

Any paperback pages will do for making this vintage-y looking garland but I used my kids' worn out well "aged" book since the pages were falling apart. And the highlighted and annotated text will always make us remember their high school years.

Follow these easy steps and make this memorable garland for hanging on the Christmas tree or anywhere in the house, except, over the fireplace mantle for obvious reasons.

Pages from a paperback novel

Hemp Cord in the length you need

All Purpose Crafting Glue

1. Gently pull the pages apart from the seam, and unglue the pages. This book was easy to pull apart since the pages were already coming apart but if not, use an Exacto knife and cut the pages along the binding.

Supplies

Directions

Vintage Paperback Garland

(continued) 2. Mark the midpoint of the page, about an inch above from the bottom of the page. Cut from the bottom corners of the page to the marked midpoint.

3. Then, fold down about an inch from the top of the page. Dab a bit of glue in the middle of the folded line so the cord can stick to the paper. Glue the edge of the paper down. Let dry for about an hour.

4. Drape the garland around the tree and admire your work. The size of this garland may look out of proportion since my impostor tree is small but a paperback size pages will be perfect sized panels for a 6 ft tree.

www.olivebites.com Facebook: @olivebites

Twitter: @olivebites

Olive Bites is the NJ studio of designer/maker/ dumpster diver Cat Ivins - home of the original magnetic interchangeable jewelry fabricated from recycled steel car parts - the Polarity Locket and some of the most fantabulously awesome Cork Jewelry on the planet.

Burlap Pouch Ornament

Burlap

Words cut out from vintage music sheets

Mod Podge

Strings pulled out from burlap

Pine or Fir branches The directions are self explanatory and easy to follow if you look at the pictures. But basically, you are making little pouches to hold the branches. Cut burlap in the sizes you want. I made mine about 3″x6″ opened so when I fold them in half, the actual ornament measured 3 inches x 3 inches. Cut out the letters you want from either music sheets or book pages. Then, Mod Podge the letters onto the burlap. It takes about an hour to dry completely.

Supplies

Directions

When the letters are completely dried, fold them in half, sew both sides, leaving the top open (or you can hot glue them or use fabric glue), and glue the strings on the back side of the pouches.

Burlap Pouch Ornament (continued)

You can sew the handles if you’d like. But I just wanted to show how you don’t need to know how to sew to make these little pouches. Let them dry completely.

Insert pine branches for fragrance and you are done! Now my imposter tree smells a bit like the real

McCoy!

www.fashiongreentbags.etsy.com

Twitter: @fashiongreentba

Fashion Green T Bags creates bags, backpacks and tank tops from recycled t-shirts. You may send us your favorite shirt(s) too and tell us how you'd like them to be altered. All of our profits are donated to the food bank.

Burlap Ball Ornaments

First, make burlap pieces stiff by soaking them in a starch solution and then, hang them up to dry.

I tried potato starch for this project and the burlap came out really nice and stiff. I cut them up in squares so they are easier to handle and can dry fast. The great part about this project is that you can be creative as you want with designing the ornaments. You can use buttons, beads, laces, rikrak, ribbons, and even ruffles that you can make out of fabric scraps like I did.

Supplies

Directions

Burlap Scraps

Starch - method of your choice

Rikrak, ribbon, laces or other embelishments

Threads or embroidery floss

Needle

Burlap Ball Ornaments (continued)

Cut circles in sizes you want. I cut 4 inches in diameter for mine. And then embellish each circle the way you want. I made ruffles out of t-shirt scraps and then sew them across the middle on four circles.

You can use three or four circles to make the balls as pictured below. You can use blanket stitch to attach the circles together or sew rikrak or ribbons on the edges. I used zigzag stitches on one edge but it wasn't as elegant as the rikrak, as shown on the top photo.

Finally, add a loop on top and now you are ready to decorate your Christmas tree or give them as gifts! Another option is to make a simple one sided ornament by using just one circle. You can embellish it anyway you like. I finished the edged with rikrak and then, added an angel made out of lace. But you can personalize these ornaments, add beads or buttons....oh, the possibilities are endless.

www.snackaby.etsy.com

Facebook: @snackaby Twitter: @snackaby

Snackaby reusables make a great green gift for the holidays!

Dishwasher-safe snack and sandwich bags,

Wraps and wet bags.

Made in New Jersey!

Amaretti Cookies (Almond Macaroons)

7 oz Almond Paste

2/3 Cup of granulated or fine sugar

2 Large egg whites (slightly beaten)

1/2 Tsp Almond Extract

Preheat oven to 350°. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor for about 3 minutes. Scoop about one teaspoon of the batter onto a parchment lined cookie sheet, 2 inches a part. Bake for about 15 minutes, watching to make sure the bottom

doesn’t burn. Cool the cookies on a cooling rack.

Ingredients

Directions

Read more: http://www.ecokaren.com/2012/12/chocolate-pecan-rum-balls-and-amaretti-cookies-recipes/

With the goal of making the world a happier, healthier, better-smelling place, Herban Lifestyle cooks up soaps and more from the yummiest, most natural, food-quality ingredients available, then wraps them in fun, earth-friendly packaging. Herban Lifestyle’s lines include delicious handmade soaps (some made with local liquor), nostalgic men’s grooming products, sumptuous balms, and the new Mason jar candles.

www.herbanlifestyle.com

Facebook: @herbanlifestyle Twitter: @herbanlifestyle

Organic Apple Cider Caramels

Adapted from Our Best Bites

2 Cups organic apple cider - from a local farm is even better.

1 Cup organic heavy whipping cream, divided into 2/3 C and 1/3 C

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp allspice

1 1/2 Cup organic sugar

1/3 Cup light organic corn syrup

1 stick (1/2 Cup) organic butter, cubed

Medium saucepan

8"x8" Glass pan

Small Bowl

Large heavy saucepan

Parchment Paper

Baking spray

Candy Thermometer

Oven Mitts

Ingredients

You Will Need

Caramel Making Tips The most important thing to remember about making caramels (or any candies) is to buy a good candy thermometer (even the good ones are very inexpensive but make sure to buy one that you can easily read and has small increments of degrees.) Also use a heavy pot that is bigger than the liquid portion of the recipe. It’s always best to have some maneuvering room inside the pot with the thermometer standing guard while your spoon is stirring. Make sure you don’t leave the stove area – this is not the time to catch up on you book “War and Peace”. Put some Christmas carols and stir and stir.

Organic Apple Cider Caramels

(continued) 1. Pour cider into a medium saucepan and boil on high for about 20 minutes or until the cider is reduced to 1/3 c. It might sputter so put a lid on it until it's reduces quite a bit. You will have to keep a heat resistant measuring cup nearby so you can pour it out to measure. I had to do this like four times! The reduced syrupy cider will boil down fast so keep an eye on it. When you have about 1/3 C, take the pan off the stove and set aside to cool.

2. Line an 8″ square glass pan with parchment paper with about 1-2" overhang for easy removal. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. 3. In a small bowl, combine 2/3 C cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and reduced apple cider. Set aside. 4. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/3 c. whipping cream and enough water to reach the 1/2 c. line on the measuring cup, and corn syrup. Insert the candy thermometer and simmer in low heat until the syrup reaches 234 degrees. 5. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the cream mixture. Add the cubed butter and return the pan to heat and re-insert the candy thermometer. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 248 degrees. This will take about 15 minutes but it will get bubbly. Watch the thermometer as it gets close to 248 degrees as the hot caramel can surpass that temperature very quickly, making the caramel to get too hard. So keep a close watch on it. 6. When the temperature reaches 248 degrees, remove the pan from heat and pour the caramel into the prepared pan. 7. Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Cut the caramels into

desired size - about 1/2″ squares - and wrap each caramel in wax paper. Store in an airtight container to give as a gift or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Directions

Read more: http://www.ecokaren.com/2011/12/day-21-24-

days-of-green-christmas-crafts/

www.herbanluxe.etsy.com

Facebook: @herbanluxe

www.sesameseeddesigns.etsy.com Facebook: @sesameseeddesigns

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At Sesame Seed Designs reclaimed wool and cashmere fabric is turned into stylish accessories, children's hats, toys, housewares and more! From amazingly soft cashmere baby hats to colorful, chemical-free potholders, there is something for everyone on your list. Many items are embellished with designs inspired by nature and each item is exquisitely crafted by hand in Portland, Oregon.

HerbanLuxe was founded by Myra Roldan who has been crafting makeup for over 10 years. She offers a unique blend of her grandmother's handmade makeup recipes along her updated touches. HerbanLuxe's most popular product is her Waterproof Vegan Mascara which is safe for contact lens wearers and people who have sensitive eyes. Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself.

Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Toffee

1 lb of unsalted butter (4 sticks), cut into pieces for easy melting

2 Cups Sugar

1/4 tsp salt

4 Cups of Whole Slightly Salted peanuts

1 Cups of chopped Slightly Salted Peanuts

4 oz of 70% or higher bitter or dark chocolate finely chopped

4 oz of butterscotch morsels finely chopped

15 x 10 x 1 baking pan or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper

Candy thermometer

Spatula or large spoon

Whisk

Ingredient

Ingredients

What You Will Need

www.houseofbotori.com

House of Botori offers contemporary mom and baby diaper bags and accessories in our signature prints inspired by various African cultures. This creative brand blends fashion forward looks with bold, beautiful colors delivering a unique and progressive look for the modern mom and baby. House of Botori donates 5% back to Sickle Cell Warriors. Facebook: @housebotori

www.unlieusurterre.com

Un Lieu Sur Terre means "a place on earth" in French. All my designs and artworks done on textile and paper have inspirational words "tattooed" on them. My design label "Un Lieu Sur Terre" is a lifestyle affirmation.

Facebook: @UnLieuSurTerreStudio

Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Toffee

(continued)

1. Line the pan with parchment paper and put it on a heatproof surface

2. Bring butter, sugar, and salt to a boil in a 4-5 qt. heavy bottom pot over medium-high heat, whisking until smooth, then, boil, stirring occasionally, until mixture is deep golden and registers 300 degrees on candy thermometer, for about 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Immediately, stir in whole peanuts, then carefully pour hot toffee into center of baking pan. Spread with spatula or spoon, smoothing top, and let stand for 1 minute, then, immediately sprinkle chocolate on half and butterscotch the other half of the mixture on top.

4. Let stand until chocolate is melted, 4 to 5 minutes, then spread over toffee with cleaned spatula. Sprinkle evenly with chopped peanuts, then freeze until chocolate is firm, about 20 to 30 minutes. Break into pieces.

Note: When toffee reaches 300 degrees, it's at a "Hard" candy state. It will be hard and brittle so you can break them into pieces. But if your toffee mixture does not reach 300 degrees, toffee will be softer and more chewy. You can cut them in squares with a sharp knife into even square pieces. You can make it either way. I made them in both ways and they are both just as scrumptious.

Directions

Kinetik Soul Jewelry A nickel allergy and a love of wood have allowed me to create wearable art. The ability to design textiles influences and drives my work, and after more than 5 years as a practicing artist, I am happy I can combine both artistic disciplines to keep eco-friendly fashionable.

www.bykinetiksoul.com Facebook: @soul.kinetic Twitter: @KinetiK_SouL

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Debby Arem Designs For more than 20 years I have been recycling and repurposing vintage circuit boards into home decor, office products and jewelry. Many of these items are embellished with vintage beads and found objects for additional interest and texture. None of the circuit boards have ever been part of any electronic devices so they are all very smooth to the touch. My products have been sold in the gift shop of the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum and many other galleries in the US and Canada.

www.debbyaremdesigns.etsy.com Facebook: @DebbyAremDesigns Twitter: @debbyaremdesign

NY Times Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adapted from NY Times

2 Cups minus 2 Tbsp (8 1/2 ounces) cake flour

1 2/3 Cups (8 1/2 ounces) bread flour

1 1/4 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 Cups) salted butter

1 1/4 Cups (10 ounces) light brown sugar

1 cup plus 2 Tbsp (8 ounces) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp natural vanilla extract

1 1/4 pounds good quality Chocolate chips

Ingredients

NY Times Chocolate Chip Cookies (continued)

1. Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside. 2. Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars together until very light and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add slightly beaten eggs. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Drop chocolate pieces in and incorporate them without breaking them. 3. Shape the dough like a jelly roll or a sushi roll and wrap in parchment or wax paper tightly. Refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. Dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours. 4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside. 5. Slice the dough into 1/4" discs onto baking sheet. Bake until golden brown but still soft, 15-17 minutes in regular oven and 11-12 minutes in convection oven. 6. Transfer sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then slip cookies onto another rack to cool a bit more. Repeat with remaining dough, or reserve dough, refrigerated, for baking remaining batches the next day. Eat warm, with a big glass of milk

Directions

At Zosimos Botanicals, skilled Artisans handcraft mineral makeup and natural skincare in a 100% wind-powered studio. Healthful cosmetics are mindfully created in small batches using pure mica, certified organic essential oils, waxes, herbs, certified organic fruit extracts and floral waters.

We do things differently here; which makes Zosimos cosmetics the best makeup for you. Our exclusive line of mineral makeup is custom made fresh just for you upon order. Nothing is simply taken off a shelf and put in a box. They are 100% handmade in small batches without toxic chemicals, parabens, nanoparticles, sulfates, lanolin, mineral oil, petroleum or other synthetic toxins. We are also cruelty-free; no animal testing, ever. Zosimos Botanicals gives you the absolute freshest nontoxic cosmetics possible. You will love how our healthy mineral makeup and skincare enhances their natural beauty.

www.zosimosbotanicals.com Facebook: @zosimosbotanicals

Twitter: @zosimos

Green Sisterhood Looking for more eco-friendly holiday inspiration?

Visit the websites of some of my green sisters for holiday recipes, crafts and more!

www.creativegreenliving.com www.green-talk.com www.conscientiousconfusion.com www.jenandjoeygogreen.com

www.thegreendivas.com www.lazybudgetchef.com www.condoblues.com www.almostallthetruth.com

www.thegreeningofwestford.com www.mindfullyfrugalmom.com www.glueandglitter.com www.eco-novice.com

www.thesoftlanding.com www.healthyhomemagazine.com www.non-toxickids.net

Handmade Holiday Gift Worksheet

Making handmade gifts are so much more meaningful than store bought gifts. But a holiday season can get crazy busy and if you don’t plan it now, you’ll be running to the nearest store to buy a gift at the last minute and you’ll regret giving it. So let’s plan now so we’ll be all set for the holidays. What should I make and when should I start? Some projects take weeks to make, like soaps, Vanilla Extract, liqueurs, oils, and knitted or crochet items. Determine how fast you can knit or crochet and always over-estimate how long a project will take. It’s always better to finish earlier than scrambling to finish a project on Christmas eve. Make Big Batch Items for Numerous People to Save Time Try to make big batches of items for numerous people. Baked goodies that can be kept refrigerated in are great since you can start beginning of December and avoid baking at the last minute. I love making jams and pickles. I’ll be making edible foods that I can preserve more than baking this year. They are healthier anyway and who doesn’t love a strawberry jam? Or exotic pickles like pickled cauliflower or pickled radish? Don’t care about edible gifts but more hand crafted gifts? Then, you have to plan out how long it will take you to make them one at a time. I can crank out items like pot holders, aprons, placemats more quickly than crochet or knitted items. So know what your limits are. Start gathering your supplies now and get to work! Budget Carefully Lastly, be mindful of your budget. Obviously, handmade gifts are so much better than store bought gifts but they can get costly too if you don’t watch your budget. Watch out for sales and stock up on supplies. And don’t forget to check your craft closets and food pantries for items you might already have. And remember to reuse and repurpose tins and jars for packaging. If you don’t have time to make any handmade gifts, consider buying from handmade sellers, like in this guide. They take pride in making every item themselves. Supporting handmade or small businesses (that includes Made in USA) is the best way to be a conscious consumer. Like they say, it’s better to give than receive so have fun, get creative, and support handmade!

Who Need Gifts? # Name What are their interests? Occupations?

Copyright © 2013 Karen Lee

Project Idea Recipient’s Name

Copyright © 2013 Karen Lee

Project Name How many needed? How long it takes? Start Date

Copyright © 2013 Karen Lee