One of my favorite things about moving back to the US is being able to watch Martha Stewart on the Hallmark channel, especially this time of year.  I love seeing all the wonderful holiday crafts and displays.  The only problem is I am having trouble finding time to fit in watching the show.  Anyone else have that problem too? 

Fortunately, one day last week I did catch a segment where Martha made a beautiful coffee filter wreath, and as if by magic I somehow managed to focus in on how it was made even with the chaos going on around me.  I was really intrigued because I had a big bag of coffee filters that were not being used.  Little did I know before I bought our coffee maker, it doesn’t use paper filters :-/

Here is how I made Martha Stewart’s Coffee Filter Wreath.

First I cut out the center of a paper plate.  The lip works well to hold the glue.

Next I folded a coffee filter in half then folded the sides in slightly to make a smaller area at the bottom of the filter to glue.

Using a hot glue gun I drew a line of glue and pressed the folded coffee filter in the glue.

I continued doing that until I got almost all the way around the circle when I remembered to punch 2 holes and tie a ribbon through them to hang the wreath.

Continue with the coffee filters until you have gone all the way around the circle.

Next I glued coffee filters around the circle on the inside facing the opposite direction, pointing inward.

After the inside filter is glued in place you push it upward to make a more full wreath.

Continue until you have filled the inside of the circle.

When you are done gluing the coffee filters into place this is what the wreath looks like.

Lastly, to complete the look, tie on a bow.

I started with a big red bow.

Then I decided to trade it up for a smaller maroon bow.

Voila!  A beautiful coffee filter wreath made in very little time using things I already had around the house.  Martha also kicked hers up a notch with some glitter and glue if you want to take it to the next level.  I hit my time limit but was happy with the result.


What is your opinion, which bow do you like better on the wreath?

As a family of 4 we create more waste than I’d like to admit.  It is important for us to reduce waste as often as we can and set a good example for our children.  Scaling back on how much we buy is not only good for our wallet; it is good for the environment.

Although we have easy access to email, and a great variety of e-cards, there is still something truly special about receiving a card in the mail.  Something you can touch, hold onto, and display.  Kids love receiving mail too!  For that reason when I am feeling crafty I reuse cherished greeting cards.

Many times we hold onto cards we receive because they are so special to us.  They sit in a box, collect dust, and are not enjoyed very often.  In an effort to live more simply my family has significantly cut down on the number of cards we keep.  We still save some in a memory box but no longer keep all the cards we receive from loved ones.  Instead we reuse them, and let their beauty and special sayings bring joy to others, all while being a little more kind to the environment.

Often we will reuse cards with beautiful patterns and lovely sentiments, giving them new life by turning them into new cards with a personal home-made touch.  Simply cut and glue or tape.  It is really very easy and something kids can help do.

With the holidays coming considered reusing some of the gorgeous cards you receive and further pass along the joy.  This is probably not a good last minute project when you are swept away in the holiday rush, but with a little planning you may be able to make last year’s cards into beautiful new cards for this year.  Give the environment a kiss when you do, after all we are only borrowing our planet from future generations.

Reusing holiday cards is one of my favorite things to do.  They are incredibly beautiful and I hate throwing them out, so stay tuned for more ideas on how to give greeting cards a new life.


Do you have any ideas for reusing cards?  I’d love to hear your fabulous thoughts!