Upcycled Delights: Crafting Meaningful Holiday Gifts and Decorations (Bloomington, IN)

Join us for a creative and eco-conscious journey into the world of upcycled gift-making, just in time for the holiday season! In this 4-hour workshop, artist Chandra Craig Rettinger will inspire you to turn items that would otherwise be put in a recycle bin into extraordinary presents and decorations– perfect for celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and any other joyous occasion.

Overview:

Holidays are a time for expressing love and appreciation through thoughtful gifts. This workshop is designed to help you embrace sustainability and express your creativity while crafting unique, handmade gifts using upcycled materials. Learn how to transform everyday items into meaningful treasures, impressing your loved ones while reducing waste and contributing to a greener planet.

What to Expect:

• Introduction to Upcycling: Discover the importance of upcycling and its impact on the environment. Learn how this creative approach can turn discarded items into charming gifts filled with sentimental value. A speaker from a local sustainability organization will give a short talk on sustainable consumerism and the impact on the environment.
• Exploring Ideas: Chandra will guide you through a variety of ideas suitable for different holiday celebrations. From festive ornaments and decorative candles to personalized gift boxes and vibrant accessories, there’s something for everyone.
• Hands-On Crafting: Get your hands dirty and let your imagination run wild! You’ll have access to an array of upcycled materials, art supplies, and embellishments to craft your own gifts. Please also bring your own recyclable pieces. A supply list will be provided to registrants. We’ll provide guidance and support throughout the process.
• Personalization and Meaning: Discover the power of adding a personal touch to your creations. Whether it’s incorporating meaningful symbols, colors, or messages, you’ll learn how to make your gifts truly special and reflective of the recipient’s personality and interests.
• Sustainable Wrapping: Extend your eco-friendly approach to gift wrapping. Explore innovative and eco-conscious methods of wrapping your upcycled gifts, making the packaging as memorable as the present itself.
• Holiday Spirit and Culture: Embrace the diversity of holiday celebrations as we delve into the significance of Christmas, New Year’s, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Learn how to infuse cultural elements into your creations, making them respectful and meaningful for different recipients.
• Celebration and Sharing: Wrap up the workshop by showcasing your finished creations and sharing your gift-giving stories. Celebrate your newfound skills and knowledge with like-minded participants, fostering a community that values creativity and sustainability.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a collection of beautifully crafted upcycled gifts that celebrate the spirit of various holidays and the art of giving sustainably. Gain the confidence to apply these innovative techniques beyond the workshop, making upcycling a part of your everyday creative endeavors and holiday traditions.

The workshop is offered in partnership with Discardia Bloomington. Stephen Hale will provide a short educational piece about Discardia’s activities, upcycling, and the Center for Sustainable Living (Discardia’s umbrella organization).

Join us for the Upcycled Delights workshop and let your creativity and compassion shine as you create memorable gifts from the heart. Together, let’s bring joy to the holiday season while making a positive impact on the environment!

Price: $55

Register for the Workshop Now

Current Artists for Climate Awareness members receive a $20 discount on this workshop.
To find out how, please email info@artists4earth.org.

Become an Artists for Climate Awareness member, below.  Contributors get workshop and event discounts, news, and enhanced insider participation.

Artists for Climate Awareness is pleased to offer this workshop as part of its series to help artists learn how to use art as a way to bring social awareness to conservation efforts in your communities.

As such, a portion of the workshop fee will go toward a Contributors membership in Artists for Climate Awareness.