Sustainable Gift Ideas

Sustainably Sadie

Sustainable Gift Ideas

I had a really amazing experience this last week:  as my yearly planner has started to fill up with baby showers, birthdays, and weddings, my wallet conversely empty, struggling with a tight family budget, I reached out through Facebook and asked for crafted gift ideas that I could affordably create for all these upcoming jubilations.  I received a huge response from friends with many helpful, fun, and creative suggestions.  I was introduced to new websites, got insight into childhood friends’ adult lives, and one of those reconnections opportunistically lead to a real-life, face time sharing experience at a mutual friend’s baby shower.  There is real life beyond the interconnectedness of Facebook, email and the internet and for me, it is refreshing to be reminded so.  Those real life moments are irreplaceable and like wise a hand-crafted, from the heart gift trumps a gift that strains the family budget. 

Pinterest.com and craftgawker.com were suggested for craft sharing websites.  Homemade bath salts (salt and baking soda infused with essential oils), unique picnic baskets complete with bottle of wine and opener, and a movie night gift were also shared.  I have had success making baby books from blank board books I purchased in bulk from orientaltrading.com.  Using one of my favorite craft supplies, Mod Podge, and my #1 tool, hot glue gun, I create “Baby’s First Love Story.”  Gluing and embellishing photos and memorable objects, I tell Mom and Dad’s love story in fairy tale fashion with bright colors and tactile shapes.  The Mod Podge seals the photos to the blank pages; I plan on the books being sentimental keepsakes that Mom and Dad will cherish and that can withstand some infant and toddler destructiveness.

When I find inexpensive baskets, buckets and bags, I purchase them for future gifts.  I save ribbon, beads, buttons, etc for decorating cards and presents; there is so much out there to be inspired by and I think it is awesome how many people are out there creating unique one of kind, sustainable gifts.  Share your ideas at sustainablysadie.blogspot.com or email sustainablysadie@hotmail.com.  I am also tickled by all the people who are canning and putting up food in sustainable ways.  As we approach gardening season, farmer’s markets and harvest, we’ll talk more about canning and putting up our bounty.  I’m always on the look out for new ways to work with and save food. 

Twin Bits

Tom Agnetti, published artist, is teaching at The River’s Edge Gallery on Mondays and Tuesdays starting Jan, 9th.  Classes start after school and go until approx. 6 pm. Monday classes are for 4-8th graders and Tuesday is geared towards High School and adult students. The class is $5. All you need to get started is pencils and a pad or paper. Show up and leave when you want, pick Tom's brain to get your art on paper!!!  Check out The River’s Edge Gallery on Facebook.

Tom Agnetti is also the January artist for Deborah’s Art Wall at the Twin Bridges Public Library.  His reception will be Friday evening, January 27^th, 4:30 to 6 pm.

The Twin Bridges Book Club meets at The Weaver’s Studio third Thursday of the month.  February’s book selection is The Faraway Horses by Buck Branaman. 

The Twin Bridges Community Association is hosting its Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser Sunday February 26^th, 1 to 4 pm at The Shack .  Ticket prices are $25 per person or $40 per couple.  More details to come regarding entertainment, door prizes and silent auction items.  The next TBCA meeting is Friday February 3^rd, 8:30 am at The Old Hotel. 

The GRVCCA Annual membership meeting is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 pm at The Philanthropy Building in Sheridan, Thursday February 16.  This is business networking opportunity that will involve sharing local business successes and struggles and a Buy Local presentation. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs. Jan. 26:  BB w/ West Yellowstone @ Home, GBGB 1:30 pm; Wrestling @ Butte High, 6 pm

Friday & Saturday Jan 27 – 28:  State Speech & Drama MSUB

Fri. Jan 27:  JrHi BBB w/ Shields & Townsend @ Home; Wrestling Mixer @ Corvallis, 5 pm

Sat. Jan 28:  2^nd – 5^th Grade BB practice 9 am; BB w/ White Sulphur Springs @ Home, GBGB, 2:30 pm; 2^nd – 5^th Grade Boys play ½ time 7 pm varsity game;

Mon. Jan. 30:  JrHi BBB @ Sheridan, 4 pm; B & GBB w/ Butte High  Frosh, JV only

Tues. Jan 31:  Science Fair, MP Gym all day, open to public 4:30 – 6:30 pm; JrHi BBB & Boys C squad @ Ennis 4 pm;  College/ Financial Aid Night, MP gym & MT Room, 7 pm.

Feb. 1:  February is I LOVE TO READ MONTH; Booster Club mtg @ 6 pm. 

Thurs Feb 2:  Happy Groundhog’s Day!!  JrHi BBB @ Three Forks Tourney; BB @ Ennis, 2:30 pm BGBG

Fri Feb 3:  7^th Grade Fundraiser Chili Feed tba; BB w/ Manhattan Christian @ Home, 3 pm BGBGB

Sat Feb 4:  JrHi BBB @ Three Forks Tourney; SW “A” Divisional Wrestling @ Anaconda

Let me know what I’m missing: email or call with your event information. 

Sarah Miller (406) 531-1422, sustainablysadie@hotmail.com.