I am sure you know how to use ribbon on a page or card. You adhere china molecular sieve down flat with a piece of double sided tape, right? Yes, that adds a little 3d element, but you can do much more with ribbon. You have probably already tied bows on a card or layout. But have you pleated it, sewn over the pleats, looped or curled it? Have you ruffled it and used the ruffle to wind into a flower shape held together with a button centre? How about tying knots in the end of a bunch of ribbons and then tying the bunch together and adding that to your project?

Ribbons can mimic stems for flowers too. Experiment with ribbon and twine and cord and leather. Try using netting or other pieces of material to add interest. Use a piece of material from a special dress or room furnishing to add value to the subject you are scrapping about. Use it as a background for a photo, or gathered or tied or scrunched – the choices are only limited by your imagination.

Yet another wonderful 3d element can be added with texture paints or gesso (coloured or otherwise). Slather colour on to the object and use various objects to ‘work’ it such as spatulas, paint brushes, a fork, a toothpick, a cotton bud, the end of a bobby pin. Use anything you think will make an interesting texture. Dab at it with an old hair brush or toothbrush. Embed beads, buttons, sequins or crystals in it. Add little shells. Throw on some glitter. Have fun! You will make something truly original and interesting to add as a background for your projects.

Remember that Cuttlebug or cork pads for glass dry emboss card stock. Make it even more interesting by sanding the ridges of the embossed patterns, or chalking them, or swiping an ink pad over them or painting and removing some of the paint with a tissue before it is completely dry. Crumple up the paper and smooth it out again.

In addition to cleansing solutions and steam floor cleaners, purchasing products made completely out of recycled materials contributes to a healthier environment. Items like paper or jewelry are typically easy to find in 100% recycled versions. For other products, such as motor oil or construction steel, finding entirely recycled options is difficult. However, partially recycled alternatives are usually fairly easy to come across.

Green Steam Mops

The steam floor cleaner provides the ideal way to clean healthier while simultaneously helping the environment by not emitting harmful toxins into the air. Green steam mops are lightweight, easy to use, and eliminate germs and bacteria. With little effort, these machines dissolve dirt and grime that appears deeply ground and embedded into the floor. Packaged with reusable cleaning pads, the only thing that must be added to the steam floor cleaner is water. Although pads come with the green steam mop, renewable pads, organic cotton towels, or even bamboo towels can also be used for the cleaning pad.

Armed with just a few helpful hints about green cleansing alternatives, finding a safer, more eco-friendly method to clean up around the house will prove a simple task.

Pro: Inexpensive, easy maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the 4a zeolite powder in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Doesn’t harbor dust mites; ideal for home owners with allergies or asthma. Long-lasting; never needs to be replaced.