Cheap Eco-Friendly Christmas Decorating Ideas for 2009

One of the easiest ways to make eco-friendly Christmas decorations is to create Christmas décor that is completely biodegradable, as well as sustainable. This means using natural items and no plastics or chemical adhesives. Another cheap Christmas decorating idea is making reusable decorations out of recycled and repurposed items.

Pine Cone Garland: You will need 2 dozen pine cones with the stems intact, 4-6 yards or hemp rope and/or cotton yarn, flour, salt (table and kosher), and an eco-friendly glue, such as this one. Attach the cones to the rope or yarn by tying smaller lengths to the stem and the rope or yarn, about 6-8 inches apart. Brush the tops and edges of the cones with the adhesive, then sprinkle liberally with both kinds of salt and dust lightly with flour, to create a sparkling snowy effect. Since the salt will deteriorate, if you plan to reuse the garland, it should be stored in an airtight container of some kind when not in use.

Crochet Ornaments: You will need cotton, wool or bamboo yarns in several holiday colors (white, red, green, etc), an appropriate crochet hook, cotton balls and knowledge of how to crochet in the round. Start by crocheting a ball shape that is approximately 3 inches in diameter, leaving one end open about an inch. Stuff it with cotton balls, then complete the ball. Use a small length of yarn in a complementary color to create a loop for hanging over Christmas tree boughs.

Cotton Crosses: You will need fabric (cotton or any other material made from natural fibers), sewing skill, cotton balls, paper, pins, scissors and some natural yarn. You may also want some sand, uncooked rice or beans. Create a cross pattern on the paper, about 4 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. Fold the fabric double and pin the pattern. Cut out the cross shape through both thicknesses. Place the two halves of the fabric "inside out" with the printed or outside of the fabric pieces facing each other. Pin in place and sew around the edges, leaving the top open. Turn the piece right side out. Sprinkle a little of the sand or rice or a few beans into the bottom and push cotton balls in with a pencil to stuff the ornament. Use the yarn to create a loop for hanging on the tree and sew it in as you sew up the top seam.

You can also create Raffia Bows, make a Knitted Tree Skirt out of natural fiber yarn, or paint the sides of crushed soda cans, dust them with the salt and flour mixture mentioned above, and hang them with regular Christmas tree hooks (or recycled paper clips), to make shiny recycled ornaments that give your tree more sparkle.