Hi, everyone! I just got back from Costa Rica and am quickly repacking so I can head into New York for the Yoga Journal Conference. If you're attending, be sure to look for YBC in the program and say hello if you see me! Also, we have some spots left at our upcoming Greece and Morocco retreats! If you're looking for a last minute deal, let us know! Also! We have some exciting news about the Subscription Boxes coming tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Today's post is a guest post from Lauren Wotherspoon, YBC's Marketing and Events Director, who also happens to be a craft genius and brilliant packer. In recognition of Earth Day, she is sharing her ideas for upcycling and repurposing items we have around the house.

Pin now, make later! A diy tote bag out of a t-shirt

Tee Shirt Tote

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 10 minutes

Step 1: Pick an old T-Shirt and a find a pair of fabric scissors

Step 2: Cut off the sleves. I folded my T-Shirt in half so I could cut through both sleeves at the same time, cutting down on time and ensuring that both sides are even.

Step 3: Cut the neckline from the shirt. The more material you cut off, the larger the opening of your tote will be. You can mark where you want to cut, or eyeball it like I did.

Step 4: Turn your shirt inside out and lay it flat.

Step 5: Cut a slit on either side of the shirt. The length of the slit will depend on how deep you want your tote to be. The longer the slit, the shorter the tote will be.

Step 6: Cut even stripes through both sides of the shirt about 1” in width across the bottom of your shirt. Keep in mind that the pieces should be long enough so you can tie 2 to 3 knots with it.

Step 7: Tie knots along the bottom of the shirt holding pieces of the corresponding strips from either side. Tie 2 or 3 knots tightly with each set to make sure it’s secure.

Step 8: Turn the tote right side in to check your completed tote!

Pin now, practice later: DIY Toilet Paper Roll Gift Box

Toilet Paper Roll Gift Boxes

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 5 minutes

Step 1: Find an empty toilet paper roll

Step 2: Flatten the toilet paper roll

Step 3: Open the tube just wide enough to keep the crease visible.

Step 4: Bend and fold one side inwards and fold the opposite side over that. Secure with glue or tape. Repeat with the other side.

Step 5: Decorate!

Pin now, make later - DIY Magazine Gift Bow

Magazine Page Gift Bow

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 15 minutes

Step 1: Cut a page from a magazine

Step 2: Cut the page lengthwise into 9 strips about ¾” wide. Leave 3 of the strips full length. Cut 1” off three strips. Cut 2” off 2 of the strips. Cut the last strip down to about 3 ½” long.

Step 3: Twist each strip to form a loop at each end. Secure the center where both ends meet with a staple, glue, or double-sided tape. Shape the shortest piece into a circle and secure it with a stapler, tape or glue.

Step 4: Start with the 3 longest pieces. Arrange them on top of each other, spacing them evenly and securing each layer with glue or double-sided tape. Add the next two groups of pieces, doing the same thing. Lastly, stick the loop into the center and voila! Beautiful, creative and unique gift bow!

Wine Cork Poster Board

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 15 minutes

Step 1: Select about 18 wine corks (add more for a larger board)

Step 2: Arrange the corks in a pattern of your choice

Step 3: Use super glue to secure 2 pieces of cork together. Repeat until all of the corks are glued together. Let dry and you're ready to pin notes! Keep it on your desk or hang it on the wall! (PS this also works great as a coaster, too!)