This month’s theme as a Michaels Maker was summer celebrations and I wanted to show how to make your own eco-friendly party decor. Since every other recent post has been about chickens I thought I’d just continue that theme as well. I’ve been wanting to have an open house for the new chicken coop, or an “open coop” as I guess that would be called:
Since we are really into re-use and composting I wanted to make the majority of the DIY party decor eco-friendly:
Here are a few ideas for a more eco-friendly party:
**Use plain, uncoated paper goods that will break down and compost quickly.**
It’s easy to make eco-friendly party supplies for any theme party if you take just a little time to make a custom stamp. You can stamp kraft paper tablecloths, kraft wrapping paper, and even napkins. I made a few stamps for this party theme…because unfortunately “Open Coop” party supplies aren’t the biggest seller out there:
To trace it I draw or print off an image and rub pencil all over the backside of the image:
Then I turn the image over onto a Easy Carve Stamp Block by Speedball and trace:
When traced the image will be left behind:
Then you can slowly carve out around the image using this Speedball carving tool:
You can even carve text! I printed out the words “open coop” on the computer. Just remember that when you draw an image that when it is stamped it will be reversed…so you need to draw the picture on your stamp in reverse. An easy way to reverse an image before tracing is to just put a piece of paper on top and hold the paper up to a window and trace.
To make my decor I just set up an assembly line of stamping…like for this chicken banner printed on card stock:
You can mix in ready-made letter stamps too!
**Start collecting re-usable containers that will withstand heavy use.**
I love the idea of re-usable containers for parties…like these adorable little galvanized bins that I used for popcorn:
I always love using kraft paper for my party supplies and decor because it’s easily matched and also compostable:
Who doesn’t love Smores?
Michaels has these packs of wood berry baskets that are easily stamped:
Wood, kraft paper, and metal galvanized bin can be mixed and matched into a great combination of textures for any party theme:
Paper straws in mason jars add can easily add interesting pattern contrast:
I mixed and matched kraft cardstock and white cardstock to make banners. If you make enough banners you don’t need any balloons! After the party is over the images can be cut out and used for something else: journaling, handmade cards etc.
Notice the imperfections I left in my stamping! It adds handmade character!
Also, you can’t go wrong with mason jars for drinks!
A few other easy tips:
- Provide clearly labeled bins and containers to make recycling and composting easy.
- Skip the plastic toys or grab bags and allow people to take home bits of your handmade decor instead.
- Plan ahead and buy local produce from the farmer’s market.
If you need more help on stamping check out this easy foam stamp tutorial!
And more ideas here for stamping:
From paper crafts, party goods and baking supplies to new outdoor lighting, glass and floral, Michaels is your DIY destination for all of your summer celebrations.
Be sure to check out all of the other Michaels Makers DIY summer party ideas on the Michaels blog.
P.S. I have a stack of little chicken stamped journals that I made for this project! If you would like one leave a comment and in two weeks I’ll randomly pick three people to send them out to.
You can also visit the other summer celebration ideas below:
i love love love your stamps!! making stamps is now on my summer bucket list!
Who doesn’t love a smore and an Open Coop party and a Kraft paper journal to record your memories?!??? Excellent post
The chicken stamps are awesome!! Your gift of art never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for sharing?
I love the handmade chicken prints, the imperfections make it perfect! …so charming!❤️
I love this!!! Your chickens are adorable and now I will have to make my own stamps!!!
love your chickens! love your chicken stamp too! thanks for sharing your experiences with your flock! cheryl
I’m always on the look out for easy eco ideas. Thanks for giving some more. Also, I signed up for instagram just to follow Fo! (I followed you too) 🙂
As an art teacher I love this, as an avid gardener I love this! Love the stamp, and party! You are awesome, Ashley!
Thank you for all the crafty ideas you share!
You’re incredible!! All of these ideas are just darling!! Thanks for sharing your talent and being an inspiration!
Super cute
How fun! We are in love with your ideas and our new chickens.
Love!
I wish I was close enough to come to your Open COOP! It looks like it will be an awesome party!
I love reading the Chicken Chronicles!
Amazing! How fun and cute. My daughter who’s now in love with chickens would love a chicken themed party with her friends!
So cute! I just love all the decorations! The stamp is a perfect touch!
I’m certainly gunna comment on THIS post because I would love a chance to have a journal with a chicken stamp on it! LOL! Michael’s NEEDS TO MASS PRODUCE YOUR STAMP! When I saw your IG post I was dying over your handmade stamp!!! I think they are more popular than you might think! I’d buy one! I already own a “Three Designing Woman” address stamp with a chicken on it! After all, I live in the poultry capital of the WORLD- Gainesville, GA!!! Yep, it’s were you came to the rowing venue to watch a nephew I believe compete a couple of years ago! It’s also where you purchased your amazing “Our Roost Our Rules” art from the Crafty Cowboy! Keep up the great work LBB!!! From once cancer survivor to another, I love what you’ve done with your life!!
I loved making stamps years ago,thank you for reminding me how fun&easy it is! The idea of eco-friendly decorations is fabulous. Keep inspiring us!
Being a city girl I swear I must have been a bird in my past life. I love birds and especially chickens. They are all over my home and I cannot tell you how I marvel at your ideas and talents. I would so love to win one of the journals. Keep up the wonderful work and blog. You don’t know how much the world loves you and your adventures.
your creativity never ceases to amaze me. 🙂
I had no idea you could make your own stamps! Love the theme and Kraft paper is my gig too!
so glad i found your facebook/blog!! love all your ideas!
My daughter is dying to get some chickens. Every time she sees one of your chicken posts over my shoulder she asks me why we can’t have chickens.
Pick me! Pick me!
I would love to have one of your little chicken journals !! I love reading about your chicks and seeing their pix !!
I love this idea of a chicken coop party! If my parents (or I) ever get chickens again, I want to throw one! (And use all of these ideas, of course!)
What I love about your post is that you give such detailed instructions even those of us who are craft challenged can make them. I’m loving all the chicken stories and how the depot looks now
How lovely would it be to receive something you’ve lovingly made with your own two hands. I adore homemade anything which I suppose it’s one reason I love your blog. Please keep up the great creative posts. Always waiting to see what amazing ideas you come up with next. – Cindy