by Melanie Lowe

Created on: November 29, 2008

It's that time of the year again. The stores are dusting off their Christmas decorations, we're dragging out our old bits of wrapping paper we've been saving all year (hopefully), and broadcasters and businesses are preparing to assault us via television with every available seasonal advert and promotional goodie they can muscle into their prime time slots. Yes, it is the season to be jolly!

I love Christmas. It's a beautiful time of year no matter where you are; whether the snow is falling, the log fires are crackling or the rain is running rivulets down your window panes with 30o temperatures outside (if you're in South Africa!). The anticipation of presents is at the forefront of just about everyone's minds. For me, it's all about the thrill of being able to bring joy to others through the giving of presents. I love seeing the joy on my loved one's faces when they open their gifts. The problem with giving so much, however, is that it becomes such an expensive exercise and I often find myself having to hold back because my purse just isn't deep enough. Personally, I've always found that a gift that takes thought and effort, means so much more to me than something quick and easy, grabbed off the shelf. I treasure those thoughtful gifts forever.

Being a very green person, determined to reduce her carbon footprint, I thought, there had to be a way to use some of the rubbish I would otherwise throw into my recycling bin. I re-use containers and paper etc but what if there was a way to turn my rubbish into something beautiful; a creative gift, thereby saving money and saving the planet at the same time. The world is going green, so if you're not on the bus yet, it's time to hop aboard! You'll save money, and help reduce your carbon footprint all at once. What do you have to lose?

In this particular article, I'm concentrating on newspaper. This is something we all have in abundance, in our homes, but it generally ends up in landfills when it really has so many uses. Here is a simple way to use those newspapers you're about to throw in your rubbish bin. Roll up your sleeves, put your creative gloves on and make a gift that someone close to you will appreciate and treasure forever.

Personalised Journals and Gift Books

What you'll need to get started:

hard cover school/writing books (any size)

scissors

contact paper (sticky back plastic)

non toxic glue

newspaper

1. Firstly, you'll need to go through your newspapers and cut out words or pictures that, you think, explain or appeal

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