apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

We certainly love and have a huge amount of respect for people who create with their hands: whether it's a painting, a hand-knitted scarf, or a bookshelf built from scratch, we've got a few items we think our favorite artist, crafter, or DIY'er would appreciate.

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As the holiday season approaches and we're asked for wish lists, it gets us to thinking about living more—with less. Last night when I was trying to convince the BF that I wanted two more containers for the kitchen, he pointed out two things: first, we don't need to buy anything, and second... Do we need it? Why not just reorganize the space?

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We're sure we're not alone in recalling the cleanup from last year's holiday gift exchange: an embarrassingly large amount of bags full of crumpled gift wrap. This year, we're trying something different, and thankfully there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to wrap gifts!

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Welcome to December! Did you brave Black Friday madness or try for an alternative? As wonderful as the holiday season can be, it often brings with it undue amounts of stress: crowded stores, visiting family and friends, holiday parties, and lots of cooking, eating, and socializing can leave you feeling more pooped than pumped. We gathered some of our favorite tips to staying stress-free this season, and want to hear what your strategies, too!

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There are plenty of green ways to wrap gifts (brown paper bag, a tea towel, or a reusable gift bag)... but regular ol' twine doesn't exactly scream special occasion. That's why we really love the colorful Divine Twine from Whisker Graphics.

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There are some great online design resources for calendars, including ones where you can print your own calendars, planners and greeting cards. This Advent Calendar by mibostudio is only one of a few free items they have available for download.

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Move over, rooftop gardens and plain ol' plant walls. There's a new green technology in town. Like green roofs, edible walls provide a thick layer of insulating vegetation on the outside of a building to help reduce heating and electricity costs — but they go even further by also producing fruit, vegetables, and herbs...

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If you're thinking about doing a renovation project on your home, it can be overwhelming to know where to start, particularly if you have a small apartment. So we've put together our list of resources —including great websites, books, architects/designers, and stores— for people looking to renovate green.

This is an ever-evolving list, so if you have something to add, tell us!

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Dust is bothersome, isn't it? You think you've taken care of it, and then BAM! It shows up all over everything. Lamp shades, floorboards, sofa cushions, you name it. Any kind of intense cleaning gets the achoos going. And that's the problem: dust is pretty darn disgusting.

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We don't use honey for much more than sweetening our tea. However, it's another one of those super-versatile household ingredients. We wouldn't recommend cleaning with it, but you might want to put an extra jar in your medicine cabinet.

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There's nothing we like better than a good DIY project, or a set of clear How-To instructions for whatever project we've got at hand. Thinking of starting a container garden? Installing a programmable thermostat? Looking for a way to whiten socks without bleach, how to wrap gifts with a furoshiki cloth, or how to carry anything on a bike?

This Roundup is for you.

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Have you seen these adorable robots at Anthropologie?

Handmade in the USA by artist Amy Flynn, these found object robots (or "fobots") were created from repurposed bits and pieces, like an engine oiler, a funnel, and hydraulic fittings.

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The CMYK Elektrik Bike designed by Manuelsaez Ltd recently won top honors at the 2009 Spark Awards, an international design competition. It's a folding electric bicycle specifically designed for short commutes. The power supply on the bike works just like a laptop! Just plug it into any electrical outlet, and a two hour charge will sustain you for a 50 minute ride.

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These tree stumps are a side table and a light! Made from fallen sycamores and miscellaneous light bulbs these side table lamps are a creative, beautiful and functional.

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