The word moccasin was first used by the Algonquin people along the New England coast of America to identify their type of footwear to the white settlers. The word has since been used to describe the soft, tanned, leather footwear of the Indians of North America. There are many designs, 'centre seam' being the most basic and having the widest distribution.
This DIY Churn (butter maker) is from a wonderful Himalayan trekking experience, where the lower hills people (Newar) used it to make tasty creamy organic butter.
So now you've got your cow and the milk is flowing in!
When you milk a cow and leave the milk to stand, the cream rises to the top. Now we buy milk and cream separately and we store it in the fridge. Churns were used to turn the cream into butter. Making cream into butter was important as it keeps fresh longer, especially if salt is added.
Who says a Christmas tree has to be pine or spruce - or even green for that matter? Use your imagination and create a Christmas tree that is unique.
Rather than buying an artificial tree or a fresh tree that will end up on the sidewalk come January 1, opt to take a walk in the backyard or nature for your own unique tree.
When it comes to decorating the Eco tree, making ornaments and garlands from gingerbread, Christmas cards, popcorn and cranberries is a great family craft project and is better for the environment than plastic tinsel and ornaments.
Still looking for ways of adding color and sparkle to your surroundings this Christmas? Ecobiters have contributed a few tips for DIY quick and easy decorations from whatever is on hand. Generally the inspiration comes from the material itself - recycled paper or cardboard, bright fabric scraps, old clothing and finds from thrift stores or flea markets, yard sales and vintage stores. A seashell collection or interesting shaped natural objects like seed heads, dried flowers, nuts or pine cones or other treasures found on Nature walks.