[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”The Process” alignment=”left” main_heading_font_family=”font_family:|font_call:” margin_design_tab_text=””][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]This Earth Day spread the word of Mother Earth love and give a gift that helps save the earth in many ways and saves the money in your wallet. These recycled toilet paper roll and gift bag cuties are a special treat for neighbors and friends and will help everyone add more plant life to the earth. You can use these little containers to gift seedlings from your garden or plants like these too cool Portulacas. Portulacas are actually know world wide as a weed! They fall in the succulent family. We often use them in the US for colorful, easy to grow, flowering hanging baskets in full sunlight areas. In the Philippines it is considered a cheap vegetable, as its sister plant Purslane, it is steamed over rice with tomatoes and salt, the dish is called Ngalog. Many people all over the world eat it, and grow it. It is believed to have originated in India and to be one of Gandhi’s favorite foods. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including interesting enough the highest plant form of Omega 3 fatty acids. The only precautions to eating these plants in the raw or juicing it is for those prone to things like kidney stones because of its high oxalate levels similar to spinach. It is best to eat them from the wild, and seed them from the wild, but if you want to buy seeds of the wild varieties many recommend those of the red Purslane variety which is closer to the wild variety. They can easily take over a garden area, so you may want to pot them, but they also create a good micro-climate and provide nutrients to surrounding plants. These plants are so easy to grow they will even grow in sidewalk cracks, this may be why they are considered weeds. However these plants can be eaten all except the roots (although I have heard in Australia Aborigines ate roots steamed). Whatever you choose to eat, you should always check with your doctor and a plant specialist to make sure of what you are eating. Purslane or Portulucas adds a colorful, beautiful salad addition with its flowers and leaves, and the leaves also work on burns much like Aloe Vera. This plant will reproduce simply by taking a cutting and putting it in soil like most other succulents. Spread some joy and help save our planet this Earth Day and in doing so maybe help your friends and family live a healthier lifestyle getting them to garden and harvest.
What other plants do you have in your garden that would be a good choice for plant clipping gifts? Share below.
Until next time, enjoy the good life!
Woman on the Journey[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDcCUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyc2lnbmF0dXJlJTIyJTNFQW1hbmRhJTIwSmVhbiUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMjA=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”no_bg” el_class=”rotatedImages”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2319″ border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Tools and Supplies
Scissors
Pencil
Calligraphy Pen
Ruler
Spoon
Glue gun// glue sticks
Scrap paper
Toilet paper rolls
Old gift bags or pretty store brown bags
Popsicle sticks
Burlap Ribbon or Burlap pieces
Ribbon/ Twine/ or Raffia
Potting soil
Flowers or seedlings from your garden, so forth[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row class=”rotatedImages” id=”recipeSteps”][vc_column width=”1/1″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”The Process” alignment=”left” main_heading_font_family=”font_family:|font_call:”][/ultimate_heading][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2325″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Gently pull apart bag and flatten.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2320″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]On scrap paper make a stencil for the bottom of the toilet paper roll. Use a ruler and make marks all around the base about half an inch away. Then trace the circle line around connecting the markings and cut out. Then using recycled gift bag paper draw out patterns and cut out circle bottoms.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2321″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Place the toilet paper roll on a circle piece and cut up to the base in half inch space all the way around.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2322″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Using a glue gun put glue around the circle bottom edges.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2323″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Push each piece of cut circle up to toilet paper roll, gently pressing glue to base.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2324″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Use a ruler and measure the length of the toilet paper roll, then mark the bag’s paper across at that height, use the TP roll to roll paper in and measure width leaving about an extra half inch fold over. Then draw out measured lines for pattern.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2326″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]After measured out cut out your TP roll new covers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2327″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Glue on new gift bag cover to TP roll.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2328″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Rolling burlap ribbon in TP roll measure about an extra half inch around and cut.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2329″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Glue up about halfway up the middle of the TP roll and gently, careful to not burn yourself, press one side of the burlap into glue. Fold the edge of the next side of the burlap and also glue down on top of other piece halfway up the TP roll.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2330″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Fold over the top edge of the burlap ribbon and cut a curved edge at top of the ribbon so you can fray the edge.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2331″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Tie ribbon, jute, or raffia (if raffia double up if brittle) around mid level, just at fold over of burlap and cut off the extra length. If raffia fray out ends a bit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2332″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Trim up any edges you don’t like.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2333″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Fill TP roll with slightly dampened potting soil.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2334″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Use a Popsicle stick to make small hole in soil for clipping.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2335″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Clip of small piece of plant with stem.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2336″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Make sure to clip bottom leaves off with scissors before you plant. Put extra soil around clipping to make sure in solid to soil.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner extra_classes=”processStep”][vc_column_inner align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2337″ border_color=”white” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Add in a Popsicle stick with plant name written in calligraphy pen. Enjoy![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][ultimate_spacer][/vc_column][/vc_row]