Create a more meaningful Christmas with less waste. We will look at low waste options for food, decorations through to giving gifts with thought. So many tips and tricks to help you plan a Christmas celebration without the waste, give from the heart and have a more sustainable Christmas Day and festive season.

Thursday 1 December

12.00 - 1.30 - Create a Christmas coaster from scrap material - Using the Log Cabin technique to create pieced backgrounds using precious scraps of cloth allows you to slow down in a hectic world and take pleasure in simple stitches and simple processes. You will create a 10 x 10cm Christmas inspired piece which could then be used as a coaster. Create multiple pieces to create a bag, throw or even add to an item of clothing - it's up to you!

1.30 - 2.45 - How to host a low waste party or celebration
A celebration with family and friends feels great, but seeing the waste this can create does not. If you want to think about ways to reduce waste at your next party or Christmas gathering come along and hear tips and ideas of how you can celebrate in style, with an eco-friendly approach.

We’ll cover small and large events from invitations to decorations through a stylish sustainability lens. Gifting from the heart, not just stuff and ways to approach family and friends who don’t share your low-waste ethos with how to gently get them onboard, or at least respect your desire to celebrate sustainably.

Thursday 8 December

12.00 - 1.30 - Create a boro inspired Christmas decoration - Create decorations mixing the principals of eco craft with slow stitching and create a beautiful Boro inspired Christmas decoration with Tamara from Karhina.com.

1.30 - 2.45 - Menu planning for zero waste events

Want to keep food out of your bin and money in your wallet?

Throwing a birthday party, celebration or Christmas event can often leave you with leftover food which goes to waste. This can pose a challenge if you want a special meal and something memorable for your guests, but you want to take a sustainable approach without filling your bin. With a little creativity and some planning, you can host an impressive event with a clear conscience, less waste and lower budget.

Kirsty Bishop-Fox of Sustainable Pathways is an environmentalist recognised for her practical approach, encouraging everyone to rethink waste, and make more sustainable choices. She also established Cake Angels who make children's birthdays and other significant events extra special. Kirsty will share simple ways you can avoid waste and hold a memorable event while being a conscious consumer. Reducing waste and holding sustainable events means you can save money while having fun and doing good for our planet.

Tamara Russell of Karhina Textiles is a Textile Artist and passionate advocate of sustainable living. She specialises in free machine embroidery, hand stitching and mending. She has been making her clothes and mending since a teenager. Loving to personalise her wardrobe with visible mending, embroidery and embellishment. Tamara enjoys teaching various forms of mending and embroidery. She also happily accepts commissions to mend your old favourites. Visit karhina.com or follow her on Instagram @karhina_textileart

This event is proudly funded by Yarra Ranges Council Grants for Community program