How to Make Eco-friendly Rakhi
How to make eco friendly Rakhi at home is what we will discuss today.
But first, let's talk a bit about the festival.
A sister ties a Rakhi (a sacred thread) on her brother's wrist with a prayer for his long life, prosperity and happiness. The brother in return, gives her a token gift and a promise to protect her. Every year, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month 'Shravana'. This year, it will be celebrated on the 30th of August. With the festival being around the corner, you have already started your search for rakhi online. And with the advancement of technology, sisters can now send rakhi online to brothers regardless of their location.
Some prefer simple rakhi, while others all go out and buy threads that scream style. The reason for all this effort is only emotional. For the world, it may be only a thread, but for most people in India, a rakhi is a symbol of security and solidarity because it carries a special feeling. Every year 600 million people around the world celebrate Rakshabandhan, but many companies use non-biodegradable materials to make the Rakhis which are harmful to the environment.
Those plastic beads pollute the rivers and soil. Birds and fish feed on it and it leads to death. Some are burnt and thrown out. But did you know the ashes are made from plastic, and chemical dyes, and therefore, they harm the environment?
But like every other problem today, it has an environmentally friendly solution too. Environmentally conscious citizens across India have started making a handful of eco friendly rakhi, which not only protects nature, but can also be grown in plants!
You can be a part of another green revolution, this Raksha Bandhan, by looking for the answer to the question of how to make plantable Rakhi.
This Raksha Bandhan makes a green alternative and sows the seeds of love for an environmentally friendly plant rakhi, unlike traditional ones made of non-biodegradable materials such as plastics. Go green and opt for eco-friendly rakhi making. There are a plethora of eco-friendly rakhi making ideas online that you can make at home.
So how to make eco friendly rakhi? Well, it is not rocket science where you have to use your brains. The process is easy and simple! All you need is eco friendly material for rakhi making. So, let's get started
- Fabric (as per your choice)
- Needle & thread
- Ribbon/twine
- Pompom
- Glue
- Plantable seed (any)
Instructions
Take any fabric of your choice. You can use old fabrics from dresses, sarees, etc. which have pretty patterns or zaris for this eco friendly rakhi making. Cut them out into a circle of around 4 inches diameter so that you end up with around 2-inch diameter rakhi.
Start by stitching the edges of the circle by making a small fold inwards and keep doing running stitch. It's important that you do a simple running stitch so that you can pull the thread to gather the fabric in your next step. Once you reach the end, remove the needle and pull the thread tightly to gather the stitched part of the fabric to form a small bag.
Make a knot in the thread and then flatten the bag shape to form a flower sort of shape. If you wish to decorate it, add a little pompom at the center. Also attached a matching satin ribbon with hot glue as the string for the rakhi. So, this was one of the simplest eco friendly rakhi ideas. Now comes the twist! how to make plantable rakhi? Well, you can easily convert your rakhi into a plantable rakhi by including a seed (Make sure you don’t forget to add a plantable seed in the centre while you stitch the fabric).
Pressed Flower Rakhi
Delicate and enchanting, the Pressed Flower Rakhi is a testament to eco friendly Rakhi ideas. By preserving the natural beauty of flowers, this Rakhi becomes a work of art that speaks volumes about your love and concern for the environment.
Materials Needed:
- Fresh flowers
- Heavy books
- Transparent adhesive paper or sheets
Instructions:
- Choose delicate flowers and gently press them between the pages of heavy books for a few days until they are fully dried and flattened.
- Cut transparent adhesive paper into small squares or circles.
- Place a dried flower onto the adhesive paper and cover it with another piece of adhesive paper to encapsulate the flower.
- Trim the edges of the adhesive paper to create a neat border around the flower.
- Attach the adhesive paper with the pressed flower onto a piece of jute thread or cotton yarn to complete the Rakhi.
Clay Embellished Rakhi
Crafting your own Rakhi is an opportunity to channel your creativity while promoting sustainability. The Clay Embellished Rakhi marries nature-inspired designs with air-dry clay, resulting in a charming and unique creation.
Materials Needed:
- Air-dry clay
- Natural dyes or non-toxic paints
- Paintbrush
- Twine or jute thread
Instructions:
- Shape the air-dry clay into small, nature-inspired motifs like leaves, flowers, or animals.
- Allow the clay pieces to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Once dry, paint the clay pieces with natural dyes or non-toxic paints.
- After the paint has dried, attach the clay pieces to the twine or jute thread at regular intervals.
- Tie the ends of the twine or thread together to create the Rakhi.
Macramé Twine Rakhi
Infuse intricate patterns and textures into your Rakhi by embracing the art of macramé. The Macramé Twine Rakhi, an exquisite example of eco-friendly rakhi making ideas, exemplifies the beauty of handcrafted designs using natural twine or hemp cord.
Materials Needed:
- Natural twine or hemp cord
- Wooden beads or recycled buttons (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the twine or hemp cord to your desired length for the Rakhi.
- Fold the cord in half and create a loop at the top.
- Use various knots and braiding techniques to create intricate patterns along the length of the cord.
- Attach wooden beads or recycled buttons at intervals along the cord for added embellishments.
- Tie the ends of the cord together to form the Rakhi.
Leaf Print Rakhi
Bring the essence of nature to your Rakhi with the Leaf Print Rakhi. This Rakhi captures the beauty of the outdoors while embodying your commitment to eco-friendly celebrations.
Materials Needed:
- Leaves of various shapes and sizes
- Fabric paint or natural dyes
- Fabric strips or biodegradable ribbon
Instructions:
- Collect leaves from your garden or surroundings.
- Apply fabric paint or natural dyes onto the leaf's surface.
- Press the painted side of the leaf onto a fabric strip or biodegradable ribbon.
- Gently lift the leaf to reveal a leaf-shaped print on the fabric.
- Allow the paint or dye to dry completely before using the fabric strip as a Rakhi.
Seed Bead Rakhi
Imbue your Rakhi with the promise of growth and renewal by creating Seed Bead Rakhis. A beautiful fusion of seed rakhi making and sustainability, these Rakhis hold small packets of flower or herb seeds. As the Rakhi naturally decomposes, the seeds can be planted to symbolise the nurturing of your sibling bond and the environment alike.
Materials Needed:
- Biodegradable jute thread or cotton yarn
- Small packets of flower or herb seeds
- Small cloth pouches (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the jute thread or cotton yarn to your desired length for the Rakhi.
- Carefully slide the flower or herb seeds into small cloth pouches if using.
- Attach the pouches or loose seeds at regular intervals along the jute thread or yarn.
- Tie a secure knot at both ends to complete the Rakhi.
- When gifting the Rakhi, explain to your sibling the concept of planting the seeds after the festivities for a symbolic gesture of growth and love.
Seed rakhi is made of naturally dyed, soft indigenous organic cotton yarn and seeds which eventually transform into a plant.
This Raksha Bandhan, choose a plantable rakhi to celebrate the eternal bond between brothers and sisters. You can add all your creativity to the steps mentioned above if you are looking for rakhi making competition ideas, or you can also buy eco friendly Rakhi online. Try to make the rakhi as beautiful as you can to be called a designer rakhi. Happy Raksha Bandhan!
