I’m a nerd, at least, and I’m planning a J.R.R. Tolkien-themed party. Parties need food, and decorations, and probably a craft or two because I’m *that* kind of nerd.
And it’s all got to be eco-friendly, because of course.
Whether you’ve named your kid Samwise and your dog Frodo (and yes, I’ve met people who have done each), or you just have a hankering for second breakfast while you marathon Lord of the Rings (I’m talking about myself, here), check out the following list of super-nerdy, eco-friendly J.R.R. Tolkien crafts. You know that your big hobbit-loving heart wants you to make at least one!
1. bookmark quote. I love the handwritten look of this bookmark, which is roomy enough to put an entire favorite scene on.
2. crocheted Eye of Sauron. He’s watching you.
3. crocheted Smaug. Thanks to the magic of e-textiles, Smaug’s eyes really light up!
4. Doors of Durin knitting chart. There are a lot of knitters who love Tolkien!
5. Gandalf the Grey staff. You can upcycle brown paper bags for the outside of this staff.
5. Gandalf’s hat. Wool felt would be the perfect fabric for this hat.
6. hobbit costume. Here’s how you can have little hobbits for Halloween!
7. hobbit door. This door is upcycled from an old wall clock.
8. hobbit hole pillow. This is a free pattern download on Ravelry!
9. honey cakes. Beorn is one of my family’s favorite characters in all of the books.
1o. Lord of the Rings cable hat. More needles! More yarn!
11. Lord of the Rings cross-stitch pattern. Embellish a tote bag with this, or make it into a piece all on its own.
12. miniature book charms. Upcycle pages from torn old books for the inner pages of your book charms.
13. One Ring scarf. Seriously. There are a LOT of knitters who love Tolkien.
14. painted plates. These Tolkien-themed plates are gorgeous, but I strongly urge you to use real ceramics paint markers instead of Sharpies. They’re pricier, but heat-setting Sharpies gives unpredictable results, and ceramics markers just work so much better.
15. rune stones. You can make these on all kinds of materials–stones are my favorite.
16. stuffed Sting. Here’s a toy for the youngest Hobbit fans!
17. Thranduil dress. Follow along to make your own modern recreation of Thranduil’s dress.
18. Tree of Gondor fingerless gloves. The construction is easier than regular gloves or even mittens, so you can concentrate on the Tree of Gondor pattern.
19. upcycled wood sword. Yes, I do let my daughters play with these. Y’all coddle your kids too much.
20. wall quote. Many of Tolkien’s quotes are iconic; paint one on your wall as the start of a themed display or just a lovely decoration.