it's coming, it's coming

This event is my favorite!

Quarterly the Low Income Housing Institute in Seattle's Belltown area throws a big Market/Party type event. Lots of artisans, crafters, vintage sellers, etc. You can have your bike repaired, hair cut, get a massage and acupuncture, have tailoring done, get a tattoo, have your face painted, and more. After 6pm, it's music, food and booze. How could you possibly beat this combo???

If you're anywhere near the Seattle area, this is a Must-Do!

...about to explode!

Do you ever feel like you have so many ideas for new projects that you just can't stand it? So many projects, too little time? One of my biggest problems is that I'm buried in supplies. Sure, it's pretty well organized, especially since the move, but are there too many options?

When we changed rooms I was forced to go through everything as I moved it. There is some really interesting stuff in there. Every time I start a project and begin to get things out for it I find something incredibly cool for another project.

I feel like the poster child for ADD.

I keep telling myself I need to buy a journal for writing down my ideas with a quick sketch. I start looking at them, on Etsy of course, and think "I have everything to make that. I've always wanted to try it out. Maybe I should make a few of them". Guess what happens then? No journal gets purchased, and off I go on a hunt for the exact supplies. I then find that I'm missing 1 (crucial, of course) thing to complete it and set it aside so I remember to buy the missing item. Nothing gets made, noting gets purchased, no journal.

My goal before the weekend? BUY A JOURNAL, and make one later.

Featured Etsy Seller: Ivy Lane Designs

This weeks recycle Artist, Merrill
of IvyLaneDesigns

I stumbled across these awesome notebooks and notepads and knew I had to share. I asked Merrill a few questions:

How did you get started making your notebooks?
I made a notebook from a tampon box several years ago in order to cheer up a friend whose toddler had broken his femur. She loved it and the rest, as they say, is history.

What inspires you to create?
Trash inspires me. I see other uses for almost everything. I am developing new products at this very moment that breathe new life into plastics. These will surely rock your socks, so be sure to check my Etsy site regularly.

Your shop features repurposed items. Do you have any good recycling tips?
My biggest tip is to please think before you buy - whether it is groceries or a car. My husband and I drive hybrids and buy everything we possibly can in cardboard rather than plastic. We continue to teach our children by example that we should cherish and protect our environment.

Do stop by, see her great items and RECYCLE, REUSE and REDISCOVER!
http://www.ivylanedesigns.etsy.com/

as Merrill says, Helping the environment, one recycled notebook at a time.

Gettin' Busy

I'm off work today but boy, do I have a lot of work to do.

The founder of Etsy was on The Martha Stewart Show yesterday afternoon. See the video here. I'm guessing that means we will be having a lot of new traffic over this next week.

My poor stores have suffered since the holidays. I was so crazy-busy, both on the website and at work, that I've done very little to help myself.

Today is all about pictures, packaging and listing. Go Etsy!

Featured! Etsy Seller JenEllsRevenge

As promised, this weeks recycle Artist, Jen Ell

creator of http://www.jenellsrevenge.etsy.com/

In a brief interview with Jen, she said;

"I've been cutting, sewing, destroying, creating and painting my own clothing and jewelry for years. I don't necessarily have one particular style since I tend to just create whatever comes to mind, so you never really know what you're going to get. I have fairly decent art, photography and graphic design background so all of that typically comes to play in my work."

How did you get started making these bags from magazine ads?
I had seen some other bags and wallets created using the same concept, but I could see so much more potential. So, after much trial and error I developed a basic method to creating each bag.

What inspires you to create?
I draw a lot of inspiration from high fashion, art, old pin-ups and tattoo designs. I frequently see something and instantly think of a way I can use the design or improve upon it.

Jen says she is, "always up for a challenge, so custom orders are welcome. Don't be afraid to contact me and see what I can whip up!"

Do stop by, see her awesome shop and RECYCLE, REUSE and REDISCOVER!

http://www.jenellsrevenge.etsy.com/

Reuse, Repurpose, Revive, Rescue, Recycle, etc

Yes, I do it.
In my craft, in my life, in my art, in my home, at the grocery store and on and on. We really do need to. We should also want to.
Recycling doesn't mean you have to weave your old clothes into rugs, turn plastic bags into hats and totes, single shoes into planters... but it does mean thinking creatively, looking for opportunity and only throwing in the "garbage" things that cannot be reused.
At all.
By anyone.
Ever again.

A big part of reusing and repurposing is being aware when you buy. Look at packaging, bring your own bag or reusable coffee tumbler, consider thrift stores for buying AND donating.
Don't get me wrong, I wear high heels, mascara, I eat meat and drive a car but that doesn't mean there is nothing left for me to do.

I'm going to attempt, no, challenge myself, to feature 1 awesome recycled item, recycle Artisan or recycle web site twice per week.
If you would like to be considered, send me off a note thru one of my "Find Me Here" sites or leave a comment.
I'd love to see your Shoe Planter ;-)