Woodsy Decor for the Nature Lover Tree Hugger

Found on MarkedCo.com  this woodsy decal adds depth to the wall for $28.00,

If you love the woods, nature walks or just love to hike, we've found the best natural decor ideas for you. All from crafters who sell on Etsy (some also in their own stores) at affordable prices.  Above we have a great "Pleasure in the woods" decal from Karen Simpson, who sells on Etsy but also direct at MarkedCo.com.  She handmakes her decals and feel that instead of spending tons of money on paint.

Vintage Pine Tree Print from Etsy , TheBlackVinyl $15

The print above is reprinted on eco friendly paper taken from an 1800's print. This would look great hanging in your home to give a woodsy feel. 

Plantillo Birch Log Pillows $60

The log pillows above are what happens when Sabine Herrman takes nature photography and turns them into functional items.  Hunting down cool things with her camera in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, you never know what may turn into something decorative and that you can rest your head on!

Lake House Sign , Benchmark Custom Signs $39.95

Cool lake signs can adorn your home handmade in a variety of woods (ie: Custom Sign) from Benchmark Custom Signs on Etsy. They started some time ago making great signs on high quality woods. Phil has the fastest ship time on Etsy and don't be fooled by imitations.  A variety of sizes and styles can be great for inside the home or outside, to welcome people to your cottage!

From masacoche shop, $65 repurposed kids blanket

We love the eco friendly repurposed wool blanket for your child in retro colors, adorned with cute woodsy animals sure to please!  Not to mention would go with any cottage or natural decor in great hues and earthy tones!

Reclaimed Wood Desktop $500 FreshRestorations

Old floorboards have been restored into a variety of desktops and tabletops by Fresh Restorations, in Bound Brook New Jersey.   This could prove as a functional workspace, tabletop or focal point in your shabby home!

Upcycled Cabinets at Bench Mark Custom Signs

Phil's art niche is custom woodworking out of his shop, close to Metamora, Illinois (which is ironically in Woodford County.) He was formerly trained in avionics (aviation electronics) while serving in the Marine Corps. If you look closely, you can see Marine Corps memorabilia and jet aircraft photos decorating his woodworking shop. He currently tests software by profession, so it’s not a surprise to find that his digital day job often overlaps his woodworking night life.

Maple carved plaque uses Phil's v-carving technique.

Although he learned about woodworking through classes in high school, he credits the natural abilities inherited from his father.  Phil recalls, “My dad did cabinet making on the side. I was the gopher from an early age. The first project of my own that I remember was an exact scale replica of a battleship made from cut-offs from whatever project my dad was working on. I was probably 6 years old at the time so you can imagine just how ‘exact’ the replica was." Phil found himself into his woodworking endeavors when he bought a house.  He says, "There are a lot of sophisticated (and costly) projects you can do yourself if you have the right tools and skill." When not creating, he writes for his woodworking web site or answering woodworking questions on Internet forums. He has been featured in Wood Magazine.

These monogram plaques run about $35 in Phils's Etsy shop

How He Designed the Machine to Make His Designs Phil taught himself to use CAD software for his profession, and soon found it too useful to resist when doing his woodworking projects. “With CAD software, you can design or plan your project so there aren’t too many surprises at the end", he says.  Over time this eventually led Phil into woodworking with CNC equipment. This equipment can be quite expensive, out of reach of most hobbyists and even many professionals. So, Phil took the challenge and designed and built his own CNC router. (I'm certain having a background in electronics and CAD helped!)   Phil explains that "The CNC has opened up entirely new avenues in the areas of design.  If I can draw it, I can make it.”

Family signs are a great gift for the new bride and groom.

 Mission Style Meets Military  Phil’s design Aesthetic on signs would be considered Mission (Arts & Crafts), Shaker, and Western Victorian. Phil says, “I just love all the old trim work and designs used in the mid 1800’s.” His CNC machine in his shop is decorated with these scroll designs, similar to those used on gun engravings reminiscent of that era. 

Note the old engravings.

Phil prefers to work with native American hardwoods. Some of his stock comes from trees he felled himself and had sawn into lumber. Phil also gets some of his lumber from a local tree feller. He explains, "You cannot buy some of this wood in a lumber yard, it’s just not available at this quality level.”  Phil will also use upcycled cabinetry, such as doors in some of his designs--but only if they are real solid wood, no veneer! Connect with Phil  Phil is relatively new to Etsy and Facebook, and would love for you to drop him a line to say hello, critique his shop, or give him some new ideas! He is looking forward to becoming part of the Etsy community! Bench Mark Custom Signs and Wonders on Facebook Bench Mark Custom Signs on Etsy!

This post written by Ira Mency, for inclusion on Handmadeology. 

Meet Kim of Art and Everything Else : Cool Prints and Decor

Alice and the Caterpillar on Vintage Poetry Page

Kim of Art and Everything Else enjoys creating unique art and has a passion for fabulous vintage finds. She creates beautiful antique book page art prints and one of a kind jewelry.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
We are a husband and wife team, Larry and Kim Milburn, who got started making mozarkite jewelry, That led us to making glass beads. Our artistic muse has taken us to many places. She's led us to make paper, to photographic prints, to our book page prints, not to mention traditional painting.

By day, I am an art teacher. I have taken my love of art into the classroom and I guide children PreK-6 on the path of creative exploration. Coincidentally, my love of art led me to the love of my life, Larry. Twenty years ago, I painted a bass on his business window, and we have been inseparable ever since.

By day, Larry is the energy behind our three etsy shops.
1888 French and English Dictionary Print Great Horned OWL

How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?

My husband has always been an entrepreneur and ran his own businesses. I've always been the artist type. Our etsy shops combines the best of both of us. We opened our first shop, FormedByFire, featuring mozarkite jewelry. Eventually we got into book page prints. We decided on the name ArtAndEverything Else because it focused on our passions and did not limit the type of items we would sell. As I said before, my musings can take me down different avenues, from jewelry, to art, to vintage items, and I wanted a shop that encompassed that.

What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your products/shop?

The five things that I want people to think are:
Wow! I want that! That would be perfect for me. Beautiful! I love it! We have done a lot of custom work and it is very important to us to match the customers desires with our talents.
Jellyfish 1888 French and English Dictionary Print

What or who inspires you?

Oh so many things inspire me. Conversations, color, nature, songs, books and poetry. History too, is very inspiring.

What are your best marketing tips?

We are still learning the best marketing strategies.

In ten years I'd like to be…

In ten years I hope to be at home painting in my pajamas, taking an early retirement from teaching.

Sea Turtle Print on an Antique Dictionary

Why should people buy vintage?

Vintage has a character, a charm, a history and a story that mass produced items can never duplicate. To me shopping for vintage items is like treasure hunting. You never know what you're going to find. At times it's like you have a recognition, almost as if the item is calling your name. So of course you take it home. Whatever it is. You did not start out looking for it, but it belongs with you. That's the feeling I'd like to create when people shop at Art And Everything Else.

What do you enjoy most about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team?
I enjoy the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team because we share a common vision for creating artworks or crafts from the resources that we already have available to us. The Recycler's Guild is an amazing resource and I'm always excited to see what new things etsy artists and crafters are creating!

Geisha Book Page Art Print

What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from other artists or Etsyians?

The most valuable lessons I've learned from other artists is the ins and outs of running an online business. So far, I'm still balancing the creation side versus the marketing side of an online business. I could paint all day long, and never sell anything. Thank goodness for my husband because his practical nature balances my dreaming nature. Selling online is an art that I'm still learning, and Etsy artists are a great resource for that information.

What are the web addresses where people can find you?

Etsy:
 Art and Everything Else
Second Shop:

 Prints Formed By Fire
Third Shop:
Prints Just For You

Website:
www.formedbyfire.com

Facebook Fan Page:
www.facebook.com/pages/formedbyfirecom/253327155357?created

Twitter:
twitter.com/Formed_By_Fire
Flickr:
FLICKR
Blog:
printsbyformedbyfire.blogspot.com

This interview was contributed by Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles.

Harvest Moon By Hand: The Loveliest Stars I've Ever Seen

SHOP    BLOG  TWITTER FACEBOOK FLICKR

Meet  Ann, who is also known as the brains behind Harvest Moon by Hand, a gorgeous shop of paper window stars, creative reuse kits, decor, natural handmade toys and more.  A mom to two beautiful girls adopted from China,  Ann enjoys crafting and homeschooling.  Located in Scandia, Minnesota she stays busy  networking, spreading the "Creative Reuse Bug" and stocking her store with great items.

Felt mice are so adorable and a natural eco friendly gift idea!

She explains, "I have  been an avid recycler since childhood when we would bring our recycling to a recycling facility (this was before there was curbside recycling). Recycling and reuse is second-nature to me, and I'm happy to continue to add products in my shop that reflect this commitment.  "

Different levels of the CRC are available in her store.

Ann takes her love for recycling a step further encouraging others. She runs a "Creative Reuse Club" and offers basic and deluxe membership packages for this in her store. She explains, "Harvest Moon by Hand’s Creative Reuse Club (CRC) is open to any person who is interested in organic, natural, and recycled products and crafty project ideas. "  Included in the Deluxe Club Membership is an official member card, special discounts,  quarterly newsletters, and  sample pack!  More information available here.  What a great way to spread the Creative Reuse bug!

I am captivated by these window stars.

Ahhhh, the stars.  I've been admiring the many in her shop for some time now, as her store is stocked with them. Perhaps it is the colorful creation and choice of styles, the overlap of colors or bright hues, or just the simple fact that they will brighten your day and make you smile that makes them so desirable.  Skilled in origami, Ann explains, " I make the stars by hand-folding small squares of paper, overlaying the folded
paper, and then gluing them together to create different patterns."  They are so lovely.

Spotlight on House of Mirth: Etsy's Best Kept Secret - Make this your home for holiday shopping!

November 2010 Spotlight Award:

This 1920's Bookmark, $14, under PaperArts section of the studio 
makes a great gift for the book lover!

As an fellow artist and vintage junkie, I am totally captivated the "House of Mirth" shop on Etsy.  If you haven't visited it yet, you should indeed.  From the brainchild of Recycled Wares, and Paper Picker, you will find  by Nerrissa's  handmade goods lurking here. 

Doubled sided pendant, only $18.99 FREE SHIPPING as of now at House of Mirth.

I think what enthralls me most, is her eye for detail and functionality of her artwork.  Her love of all things yesteryear mixed with the care and concern of using post consumer products like fiber, wood and paper show in her work.  You see it in the transformation...from trash...to functional treasure. 

The Upcycled Lung pendant / brooch is one of many "medical styles" 
available in this shop and makes a unique fashion statement. 

Yet again I find myself admiring her work and drawn back to the bookmarks. I admit, I have no time to read anymore....

...yet this lady calls to me to find a place for her inside the pages of my favorite book.  Her store makes me want to wear brooches and pins again, because her love for all things vintage show in the wonderful jewelry offerings. 

Most brooches range around $23.99, this one free shipping in the Jewelry section.

They say you learn something new every day.  I heard of woodburning, but actually did not realize what the term Pyrography was until I visited her shop.  According to Wikipedia, "pyrography means 'writing with fire' and is the traditional art of using a heated tip or wire to burn or scorch designs onto natural materials such as wood or leather."

Set of clothespins, hold recipes, money, scrap-booking papers and more! , set $8.99 in the Pyrography section.

There's something eclectic here, charming and inviting all in one. Sit back with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea and admire her work. 

Team members, I urge you to favorite her items, blog about this store, add one of her offerings as a link to your Facebook page, and help this very talented artist's work get out there.  It's way too wonderful to be Etsy's Best Kept Secret. 

Monday Morning Reuse

Creative Reuse Finds ...

INDUSTRIAL
An old metal drawer makes a creative shelf:


MooseHornVintage on Etsy, $25, seller has them in red too!



ARCHITECTURAL
These old industrial "corbels" now make great bookends!

From HavenVintage, $48

Also worth mentioning is how the same shop (HavenVintage)
has these spool-turned candlesticks!

OVER THE TOP

Speechless!  Old shoes.....new handbags!

Signed by artist, $98, this wild item is definitely OOAK.  Seller LisaMoorer has a great imagination!

GIFT IDEAS

You can find a clock for just about anyone at TickTocker's shop, this one, $25.

Same seller TickTockler's vintage grocers tin clock, $23.

DECOR & ARTWORK

 An old kitchen sieve  is now a wonderful work of art!

Sushipot's shop is full of great artwork, jewelry, and home decor.  This Sieve art doll, $145.

My Blanket Statements: From New Zealand with Love

Melissa Gregan's shop "My Blanket Statements" on Etsy comes to our group all the way from Auckland, New Zealand!

These laptop covers come in all sizes and are easy to use!

This shop features accessories made with vintage kiwi fabrics.  Most are  hand embroidered with reclaimed wools and cottons.   A selection of practical and useful accessories with a one of a kind handmade edge make these great gift ideas.

                               Tui Bird Hand Embroidered Cushion Cover, $70

For those of you who don't know Melissa explains, "The Tui is a beautiful bird, native to New Zealand. They are one of my favourite birds - we have a few living in the native trees around our home. "

The Tui.

Don't stop at the pillow.  These eco-friendly blanket buntings make great gifts. Pressed and prewashed, plus made of reclaimed fabrics make them very colorful and a real find! 

Priced at $37, these are cute and affordable. Find them here.

This shop is a great shop to give your couch a new look, or to find some throw pillows for that special loveseat or daybed.  

Be sure to check out her Etsy shop HERE! 

*Website at : http://www.blogger.com/goog_1340654833

Recycled Wares : Keeping Vintage Alive

I'm a vintage junkie, and I was thrilled to learn of Nerrissa from RecycledWares joining our group.  She is from Fort Worth, Texas and does her part to rescue and re-offer these way cool vintage items. 

Check out this great 60's can for only $16 in her shop .

When I first joined Etsy, vintage was something they weren't 100% sold on.  Vintage sellers had to unite and fight for the same "type" search results as the other categories.  There was a time we were in fear that vintage would go away.  Etsy did love vintage items, however, their aim was a handmade (and supply) marketplace.  It's no wonder that because repurposing and reusing vintage items is a way to reduce the carbon footprint - that it was bound to stay.  (Maybe in part by modern day divas like Rachel Ray  with her retro kitschy items and Martha Stewart who show that vintage can be functional as well as decorative and go hand in hand with crafting and other daily activities...) 

Imagine Rachel Ray whipping up something in this mod enamelware casserole at $30.

Nerrissa says, "With so many items being discarded, our mission is to rescue as many items as we can (within reason) and present them to the arts & crafts and collector's world. We work with local businesses and families to find items that are no longer of use to them. All the treasures we find are in good condition, but just need a second home. The space in our home and our budget will only allow for so many rescues, but you can be certain, that if you find it within our marketplace, it was a rescued ware."

  Martha Stewart could transform these 93 vintage swatches, $10 into a masterpiece !

Nerrissa keeps busy promoting her shop, and has opened two new shops on Etsy. House of Mirth offers the best in Clay, Wood and Paper Arts and Paper Picker which offers the best in vintage paper.  

Find our more about her here:

FLICKR:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/recycledwares/

BLOG:
http://recycledwares.blogspot.com/

Or go visit her Etsy shop now!

BitsPeaces

Shop Name:  BitsPeaces

Owner: Nancy

Location:  Mid-Michigan , USA

Shop Link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bitspeaces

Nancy offers wonderful creations here.  Most are eco friendly upcycled items such as denim rag quilts, shams, and pillow covers.  You'll find custom orders are welcome and encouraged.  Check out the selection of upcycled tote bags, crown royal bag quilts and all types of great handmade home decor!  Browse around as you never know what you may find.  From placecard table settings to checkbook covers, stock is always being added.

Visit this great shop NOW!