Tundrada Nature Arctic Inspired Gifts

Tundrada on Etsy has the best Eco made gifts!

Shopping for unique gifts on Etsy can be as easy as one, two three. First look for the shops who take pride in making handmade items. Case in point, we've found Tundrada who has a unique flair from the Arctic !  Her shop is based in Enontekio, Finland.  Shop owner Eline Niemi takes pride in her goods. 

1. Above:  Tree Moss Baskets are made of real moss collected in Finnish forrest. What a great way to reuse the earth!  Price $29.49     2.  Below:  Natural Leaf Card has a real pressed leaf in it, for only $2.86.

The store is filled with rustic items that will fit in any part of the home. Even better, all the materials are sourced via local woods, so these are truly eco friendly items that are handmade and one of a kind! 

Antler Coat Rack: REINDEER!

You will also find things you just don't see here in the states, yet shipping is available to the states.

 3. Above:  Coat Rack $49.71 made from Reindeer? 

Support this Etsy shop now:  Tundrada

Green Eco Friendly Gift Guide From Etsy

From Home Made Kharma, $24.68 on Etsy.

FOR THE CRAFTY ONE

Here's a few links to some great green gift ideas on Etsy. Using sewing tapes in art, fashion and jewelry is becoming a fast growing trend, partly because they are so wonderfully colored.  That said, here's a the perfect gift for that sewing diva in your family!

A Bike Bag , Upcycled from old banners! Find it at FoolHeartedly, about $37.

FOR THE GUY

 Those hard to buy for guys, sheesh, what to get them? How about this banner that's been upcycled into a bike bag? Plenty of options made by FoolHeartedly, who uses old vinyl banners and makes them into useful objects. What a great idea!

Retro Chalet upcycled this little tin car into a wearable pin, $8.95

FOR THE VINTAGE GEEK

Geek or geekette may appreciate this vintage made in Japan tiny tin car that is now transformed intoa  wonderful wearable art pin. Made at RetroChalet, so cute and wee.

Who is on your shopping list?

For the Love of Nature Petal and Sprig

Petal and Sprig offers this over-sized canvas tote, $30!

Do a few things today to go greener!

1.  Check with Earth411.com to see who in your area takes those old plastic grocery bags! On the East Coast you can take your old plastic grocery bags to Giant, where they will be recycled into new plastic items. 

Along these same lines:

2.  Use a reusable grocery bag for your shopping. Petal and Sprig on Etsy offers great oversized canvas totes for $30, which would go great at the Whole Foods Market when buying lots of items. The main complaint about the eco bags is they are too small. These are larger and big enough to take to the gym, the grocery store or shopping mall!

Petal and Sprig on Etsy offers lovely floral print of Allium for only $10. What a great gift idea.

For a gift:

3. Give flowers, but not the real kind. Why kill beautiful flowers, pay someone to waste gas and deliver them, when you can give the same with a lovely floral print photo?  Petal and Sprig on Etsy offers $10 gorgeous close up floral photography in 4x6 size. These are are lovely accent decorations on the wall.  You can buy a cheap frame for, and give the gift that keeps on giving----these flowers won't die, lose their smell or require water!


4. Use cloth napkins. Overall using cloth napkins will prove to be a way to reduce paper towel and napkin waste in your house. As for using more washing cycles, you  have to do the laundry anyhow and these napkins can easily be done with your laundry and not take much more room. 

5.  Buy a watch that operates on natural movement and does not require batteries!


Have a great green day!

Reusable Sandwich Bags are the Rage

Used with permissionf rom Reusable Bag Store

Green Tip:

Want to go greener in day to day life? How about when packing your kid's lunch, or taking your own to work? Well, maybe you'll fall in love with the products over at  ReusableBagStore.com like we have, specifically the  reusable sandwich bags! Not only are they priced at great prices you can afford, but help you go green in your daily life. 

The service from the store is exceptional, and the bags are quite fashionable.  Currently, orders over $50 ship free, or there's a $3.99 flat rate shipping. Get 'em while they last, and they make perfect holiday gifts!

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. 

Holiday Spirit Treasury

'Red and Green LOVE in time for Christmas from the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team' by RetroChalet    Red and Green just in time for Christmas from the Etsy Recyclers Guild this team offers products made from recycled, upcycled, discarded goods, or thinks up greener ways to repurpose, reclaim, things. There are also vintage sellers and greenies with alternative products to mass produced items. Shop now "wastenot" tag http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=wastenot&search_type=all&amp

Vintage Movable Wooden Santa... AlpenglowVinta... $14.00	The Computer Nerd Notebook relove $14.00	Upcycled Toddler Christmas R... Brokenghostcou... $49.00
Royal Ruby Relish Glass prettydarncute $30.00	Hoot NobleUpcycling $25.00	the oh so festive button cov... sweetanddirtys $50.00
Fiesta Ruffles in Green and ... lizziecaye $49.95	Green Glass Necklace beadsbuttonsan... $15.99	Vintage 1950 Scrap for Art P... PaperPicker $3.00
Big Poinsettia Holiday Pin W... WanderingLydia $12.00	Cherry Red Beaded Knit Top H... TranzendentalA... $65.00	Vintage Red San Francisco Tr... ChaseVintage $15.00
Christmas 10% Sale Greener E... ecstasea $14.40	Back Space Steampunk Dog Tag... RetroChaletStu... $42.00	Vintage Green Bugle and Seed... luvvinjewels $8.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Random Acts of Kindness : Gift to ChersPassion

Little blurb about her driftwood creations in a UK online publication hoping to drive more traffic to her store.  If you haven't noticed Cherri Miele of ChersPassion store is amazing ---what she's doing with natural driftwood is something else.  So check it out!

Check it out HERE!

HOW YOU CAN GET THIS:
If you have some artwork that you think would fit to the theme of this site, let me know.  I am working on sea glass next.  It has to be natural components so do convo me at RetroChalet.  I must forewarn you I will need your emailed permission to use your photos and words so that I may forward it to my editor.

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. 

Repurposed Chalkboards

Everyday, I see the talent in people when it comes to Creative Reuse. Sometimes it's the little things I wouldn't have thought of myself, such as a driftwood key chain, or a milk cap necklace.  I really get excited looking for some projects that I wanted to do myself, but put off due to lack of time.  So, when lack of time persists, the crafty go shopping. Today I'm talking about chalkboards!

Like the ones I so love at RevivedVintage, spectacular "Red Syroco" for only $45. 

Oh yeah, gotta love it from SoZealous.   For a bargain $10, it's worth scarfing up.

The best thing about repurposed chalkboards is there are plenty options to accentuate your decor, or to give as gifts. With so many frames, styles, and colors available, shopping should be fun!  If you aren't into the bright funky mod lime green above, what about this more subtle frame (and noted as a great wedding gift)  from PoshPilfer?

 This original vintage frame is wedding white and waiting for you at PoshPilfer's shop for only $55.00.

I guess I'm partial to the colors no one else has.  This pink frame really caught my eye, it's a simple upcycled frame, but the seller's choice of pastel pink is great.  Wouldn't this look lovely in a little girls' room?

For $22, PlayingGrownUp really has it going on with this chalkboard.  

How cute this would look in a little girl's room.



So I was thinking, what about the holidays?  What if I could find the time to make some mini chalkboards, or do some jars (leftover canning jars that could then again be reused) and fill 'em with art supplies or candy?   Wouldn't that be a great idea.  So I happened across these adorable chalkboard labels from  BradensGraceWallArt.   Not to mention, the entire store is chock full of chalk labels!  How cute they are and what a great idea!

  

A real steal for $6.80 at BradensGraceWallArt for 12 labels here.  

Then there's always the "hard person to shop for."  You know the kind.  It's the person who has everything or is ultra picky, so you strive to find them something totally different in hopes they don't already have it.  How's this for a OOAK item, this vintage-restaurant-window turned chalkboard.  I love the original great shabby condition! 

Shabby Chalks offers this one for $129, but has many others in stock in their Etsy shop.

I kept looking and I really liked this one, yet another window, but the kind that goes with any decor.  I imagined this in a country cottage kitchen next to the phone nook with phone numbers scribbled on it. 

 Offered by EngagedandInspired, a real deal for $45 and a great gift idea.

Sometimes I'm floored by things that I didn't know even existed. While I was shopping, I found this great shop that offers all kinds of vinyl chalkboard decals that stick to your wall.  What a fun idea for the student at college or the office worker to hang in their office.  Easily-cleaned and waiting for you to scribble your chalky notes on, I suppose you can consider this a way to "repurpose" your existing decor with only a subtle change.  I was thinking about that tiny nail hole I've been meaning to cover up and I can simply save money from re-wallpapering or painting that damaged area by slapping one of these guys on.  So many designs are available, from frame-like ones to guitars!)I like this one, maybe I'm a wee dramatic?

This one as offered by SpellitoutDesigns is called "Bird on a Branch", only $26. Love this.

I still can't help thinking I ought to get that chalkboard paint and do up my doors in my home like the ones I saw back in 2008 on the inspirational blog: "Rethink and Reuse".  I also had seen the same type thing in the "DIY" section of Southern Living.

Part of Southern Living's old Kitchen Makeover on a Budget Series.

Instead of painting my old fridge again, if  I get really tired of playing with the magnets all over it, why not do it up like the "Noisettes" did in 2007?  I love this, but think the hubby would not agree.

This family tells you all about it in their blog post HERE on their Noisettes blog.

I have to admit I'm not this brave and I probably wouldn't have done the globe-thing myself, but seeing the finish project makes me thing any dad or teacher would really appreciate this on their desk.

Image via Make, used on  OnePrettyThing.who explains how to use the chalkboard paint HERE.

So, instead of wasting all that paper writing notes in your kitchen to your kids, hubby, or partner, why not invest in these great finds?  If you are really looking for a fun and inexpensive weekend project with the family, do up your door like a chalkboard!

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