Designosaurus Interview with Eco Designer Jessie Katz: Jewelry and More

Jessie Katz makes wonderful upcycled jewelry in her DESIGNosaurus shop, which actual on Etsy under her name, JessieKatz.etsy.com.  From Nyack New York to the Today Show, Jessie tells all and even gives a bonus coupon code in the end!



Upcycled teardop earrings, lovely, $15, HERE.

  Q: What fuels your passion for making sustainable jewelry?

The environmental benefits are one obvious reason why I strive to make sustainable jewelry. It wastes less energy to REUSE something than to recycle it. So even though some of the plastics I use could be recycled, its saving energy to reuse them in my sustainable accessories.

Even more exciting for the customer, I love when jewelry can tell a story – its fun to see people try and figure out what gift cards make up each piece. The jewelry becomes a conversation starter, telling a story about where the gift card or scrap wood came from. And as an artist its more fun to create things from an ever-changing inventory of supplies, and you get that when working with recycled, found materials.
 

Jessie Katz's Designs are lovely and professionally displayed!

 Q: What is your favorite piece and why?



My newest piece is always my favorite, whatever I haven’t been staring at as long. Currently one of my favorite pieces is this nautical inspired pair of earrings:

Nautical Earrings, $20, Here

Q: What does Etsy mean to you? 



I love that Etsy fosters communities of artists. Communities based on product, location, or mission; like those of us passionate about reusing materials in the Recyclers Guild!  Plus, Etsy means I’m able to spend more time creating and less time marketing. …Ok… maybe not that much less, but it makes those marketing and selling tools readily available and easy to use, it would be much harder to start from scratch.
 

From Nyack with love...

 

She is so very talented!

See this full size on her BLOG.

Q: Tell us how your earrings came to be on the Today Show!



Etsy and Green is Universal sponsored Art of ReUse, a contest for artists who create handmade products with repurposed materials. I heard about the Art of ReUse contest from my friend Jess, another Etsy seller. (Plug: Check out her shop at Some Fine Folks!)  I entered my gift card earrings and was blown away with the support from my customers, friends, and new fans who voted for my entry! As one of the top ten finalists my gift card earrings were featured on the Today Show. It was a really exciting experience; from addressing the package to 30 Rockefeller Plaza all the way to seeing my earrings live on TV.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Q: What are some of your favorite things, and who is Jessie Katz?



I grew up in a very small town, which really helped foster creativity, especially when it came to repurposing materials. We couldn’t just take a quick trip to the art store, so when I wanted to start a new project I had to find materials outside or around the house.

Hartford Art School.

Later I attended Hartford Art School, where I graduated in 2007 with a BFA in Visual Communication Design. After a couple in-house design jobs I’ve found working as a freelance graphic designer affords me the creative flexibility and variety I crave. When I’m not working on these graphic design jobs, I make time for my own projects including sustainable jewelry for DESIGNosaurus and hand drawn typography for my other Etsy shop, TriSERIFtops.

Jessie is quite talented, this "all occassion" card is found in her second shop!

Name Branding is important.

Q: What are some of your favorite things? 

Festivals and craft fairs.  Collecting materials from thrift stores and flea markets.
Experimenting with repurposed materials I haven’t used before. Typography!
Sketching outside or at a café. Coffee. Reorganizing and redecorating my apartment. Autumn. Good vegetarian food! TV comedies!

Special Savings for Fans of Sustainable Art:

I’d like to offer you all a coupon code for 5% off in either of my Etsy stores, valid until June 30th, 2011: Green11

CONNECT WITH JESSIE:

On her Facebook Page!

On her Blog!

In her Etsy Store!

In her Second Etsy Store!

Tweet with her!

Meet Kim of A Repurposeful Life

Dandelion Dreams
Kim of A Repurposeful Life enjoys creating vintage button pendants; each of her creations is one of a kind and handcrafted with care. Since she uses vintage buttons when making her beautiful repurposed pendants, each creation comes with it's own unique traits, quirky and imperfect, that make them the special jewelry pieces they are!

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Kim and I am actually a full time educator with a full blown addiction to vintage, repurposed treasures and recycling. I live in the center of the United States, about four hours from Denver, and about five hours from Omaha. I call Nebraska home, and I am a "Husker" fan! I am a stepmom to four, wife to an artist, and a mom to two wonderful girls, ages three and almost twelve. So... I am busy! I also have another etsy shop (SimplyCharmingLife) where I feature vintage items that are not repurposed but with a great variety. Here at aRepurposefulLife, I am beginning with vintage button pendants, and plan to include other repurposed items such as decoupaged luggage, repurposed glassware, and more. But... to start, I have a wonderful selection of vintage button pendants to enjoy!

As Big as Texas, Bold, Blue, and Beautiful Star Vintage Button Pendant

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

My shop name came from my desire to let the world know that I feel repurposing is EXTREMELY important. Since my other shop is named SimplyCharmingLife, I wanted to tie the two together a bit... so aRepurpusefulLife came to be. I started selling on etsy after making several purchases, beginning with scrabble tile pendant creations, which is another love, but a bit more common here. I make scrabble tile pendants to sell at craft fairs, but they are not listed here because I wanted to offer something a bit more unique.

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

I want people to think:
"Wow!"
"how pretty"
"What a great idea"
"I want that one for my birthday"
"One step at a time toward a repurposed world"

Gorgeous Statement Vintage Button Mother of Pearl Pendant

What or who inspires you?

I used to read and study craft magazines of all sorts, but now, with the internet, I need only go to Etsy for my inspiration. Almost everything I see on Etsy inspires me. I have already made great Etsy friends, and found many, many more projects than I will EVER have time to complete! Blogs are also a great source of information, see my blog for some of my faves.


What are your best marketing tips?

To help the world find me, I have started a blog, SimplyCharmingLife (which is in the early stages, but would love followers), I actively tweet as much as possible (CharmingVintage). I also try to be unique in my offerings.

In ten years I'd like to be…

In ten years I'd like to take early retirement from teaching, begin taking classes in nutrition, and work full-time from home through Etsy, selling vintage and repurposed treasures.

Stacked Vintage Button Shades of a Sunset Pendant

Why should people buy handmade?

Why should people buy handmade? Who wouldn't want to? Handmade items are made with love and care, and you will never find this love and care coming from a factory item. I treasure those gifts in which time, love, and thought are big investments of the creator. Handmade items from Etsy are many times One-of-a-Kind, made from repurposed items (which is good for the earth), and are often organic in nature (which is also good for the earth). I am a big naturalist and have a Master's degree in Biology. I believe in taking care of our planet. I believe in encouraging others to do so.

Gorgeous Tortoiseshell Vintage Button Stacked Pendant

What do you enjoy most about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team?

I truly treasure the Etsy Recycler's Guild because of our common beliefs in taking care of our planet, and we each have our own unique way of doing so.

You can find Kim of A Repurposeful Life online at the following places:

A Repurposeful Life on Etsy
Blog
Google Profile

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

Our Very Own CLONE HARDWARE is on TV

Clone Hardware explains she doesn't color anything.   These items are naturally found inside your computer or electronic device!

All of our members are so very talented, I'd like to say Congrats to Clone Hardware whose business was featured on a national morning show. See her wares and hear her explain how she acquires these cool parts and where they come from!

HH Dollhouse: Vintage Green Upcycled Jewelry

Time to Meet HH Dollhouse!   This shop is from St. Paul, Minnesota!

Rhinestone Pendant, $14.99

"HH stands for Healthy Hands in recycling vintage garments, jewelry, and accessories of the past into today's modern woman or man. We sell earth friendly items: vintage, natural fabrics, and vintage made in USA items.! There is no additional carbon footprint because we're upcycling items!"

Modernist Brooch, $19.99

HH Dollhouse sells earth friendly items: vintage, natural fabrics, & vintage made in USA items. Jewelry is abundant in this shop and at great prices!

Bohemian Style Earrings $4.99

HH Dollhosue is also a member of the Independent Fashion Bloggers network, a few other teams on Etsy and does her part in recycling and being eco friendly!  Advice from HH Dollhouse in taking care of the earth is this:

1)You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly.
2)Do not pollute the land where you live.


You can read more on her "Diary of a Vintage Lover " blog here.

Catch her:
On Etsy
Facebook

Website

Meet Clone Hardware

Caramel Orange Upcycled Computer Component Necklace $49.99


Shop Name: Clone Hardware

Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Clone Hardware says, "After university (several thousand years ago) I decided to pursue a career in graphic & web design. But during the years of slaving / working in that field my creative energy was being slowly stifled.

Then one day I stumbled into the warehouse of Pothast Technologies, with boxes and shelves filled with beautiful and unique baubles, bits and pieces I had a lightbulb moment. I had never really been interested in conventional jewelry and with all these lovely and interesting things within my grasp I became inspired and empowered to create.

Clone Hardware was inspired by the constant influx of computer hardware and electronic devices that have entered our lives and sadly departed as well. The problem of e-waste has recently been the focus of many businesses.

With our partners, Phrenic Systems Inc. and Pothast Technologies we aim to extend and re-use technology as much as possible. By creating beautiful and unique pieces of wearable art out of what would otherwise end up in landfill, we hope to educate. Our landfills are still being overloaded with these products, and it’s up to us to dispose of them properly and try to reverse some of the adverse effects on the environment created by this modern waste.

The majority of the jewelry I create is made from salvaged computers and electronics, some is surplus/unused parts."

Black Computer Ribbon Wire Upcycled Cuff with White Snaps $17.99


Clone Hardware's shop banner states, "Kickass Industrial, Ultra Cool Steampunk, Super Spiffy Pretty, Simply Modern, Wearable Art Jewelry."

Copper Computer Hard Drive LOCK and KEY Pendant with Wire Necklace $25.00

You can find Clone Hardware on Etsy here, on Facebook here and online at their own website here. Lastly, you can find their blog here.

This blog post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Meet Mattie Reid Chicago

Lovely rhinestone ring used to be an earring!

Shop Name: Mattie Reid Chicago

Location: Houston, TX

Owner: Heather

Heather says, "Mattie Reid Chicago came about back in 1999 when I was living in Chicago and attending school for fashion design. We had a project where we had to create a design name for ourselves. I could not think of anything, but my great grandmother. Her name was Mattie Reed. I changed the spelling of her last name to Reid and added Chicago to the end. Wa la! Mattie Reid Chicago was created. I design and develop accessories, often made of vintage fabrics and trims as well as clothing that is inspired by designs from the past."

Feather Headband is lovely.

Heather sold a lot on Ebay for the past few years, but has recently been stocking up her Etsy stores, both this, and Texas Vintage, which offers eclectic vintage clothing, housewares, and decor.

"Summer is Beautiful" onesies.

Heather's known for her onesies. They are unisex, and have playful embroidered designs and appliques on them. explains, "Right now, I mostly focus on baby apparel however, I am going to branch out soon and possibly add in toddler designs as well. With regard to the onesies, I can make anything requested. If you don't see it, send me an email and I can make it! I love special orders!!"
 

Heather's Mission?  "Made with love!, and to incorporate onesies, accessories made from vintage trims, paper goods-a little bit of everything!"

Adorable Hair Barettes with Vintage Adornments!

Connect with Heather:
On Twitter
On Facebook for Mattie Reid
In her Etsy Shop for Mattie Reid Chicago
On her Website
Or...in her Texas Vintage Shop

Amanda Bess Allen Jewelry Creations Are Here: Manda 216 on Etsy

I adore the colors in this cuff bracelet.  Amanda makes them all unique.

Amanda Bess Allen comes to us out of   Dexter, Michigan. She's a vegan jewelry maker and crafter in the Manda216 shop on Etsy. She uses upcycled and recycled goods in her work and designs.  Amanda's creations are unique, spunky, and the color palettes she chooses for her work, flow together lovely.

This necklace demonstrates Amanda's amazing ability to use different components for a unique look.

Surely wearing one of these pieces would have people asking, "Who designed that?"  Her work is on display and available in the Mona Lisa Salon in Dexter, Michigan.

Click here to visit the salon for hours and more info. 

Amanda says, "Recycling is an important part of my life. Many of my shop items are made with recycled paper or vintage parts. I like to recycle or reuse anything that I can, and I love to makeover old pieces and give them a fresh start."

Natural shells really set this necklace off. 

 She says, "I like making all different types of things and working with different materials.
 I love color, and I love pieces that are funky and unique."

Handmade Paper Beads and a gorgeous color palette adorn this necklace.

When not making jewelry, Amanda is finding the beauty in nature and taking wonderful photographs like these gorgeous pumpkins....

Photography by Amanda Bess Allen, click HERE to visit photo gallery.

Find Amanda on TWITTER,  ETSY, and check out her Personal Photography Website!

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. 

The Weeping Willows

Recycled * Upcycled * Eco Friendly * Natural

Please join us in welcoming Weeping Willows to our team!
All the way from Brighton, Britain, UK!
From these GORGEOUS little pillow boxes

To these FABULOUS jewelry pieces,

The Weeping Willows provides whimsical upcycled jewelry and pretty little boxes to put them in.

Natural, Recycled, Upcycled, Eco-friendly, Ethical jewellery made from handcrafted rolled paper beads, semi-precious chips & stones, fresh water & faux pearls. All finished of with silver & gold plated wire and jute string.
SOMEONE LOVED ME ONCE........CAN YOU LOVE ME AGAIN??