Alowishes Kitsch Recycled Etsy Shop Creating from Cleveland Ohio

Adorable little milk carton has been upcycled into a fashion ring!

AlowishesKitsch on Etsy is recycling up a storm in her one of a kind cute creations. You'll find jewelry, ornaments, and knick knacks all coming from old toys, or recycled parts.

These upcycled earrings are only $7 in her shop!

Shop owner Alexandra Maryanovsky is creating from her Cleveland Ohio studio and has a huge appreciation for upcycling and creative reuse.  She says, "I tend to use recycled Barbie toys, doll miniatures and pinata or gum ball toys, and Legos! "

Adorable coffee ad has been upcycled into a one of a kind ring creation!

Alexandra believes that consumers should be unique and buy handmade creations from small business versus mass produced items from designers, and we couldn't agree more.  We just love these little Lego ornaments (she was featured on a plastics blog for them) , they would make the perfect Christmas gifts!

Lego Ornament by AlowishesKitsch a steal at $8

As for her shop name? She says, "I love knowledge, so I'm going to share some things with you. Kitsch comes from Germany. It was used to describe ironic, cheap art that was quirky and nontraditional. I'm a bit of a non-conformist, and my art will bring out the one-of-a-kind, kick gluteus maximus, cutesy, non-conformist in you that is dying to get out."


Connect with her:

On Etsy

 

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 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.

Meet Girl Geek Boutique : From Nasa to Etsy, Megan Tells All

What inspired Girl Geek Boutique?

To quote the Legend of girlgeekboutique, "It all started long ago in a lab deep within NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Captain Girl Geek (CGG) rued the dearth of truly geeky jewelry and accessories...the fact that the inherent beauty of engineering components goes so often overlooked and that their artistic potential is rarely, if ever, utilized. And so, within the heart of JPL was forged a crude bracelet from copper wire and the remains of a memory chip..." Read the full Legend here! 

What brought you to Etsy?

First Mate Jessie researched options for a venue/community for our geekery and Etsy won out as the best fit--there's no better place to sell the hand-crafted geekery and other unique, quirky, and lovely items created by the robots and pirates of girlgeekboutique!

Bracelets like this , (only $19),

Steampunk Gear and Rainbow Computer Cable Bracelet

are made from upcycled components!

What materials do you recycle into new creations?

girlgeekboutique.com booty is made from:
Upcycled circuit boards and engineering components such as resistors, capacitors, LEDs, wires, cable, toroids, inductors, choke coils, hardware, gears, springs, and nuts.  Jewelry components/findings, duct tape, cotton, canvas, leather, beads, pendants, charms, rhinestones, Swarovski crystal, gemstones, glass, chain, epoxy resin, polymer clay, magnets, satin, Luck, and awesome.

What is your favorite piece?

Right now my favorite would have to be my Rainbow Resistor Spiral Cluster Earrings! It took many trips and many hours of rummaging through bins in surplus electronics stores to procure all the different colors/shades of resistors, and rainbows are among my two favorite themes (the other = robots). They are also meaningful because they contain resistors left over from my years as an electrical engineering undergrad. True recycling!

It's no wonder why these are her fave!

What advice do you have for other crafters about marketing your products , or social networking?

Here are two strategies I employ that have not already been covered in detail time and time again by Etsy/team blog posts and guides. SHAMELESS PLUG: My "day job" involves both of the below--I'm happy to provide advice for free and services at a discount to team members. >^-^<

1) WEBSITE!  Have a professional-looking website with a memorable domain name: A website that has been well thought out and executed can go a long way toward instilling confidence in those who are considering buying from you. A memorable domain name can be placed on business cards/banners/etc. and the site can be a compelling entry point for your Etsy store that you have complete control over--feel free to take a look at MINE to see what I have done with mine.

2) SEO! Related to the above, search engine optimization (SEO) can boost your rankings and increase the likelihood that you will be found. Strategies include standards-compliant websites with optimized tags/descriptions, fresh and interesting content (even if it's just re-posting your item descriptions from Etsy), strategic placement/formatting of appropriate key words, and relevant/valuable links both to and from your site (again, more advice/services available upon request).

Rainbow Swirl Earrings, I love these!

What about Megan, who is she?

I am a hardcore girl geek who graduated in electrical engineering, but I have a wide variety of experiences. I've started two (previous) tech-related businesses, researched in science labs at UC Riverside, Caltech, and NASA JPL, published in both scientific and creative writing journals, suffered from debilitating chronic illnesses, and won competitive ballroom dance awards. I am both a nerd and an artist and have loved both crafting and computer programming from a very young age--quite the unique girl geek!   Find out more about me and about our First Mate and Master Gunner here on my Crew page.

Megan is hard at work!

Does your workspace typically involve beaches, flowery bikinis, and tropical cocktails??

I wish! Much of my crafting is portable; though I have drawers and drawers of supplies, when I have an inspiration I often will gather all of the components and put them in their own compartment/bin/baggie. Then, when I am ready to craft, all I need are those components and my tools. I took several of these projects with me on vacation, and this photo was taken as I was setting up to make some resistor and circuit board earrings in a bar by the beach in Waikiki. Needless to say, I attracted much curious attention!

You will find other things besides jewelry here too, like decals, bags, art prints and more!

What is your ultimate goal for girlgeekboutique?
Hmm, I would have to say that I have been inspired to sell enough geekery to afford a permanent workspace on a tropical island beach! >^-^<

Catch up and Connect with Girl Geek Boutique : 

ON ETSY

ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

ON TWITTER

ON FACEBOOK

VIEW HER WORK PORTFOLIO

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.

Meet Nicolette of Decomp

Nicolette of Decomp is one of my fellow Etsy Recyclers Guild team members. We somehow started up dialogue a few days ago and I told her I really liked her stuff. She makes really great recycled jewelry and accessories from old bullet shells, bones and feathers. Very in tune with the earth and recycling. Like I said, her stuff is way cool!

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Nicolette and I live near lake Michigan. I’ve been a freelance portrait artist for 5 years. I enjoy designing conceptual accessories, clothing and jewelry for my Etsy shop on the side. I've had no formal training in drawing or sewing, just the impulse to create.

When did you first start designing/crafting?

I have always been crafty, you name it, I’ve done it. My passion for drawing is where the urge to ’design’ originated from. Planning out how to make something is the first and best part. I starting making Barbie clothes, jewelry, wallets, even cell phones (ha ha) made out of paper when I was a little child. Paper and tape were best materials. :D Then I really got into beading and designing outfits as a kid. Tubs of beads and sketchbooks EVERYWHERE. I enjoy the challenge of creating something, new no matter the medium. As I got older, I learned how to sew and started making my own patterns and fabricating my designs. The items I made were mainly for myself. People locally became interested, so I was encouraged to start selling my creations.

Please describe your work in detail. What's your favorite type of crafting/art/design?

I’ve always been compelled to draw subjects the way they look in real life. I focus on capturing every detail in my illustrations and paintings. I soon realized that I am a perfectionist for imperfection. I’m so inspired my nature and the imperfections it creates. I try to incorporate this creativity, not only on paper, but in everyday life. The use of organic shapes brings life to ordinary things, such as a bag or scarf. I love to use recycled materials and found objects. I try to find a use for something so that it does not go to waste. Leather scrap that’s been well worn and aged, is one of my favorite materials. Wool and silk in its natural state are a pleasure to work with. Layering different textured fabrics has also become one of my staples. Finding beauty in the perfect combination of textures and colors is what I strive for in each completed piece. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with vintage and antique items, hence a few vintage pieces in my shop.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

I only started making things for my Etsy shop a year ago, using old ideas and designs from items I made for myself. Obviously, you get better at something the more you do it. I’ve learned what works and what doesn't, so the items in my store are better in terms of quality and durability.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get most of my inspiration from nature. Growing up, I was either outside or crafting. I have always found the natural world to be extremely fascinating. I try to incorporate natural textures, shapes and colors into my creations.

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

So far, only local commissions and in my Etsy shop.

What advice can you give other designers/artists when selling their items?

Just be yourself, make what you want to make. Show the world what you have to offer. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have many sales or views at first, it will take time. That’s about it, as I have a lot to learn as well. :D

Describe yourself in three words:

Innovative, perfectionist, autodidactic

Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?

I’ve been contemplating selling my custom portraits in my Etsy store, so keep an eye out for them in the near future. I’m thrilled to be a part of this wonderful Etsy community. Meeting such interesting artists and seeing their creative recycled items is what also inspires me to keep doing what I’m doing! Keep recycling!

You can find Nicolette of Decomp online at the following places:

Etsy
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Meet Chelsie of Chelsie Belles

Chelsie of Chelsie Belles is from Sioux Falls, SD. She's a professional model and graphic design student. She's extremely talented and makes really cute clothing and accessories from used/vintage items.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Chelsie. I am a graphic design student at SDSU and love anything arty. I love to sew and make unique clothing and jewelry. I am constantly coming up with new ideas and working on unique projects.

When did you first start crafting?

I have always "crafted". I have been sewing and making jewelry since I was a little girl.

Please describe your work in detail. What's your favorite type of crafting/design?

My favorite type of crafting is fashion design. I enjoy making designs from vintage clothing or fabric. I have this deep love for vintage that I have been told results from being born in the wrong decade :). I really enjoy taking things apart and turning them into something else completely.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

I always work quite a bit with denim but recently I have been working with other fabrics.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from the fabric that I use and the medium that I am reusing. I see the piece and suddenly I know what it needs to be.

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

I sell my products online in my Etsy shop. Visitors will be redirected to my shop from the address www.chelsiebelles.com.

What advice can you give other crafters/designers when selling their items?

Don't under-price your items. Your time is valuable so is the time of your fellow crafters! When people buy handmade they get a level of quality and personal touch that can't be purchased at a large chain store. Let's help everyone get what they deserve.

Describe yourself in three words:

Fun, Funky, Weird

Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?

I take custom orders!

You can find Chelsie of Chelsie Belles online at the following places:

Chelsie Belles on Etsy
Facebook
Twitter
Hyena Cart
Art Fire
Zibbet
Bizrate
Dawanda
Bonanza

This interview was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things

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.