Paper Leaves

Shop Name: Paper Leaves

Name: Kristen

Location: Camarillo, California

Shop Link: http://www.paperleaves.etsy.com/

Kristen's shop is full of "recycled randomness." Having a great appreciation for paper, she has a wonderful assortment of recycled and upcycled cards, some that even "pop up" when you unfold them. She is only in her 20's and loves to create, share and promote upcycling of goods that would otherwise be discarded!

Check out her shop HERE.

Nature Poet

Shop Name: NaturePoet aka "The Old and New Shop"

Owner: Mary

Location: Brantford, Ontario, CANADA

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

Mary has been dealing in vintage for as long as she can remember, having been raised on a rual farm in Ontario, Canada. Her grandparents lived next door, but never had electricity, and Mary was in awe of the vintage goods that could be found in their home. Fast foward to 1979, where she began working in an auction house buying and selling antiques. Her love for all things old would soon expand to her own selling of handicrafts and vintage goods in her locality. She is now excited to be offering them on Etsy for everyone to access. Make sure to check out her repurposed dominoes, I love them! She is also a member of the Canadian team, and her shop is full of wonderful goodies. Be sure to check it out.

Visit her Etsy shop HERE.

Check out her BLOG here!

NansRedesigns

Shop Name : Nan's Redesigns

Owner: Nan

Location: Massachusetts

Shop Link: http://www.nansredesigns.etsy.com/

Nan is an artist and interior designer, who has been sewing since her mother taught her early on. Her purses and fashions are made from recycled fabrics. She says, "Every purse, sling bag, and tote is expertly made by me using an eclectic mix of new, vintage, and repurposed textiles. I now offer organic fabrics. Made with complete bliss and hope for a peaceful whole earth. "

She says, "The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that every year 4 million tons of textile waste rots in landfills, producing methane gas which contributes to global warming! The green movement is about recycling products, redesigning them for use, and renewing the earth; add to that a love of fabric and a passion for sewing, and the combination gave birth to Nan's Redesigns."

Be sure to check out her shop HERE.

MWStudios

Name Melissa Wittmann

Shop: MW Studios

Shop Link: http://www.mwstudios.etsy.com/

Location: York, PA

Melissa's collection includes wonderfully unique items made from recycled materials, or materials that would have otherwise been discarded. From purses, bags, jewelry, shawls, or original designs, you'll always find something interesting here.

Melissa has rescued scraps and prides herself on making items that are Earth friendly. Her goal is to be as kind to the Earth as she can. Melissa says, "I've always held a great love for vintage components and recycled yarns, this year I plan to work more with them."

Be sure to check out here shop HERE. Also, if you are local to York, PA, check out her work which can be seen at the Cherie Mansberger Designs Stand (Caka herie Anne Designs booth )at the York Central Market, 34 W. Philadelphia Street, York, PA

MeganLeone

Shop Name: MeganLeone (Megan Leone Designs)

Owner: Megan Leone (Kavanaugh) Miller

Location: Boston, MA

Etsy Link: http://www.meganleone.etsy.com/

Megan's Etsy Bio says it all: "fashion from the ashes recycled - reimagined"

Megan says, "I am a one-woman company. Everything is designed, cut, sewed and finished by me. My accessories are handmade with an eye for design and unique craftsmanship that makes each piece a pleasure to own and use. I strive to keep my company eco-conscious by using vintage and recycled materials. All packaging and paper I use is also recycled."

From belts, rings, and all upcycled things (even the best ever bracelet purses), you'll never know what creations await for you in this store. Megan Leone Designs has been the talk of many people, word is spreading and it's no wonder why. Make sure to read all the press HERE.

Visit her Etsy shop HERE.

Or, learn more about her on her website at http://www.meganleone.com/

Lucid Dreamers

Shop Name: Lucid Dreamers

Owners: Eric and Celeste

Location: Eugene , Oregon

Etsy Link: http://www.luciddreamers.etsy.com/

Lucid Dreamers is the creation of two very talented people, Eric and Celeste. From a green valley in Western Oregon comes these whimsical creations, from mixed media sculpture to reclaimed part necklaces and dimensional art, you never know what you will find here. Celeste works primarily in glass, metal, pastels and watercolors. Eric is a musician as well as an artist, so he works with musical instruments as well as mixed media, including collage, painting, assemblage and sculpture. Their creations are made separate, or sometimes together--and are amazing.

They were also a spotlight vendor for January 2010 on this blog, read about them HERE.

Check out their Etsy shop HERE.

Love Peace and DYE

Name: TiffyPop

Location: East Berlin, Pennsylvania

Shop: Love Peace and DYE

Etsy Shop Link: http://www.lovepeaceanddye.etsy.com/

Taken straight from TiffyPop's profile:

Love Peace and DYE is an inspired movement to raise social consciousness in all aspects of our culture and consumerism, and share our love for crafts. In all our various works we infuse our love and passion for this planet and humanity by recycling everything we can.

Because of our love for the planet and our strong desire to reuse everything we can we call ourselves Recycle Artists... creating Recycled Art; this is an art form EVERYONE can learn and practice everyday!

Tiffypop is an amazing Creatress of originally inspired clothing and accessories for people and pets. She is also an activist as well as grassroots recycle artist who is inspired by trash."

Visit Love Peace and DYE here.

LBJonriver/Riverside Studios

Name: LaVerne

Shop: LBJonRiver (Riverside Studios)

Location: New Braunfels, Texas

Etsy Shop Link: http://www.lbjonriver.etsy.com/

LaVerne lives on the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River in the small town of New Braunfels, Texas. She says it's a town with a "real downtown" that features the oldest bakery in Texas, not to mention, one of the state's oldest hardware stores...(you know the kind, wooden floors and tin ceilings.) LaVerne describes it as the perfect setting for vintage treasures and the perfect setting for a recycler like herself.

LaVerne's store is filled with wonderful upcycled and recycled items like golf club wind chimes, story book birdhouses, or fun wine charms. Check it out HERE.

LaRocaGallery

Shop Name: La Roca Gallery

Owner: Gladis

Location: Hatboro, PA

Etsy Link: http://larocagallery.etsy.com/

La Roca Gallery is a family owned and operated business, originally established over 69 years ago by Gladis' grandparents in El Salvador. Continuing the tradition for fine craftsmanship out of Hatboro, PA, Gladis brings you reclaimed, upcycled, and recycled fashions great for any budget.

Gladis says, "I'm a free lance artisan with a great desire to learn and create, and ceate even more!. .I like to * Re-use * Re-Cycle * Re-Claim * Re-Invent * everything that I have available, always adding a touch of originality, dignity and character to my art work."

She is not limited to one medium, and you will find an eclectic mix of glass, metalwork, and other items here. The jewelry is exquisite. Be sure to also check out her Etsy sister shop, which is up and coming called "Vintage Garments."

Visit her Etsy shop HERE.

Also find more on La Roca Gallery on these Websites:
http://www.laroca-gallery.com/
http://larocagallery.deviantart.com/
http://larocagallery.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/LaRocaGallery
http://twitter.com/LaRocaGallery

Lake Erie Beach Glass

Name: Jodie

Location: Erie, PA

Shop Link: http://www.lakeeriebeachglass.etsy.com/

When I asked Jodie how she got involved in her shop, this is what she had to say:

"I have always been drawn to the lake and often spend my time beachcombing the shores of Lake Erie. While beach combing my family and I began picking up trash that would accumulate and dispose of it. We then started picking up other unique items we would find and decided to recycle these items and give them new purpose through jewelry design and art. It has become a family business where everyone is involved. We live in Erie, Pennsylvania and comb the beaches from Cleveland to Buffalo. "

Jodie's shop is filled with lovely creations incorporating these wonderful finds. She is a proud member of the North American Sea Glass Association, of CAAT, and many Etsy teams! You can visit LakeErieBeachGlass on ETSY, or by clicking the following places

HER BLOG

HER MYSPACE

GOOGLE PAGES

YOUTUBE