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

 

Recycling and Welcoming

Jessica and I as little girls.

Greetings to All,


  My name is Andrea and I am Jessica's (the new team captain's) twin sister; you may have seen me mentioned in some of Jessica's welcoming discussions/convos.  Yes, I am the newest member to the team, and proud to be a part of this fabulous movement of "recycling"!  I love to recycle!  You can just ask Jessica about it; I always come up with new ways to use my family's "trash" (glass jars, yogurt cups, rubber bands, old shirts, wrapping paper, etc.) or if all else fails, I put this trash of mine away for my husband to take to our local recycling service.


With "vintage" being the new "green", my shop (Storybook Artifact) and I are ready to be a great addition to this team!  I look forward to helping out as new team leader.  Feel free to contact me with any questions or need of assistance; I'd love to help. :-)

Eco-Friendly Freckles Decoupage Art Canister (Baby Inspiration)

I just wanted to feature one of Jessica's decoupage canisters to show how our new team captain's art can be so versatile and elaborate!  This one (featured above) is titled Baby Inspiration.  I will be taking this as a gift for an upcoming baby shower (that I'll be attending this weekend) for a friend of mine.  I am so happy to have picked out 
this personable piece from my artistic twin sister's Etsy shop (Eco-Friendly Freckles).  Wrapped inside, Jessica fixed me up with some of her luxurious handmade soap also.  This little addition to the shower gift really has made the gift extraordinary!  I love the detail in Jessica's art: absolutely breathtaking!  I look forward to seeing this baby shower gift unwrapped and "cherished"; the word cherished is elegantly featured on soap's tag, which I think truly accentuates the thoughtfulness behind this playful "welcome baby" gift.  I added a smily rattle to help play along the theme as well.


Just a Friendly Reminder to All Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Members: to please change your team tag on all your shops items to recycleguild.  Thank You. :-)


_Andrea
www.storybookartifact.blogspot.com

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!

Living Green in Louisiana Dijon's Olde World Originals

Originally  I wrote this for Handmadeology, I wanted to show Dijon some more love on Etsy!
Woodworking Olde World Style 

Adorable coffee cart reminiscent of days gone by, 
made with reclaimed woods by Dijon's Olde World Originals.

For some of us, crafting is a pastime, hobby, or stress relief! For others, it's a part of who we are--and I'm focusing on a short series where these individuals will tell you, it's part of their heritage. They are upholding generations of tradition and the beauty shows in their work.

Take for instance, Dijon's Olde World Originals, coming to us from Baton Route, Louisiana.  Dee"Dijon" Jones comes from a long line of carpenters and welders, and believes in using "olde world" techniques when making his furniture.  You will find no mass production here.  His goods are made from reclaimed wood and timbers including but not limited to old doors, structure beams, architectural grates, garden gates, tin roofs, and balcony rails.  This ensures you are getting something with history and rest assured, no two will be alike.   

Gorgeous Cypress Dining Table

Dijon was born in Plaquemine, Louisiana and raised in Brusly. He's got a Cajun accent and began woodworking at an early age.  His grandfather was a carpenter, and his mother also. His father is a welder.  It's no wonder he inherited his family's traits. He explains, "I learned from all three of them. I started making furniture and other items for family and friends. Many of them suggested I should open my own company and I finally did just that. I love using Louisiana products, especially old cypress and vintage architectural pieces, to make new items for the home and garden."

This cart was used as a movie prop and can be found in their Etsy shop.

His wife Suzanne explained to me that the mighty Cypress trees are now more protected now and less timbered, but they still find reclaimed pieces from swap meets, reclaimed yards, and antique stores.  She says, "Dijon can custom make anything you want, to fit in any size space and keep the authentic look of "olde world styling." 

Part of his Cajun-Louisiana heritage are Dijon's mini piroque's.

Another indicator of his heritage is the fact he makes mini decorative "Pirogues", which were boat vessels native to the area used for fishing in the swamps.  Now Dijon's miniatures are a hit at crawfish parties or for serving beverages out of on a hot summer's day.  I could see this on my deck with flowers in it!

Find these in the Lagniappe section!

Kudos to Dijon for sticking to family traditions, using olde world processes, and reclaiming woods. In addition to the above you'll find objects for any purpose including lamps, home decor, tables, planters, garden decor, mirrors, clocks, and more.  You can connect with him more on Etsy , his website, or Facebook to check it out. 



Stay tuned for more from this series, including an artist from Germany using old enameling techniques, and an artist from Baltimore dating their wire wrapping skills back to Transylvania days. If you have a similar story or know of one like this, connect with me. 
RetroChalet.etsy.com
 

Inside Etsy Vintage Seller's Shop : RetroBabs

RetroBabs brings one of a kind eclectic finds, and a touch of ReMix too!

RetroBabs, or Barb, as her friends know her ventured onto Etsy one day with the help of her daughter, Bec.  It seems there was no turning back.  I took some time to interview her to find out how her "RetroBabs Vintage and ReMix" shop came to be.

How did you find Etsy start?

Barb says, "Bec was constantly telling me to go to Etsy because there was things she wanted me to buy.  I started searching the site and realized they had vintage.  I had been a big collector for years and I loved all the shops.  I decided it was something I could do and a good project for Bec and I to do together."

Baby Quilt, found HERE.

What role does your daughter, Bec play in your shop?

"She told me she wanted to be a silent partner (then having been a newly wed and all-married in June of 2010).  I supply the vintage fabric and Bec makes what she wants out of it.  She is a talented seamstress."  *Read about Babs and Bec here*


So how did you prepare for your "grand opening" in August, 2010?

"I started to collect some items to put in the shop.  I went to resale shops, antique stores, searched through my own collections, flea markets etc.  I decided to start listing items and it was then that I realized it all had a theme of sorts.  Mostly mid-century modern stuff. "

Lovely Desk Accessory, Found Here.

Mid Century Modern seems to be THE theme in your shop? 

"I was drawn to mad men, rat pack type items, and also desk accessories were selling. I have many male customers they buy things like york barbell weights, martini shakers and Ice -o-matics.  At Retrobabs we also sell a lot of fabric items from towels, apron, curtains, linens, and gloves. "

Lovely Seashell ReMix frame!

What is the "ReMix" end of things?

Barb explained that Bec re-mixes items that would normally be discarded into functional can-use items mixed with original artwork. You will find everything from Baby Bibs to plates fashioned into clocks, or hand sewn dish towels incorporating older fabric remnants.  She explains, "Bec's items are finally starting to sell. It took a while for the ReMix to catch on. We have sold three clock/plates to date. " 

Juicy Strawberry Pitcher. Find it Here.

What is your personal favorite item in your shop?

"Right now my favorite item in the shop is our Juicy Strawberry ceramic pitcher and the Mad Men type barware set of glassses with its groovy metal tray.  I want to keep them myself but I think my husband will make me move out of the house!"

Temporama cups by WhatsNewontheMantel

Do you collect anything? 

"I have to admit I am a collector of many things, atomic dishes, (I love Temporama), pottery, hand blown glass, elephants..... "


What have you learned from your experience on Etsy?

"When I first made my shop I thought you were supposed to keep everything separate from your personal life. Privacy wise I tried to separate my art life from the Etsy life.  Many of fellow Etsians including encouraged me to let people know who I am and what my art is.  With RetroChalet's help I started my RetroBabs blog and set up one for my personal artwork.  I now try to link everything together so folks get the full picture of our shop and us."

Etsy Teams ROCK!

What is your favorite part of being an Etsian?

"My favorite part of Etsy is the  community and the customers.  I did not expect this, such camaraderie and fantastic friendships.  I have 57 positive comments and customers write me letters, send photos and one actually sent a thank you gift to my home!! I then joined the Vesties team (focused on vintage) and that really helped me hone my shop and I picked Martha's brain (Team Captain of Vesties) at a local meet up."

Barb is a member of several teams, all of which help curtail her Etsy experience in positive ways.  Catch up with RetroBabs: 

RetroBabs Shop


Check her Facebook Page out!

RetroBabs Blog

On Barb's Art and Pottery Blog

On the Vesties Team

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!

Handmade Bliss by the Etsy Recyclers Guild team

Meet Peta of REforma

Peta of REforma is an artist who lives in Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic. She makes really cool upcycled/recycled jewelry from plastic.

Tell us a little about yourself.

About myself... I love wind, storms, mist, green tea, red wine, black olives, steam, ping pong, table football, poker, drawing, writing, Jean Paul Belmondo and biting people. I enjoy unusual and extraordinary stuff, so I surround myself with them. I´m quite a collector of everything from sea stones to cheesy gold accessories.

When did you first start crafting?

At age seven, when I equipped my fish aquarium with thoroughly selected rocks. I also created a feeder for hummingbirds and was very sad and disappointed that no one ever came...well they don´t live in Czech Republic, I realized years later.

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

There is so many kinds of trash around.. that means unlimited possibilities of crafting! When I walk around town, I always meet some irresistible pile of garbage and my imagination starts to persuade me to look in it.

Plastic is the most favourite material for me. I realized there is something like a scale of precious plastics... like green plastic bottle is something usual as a copper but non-transparent pink one is really big hit...it´s a diamond between bottles (no surprise there is always some strange artificial soda with horrible taste in it, so there is almost nobody buying it).

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

I hope my work is getting more simple and pure. On the other hand, I have an idea of the line “Haute Réforme” :) It would be dramatic, rich and opulent.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Hmm...At the bottom of the coffee/wine/blueberry juice/another wine?

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

In few shops in Czech Republic (Prague, Brno, Hradec Kralove). Online in my Etsy shop, Fler and Yiuco.

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

Be seen and heard. And make nice crafts of course:)

Describe yourself in three words:

Broken-nails, scarred-knees, red-hair.

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

A little bit about ecology. Don´t stop look around and realize that everything is connected with everything. But don´t freak out, keep balance and be happy.

You can find Peta and REforma online at the following places:

REforma on Etsy
Facebook

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