Silent Night - Shades of Blue Vintage

You are probably thinking "It must be vintage week here on the blog."  That's because I want to stress that selling vintage products is a way of recycling.  Vintage love is two fold.  Not only are you keeping items out of landfills by upcycling these items for either their original use or to decorate your home, but you may be using a vintage item instead of buying a new mass produced  item whose production process is sending pollutants into our environment, ie: the air we breathe, and later, causing more harm than good.   Look at this lovely treasury from the VestiesTeam, and ask yourself, don't you need some vintage in your life?

'Silent Night' by shadowjewels

Peace

Fairy Dance - Vintage Book P... RetroChalet $8.00	Silent Night Vintage 1950s ... Sweetbeefinds $44.00	5x7 Photograph - Silent Nig... Michaella $10.00
Vintage Silent Night Musical... JodysVintage $15.75	c 1912 French Christmas Girl... ParisianDreams $7.99	Blue Windsor Star Cut Glass ... TheWishingWard... $13.00
1923 Fallow Deer in Winter P... thinaircreatio... $15.00	Vintage Estate Black Diamond... OldNNew4U $17.50	BOGO Sale - Everything is il... irenesuchocki $30.00
Vintage Print Notre Dame Fra... TheVintageHord... $18.00	SALE Whispers of Moonlight L... ShoppeAndYore $27.20	Precious Mother and Child AR... jenscloset $16.50
ANCIENT SNOWFLAKES Arctic Bl... AnniesWearable... $9.00	vintage set glassware smoke ... ionesAttic $20.00	Vintage Antique Glass Crysta... rhan $14.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Tee Tugs : Upcycled Pet Toys

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I'm pleased to welcome a new member to our team, the very creative Kaylin Carol who makes "Tee Tugs."  What are they you ask?  Adorable pet toys made of upcycled t-shirts!  That's right, full of special knots, these tugs will keep your loved ones busy!

Cats, don't fret, check out these tugs for your pretty kitty!

A real bargain, 8 kitty tugs for only $6, available here.

Dogs and precious pups, you'll never give up trying to tug and tug on these toys!

Dogs tugs range in price around $12.50, a real bargain, and come in lots of pretty colors!  Check 'em out here.

It's all in the knot, Kaylin has special gloves that allow her to tie those knots super tight, to allow your pet long hours of playtime.  Not only that, Kaylin's love for recycling and upcycling goes a step further. She ships her items the very special "CAREMAIL"  way, where she uses an ECO FRIENDLY packaging made from 95% recycled, 55% post-consumer materials. 

All design of products go through "pet approval" and quality checking for durability.

She was featured in People Magazine's online Pets section, make sure to read her article here.

Kaylin is a student living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She is an artist and graphic designer, who loves pets and the environment.  Read more about her two very special cats, and more about her in her Etsy profile located here. 

Wrapcycle Is In The Spotlight

Summer Spotlight

AUGUST-SUMMER SPECIAL 2010 SPOTLIGHT 

Award Winner:  WrapCycle

Winner of the Team Vote!

Eco Padded iPad Wraps in 3 Different Colors, $42

Thanks to a huge team vote, I'm proud to spotlight WRAPCYCLE and Janet Michal of Atlanta, Georgia as this summer's Etsy Recycler's Guild award winner. Janet walked away from a corporate job in July of 2009 to concentrate full time on her business.  Let's learn more.

Janet says, "All things environmental and ecological are my passion  I drive very little and when I do it's in my Prius; I compost and recycle like mad; and I garden organically and sustainably - so this shop is a natural evolutionary step."

Eco Passport Cover Globe Trotter $14

Her creations combine her eco-consciousness with her ability to offer attractive designs at affordable prices. Earth-friendly cases for laptops, accessories such as passport covers and business card holders are just a few things you'll find.  Combined with custom detailing and embroidery, her fashions are both practical and useful.

Custom Embroidery 16-50 Characters, $5

Success and determination have made Janet's fashions a household name, and she works on her business in many ways, not just in her Etsy shop. She is a weekly vendor at the East Atlanta Village farmers market; has her own website, http://www.wrapcycle.com/; and most important, is seeking to expand her wholesale business. Janet goes the extra mile for her wholesale customers - primarily college and university bookstores - by offering a seasonal catalog in PDF format and special pricing. 

Catalog in PDF format is a great addtion to the Wrapcycle website.

Janet says, "I partner with local recycling centers and thrift stores for materials.  I love cruising yard sales for interesting fabrics. There's not much I can't use! I am especially excited about the partnership I formed recently with a local fabric manufacturer to take on their samples and remnants. They informed me that they would have to throw them away if they couldn't find someone to give them to, so this is a real win-win situation."

The "Wrapcycle Workroom"

I must admit, I'm jealous Janet was able to leave her corporate job behind.  I ask if she has any regrets?  She explains, "I've never been happier and I've never looked back. One of the things I like best is getting ideas for new products from my customers. I started with LapTopWraps (which are laptop bags and sleeves), but my customers had visions of other products that could be made from recycled fabrics, and I was and am happy to try to realize their visions as well my own."  

 

 

A customer suggestion led to these Eco Business Card Holders, sets for $75  

Eco Padded LapTopWrap Sleeve with Fruit $28, is what Wrapcycle is known for!

Janet continues to market and promote her product on many greenie sites offers sales and promotions, in addition to using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Her drive, determination and keen eye for fashion and quality craftsmanship are to be commended   Please visit her shop on Etsy, or contact her for special orders at 404-219-1980.

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

Yarashi ( va.de.nuevo )

Shop Name:  Yarashi  (va de neuevo)


Owner:          Yara Salazar and Marta Hidalgo

Location:  San Jose California ( Costa Rica, UK, global! )

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

va•de•nuevo is an ecodesign project by Yara Salazar and Marta Hidalgo, that's seeking to improve the use of resources. 

They explain, "We start with used leather clothes that have been discarded due to damages or fashion trends. The idea is to make good use of second-hand materials, designing and putting together a new handbag from recycled leather. We create totally new, modern products  while reducing the amount of waste. This makes gorgeous bags out of upcycled leather coats. "

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For more information, be sure to check out Yarashi's website http://www.vadenuevo.net/

or check out their Etsy shop today!

Akkricket - Borealis Sea Glass

Shop Name:  Borealis Sea Glass  / aka Akkricket

Owner:  Kristina

Location:  Wasilla, Alaska

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

Welcome to new member Kristina, whose shop is comprised of lovely natural sea glass jewelry creations.  In this shop you will find a gorgeous mix of pendants, earrings, bracelets and so much more.  Occasionally you may also find a piece of upcycled or recycled glass!

Just when you think you've seen it all, she offers wind chimes, suncatchers,  and zipper pulls (above) too!  I really love the natural wood used in this windchime!

If you are looking for sea glass, you've come to the right place.  In addition to offering jewelry, Kristina also offers pre-drilled and loose sea glass also!  Not only is this a great place to get gifts, but this is a one stop supply shop also! 

Don't delay, check out her shop TODAY!

GinkgoFabrics

Shop Name: Ginkgo Fabrics

Owner:  Susan

Location:  Camano Island, WA

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

Would you ever guess this was made from a placemat?

Susan has been creating handmade treasures for over 30 years.  She explains, "My handbags are one-of-a-kind and range from recycled wool to choice fabrics. Each handbag has unique details, from hand sewn beads to vintage buttons and eye-catching lining. You may also find some handknit or crocheted items created from pristine materials."

Made from clean plastic grocery bags!

Handknit creation meets upcycled adornments!

Custom orders are welcome! Susan encourges you to contact her directly at ginkgofabrics@fidalgo.net


Make sure to check out this great Etsy shop NOW!

BitsPeaces

Shop Name:  BitsPeaces

Owner: Nancy

Location:  Mid-Michigan , USA

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

Nancy offers wonderful creations here.  Most are eco friendly upcycled items such as denim rag quilts, shams, and pillow covers.  You'll find custom orders are welcome and encouraged.  Check out the selection of upcycled tote bags, crown royal bag quilts and all types of great handmade home decor!  Browse around as you never know what you may find.  From placecard table settings to checkbook covers, stock is always being added.

Visit this great shop NOW!