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 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

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.

Interview with Harriete of Harriete Estel Berman

Since joining the Etsy Recyclers Guild team, I have admired designs from our fellow team member, Harriete Estel Berman. Harriete makes gallery quality jewelry and sculpture pieces. All of her jewelry is made from recycled tin cans. I would like to personally thank Harriete for taking time out of her busy schedule to give me an interview for our team blog.





When did you first start crafting/making jewelry?

Actually I have been working with metal since 1971 when I took my first metals class in college. From the very beginning I discovered my material, metal. Since then besides my BFA in metals from Syracuse University and MFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University.

I supported myself for years with my technical skills working as both a jewelry and a silversmith doing repairs. Using my technical skills from silver repairs has given me the confidence that I can make quality work with just about anything.

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

From 1980 to 1988 I made a series of domestic appliances that dealt with women’s roles in our society and social commentary. Scroll down on my sculpture page to view the appliances.

Since 1988, I’ve been working with vintage steel doll houses and recycled tin cans. That was 23 years ago, way before the current passion for recycling and thinking green.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

Early work was only sculpture and I only made a few pieces a year. Since about 1998, I have also made jewelry and Judacia.

Recently my use of recycled materials has expanded beyond recycled tin cans to include post consumer pencils, electronic waste, rulers, yardsticks, and plastic. Click here to view more recycled pieces.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from everyday life, advertising and our consumer society. Some of the pieces are actually named from magazine ads or television advertising such as "Nice and Easy, Even if Your Marriage Doesn't Last Your Color Will," Clairol Ad and Measuring Compliance.

Projects from recent years include work about our educational system inspired by surviving as a parent of two K-12 students - Pencil sculpture .

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

I sell a selection of pins and earrings at Harriete Estel Berman on Etsy, Object Fetish Jewelry at Harriete Estel Berman on Object Fetish and my own website.

In addition, I am experimenting with two trunk shows this spring. Past exposure for my work includes galleries, exhibitions, and museums.

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

I am committed to helping the arts and crafts community. Artists and makers can find years of advice, ALL FREE and available on line. They can read my blog where I provide words of experience on my blog Ask Harriete and the Professional Guidelines.

I also teach workshops and organize the Professional Development Seminar.
There will be a workshop near Harrisburg at the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen on April 9th and 10th, 2011.

There will also be a Professional Development Seminar in Seattle at the Society of North America Goldsmiths on May 28, 2011.

Information from past Professional Development Seminars is available here.

ARE YOU WONDERING HOW TO PRICE YOUR WORK?

Last year’s Professional Development Seminar program about pricing continues to be an extremely popular resource. The PowerPoint Presentations by our speakers and the Question and Answer Discussion with the audience were recorded and combined with the Slide Share Presentation so that you can experience the presentations that our audience saw in Houston.

I recommend that you listen to the Slide Share PowerPoint Presentation first, then listen to the podcast.
GO TO THE Professional Development Seminar page on the Harriete Estel Berman’s web site or click here.

PRICING INFORMATION CONTINUES on ASK Harriete.

With a month long series including pricing variables, understanding overhead, indirect cost, cash flow and more when pricing your work. Find all these posts on ASK Harriete .

Describe yourself in three words:

driven, energetic, creative

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

Please consider sharing the resources in the Professional Guidelines at ASK Harriete with your fellow artists and makers to make our community stronger.

You can find Harriete online at the following places:

Harriete Estel Berman on Etsy
Harriete’s own website
Facebook
Twitter
Object Fetish
Crafthaus
Linkedin
Youtube

This interview was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Meet Susan of SM.art Designing

Susan makes really amazing one-of-a-kind purses out of used book covers. Her book purses are all super cute and all have character because they're made from vintage books. She lines each book purse with lovely fabric and adds extra details to make the bags stand out.

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Susan Temple and I live in Connecticut with my husband Charlie and our two corgis, Peanut and Tulip. I am a Graphic Designer by profession for over 30 years. I design marketing materials for all sorts of client including banks, hospitals, even a WNBA team, and I love my job. And I also LOVE to make book purses!

When did you first start crafting?

I’ve been crafting for as long as I can remember. I always knew I would do something creative. When I was young I wanted to be the person who illustrated the sewing pattern catalogs. The ladies at the fabric shop would save the out dated catalogs for me and I would draw the pictures over and over. I learned to sew when I was 13 and I made all my clothes for years. I made coats, suits, even a bathing suit once. I love to hand make! The satisfaction of saying I made that, the choosing of the materials, the creative process, it’s all therapy for me.

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

Right now my favorite craft is my book purses. But I have gone through periods of different crafts. I do a lot of jewelry. For years I cross stitched. I love decorative painting. My husband bought me a jig saw one year! But my first love remains fabric and sewing. Although I don’t really sew the book purses, my understanding of construction has really helped.

I hunt for books in used book stores, salvation army depots, yard and tag sales. I never, ever use new books because I respect the original intent of a book. It’s meant to be read and cherished. But after that, why should it sit on a shelf collecting dust? However, rare and fist edition books are also a no-no in my book (pun intended). Those are special and should remain intact. There are some gorgeous old readers I found that would make incredible purses, but no way. They need to remain intact as a reminder of our heritage.

My creative process is Zen like... I get into a groove and before I know it hours have passed and I hardly knew it. I have a little transistor radio that I put on NPR and just zone out. I am incredibly lucky that I have a ‘craft room’. I am also extremely lucky that my husband is a very talented cabinet maker. I had a craft cabinet that was around 25 years old and it was literally falling apart. He recreated (and improved on) a new cabinet for me. And come to think of it, having that new cabinet gave me the space and comfort to really explore my craft. I am very blessed.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

In terms of my book purses I have become faster, my decisions are easier to make because I’ve paid attention to the process. I know what works and what doesn’t, and I know that I need to stay true to myself. I have only been doing these purses for a year and just recently I feel as if my “apprenticeship” is over and now I am reading to explore the next level. I’ve been experimenting with embellishments and options for handles. I am working on designing my own handles out of reclaimed wood. It doesn’t take a lot of fabric to make a book purse so I’ve been keeping my eye out for fabrics from thrift stores. If a shirt is made of a beautiful fabric, why not? The more recycling the better.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I was inspired to create my first book purse by my sister, who is an avid reader and aspiring writer. For her birthday her husband gave her a Kindle. My thought was-- what a perfect way of transporting a Kindle than in a purse made from a book cover. I gave her the purse as a gift and she loved it. Her reaction made me decide to make a few more, just for myself. But then an obsession was born! What keeps me inspired are the covers of the books and fabrics, some are plain but to me I see the possibility of adding this fabric and that ribbon, envisioning the final purse. Nature inspires me, I find the seasons in New England to be my inspiration lately.

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

I sell my book purses online in my Etsy shop. They are also available at a gallery in New Haven, CT called Elm City Handmade. And I am very excited to announce that they will also be available this spring at The Flying Pig Gallery and Greenspace in WI. I also sell by word of mouth, and through connections on Facebook. It’s growing everyday.

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

I’ve sold things that I’ve made on occasion, but nothing I made was ever accessible enough to market. My father was always encouraging me to sell my crafts, but it’s really hard to make any money from crafting. You have to work super fast with materials that don’t cost a fortune to be able to meet a price point people can afford. My book purses were the one thing that put me where I could make a modest profit and put out an affordable product. But the best thing about any craft is the enjoyment of doing it and I really enjoy making the purses. It marries all my skills as a graphic designer and crafter in one unique item. Plus my love for books! If there is one thing I am guilty of it is I WILL judge a book by its cover. As a graphic designer I just can’t help it.

One thing I know for sure is if you want to succeed, you must love what you do. You also must be the best at it and price it correctly. Never, ever sell work you are not proud of.

Describe yourself in three words:

I was going to say Very, Very Loud... but instead... Caring, Logical and Talented

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

I think the best thing I learned about this particular journey is to overcome my fears. I worried that people wouldn’t like my purses, or they wouldn’t be good enough. I really had to move though that in order to set up my Etsy shop. My friends and family are incredibly supportive with their advice and compliments, which really helped. I cannot stress this enough-- do what you love. If you love it, and that’s all you get out of it, then you are far ahead in the game. That’s my advice... Oh and always keep a bowl of ice water on your craft table when using a glue gun! Happy crafting.

You can find Sm.art Designing online at the following places:

Sm.art Designing on Etsy
Sm.art Designing on Facebook

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Interview with HeidiMoon of Highland Fairy Clothing and Accessories

Doing interviews gives me the opportunity to learn about really cool artists, designers and vintage resellers. I started interviewing people for my own blog several years ago. This has been not only a great networking tool, but I've also found out about many awesome new designers/people I would have otherwise never found out about if I had not started interviewing. Most people want to be interviewed because it's free exposure for them. All you have to do is ask!

Today's interview is from our own HeidiMoon of Highland Fairy Clothing and Accessories. She reclaims and recycles fabrics to create one of a kind garments and accessories.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am a mother of four, born in the Highlands of Scotland and of Hungarian, Irish, Scottish decent. I love making things and recycling is a big part of this.

When did you first start crafting?

I have always made things, from a very young age. My parents are both artistic and creative so this was passed on to me. I suppose it was inevitable that I became like them and I see it as being a vital part of my life.

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

I work in various different materials, from reclaimed fabrics, plastic containers, found objects through to clay and paint. I make clothes, jewelry, accessories and I also make ceramic art pieces and I love to draw and paint. I don't think I have a favourite craft, as I enjoy everything I do. If I'm not happy making something I will stop and move onto something else. If you don't love what you do in life I don't see the point in doing it! I see my work as being continuously experimental and always changing.


How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

I think my work has improved and evolved over time as does everything you work at, and I feel that my eye for colour and detail has become more refined. I also think that the more confident you become about your own work the more you want others to see it and sharing my work, especially online, with others has been very motivating for me.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I can be inspired by what ever is around me..I can look at a tree and all it's textures and shapes, or a pavement, a stone, a colour that someone is wearing. I collect seedpods, and look at organic shapes and textures in nature. Other artists inspire me...I love to see how other people work and it's wonderful to inspire others too.

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

In my Etsy shop, which is my only online shop. Having too many online stores only confuses me! I sell my work in various shops in Scotland, and I am hoping to find other places wider afield who will take my creations.

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

One of the things I am learning about selling is to price my work realistically. I forget how much time and work I put into one piece and sometimes people tell me my prices are too low for all the effort I put in. I think it's important to remember your self worth and that you are selling a part of your self and your creative expression, especially if it's a one off item.

Describe yourself in three words:

Sensitive, creative, loving

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

As this is aimed at recycling, I think it's important to encourage people to recycle, re-use and re-create as much as possible because there is far too much of a 'throw away, buy a new one' attitude in the world!! It makes me mad and sad that we waste so much and some people just don't have the imagination or motivation to change how we live and to make our planet a better place to live. I like to imagine that one day we will all be using less or no packaging, making our own clothes from our old ones, re-using containers, making our own paper, driving green cars, flying less, live in natural houses, growing veggies, etc, etc... x x

You can find Highland Fairy online at the following places:

Highland Fairy on Etsy
Highland Fairy on Facebook
Flickr

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Spotlight Team Member for Holiday Season : In the Studio with relove

relove:  The Interview

relove's favorite quote:

"Wait...don't throw that away! I can use it for one of my notebooks!"

Q: Tell us about the move to Brooklyn.

Brooklyn has affected my creativity in lots of interesting ways. I am surrounded by creative people and businesses all the time and this encourages me to think outside the box when I am crafting. Also, Brooklyn living is small. My studio is small so I find myself really thinking about quality rather then quantity. Lastly, Brooklyn has tons of opportunities to sell handmade crafts and hopefully by spring I will have a nice size collection of notebooks to sell. I plan on approaching some of Brooklyn's fabulous boutiques and craft markets. A long, cold winter will definitely help me stay on track and get some work done!

relove's notebooks combine upcycled components.

Q:  Can you tell us more about the process in which your notebook are created?


Each one of my notebooks are little works of art and I really enjoy selecting the pages from my collection of vintage and reclaimed papers. My paper collection is very personal. I have been collecting paper and envelopes for about 5 years and each piece relates to my life in some way. If you look closely at my books you will find pieces of old sketches I did in collage.

The insides of each notebook are unique, you never know what you may find.

Q: Your books are amazing, I bought a bunch and gave them away to my family last year as gifts -- they loved them. I still use one for my art journal.  I particularly love the vintage paper, where does all of that come from? 

Vintage papers are found randomly placed in the books!

My vintage paper comes from years of thrifting and tag sale hunting. Also, lots of my papers have been given to me by friends and family. Just about anything that I can write on and fold in half I will save for a notebook! Lately, I have been having fun giving each one of my books a playful title and "curating" the pages inside to match. For example, the graphic cover of the "Checkmate Notebook" reminds me of graphic design so I chose papers from and old graphic design and lettering book to include in this pocket sized notebook.

"Checkmate" retails at only $14 in her store.

Q: So where does all of this creating take place? Tell us about your studio!

My boyfriend and I built our loft bed/studio area ourselves out of partly salvaged wood and wood from a local lumber yard.

The relove studio, aka where the magic happens!

We reused brackets from old shelves to support the desk area. We had the wood precut at the lumber yard and assembled the bed/desk unit with a power drill in our bedroom. The entire project cost about $150 and took about two days to assemble. It was tons of fun to build and a fantastic example of upcycling done right!

My vintage chair (that I love) was found curb side and will soon get a new seat cushion once I find the perfect fabric.All of my art supplies and papers are organized in repurposed buckets and boxes.
 

I spy works in progress atop the desk!

Q: I'm glad I'm not the only one doing curb-side pickups.  Can you tell us anything about your upcoming projects?

I am working on some new books made from repurposed corrugated cardboard and vintage sewing and craft magazines. I love the vintage clothing depicted in old craft magazines so i decided to turn them into book covers.

Sneak Peek!

One of these fun notebooks is available in my shop now, "I Heart Vintage Notebook". More will be on there way soon!

Priced at $16 I Heart Vintage  from ReLove is a great gift for the fashionista in your family!

Q: Any secrets you want to share? 

Looking forward to spring...I am planning on introducing some upcycled jewelry to relove.etsy.com. My first line will be one of a kind "found object" necklaces. I have included a sneak peak photo (project3) for you to check out. Please let me know what you think!

Please share your comments and feedback to Sarah @ relove, and please share this story by clicking on the share buttons below!

Additional Note:  Relove has been an amazing help to this team, and even during a hectic move from her former home to Brooklyn, she managed to donate a huge box of merchandise (tote bags for sale in our Team Shop) and help with the team store.  Thanks for being a part of our team!