Showing posts with label etsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label etsy. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Interview with Gloria of Lolailo



Lolailo is a shop who believes in the importance of reducing and reusing. Lolailo is based out of Fairfield, California and is owned and operated by my Etsy Recyclers Guild team member, Gloria.








Q. Tell me a little about yourself:

When I am not unemployed, I am a winemaker. I grew up in Spain. I live near the Napa Valley, I am married to a winemaker, and I must say we drink quite well at our house. In my newly found spare time I have reconnected with my crafts, which is something that had been falling by the wayside little by little. I also take classes at the community college by my house and practice kickboxing.

Q. When did you first start crafting?

My mom is a very creative person, and I’ve been crafting since I was able to hold a pair of scissors, pretty much.

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

I primarily make bulletin/message boards using wine corks and old frames. My love for corks came through my job. I was fascinated by the typography and design that each producer used. I was dismayed at these very interesting and diverse corks ending up in the garbage after a tasting, so I started hoarding them. I investigated what to do with them, and of all the many crafts you can use corks for, the bulletin board was my favorite. I am a pragmatic person, so I like things that have a function. I go to thrift stores and garage sales and look for frames suited to become cork boards.















Q. How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

I have become more flexible, in that I can see more possibilities on frames that perhaps I would have dismissed earlier on. I decorate the frames, paint them, nail beer caps onto them... Anything to rescue unloved frames from the landfill.

Q. Where do you get your inspiration?

I get a lot of inspiration from the frames themselves. There is nothing standard about creating something out of a “found object”, so when I’m ready to tackle a new project, I just throw some corks into the frame and start playing with them, forming a design, changing it, and eventually I come up with a plan.

Q. Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

Online at Lolailo.

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

I am trying to figure out so many things myself! I find Etsy to be full of very experienced and talented artisans, who tackle crafting as a business. I read the forums and the blogs as much as I can, and try to heed their advice.
















Q. Describe yourself in three words:

Recently Etsy had a similar exercise, but we had six words! This exercise was based on Ernest Hemingway's claim that he could write a good story in six words.
I wrote:
“Spanish winemaker hates throwing corks away”

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

Treasuries are a wonderful way to connect with other Etsians, promote your items and develop an aesthetic eye. The fairest treasury team I know is the Pay It Forward Team. We follow the Golden Rule and try to be as helpful as possible. Please look us up! Everybody is welcome to join!

You can find Gloria online at the following places:

Lolailo on Etsy
Facebook
Twitter
Kaboodle



Friday, January 21, 2011

Interview with RE Recycled Fashion (Relogyyy)

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Black Jersey Blouse with alternative circular decorations $50
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Shop name: RE Recycled Fashion

Name: Giota Kaiopoulou

Location: Europe

Red Recycled Origami Clutch $55
Q. Tell me a little about yourself.

I'm a fashion designer. I always search for innovative elements in fashion so that I can excel and walk forward to new challenges and inspirations. I love art and nature. I studied Fashion Design in Greece and I have been exposed to public several exhibitions of art and fashion. I have also taken part in the 13th Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean back in 2008 presenting my project- fashion collection "Origami Flowers". Recently, I have re-arranged this collection trying to transform it to foldable recycled plastic garments made up from layers of plastic bags. One of them in 2010, "Origami REvolution" has been exposed to the Center of contemporary art in Thessaloniki Greece. As you see I love origami and geometry very much because I find beauty in mathematics.


Q. When did you first start crafting/designing?

I remember me back to my teen years collecting several stuff, beads ,buttons, fabrics, clothes and all the vintage leftovers from my mama and friends. I still have a lot of stuff! At the time of my teenage years, I was mostly making jewelry and bags, handmade gifts for friends and family. I remember a year that I've made elements for the Christmas tree with packing paper and glitter it was a success we still use them!
Professionally I've started this past year to sell my first clothes and accessories to shops and e-shops.


Black A line Dress quilted in geometrical structures $75
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Q. Please describe your work in detail. What's your favorite type of crafting/art/design?

I start with inspiration that is the most important for me. I try to follow the trends and i draw some figures just to have an overview of lines that I will use as the basics to continue and materialize my collection. I keep this work in mind and then I visit some friendly ateliers, and other fashion businesses to look for fabrics or decorations leftovers that they were planning to throw away or they don't know what to do with them because they have such a small amount. I also buy stock or defective fabrics and second hand outfits of high quality that have something challenging and inspiring for my concept. Sometimes I try to collect cut outs of other garments and keep them for applique and other decorations. Some of my garments didn't need pattern making only sewing because I've used the ready cut outs and I've made with no more cutting a whole new outfit. I do not throw anything to the bin. Everything can be useful. Recycling fabrics amazes me in a way that a piece of cloth, a cutout leftover can always transform in strange ways and be whatever the shape that is left like...new strange decorations emerge like they knew where their position is and perform art! I only choose the beautiful position and then I sew! One the mannequin the cloth embraces the body and reinvents new shapes and lines using only the shape that is left. I love this procedure, fashion re-innovating in a chic and arty way is my passion. I love fashion, I love art. My new challenge is to draw on some leftover vintage silk pieces for summer, Ι'm thrilled to finish!!!

Q. How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

I'm always trying new ways to work with different supplies. Quality razed through the years with the good searching of supplies. I'm more feminine now in my collections and more commercial. My clothes are for everyday, but many of them are formal too. My earlier works were mostly art, fashion art craft, but now I think I cover more people with my lines that are wide easy and fit plus sizes. Designing one sized outfits was a big challenge for me but I'm hearing good feedback.


Q. Where do you get your inspiration?

I'm following trends in fashion and accessories mostly with books and internet. I look up for innovative news in architecture, design, art and illustrations. I'm following blogs and designers just to get inspired. Anything geometrical and mathematical draws my attention. I love them! My great love is nature. Nature is the one and only inspiration that includes mathematics geometries. It's the primary way of constructing things creating beauty. Origami shows the way that nature creates. That's why i love it so. I always try to draw inspiration from nature's structures like scales, flowers, marble water or cymatics. I try to research the theme I'm interested in and I collect a lot of pictures. I always make a concept board to refer to that keeps me in trends and in my inspiration.

Black Top/Dress Interlock jersey with Boucle insect decoration $54
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Q. Where are your products sold(online/stores)?

I sell most of my items in local fashion shops for now. I recently opened my Etsy shop. I hope it will go well!

Q. What advice can you give other crafters when selling their items:

About Etsy, I'm not a specialist, but selling needs a lot of promotion. If you don't have the outstanding things to sell with connections and a lot of exposure in craft fairs, posting and talking about your work, things start happening. Sometimes the work itself speaks and all you need are some customers to start and others speak for you. The most important thing is to have the concept and the way to accomplish great innovative things. Sales will come sooner or later. But, keep in mind that your concept must have it's own audience. Try to calculate what your audience will like and have the money to buy your concept. Be realistic.

Q. Describe your self in three words.

RE, Innovative and love

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

Challenge yourself. Everyday we walk one step forward to inspire others to a better and sustainable world with love and art!!! Don't stop dreaming!!! Don't stop sharing recycling ideas and art!

You can find Giota online at the following places:
Facebook
Flickr and
Twitter

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Meet Retreauxgirl

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Sharon- Repurposed Jade Moonstone Necklace $50
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Shop name: Retreauxgirl

Name: Leslie Kibodeaux Venable

Location: Nederland, Texas

Retreauxgirl was created by Leslie Kibodeaux Venable. She's a stay at home mom who recently left retail after 25 years. She currently works on "re purposed" jewelry and also sells vintage items in her Etsy shop.

Bow-Mont Repurposed Bow with Charm Necklace $55
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Her Facebook page says, "I make repurposed jewelry from treasures found at Garage Sales, Estate Sales, Flea Markets and Trade Days." Leslie joined the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team in December 2010.

Lisa Repurposed Key Charm Necklace $40
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You can find Retreauxgirl at the following places:
Etsy
Facebook
Twitter
Retreauxgirl blog

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

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Meet The Recycle Ben by LEUCKIT

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Good Ole Dog $110
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Shop Name: The Recycle Ben by LEUCKIT

Name: Donna Provo Leuck

Location: West Lafayette

LEUCKIT says, "I became an artist when I was five years old. The draft sent my brother to Vietnam. I drew him a picture everyday. Unfortunately, they where all of “Bozo the Clown.” He still has them so, they must be good. I have since broadened my horizons. I grew up in “the region.” That is Northwest Indiana. I put myself through college. I attended The American Academy of Art in Chicago. I had the privilege of studying under some very awesome teachers (Mr. Dowdy, Mr. Thiery, Mr. Cushing, Mr. Parks, and Mr. Shapiro) and the privilege of learning along side some very awesome students. (Bobular, Steve Tarpey, John Figler, Nathan Greene, Amie’ Lamair, Amy O’Brien etc.) I work from my home. I have a very patient and understanding husband and three very talented children. I do not limit myself to one medium. I love to take something that nobody has use for and reinvent it into an art piece that will be useful or at least bring a smile to your face!

Whose your favorite clown $110
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Her shop announcement states, "Welcome!!! Thank you for your interest in my artwork. i love what i do. So, every piece i make is a labor of love. Hopefully you will see something you just can't live without."

It's Not Easy Going Green $110
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You can find The Recycle Ben by LEUCKIT on Etsy here and her blog can be found here.

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

Monday, January 3, 2011

Meet Clone Hardware

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Caramel Orange Upcycled Computer Component Necklace $49.99
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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
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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
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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.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Get to know our awsome team captain, Cindy of Retro Chalet

I joined the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team a few months ago and have had a pleasant experience from day one. Cindy our team captain and team leader has several shops on Etsy. Her main shop is Retro Chalet and her second shop is Retro Chalet Studio. She sells really cool vintage stuff including vintage buttons, vintage Melmac, vintage block letters, vintage advertising and other vintage items at Retro Chalet.

Her Etsy bio says, "Dumpster Diving Diva, Recycler, Artist, Writer, and Greenie. Proud Team Leader of the Etsy Recyclers Guild. Member of the Vintage Etsy Society Street Team. Do-gooder".

Lot of vintage buttons $12.00
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In her Retro Chalet Studio shop, she sells a variety of cute recycled handmade art things such as poker chips with cute images taken from vintage books and other sources (these are made into pendants), mixed media collages and other jewelry pieces.

WATER LILY - Pendant - 1930s Vintage Ephemera - Eco Friendly Blue Poker Chip Pond Plant Pendant $12.95
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Cindy is the type of person who is willing to go above and beyond for anyone. She's always willing to promote other team members because that's just who she is. I've never met her in person, but we have exchanged quite a few messages and I feel as if I've gotten to know her. She's a genuine person who would give anyone the shirt off her back if it came down to it. She gives 110% and more in everything she does. I would like to thank Cindy from the bottom of my heart for everything she has done for our team and for me. You can get to know Cindy better by clicking the links below:

Retro Chalet
Retro Chalet Studio
Ira Mency
Ira Mency Blogspot
Twitter