Interview with Stephanie of Naturally Heartfelt

Stephanie of Naturally Heartfelt lives in Cornwall, UK. She makes really amazing jewelry using reclaimed, found and vintage materials.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I live in beautiful South West Cornwall, care for my mum, help out with my grandchildren, and walk for miles with my beloved lurcher Molly. After leaving my work in Adult Education in Norfolk three years ago to renovate/ rebuild a bungalow here in Falmouth, a change in circumstances meant that I needed to work in a way that gave me control and flexibility. My lifetime love of making came into its own and now if I’m not crafting I’m thinking about it!

When did you first start crafting?

I’ve always crafted, since I was a child I always had a project on the go. I was an avid collector as well, everything from stamps to stones.

I scour the local charity shops, car boot sales, and any other sources I can find to uncover worn, discarded, dirty pieces of jewelry that have echoes of the finery they once were. Once I get them home I carefully clean them and think about their stories or their secrets. Quite often pieces stay in my stash for weeks or months before something else comes along that seems to belong with that piece, then they demand to be made into something new and special.

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

My favourite thing is finding say a brooch that immediately connects in my mind to a poem or a text and I can’t wait to find the right words to complete the piece. I’m also very aware of the energy that everything has, and I try to connect with that energy in my work.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

My work is constantly evolving as I have more and more ideas all the time. One thing sparks another and off I go. When I began incorporating poetry and other text with salvaged materials that’s when I found my ‘voice’ in the making.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Sometimes the materials themselves inspire my work – a lone earring that just asks to be matched with a pretty chain and text from a certain poem, sometimes I hear a few words, or the title of a song and it gives me an idea to go with. I’m currently working on a collection for spring inspired by my favourite book ‘The Secret Garden’.

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

In addition to my Etsy shop, I have another online shop, Naturally Heartfelt, where I also sell journals and other items made from recycled materials. I also have products in two fabulous shops in Falmouth: ‘Two Little Birds’ Vintage Boutique and ‘Tyto’ Boutique, as well as ‘The Story Cellar’ bookshop, café and craft shop in Penzance. I was commissioned in August last year by an artist in Edinburgh to produce 15 pieces to be sold alongside her work in her gallery.

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

I would say to other crafters definitely work on your photos – I’m still learning how to produce the best pictures to show my work. Connect with the Forums. You can get great advice on every aspect of selling. Take everything you read and make it your own – give it your own touch. Also, join a Team! You'll get support and encouragement.

Describe yourself in three words:

‘creative, independent, artisan’

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

Believe in yourself and your work- as it says in my favourite book: ‘The Magic is in me … It’s in every one of us.’

You can find Naturally Heartfelt online at the following places:

Naturally Heartfelt's own site
Naturally Heartfelt on Etsy
Facebook

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things

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

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Interview with RE Recycled Fashion (Relogyyy)

Black Jersey Blouse with alternative circular decorations $50


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


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


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.

Etsy Recyclers Guild Featured Items Primary Colors of G R E E N are Red, Blue, Yellow...

'Primary Colors : Wastenot By the Recyclers Guild' by RetroChalet

Etsy Recyclers Guild shows love with primary colors, Read more on http://EtsyRecyclersGuild.blogspot.com

Blue Deer Toddler Jumper Dre... Brokenghostcou... $49.00	Cute Red, Blue, and Yellow L... beadsbuttonsan... $12.99	Shabby Chic Shelf Red prettydarncute $24.00
Yellow Orchid Hair Clip emilygracesuit... $14.00	Vintage 1960s Handmade Calic... luvvinjewels $25.00	Blue Colored Vinyl Record Cu... colerainecreat... $14.95
Eco Passport Cover with Red ... wrapcycle $16.00	Cute 60s Vintage Textured Ve... TexasVintage $20.00	Yellow Wool Cashmerel Blend ... FeltedWoolies $3.75
Vintage Baltimore Maryland B... RetroChalet $14.95	Yellow. Red, White and Blue ... HarrieteEstelB... $375.00	Vintage 50s 60s ITALIAN Glas... HHDollhouse $19.99
COBALT BLUE Sea Glass Heart ... lakeeriebeachg... $50.00	ONE OF A KIND Purse or Lunch... lzubal01 $18.00	The Edna in Teal and Vintage... lizziecaye $89.95

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com.

Meet Le Petit Reve

Henrietta The Owl. Hootie Plush Toy / Pillow. Eco Friendly. $81.14


Shop name: Le Petit Reve

Location: Toronto, Canada

Le Petit Reve says, "With attention to detail and whimsy; herein you'll discover some of what one needs for swaddling, wearing, soothing, playing, biting/chewing/goobering on, home & nursery decor. Created as much as possible from reused/recycled and/or organic/non-synthetic materials. Each item is almost as unique and beautiful as the babes and mama's they are created for.

Specializing in custom orders, this is the place to stock up on layette for new babies, salves and teas for both mama's and babes. Gift-giving from le petit rêve truly says 'I love you'. You are special. You rock my world. YOU - are the bomb diggs.

Baby Cheeky Bum Salve - All Natural, Organic Ingredients - 4oz. $10.40


I believe that toys/pillows for babies and children should be bright, colorful, high in contrast, safe and environmentally responsible. That dreamcatchers make THE BEST mobiles. I believe that the that First Nations languages, ceremonies, traditions and teachings from our elders should be passed on to our children and shared with other cultures.

catch their dreams and let them snuggle in close...
upcycled, handmade treasures for mama and babe!"

Bear / Beaver Baby Mobile. 3D Dreamcatcher Ball. $130


You can find Le Petit Reve at the following places:
Blog
Etsy
Twitter
Facebook

This post was contributed by Heather of
Texas Vintage Things

Valentines day love from The Etsy Recyclers Guild Team

'Valentines day love from The Etsy Recyclers Guild Team' by mattiereidchicago

Valentines day love from The Etsy Recyclers Guild Team!

Super cute Valentine Gi... mattiereidchic... $15.00	Adore Me Recycled Stamp... rekindleme $15.00	Be My Upcycled Valentin... SerendipiT $5.00
Upcycled Teal Circuit B... clonehardware $25.00	Karen-Repurposed Juicy ... Retreauxgirl $55.00	4 recycled musical hear... 42things $7.00
SALE - the piece of swe... sweetanddirtys $8.00	Collage Mixed Media Wes... RetroChalet $18.00	Red Sweatshirt Fingerle... ohzie $10.00
Old heart - recycled vi... promirta $18.00	Lavender Love hearts Revivalvintage... $5.00	Upcycled Mixed Media Ho... loveismyreligi... $7.50
Upcycled Youth Charm Br... luvvinjewels $9.00	The I LOVE You Evening ... lizziecaye $59.95	12 Upcycled Hearts Play... PaperPicker $5.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Meet Retreauxgirl

Sharon- Repurposed Jade Moonstone Necklace $50


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


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


You can find Retreauxgirl at the following places:
Etsy
Facebook
Twitter
Retreauxgirl blog

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