Repurposed Items on Etsy!!!

I wanted to show off some of the amazing items that are repurposed and found on etsy........Check it out!

Wavy Heart Ceramic Clock

Red and Black Napkin Rings Set of 4

Description

Dress up your table with this set of 4 colorful napkin rings. Made with recycled paper towel rolls, these napkin rings are covered with colorful embroidery yarn. Colored beads have been added to add a wonderfully unique touch.

All four napkin rings are unique; no two are exactly the same. They are the perfect touch to dress up your table for parties.

Sizes: Each ring is approximately 1 ¾ in wide.

Created by Dellian Abdur-Razzaq (my mom) *She is an artist and you can view her work at myspace.com/artdee3

*Please note*: Napkins and dinnerware in photos are not included.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AllAboutTheButtons

Description

This is a heartful collection of hearts. This wine,pink and white ceramic plate measures roughly 9" by 8" with a handpainted feel to it. Embellished with many heart buttons and beads,there is one regular circular button. The hands of the clock are a matte black which echo the wavy heart feel. The mechanism is quartz and it needs 1 AA battery which is included. There is a notch in the back for hanging.

Note: I pack the clocks very carefully...never had any breakage!
See more at allaboutthebuttons.etsy.com

Blue and white half-moon pendant

Description

This 1 1/2" (3.25cm) pendant is made up of four white reused buttons of various sizes accented with a steel blue coloured button. It is wired together using blue coloured wire and comes on a 24" (60cm) adjustable black hemp cord.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bnazar

CHRISTMAS SALE Recycled Bohemian Rainforest RAVE Embroidery Thread Necklace and Earring Set

Description

Necklace length measures 16" Inches long with lobster clasp closure. I don't actually remember how many different thread colors I used in this one but I'm positive I used more than 30. The necklace also features a round wood and glass beads along with a 1.5" inch round wooden center circle.

Earrings measure 4" Inches long. The earrings also feature wooden beads along with metal charms. Surgical steel earring post.

Every piece used in the necklace and earrings have been recycled from odds and ends I've collected over the years. I also dedicate all my creativity to one set at a time making sure it's just right, not to mention each necklace usually takes me about a day to complete.

Embroidery thread necklaces and earrings can hold up almost forever as long as you make sure to keep them clean and dry them thoroughly if they get wet.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ditbge

Leftovers recycled urban steampunk wrist cuff plus size inspired by Rodarte

Description

Check out my new wrist cuffs! Unconsciously inspired by Rodarte (I didn't realize it until I had finished the second one), they are made with leftover pieces from other projects and include bits of yarn, thread, t-shirt cuts, and whatever else looks good. Each one is top stitched to high heaven, then backed with black cotton, and closes on the wrist with a button and elastic loop which have been securely sewn onto the cuff.

Made for a bigger ladies wrist or for a man's wrist, this cuff is about 8 inches long and 3 inches high at its widest part.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kapaali

Suede Wristlet

Description

This wristlet is made from upcycled suede that was once a skirt. It features different shades of brown suede sewn together. The lining is polyester. The zipper is brown.

This wristlet is just the right size to hold your keys, phone, money, and makeup. Perfect for everday use and can be slipped into a larger bag or purse.

Measurements:
Strap length- 12"
Opening at zipper- 6.5"
Wristlet height- 5"
Width across middle- 7.5"

It is best not to machine wash this wristlet.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/justforkeeps

Alice in Wonderland Inspired Collage Jewelry Box

Description

This jewelry box was made out of fashion magazine photos and has a photo of a model getting ready for a tea party, with the words "Fairy Tale Scenes to Inspire Your Dreams". It is adorned with large cobalt blue rhinestones along the front. It is perfect for holding jewelry, recipe cards, makeup, etc. It measures 7.5" long by almost 5" wide.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/glitzandglam85

Recycled Coke Can Alphabet - Magnetic

Description

How fun is this!

Remember the magnetic letters we all had on the fridge when we were kids. This is the same, but only better.

These letters are made from a coke can that has had its contents consumed. What else better to do with the can than to make these fun letters.

They have a foam backing to help hold their shape along with a little magnet. There are not sharp edges.

The letters are about 1" high and 1" wide.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/loda

Conquistador

Description

This old spanish textbook...

has been hollowed out.

An additional photo of a classic Conquistador has been glued on the back... to protect your valuables... of course.

Outside
9 1/2" x 8"

Inside
Depth - 3/4"
7 5/8" x 6 1/8"

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePaigemaestro

The Scrappy Nonsense Scarf

Description

This week's scrap projects were of the random kind!! I had fun trashing my studio while I rummaged through all my shelves and bins looking for the perfect scraps to make a whimsical scarf with nonsensical design. This scarf is reversible with a fun vintage floral print on the reverse side. The scarf is a one of a kind unique accessory. It measures 4 1/2 inches wide which covers the neck so perfectly and is 74 inches long. Made with care and attention in a smoke free studio.

If there is a different color, style or length you would like...just send me a note!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsiedots

Bangkok Necklace

Description

This is one of my favorite designs. I found this vintage brooch at an antique shop and was originally going to use multifaceted onyx beads for the strand, but found these painted glass beads among the collection I already had and decided they were perfect! The beads are painted glass featuring what look like blue daisies, and the design is augmented with some metallic accent beads. This is a truly one of a kind item! It is finished with a tarnished-looking metallic magnet clasp. The necklace is 21 inches long.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/elliecreations

MULTI COLOURED PLEATED HANDBAG

Description

This versatile handbag is ideal for a night out, formal occasion or wedding. The fabric features blues, reds, golds, oranges, purples and pinks making it easy to match with a variety of outfits.

The handbag measures approximately 26cm wide at the base, 18cm wide at the top and 18cm long. The double pleats on both sides of the bag make it surprisingly roomy and the flat bottom allows the bag to stand upright. The single strap handle has three length settings which allow for the bag to be carried in your hand or on your shoulder. The inside is lined in pale pink and a magnetic clasp holds the top closed. 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FromRagsToBags

Rock Island-Moline Bus Token Cufflinks

Description

Rough and industrial with touches of oxidization, these edgy cufflinks may be your token for safe passge from zombie-filled wastelands, marauding bands of redcaps, or just a boring day at the office. 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFloatingMarket

Hobo Froggy - Upcycled

Description

Nobody knows the trouble I've seen;
Nobody knows my sorrow.
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen;
Glory, Hallelujah!

This down on his luck frog is made with 90% upcycled materials and comes with his own hobo stick that can come out of his hand.

The body is approximately 4 1/2" tall and 5" wide. And 16" long from head to toe.

Hobo Froggy is made to order. After you have purchased this listing I will begin making it just for you. Please allow one week for it to be finished.

Froggy does have plastic eyes and a stick so he is not recommended for very young children. All items are from a smoke-free, pet-free environment (unless you count Bubbles our fish).

Thank you for looking and buying handmade!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/designlab443

Happy New Year!!!

Well, Christmas season has come to pass, and thankfully my loved ones are all healthy and happy. 
I am posting my New Years Resolution here.  I generally don't do them, but this year its about my business and the people and planet it affects.  So, here goes......

I am resolving to to choose to use as much recycled fiber and notions in my fiber art I am capable.  I hit the thrift store yesterday and found an abundance of sweaters to pull apart and use to make items to sell.  I have also found a use for the recycled t shirt yarn!!

I could not be more pleased with the results.  Do not be afraid to experiment.  I listed one of the hats on Etsy and the others will go to the local shop where I am consigning.   I have some lovely yarn from the sweaters I recycled, such as cashmere, lambswool/angora, cotton/modal/cashmere and much more.  

So here's to the New Year and success in my eco-business!

Free Crochet Pattern Time again!!!

So,  I have been playing a lot lately at using up scraps of yarn and sometimes upcycling or recycling items I already have to give them a new look!

Here's one for a Braclet:

20-40 yards of Recycled Sari Silk Yarn
An old bracelet
Size 4.5 mm crochet hook.
Darning needle.




Row 1:  Make a slip knot as you normally would to start crocheting.  With the inside of the bracelet towards you and the yarn on the insert hook to the inside (from top to bottom) of bracelet, yarn over and draw up a loop, bring yarn around back side of bracelet, yarn over, pull thru 2 loops on hook.  You are going to repeat this until you have covered your bracelet.  Join with slip stitch to first stitch.  Fasten off and weave in ends.  Please see the photos for visual
help.

Tip, work the tail from the beginning under as you go, then you don't have to weave it in later.

Pattern Sale in my Esty Shop

Shop Link:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/chrisssmith22

**I am having a sale on all patterns Beginning Friday November 20/09 @ 6 pm until Sunday November 22 @ Midnight. This sale will include all single patterns in my shop. Please note sale prices will not include pattern collections, pattern sets, or my charity pattern.**
I wanted to give everyone a chance to make their own handmade gifts and save some money too.

Here is the challenge!! If I can reach my 100th sale by midnight on Sunday I will send everyone who purchases a free copy of the pattern of their choice (not including pattern collections,or pattern sets)!!

I made it thru my First Craft/Gift Fair!

Well, I made it thru Christmas Chaos.  I learned so much about selling my items.  My eco friendly fiber art was  a hit with both young and old alike.  My Step-Father aka Papa was a real estate agent and has done hoards of home shows, he gave me a few tips.   I am also including what I learned.  I hope this helps.
Stand up or use a stool that puts you on the same level as your customer.  I also sat/stood and crocheted at my table and this brought loads of interest.  I used a mannequin to display my items, I changed what my mannequin was wearing every 30-45 mins.  I also used my mannequin to show people how to wear the items I make.  SMILE!!!!  It draws people to you, I can't say how many people  were simply drawn to my table by my smiling at them.  Listen to the customer but remember you are there to sell not visit.  Deter people you know from just visiting with you at your table, this can deter customers.  Post some sheets with large Titles about what you do, many people will not read them but the Titles such as Hemp or Bamboo will be seen and draw them in.  Print out a business sized card with Large lettering on it that says Custom orders welcome.  Make tags easy to find.  People almost always look at the price first.  If you can have 2 people working your table, do so.  I found that if some one is taking a lot of my time and humming and hawwing about the sale, and you have someone else waiting.  Politely say your partner is going to assist them and help another customer.  Sometimes this gives them the push they need to make a decision. It can also redirect their attention to what they want.    Be kind, be courteous, be polite.  I hope you find this info useful.  :)

It gets easier to talk about your business......

I'll never forget how difficult it was to talk about my business at first.  I was so sacred of rejection.  I thought people would think it was stupid.  Frankly, not every person I talked to was interested.  especially when I was talking about crocheting.  I found the key was being at the right place at the right time.  Literally shopping at places that I believed my items would do well.  Wearing my items was huge!  People would ask, "Where'd you buy that?"  Of course, this was an opportunity to talk about the stuff I make.   Now,  I am shameless!  I had to find out who would buy this and where are they?  With the Handmade market taking off, this can be difficult.
I consign.  I consign my items and patterns.  This doesn't make me hoards of money at this point, but it sure helps to get me exposure.  Plus then I can brag about it on my blog and websites.

Networking online was really something I did not do for a long time.  I was never big on forums and such.  Now, I realize I have to.  I also need to look at other people shops and support them.  I don't have loads of time to be on Etsy forums for example, but I try to make an appearance, or do a critique to help a newbie.

My three rules to live by:  Be Kind, Be honest, Be helpful.

Frankly, not everyone cares that the item(s) are made with hemp or fair trade sari silk.  They just loved the item.  Point is I cannot give everyone the same spiel, they are not all interested.  So is researching my fiber choices is not a waste of time, because when someone does ask, I have answers.
Constantly, I get you don't use acrylic yarn?  No, I don't and no, I won't.  I have my own personal beliefs that I will keep to myself.  

Realize that your business is built on others businesses.  :)