June 15, 2011

Meet & Greet: FrankCluck

Jenny has been concerned about the environment for most of her life.  In high school she even started an environmental club. Her products are made by repurposing items otherwise known as "trash".

Her goal is to recycle products that will help make an impact in not only our lives, but in all of those people around us.

Recycled Bird Seed Bag Purse or Tote
I asked Jenny a few questions about herself and her business and here is what she had to share:

Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
My name is Jenny and I create totes, market bags, and purses using plastic feed sacks. I have always loved the outdoors, which naturally morphed into a strong environmental awareness as a teenager. I grew up surrounded by a variety of animals. I made my first bag in an effort to create an earth friendly gift for my dog loving mom. My mom loved it and my bags were born! I was at a point were I knew I needed to ditch the store bags, but was having a hard time convincing my husband. That is until I made a few bags for us from feedsacks. They were strong, durable, and something a man wouldn't be embarrassed to carry!

Recycled Dog Food Market Bag Tote or Purse
What is your favorite thing about creating?
I love seeing the process of making something from nothing. There is just something gratifying about knowing that I have made something myself.

Why did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed/vintage materials?
While buying supplies at the store and bringing them home to make a project is fun, I like the challenge of working with something that is headed to the trash. I feel that in addition to satisfying the urge to create, I am doing something positive for the planet. As a society, the waste we generate is just astounding. I like to think that I am helping to turn the tide,even if only a bit. Plus, when someone sees a bag that I have made, I hope that they will in turn look twice at what they are throwing out. I hope that by seeing what wonderful and useful items can be crafted from recycled materials, they will then be inspired to make positive changes in their own lives. It all adds up!

I have to say that I am lucky to have friends and family that are willing to shamelessly hunt down trash for me! Without all of there help, I would not be able to offer the range of products that I have. I must also point out that I have a very patient husband who has put up with the growing stacks of feed sacks in our basement. After a while, they are hard to hide :)

Recycled Chicken Food Zippered Pouch 
What is your favorite thing about running your Etsy shop?
I can't tell you how fun it is to see that people like my items so much that they buy them! The global aspect of Etsy constantly amazes me. Where else would I have the opportunity to sell my products to people half way around the globe, and in my hometown, all at the same time? I love the feeling that something I have made with my own hands is going to places and people that I will likely never see. And to hear that they love them inspires me to keep sewing!

Recycled Milk Juice Carton Coin Purse Business Card
What inspires you to create/sell what you do?
I love working with feedsacks. They are colorful, strong, and fun. Plus, being plastic, they aren't going anywhere anytime soon, you know? Think of how MANY bags are thrown away, everyday. Wow, does that add up! Plus, they are perfect for totes, purses, and especially market bags. It is also fun to see why people are buying them. Some love the recycled factor, while some think it's fun to have a bag made from their pets' food bags. Others just love the fun graphics and tough nature of the product. But, whatever the reason, they inspire me to keep making more. Besides, I have to keep going now. My basement is quickly filling up....

Recycled Cat Food  Market Bag Purse or Tote
Links to find Jenny on the web:
www.frankcluck.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cluck-Cluck-Craft/107560985943614

Thanks for sharing with us today Jenny!

See you next week,
Valerie
Everyday Inspired - A daily dialog of Inspiration, Creativity, and business.

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