October 30, 2011

Sustainable Sundays: Corrugated Mosaics


Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality and higher environmental value. 

Upcyclers is a team of 1415 shops that are upcycling all over the world!
Each Sunday we feature a sustainable product from one Upcyclers shop that helped with the success of our team.

This week's featured shop and item...

Mixed Pair of 4x6 Photo Frames, made from corrugated boxes

Corrugated Mosaics, by Luci Lytle, is an unusual collection of one of a kind creations that transform recycled materials and found objects into Fine Art & Crafts.  We love her slogan, "Turning corrugated boxes inside out and upside down!"  Luci is new to Etsy and Team Upcyclers and we are excited to welcome her amazing creations! 

Shop Stats:
Opened August 25th, 2011
28 items for sale
0 sales
No feedback yet

Luci also has another upcycled Etsy shop, FoundonCurb, which was opened in June 27th, 2011 and already has 31 sales! Here she features found recycled and vintage materials, like this lot of recycled glass: caramel marbled matchsticks!


It is always hard to pick one upcycled item from all our active shops each week! You can find more sustainable creations on Etsy by using our official team search tag: teamupcyclers when shopping.

Happy Upcycling until next week,
~Bee
The Wooden Bee
www.thewoodenbee.etsy.com

October 27, 2011

Greener Shopping: Candy



Since Halloween is around the corner, I thought I'd share a little research on candy companies and their effects on the environment. Halloween Candy is big business, over $6 billion in sales annually in the United States alone!

The Better World organization researches and grades companies on their overall social responsibility to our planet. 

Their grading system is based on years of research and accumulated from multiple sources. Here's a summary of the meaning of their grades.

A = feel the company offers environmentally and socially responsible options for their customers.
B = companies making significant progress in turning toward more people/planet friendly behaviors.
C = feel these companies have mixed environmental and/or social responsibility records.
D = strong evidence that the company is involved in practices that have significantly negative consequences for humanity and the environment.
F = companies engage in some of the most degrading environmental and social conditions and practices.



So, where does your favorite candy rank?

A
Glee Gum
Pure Fun Organic
College Farm Organic
St. Claire's
Woodstock Farms


B
Ginger People
Reed's
Haribo
La Vie
Panda
Cadbury

C
Almond Joy
Andes
Charm's
Good & Plenty
Heath
Hershey's
Jolly Ranchers
Kit Kat
Mounds
Reese's
Tootsie Roll
Twizzlers
York
Almond Roca
Mamba
Mike & Ike
Red Vines
Riesen
Werther's

D
3 Musketeers
CremeSavers
LifeSavers
M&Ms
Milky Way
Skittles
Snickers
Starburst
Twix

F
After Eight
Butterfinger
Daim
Lafft Taffy
Nestle
Nips
SweeTarts
Trolli
Wonka

I try to vote with my dollars and only purchase from companies that have a C grade or better. I was disappointed to learn my favorite Snickers & Twix were graded a D, but happy Haribo was graded a B.  I LOVE Haribo gummy bears! :)
I find that most A graded companies (in all shopping categories) aren't always commonly available. Whole foods and health food stores seem to carry more of these A options.  Online shopping is also an option for easy purchasing.  Many of these candy companies offer free shipping and special promotions, and buying in bulk is not only cheaper but it uses less packaging materials.

You can also promote a healthy Halloween by giving out alternatives to candy like pencils, stickers, party favors, temporary tattoos, or trading cards. We give out both since we don't have a large budget for Halloween.

Happy Halloween,

Bee
The Wooden Bee
inspired to recycle wood (and vote with my dollars)
www.thewoodenbee.com

October 26, 2011

Meet & Greet: Christine Wilson

Christine has spent many years creating and experimenting with many art forms. When she was introduced to beading she found her true passion. She creates all the time and is rarely found without a new project. Challenging herself to try new techniques inspires her to create pieces that are unique conversation starters.

Izze Bottle Cap Bead Embroidered Cuff 
I asked Christine a few questions and here is what she had to share:

Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
I worked for many years as a financial analyst for EDS in Indiana and North Carolina before moving to Oregon and working for Sequent Computer Systems. I "retired" when my daughter was born and began pursing my love of creating whenever I had a spare moment. I began making jewelry after a friend's bracelet caught my eye and she offered to teach me how to make it. An obsession was soon born. I ultilize purchased materials from other artists such as pin back buttons, hand painted bottle caps, and art stones. However, my true passion lies with bottle caps. I'm completely enamored how this little piece of metal manages to convey its advertising message, while also packing a signficant artistic punch. I'm working towards a couple one of a kind pieces that use 100% recycled materials.

Scale Maille Bottle Cap Earrings 
What is your favorite thing about creating?
When I'm creating, the cares of the world just melt away. When I quit my career, the biggest gap I found was the lack of focus. With finance you hone in on a problem/task and it drives your day. Mom's the world over understand that the day is filled with multiple tasks and interruptions and it's a rare day when you can trully loose yourself in a project. Creating fills that gap and leaves me, not with a boring paper trail, but a wonderful piece of wearable art at the end.

Metalwork Wire Wrapped Stone Necklace
Why did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed/vintage materials?
Actually, it wasn't a conscience decision it was more of a pull from the materials themselves. When I moved to Michigan, I missed the Oregon microbreweries we had come to love. I was delighted to learn Michigan has a thriving microbrewery business and as I enjoyed my first Oberon, I looked at the cap and couldn't imagine throwing the little beauty away. A class with Mary Hettsmansperger sealed my fate when she used a bottle cap as the foundation in one of her pieces. I've been creating with them every since and looking for more and more ways to repurpose, reuse and salvage materials in my pieces. I still create with other materials but my bottle cap jewelry pieces are my love and my best sellers.

What is your favorite thing about running your etsy shop?
Like many others, my favorite thing is the people I've met and the connections I made. I met a lovely women from Belgium name Sigrid. She has a daughter a few years older than mine and we've shared many experiences. Early in our friendship she sent me a box of champage crowns, the most generous gifting of bottle caps I've ever received. I cherish these and have been slowly creating pieces with them. I've also been astounded by the artwork created on our team and in the larger community. It's inspiring and humbling. I've met so many wonderful people all of whom are willing to exchange information, art, bottle caps and stories.

Monkey Quilted and Beaded Embroidery Cuff 
What inspires you to create/sell what you do?
I honestly don't know. Something just grabs me, like that Oberon cap, and I can't let it go (sometimes to the detriment of housework and dinner). Even at it's most frustrating, creating is the thing I'm always pulled to every day. I actually have to work at stopping so the rest of the work gets down. I'm not someone that marvels at a beautiful sunset and immediately sits down to create an awesome interpretation. I usually start from a material, problem, or technique I want to master and work hard to make it fit my design. It can be frustrating because I don't always have the end thought out but the trial and error led to my best work. It's how my bottle cap cabochons were created. I wanted to use them like all the other cabs in my artwork and I wanted them protected at the same time. Most of my customer's don't realize they are bottle caps at first.

New Belgium Reversible Bottle Cap Pendant
How do you keep your creative space inspiring?
As I sat down to write this piece and had to shove stuff out of my way to get to the computer, I realise my space is not the most inspiring. Literally every surface is covered. I've always worked that way, but even I have to clear things off occassionally. It's easiest to work when you clear things away after every project, unfortunately I'm just not that focused. Fortunately, I'm inspired by the problem/process and not my surroundings. I'm not one that see's a beautiful sunset and immediately sits down to create an awesome interpretation. I usually start from a material and work to make it fit my design. It's how my bottle cap cabochons were created. I wanted to use them like all the other cabs in my artwork and I wanted them protected at the same time.

Links:
www.christinesbeadworks.com
www.christinesbeadworks.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/christinesbeadworks
www.christinesbeadworks.blogspot.com
www.flickr.com/photos/christinesbeadworks

Thanks Christine for sharing with us today!

See you in a couple weeks,
Valerie
Everyday Inspired

October 25, 2011

Thank You~ W.O.M.B. Lifestyle!

We are very excited to announce the winners of our latest Giveaway from W.O.M.B. Lifestyle~ two of their most popular t-shirt designs, Human Race and Wisdom of Body and Mind: ArtCain and The Wooden Bee! Congrats to you both~ the first name drawn was ArtCain, so she will have the choice of male or female tee. The other will go to The Wooden Bee. So contact us at teamupcyclers@gmail.com and we will get things sorted out!



We want to thank Dion and Eli so much for their generosity and support for Upcyclers, our Etsy team, and appreciate their efforts to contribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of handmade and upcycled goods. We hope you will continue to support their efforts as well by purchasing from eco-conscious companies, like W.O.M.B. Lifestyle!


October 23, 2011

Sustainable Sundays: Abounding Treasures

Upcyclers is a team of 1390 shops that are upcycling all over the world!
Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality and higher environmental value. 

Each Sunday we feature a sustainable product from one Upcyclers shop that helped with the success of our team.

This week's featured shop and item...
Autumn Melted Crayon Upcycled Art by Abounding Treasures 

Recycled crayons, glossy photo paper, and a special technique make up this gorgeous mixed media piece.  The 3D effect allows for shadows whenever natural or artificial light is shining.

Dallas at Abounding Treasures enjoys creating 3-D paper art and whimsical collages, especially for children. Check out her shop and see what else she does with recycled children's books!

Shop Stats:
Opened February 3rd, 2009
173 items for sale
130 sales
Feedback 112, 100% positive

It is always hard to pick one upcycled item from all our active shops each week! You can find more sustainable creations on Etsy by using our official team search tag: teamupcyclers when shopping.

Happy Upcycling until next week,
~Bee
The Wooden Bee
www.thewoodenbee.com

October 16, 2011

Sustainable Sundays: Altered Perceptions

Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality and higher environmental value. 

Upcyclers is a team on Etsy made up of 1372 shops that are upcycling!

Each Sunday we feature a sustainable product from one Upcyclers shop that helped with the success of our team.

This week's featured shop and item...

Upcycled Cardboard Owl Wall Hanging with Customizable Sign from Altered Perceptions. I just loved their adorable rolled cardboard owls! Perfect for eco-friendly fall decorating!

James and Katie from Altered Perceptions, like challenging themselves to alter old or reused items into new, functional and aesthetic treasures. Check out their shop for more sustainable creations!

Shop Stats:
Joined Etsy in Oct 14 2010
41 items for sale
8 sales
Feedback 15, 100% positive

It was hard to pick one upcycled item from all our active shops this week! You can find more sustainable creations on Etsy by using our official team search tag: teamupcyclers when shopping.

Thank you,
~Bee
The Wooden Bee
www.thewoodenbee.com

October 12, 2011

Meet & Greet: Crandalian

Crandall is a teen who loves creating jewelry and bows. Her lovely collection is full of color and a little bit of whimsy.

Pop Soda Can Tab Bracelet Black Cord
Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
I just moved from Montgomery, Alabama to a small town in called Eufaula. I've been crafting for years, but started on Etsy 2 years ago making friendship bracelets. Since then, my business has really grown and I've added a lot more variety to my shop! I am always looking for more things to make and share with you guys on Etsy.

purple mum post earrings
What is your favorite thing about creating?
That I can express the creative side of myself and enjoy it at the same time!

Why did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed/vintage materials?
I never woke up one day and decided to start upcycling, it just sort of happened! If I find something around the house that can be used to make something that sells, I go for it! I'm also really inspired by the world around me. Now if I see a piece of jewelry in a store I think, "I can make that."

Beaded Triple Floating Wire crimp necklace
What is your favorite thing about running your etsy shop?
I like being able to list all of my items online and having a little virtual store that I can show to friends and family. It was also nice getting a little income from something I've always done anyway- craft!

What inspires you to create/sell what you do?
I guess you could say I'm inspired by my emotions. I feel I produce my best work when I'm in a just in a good mood! If you told me to go to my craft space right now I wouldn't be able to think of something on the spot. I have to really be in the mood to make something :)

juicy watermelon hair pin set pink and green
How do you keep your creative space inspiring?
I keep all of my materials out where I can see them on a little bookshelf. Every day when I see them I always get new ideas on new things I could make. Never sit down and think of things you could make, just let it come naturally! Get out all your materials out where you can see them all together and something will come to you!

Links:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Crandalls-Jewelry/116815285009386
Etsy Shop: Crandalian.etsy.com

Thanks Crandall for sharing with us today!

See you in a couple of weeks.
Valerie
Everyday Inspired

October 10, 2011

Special Giveaway: W.O.M.B. Lifestyle!

 Congrats to our winner of last week's Giveaway from 
Art Again by Michelle! We are excited to announce it was Sharon from 

Thank you, Michelle, for supporting Upcyclers and to all of you for entering! 

And now we'd like to introduce you to Dion and Eli~ the creators of WOMB Lifestyle and the sponsors of this special Giveaway!

The story of the Birth of WOMB uniquely intertwines entrepreneurship, art, and self-empowerment. As individuals, Dion and Eli each already had a passion for art, health, and education. Dion had already been active as an art teacher, and visual artist creating graphic illustrations that depicted messages of confidence and personal development. Eli had already been involved as a mentor in her community and has been creating works of fine art for years. When the two of them were married in 2009, it only made sense for these individual characteristics to accentuate.




Naturally, Dion and Eli put their minds together as a married couple to create business ideas that would utilize their passions and enrich their community. They made sure to recycle and reuse the backsides of paper to save trees during their brainstorming sessions. That is how Wisdom of Mind and Body (WOMB) was born in the Spring of 2010. Dion and Eli combined their artistic talents to create tee shirts that raised the bar of social responsibility boasting unique designs, inspiring messages, organic cotton, PVC free inks and sweatshop free labor.




WOMB Apparel represents their personal lifestyle philosophy Wisdom Of Mind and Body. Dion and Eli created WOMB’s unique philosophy of self-empowerment by emphasizing your power to recreate and commence a personal rebirth. With only one design (Human Race), they printed a small batch of shirts and took it to the International Hip Hop Festival to test the market. Before they knew it, Hip Hop artists from all over the world were wearing their design during performances. Dion and Eli knew they had a great idea to run with. In the next string of months, WOMB Apparel continued to create ways to provide customers with a valuable product that empowers their lives, the community, and the world.




WOMB Apparel is in the process of expanding into WOMB Lifestyle in order to incorporate the educational components that are integral in the Wisdom of Mind and Body philosophy. In celebration of their expansion they are teaming up with Upcyclers to give one lucky guy and girl an opportunity to win one of our most popular t-shirt designs – Human Race or Wisdom of Mind and Body.



Since Dion and Eli are so generously offering two shirts, a double giveaway, we are extending our deadline for entry to an extra week, so you have until October 21st to enter! Two winners will be randomly drawn and will receive a black or white Human Race/ Wisdom of Body and Mind shirt, depending upon availability, in a male size or female size. Please specify with each entry whether you are entering for a male or female shirt. You can choose either for each entry you submit! If you do not specify, your shirt will be randomly chosen based on the other winner.
Here's how to enter:

First, you must be a follower of Love 2 Upcycle to enter~ not a follower? Just look to the right and click on the 'Follow' button! But don't leave a comment for doing that!


Then you can submit up to 4 entries, each must be entered HERE in a separate comment for each entry. 
If you don't have an email listed in your profile, please leave it in one of your comments!
 

1. Check out WOMB Lifestyle's website and then tell us here which shirt is your favorite!
2. Like WOMB Lifestyle on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter!
3. Follow their Blog~ WOMB Lifestyle!
4. Tweet or Share this Giveaway with the rest of the world!




Please Remember to specify men's or women's shirt with each entry!

Deadline to enter is Friday, October 21st at Midnight.
The WINNER will be randomly drawn and announced with the next Giveaway!
Good Luck!

Would you like to Sponsor a Giveaway on Love 2 Upcycle? You don't have to be a member of Upcyclers to be a sponsor, all Etsy sellers of upcycled or eco-friendly products are welcome! But of course, we'd love for you to join the team!

October 9, 2011

Sustainable Sundays: colorstory designs


Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality and higher environmental value.

Upcyclers is a team on Etsy made up of 1358 shops that are upcycling!

Each Sunday we are going to feature a sustainable product from one Upcyclers shop that was active in our team's weekly conversations.

This week's featured item...
a gorgeous votive candle holder made with recycled magazines by colorstory designs!

The rolled magazines allow the light to bounce out
and playfully decorate your surface!

colorstory designs is the collaborative work of designers Amy Gibson and Andrea Read. An Upcyclers shop seeking to create a positive environmental impact with their work, by developing a unique method of collecting and repurposing discarded magazines and other paper products.

Shop Stats:
Joined Etsy in May 2009
144 items for sale
456 sales
Feedback 180, 100% positive

It was hard to pick one upcycled item from all our active shops! You can find more sustainable creations on Etsy by using our official team search tag: Teamupcyclers

Thank you,
The Wooden Bee


October 4, 2011

Tuesday's Treasuries~ September's Team Challenge

'Upcyclers' September Team Challenge~ Industrial Category' by collagical

This month's theme: Ghouls' Night Out! Please note: some items have been added due to relisting, expiration or for the sake of composition.


Frankenstein Altered Bo...
$68.00

Spooky Bat Halloween Re...
$12.99

Baby's First Dia de...
$51.00

Gothic casket altered a...
$32.25

Halloween Boo Charm Bra...
$25.00

Halloween Bat Earrings ...
$16.00

Pop Tab Headband, Metal...
$15.00

Zombie Girl Handpainted...
$30.00

Metal art wall sculptur...
$55.00

Gothic Halloween Neckla...
$22.00

Recycled Wine Bottle Wi...
$18.00

Recycled Rubber Heart N...
$6.00

Dr. Who Angel Crying Bo...
$15.00

Hand-painted Sugar Skul...
$15.00

Recycled Halloween Char...
$35.00

Skull Cocktail Ring. S...
$15.99

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Upcyclers' September Team Challenge~ Organic Category' by collagical

This month's theme: Ghouls' Night Out! Please note: some items have been added or included due to relisting, expiration or for the sake of composition.


BOO Banner
$68.00

SALE Deacon the Crochet...
$30.00

Here Kitty Kitty Garden...
$30.00

Black T-shirt dress upc...
$65.00

Real Glasswing Butterfl...
$28.74

Haunting Wall Hanger ma...
$14.00

Recycled Paper Bead nec...
$29.99

Purple Hip Bag, Needle ...
$37.00

Headband of pink flower...
$20.00

Halloween decoration - ...
$12.00

Owl Halloween Autumn Wa...
$25.00

Halloween Party Treat B...
$7.50

5 HANDMADE Black Cat Gi...
$8.00

Halloween Record Bowl S...
$18.75

gothic gossamer necklac...
$24.00

Hallowe'en Treat Ba...
$15.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.