We Loved You So...

"Please don't go.
   We'll eat you up. We love you so." ~Maurice Sendak, 1928-2012

No children's writer caused more of a stir than Maurice Sendak. He will be missed. There are few words I can say. So here are his.

“Kids don’t know about best sellers. They go for what they enjoy. They aren’t star chasers and they don’t suck up. It’s why I like them.”

  “Children do live in fantasy and reality; they move back and forth very easily in a way we no longer remember how to do.”

“Children are tough, though we tend to think of them as fragile. They have to be tough. Childhood is not easy. We sentimentalize children, but they know what’s real and what’s not. They understand metaphor and symbol. If children are different from us, they are more spontaneous. Grown-up lives have become overlaid with dross.”

"There are so many beautiful things in the world which I will have to leave when I die, but I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready.”

  

 “There must be more to life than having everything.”

 "And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!"

Weekly Giveaway: triSERIFtops!

Congrats to our follower: Silver~ the fifth entry in our giveaway last week from Good Memories Cafe! She'll be decorating her garden with her unique, upcycled mini totem from Elizabeth, who created it and sponsored the giveaway. Thank you so much to both of them and all who entered!

Jessie Katz, from triSERIFtops is this week's sponsor and her whimsically designed cards will put a smile on your face and the person you send them too! Designed to be versatile and economic, her 'checkbox' cards are also eco-friendly~ printed on 100% recycled paper using non-polluting renewable electricity.

Jessie Katz is also the owner of DESIGNosaurus~ where she creates and sells her gift card earrings as seen on the Today Show during Earth Week, 2011. She was a Top Ten finalist in the Art of ReUse Contest that focused on upcycled products. We are proud to call her a member of Upcyclers, our Etsy team of artists who Love 2 Upcycle! All of Jessie's jewelry is made from recycled and reclaimed materials, including plastic gift and credit cards, vintage and broken jewelry, scrap wood and more.

Although a full time freelance graphic designer, Jessie still finds time to learn more about design and typography and work on her own personal projects. She sells hand drawn colorful cards, original drawings and quality prints in triSERIFtops. Custom prints of her hand drawn alphabet designs are all available in her Alphabet Poster Series.

Jessie is giving away a set of four greeting cards, including three of her checkbox cards and the 'Congrats' card pictured above! And it's easy 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!

Then you can submit up to 4 entries, each must be entered HERE in a separate comment.

1. Browse and Favorite triSERIFtops and tell us here which shop item was your favorite.

2. Become a follower of her blog:  DESIGNosaurus~ Art, Craft & Graphic Design for tutorials, crafter profiles, inspiration and works in progress.

3.  Like Jessie's page: DESIGNosaurus (Jessie Katz) on Facebook or follow her tweets @ triSERIFtops.

4. 'Tweet' or 'Like' this Giveaway using our Like or Tweet button or Share a link to our Giveaway on your Facebook fan page.

Deadline to enter is Wednesday, August 3rd at midnight.

The WINNER will be randomly drawn and announced with our next giveaway~ Thursday, August 4th.

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!

Meet & Greet: byABPryor

Ang loves creating treasures from found objects and things others commonly discard, and embellishes everything.

Ang sells upcycled Art, accessories, housewares, vintage and more.

Funky Toy Hess Truck Tire Swing Earrings

I asked her a few questions about herself and her shop and this is what she had to say:

Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
I'm a wife and stay-at-home mom. I am a former fashion international merchandiser. I create ooak jewelry and houseware pieces from recycled vintage jewelry, found objects and junk. I also sell vintage items.

Why did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed/vintage materials?
This was an evolving process. I originally started with beading. However, I became increasingly interested in trash to treasure creations. I can't justify throwing out an items because it is no longer used for its original purpose. I can create new pieces that have meaning and history. Every piece has a story... just like people.

One Mod Pop Plastic Record LP Holder

What is your favorite thing about running your etsy shop?
First of all Etsy is an amazing organization. It gives artists an easy interactive venue to share their creations. It is affordable and user friendly. I enjoy all of the means of communications between the sellers and buyers. Also, the opportunity to join in on the learning process. Etsy wants us to succeed. If we succeed then they do... I enjoy being apart of this amazing, giving community. My favorite part? I get to do it on MY time!

Bourbon Street Liquor Label Necklace Vintage REMIXED

What inspires you to create/sell what you do?
I find inspiration in everyday living...fashion, nature, entertainment and relationships. I need to place more of my creations online... that's a confidence hurdle I'm trying to overcome. With the help of Upcyclers I will! ;)

Where we can find you on the web
www.tomboyaroundtown.blogspot.com - My junking adventures & upcycled creations
www.creativesoulfulsexy.blogspot.com - My life, times & musings
www.usableart.blogspot.com - My creations' store page
www.byABPryor.etsy.com - My Etsy Store
www.facebook.com/byABPryor - My Facebook Page

Thanks Ang!

See you next week,
Valerie
Everyday Inspired