custom creations

small purse, clutch purse. vintage corduroy, vintage blue floral lining

You know that I make one-of-a-kind accessories out of recycled materials, but you may not know that I also take custom orders. In fact about half of the items I make are made-to-order and are by word of mouth or for friends and family. Custom purses, totes & laptop cases are some of my favorite things to make. I am always honored when someone asks me to create a special item for them.

So this is how it goes…

1. You see my work, love it & contact me asking if I do custom orders. I say “yes”, do a happy dance and smile!

2. I’ll ask you a bunch of questions. What size, color, etc. do you like?

3. You pay for half of the item up front. This allows me to have the funds to buy materials to create your item. I keep the down payment if you decide that you no longer want the item because I will be left with materials.

4. I hunt down the materials for your special item & send you a photo to confirm you like them.

5. I make your beautiful custom item.

6. I list your item on etsy. You pay for it then I ship it to you.

7. You love it & tell everyone about it ;)

Here are some examples of my custom orders:

tote bag, shoulder bag, recycled denim tote, recycled jeans purse

custom tote bag

small purse, clutch purse. vintage corduroy, vintage blue floral lining

custom should bag

laptop sleeve, laptop case, recycled wool case

custom laptop case

Etsy treasury – cobalt blue

Upcycled Recycled Ivory Wool Brooch

Take a peek at this gorgeous esty treasury featuring my brooch & more blue…

fit to be tied again

Upcycled Tan Print Phone Eyeglass Men's Tie Case

Sewing with neckties is a great way to get started on sewing recycled materials. They are available in thrift stores for reasonable price. I can usually snag some cool ones for $1 to $2 each. Here are some projects you could try…

1. purse strap

Instead of making my standard purse handle, I incorporated a necktie as a handle on this bag for a friend.

2. necktie scarf

This patchwork scarf is fun and easy to whip up if you have a lot of necktie scraps on hand.

3. eyeglass & gadget case

This tutorial could be used to make a case for either eyeglasses/sunglasses or a gadget case.

There are so many cute ideas that could be used with recycled ties. Which is your favorite?

the seed – part 3

Red Batik Bag

The seed that my grandma planted in me is still growing in ways that I never dreamed possible. My love for sewing never died and fortunately I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to create accessories out of recycled materials. I’ve found a way to marry two things that I love – sewing and recycling.
bag, case, recycle, wool, denim

1. Red Felted Gathered Wool Purse with Removable Flower Pin 2. Vintage Red Blue Gold Floral Gadget Tie Case 3. Blue Denim Mod Bubble Print Purse with Removable Belt

I’m so excited to see what the future holds for me and what influence I have on those around me. Every day I have new ideas that I want to make and share. If only I had a few more hours in the day!

I’d love to know what you like to create and why. So post a comment. It would make my day!

eco-friendly etsy style guide: icy cold january

sweater, batik, bag

When I close my eyes and think of the month of January I see ice, cold blue skies & sparkling snow. Each of these upcycled items will warm your heart & body and help you get through the icy cold winter. So take a look at these beautiful eco-friendly items on etsy.

ice, blue, winter, january1. Baby Blue Felted Gathered Wool Purse by Lynn Minney Designs  2. Ceramic Travel Mug by A piece by denise  3. Denim and Homespun Primitive Country Rag Quilt by Grammies Quiltz  4. Icy Mint Lip Balm by Five Seed  5. Recycled Sweater Mittens by Sue and Sew  6. Sweater Leg Warmers by Saxiib  7. Fair Isle Stripes Cloche by Blue Moon Rose  8. Bright Blues Cashmere Ruffle Rose Scarf by That Funky Boutique  9. Handwoven Recycled Corduroy Rag Rug by fiveforty  10. Wool Slippers by Wooly Baby  11. Blue Topaz Ice Ring by Luis Fernando

re-use those jeans!

denim bag with gold batik lining

As you may have guessed, I love sewing on felted wool. But when it gets warm or I need a change of pace I like to recycle denim. I’ve mostly made bags, but I’ve searched for new things to try. Below are a few of my creations and some very fun links for other things to do with denim. Happy sewing!

1. jean apron

How about trying an apron out of some scraps of denim? I love the back pockets that are on the front. I can’t have enough pockets on my aprons to hold tools, phone, etc.

2. denim wallet

This tutorial is for the cutest kids wallet. Heck, I would even use it!

3. denim art purses

This purse would make a super cute gift for any little kid that loves to draw in a sketchbook or write in a journal. It could be personalized for a boy or a girl, so use your imagination!

4. denim market tote

Denim scraps would make an adorable tote bag. You could use this basic idea and add your own embellishments like a brooch, embroidery, patches, etc.

5. denim pot holders

These beautiful pot holders may just be too beautiful to use on pots. I could see the same type of design turned into a throw pillow or a wall hanging.

Have you created any cool things with recycled denim? I’d love to see what you’ve made, so send me an email, link, etc.

i learned sew much in 2010

2010 was a year of extreme personal growth. I learned so much about myself and about running my business. It was exhausting and very stressful at times, but looking back I wouldn’t change a thing!

success

In 2010 I made my first etsy sale (and many more after that)! I won a blog critique from Blacksburg Belle that totally inspired & motivated me to do better! I even made some new friends online. I took a leap of faith and I haven’t backed down. Not too bad for someone who really had no goals for the year!

growth

The sky is the limit when you desire start your own business. Time and money are always the two drawbacks, but if you are creative you can find ways to work through those challenges. I’m learning to take it slow and plan, plan, plan. There is always that voice of reason telling you to go to bed instead of staying up late to sew!!!

goals

I learned that l have to set personal and business goals. I need something to keep me on track, so I have time for my family, friends and fun. I set up my google calendar and frequently add reminders. I also created a blog schedule. In between all of that I really want to develop some new products.

Most of all I’ve learned that I have a lot to learn, but I don’t have to do it all at once. Thank goodness for that! I’m going to take my time and enjoy the ride, otherwise why bother. Enjoy your 2011 and I hope that you can share your experiences of 2010 and goals of 2011 with me.

the seed part 2

I not only come from a long line of crafty people, but also thrifty. So out of that comes crafty thrifty me. Yes, it poses challenges, but it also keeps my work interesting!

I learned to sew as a child. My Grandma Jennie took the time to show me how to use her sewing machine. I can still hear her today telling me to watch out for my fingers! I am so thankful that she took the time to plant the seed and had patience to teach me. But as I got older my focus switched to school & art. I wish I would’ve kept pursuing it. Learning about art taught me many valuable lessons that I use every day, from color theory to composition. Thank goodness nothing in life is a straight line! Oh how boring that would be.

Where have you planted a seed? I see it in my daughter & niece. My daughter loves to draw & paint and I’m teaching my 5-year-old niece to sew.

5 fun things to do with a recycled sweater

I’m all about reusing, recycling, repurposing, upcycling or whatever you may call it. Not only is it fun to give old things a new life, but it makes me feel good to know that I’m saving things from a landfill or a garbage can and putting them into the hands of someone that will really love them :)

There are so many fun things that you can do with a sweater that is no longer in style, shrunken, etc. Best of all, most of these things don’t need mad sewing skills. Plus they are free if you happen to have them lying around your house. Fun, free & easy. What more could you want!

1. Whip up a sweater scarf

2. Sew a cozy hat

3. Create a warm blanket

4. Make a animal softee

5. Craft a sweater rosette

Have you created any of these? Let me know. Shoot me an email, send me a pic. That would make my day! Happy sewing my friends.

two more etsy treasuries!!!

Flower pin detail

Upcycled Tie Case

I was featured in two etsy treasuries today! One called Eco-Friendly for the Dudes under $50 and Upcycled Wearables. Check them out!