Team Trashion Encourages Shoppers to Go Green on Black Friday

Going back as far as the 1960’s, the day after Thanksgiving has held the unfortunate title of Black Friday. The name was given due to the madness that happens in highly commercialized places of commerce, but mostly because of the heavy traffic on that day. Folks are at the mall before the sun comes up, cars fill freeways and parking lots, money is burned on mass produced products and the gas it takes to get to them. It can get ugly.

Team Trashion, a unique, eco friendly, international group of artisans on etsy.com visualizes a different sort of Friday following Thanksgiving. Team Trashion wants to encourage families to keep the car in the garage, leave their slippers on and curl up with loved ones and a second helping of pumpkin pie. Doesn’t that sound great?

On Friday, November 28, Team Trashion will provide holiday shoppers with a unique opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts that are innovative and eco friendly. Buyers will be able to connect directly with sellers at a virtual Trunk Show on www.etsy.com. Over 30 Team Trashion artisans will be showing a varied collection of handmade treasures all created from upcycled, repurposed or otherwise abandoned materials. The Team Trashion Green Friday Trunk Show will be overflowing with holiday shopping opportunities that would make Mother Earth proud. You will not want to miss it!

The Team Trashion Green Friday Trunk Show is at 7pm est – just the perfect time to grab a cup of tea and do a little shopping in the comfort of your own home. Here’s how you get there:

1 - Log on to www.etsy.com If you do not have an Etsy account click here it's free to join, and you'll be glad you did!
2 - Choose the “community” tab at the top of the home page.
3 - Choose the “Virtual Labs” tab at the top of the community page.
4 - Choose the GREEN Treehouse “room” within the Virtual Labs.
5 - Sit back and enjoy the Trunk Show!

It will be great to see you there.

Save the Date...Nov. 28th 2008

Awesome image and save the date card created by http://panoptica.etsy.com!

Sha-weeti Babes in a Bag

Monster Mash Showcase:

ElenaMary amazes us again with her tremendous creativity! Introducing Sha-weeti!She is quite chic with a vintage metal bell for a hat and an apron which holds a book of horrific monsters and ghouls..She comes in a lovely bolt of lightning bag with braided strap and all together is 11 1/2" X 5 1/2"

Carly of http://nectorgirl.etsy.com suppled the materials seen to the right!

Save the Date...Nov. 28th 2008

Mosters are Mashing on Etsy

Such wonderful creativity can come from swapping unwanted materials!! Hooray for upcycling! I wanted to showcase some of the AMAZING and CUDDLY critters mashing across the Trashion team!

Sweet-tooth Sam the Spider Donated to HOST by thefiligreegarden
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_5&listing_id=16335603

Igor-eena From Recycled Body Parts
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16120871

Tresijas made Igor-eena by upcycling materials sent by fisheye!

There are plenty more to cuddle! Just search Etsy for "Trashion Team" and "Monster Mash"

We are doing the Monster Mash!!

The Trashion Team is having it's first annual Monster Mash! We partnered up, palchemy style, to swap unwanted, found, and ready to upcycle materials. Right now, team members are making two plush monsters each. We are listing these critters in two different places. One will be listed in our own shop, the other they are donating to the H.O.S.T. (Helping Others Street Team) Shop. We chose to donate a Monster from each participating member to the Helping Others Street Team (HOST) in order to raise money for fellow Etsyians in need. That is perfectly aligned with the Trashion Team's philosophy of environmentalism, innovation, and embracing creative healing. So be on the look out for Trashion Monsters coming soon!
Search for "Monster Mash" and "Trashion Team" or check out the H.O.S.T. shop! Here's a list of participating shops:

Kiki at http://allthenumbers.etsy.com
Keri at http://BayouSalvage.etsy.com
Wendy at http://buttercupbloom.etsy.com
Katie at http://crookedthumb.etsy.com
Maija at http://davaeva.etsy.com
Elena at http://elenamary.etsy.com
Drew at http://fairytalefibers.etsy.com
Linda at http://fashiongreentbags.etsy.com
Olivia at http://thefiligreegarden.etsy.com
Lori at http://Fisheye.etsy.com
Jen at http://jen1kanobi.etsy.com
Kae at http://Kae1Crafts.etsy.com
Jane at http://LilMonsters.etsy.com
Millie at http://misscourageous.etsy.com
Carly at http://nectorgirl.etsy.com
Ashly at http://normalisboring.etsy.com
Peg at http://peggradyart.etsy.com
Pam at http://remaker.etsy.com
Ricki at http://RixiePixie.etsy.com
Cathie at http://SweetWolf.etsy.com
Kim at http://theredcan.etsy.com
Evy at http://thirdhanddesigns.etsy.com
Kelly at http://tresijas.etsy.com
Jamie at http://twistedwear.etsy.com

Trunk Show to Benifit Etsians in Need!

Come on over to the Etsy Virtual Labs (http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php) on Thursday at 7pm Est. To explore what the HOST team has to offer!

HOST is a group of Etsy buyers and sellers with a mission to help other Etsians in need. They offer basic financial support, and can suggest options if your need is greater than they can meet. They also offer emotional support and friendship, and a warm welcome awaits new members!

Look forward to seeing you there!

Yellow Walls Designs New Twists on Paper

Materials Focus: Paper

Trashion team member Rebecca Potts of YellowWalls gives new life to paper with lovely twists! We asked her a few questions about reuseing paper and here is what she had to say:

What do you make by re-using paper?

I make jewelry and I'm working on holiday ornament ideas. I also make journals and cards, but haven't posted them yet.

What do you find the most satisfying about your creations?
I love being able to turn my trash into something useful and beautiful. It's also lots of fun figuring out new ways of using paper.

Where do you typically find the paper you repurpose?
Under my kitchen sink, where I keep the recycling and garbage. I literally go through my own trash and take out anything that might be redeemable.

What type of paper products do you use?

Anything I can get my hands on. Cardboard and card stock work really well for my jewelry and for book covers, while thinner paper like all the junkmail and old newspapers are great for recycling into paper pulp.

Where did you learn your current techniques?

I started making paper using a blender, window screen, and my oven when I was about 12 years old. Then during my year abroad in college I got to learn more about paper making from experts in Australia. Now I'm back in school and learning even more from professor Joan Hall. I also learned book-making in college. Jewelry making I mostly just taught myself by messing around with materials. I had a short lesson from a friend about wire wrapping and then took it from there.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?

I'm a bit obsessed with maps, so that comes through in some of my work. I also make things based on what my friends and family like - for example, I make lots of elephant images because my sister likes Elephants. Whatever materials I'm using also inspire me with their colors and shapes.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I would be lost without my pliers.

Tell us about a couple favorite items they've made from paper and why they stand out in your mind.

I love the colorful earrings. I'm also excited about these elephant pendants I'm working on.

Any final thoughts you want to share?

Just to stress the importance of the 3 R's right now. It's up to us to make sure our children will be able to enjoy this beautiful planet.


Interested in discovering more about Rebecca Potts and her work? Check out her website. Want a one of her three R jewels for your very own? Go to her Etsy shop!

Scribble Nation Playing with Paper!

Materials Focus: Paper

Trashion team member Mary Helen of Scribble Nation gives new life to paper with amazing talent! We asked her a few questions about reuseing paper and here is what she had to say:

What do you make by re-using paper?

One of a Kind Mustache Collage Cards

What do you find the most satisfying about your creations?

I love the creative process. We start out with a cocktail or two, some of our favorite magazines or clothing catalogs, and a set of colored pencils or felt tipped markers. Giggles and mustaches quickly follow. We often do our best mustaching with the help of our friends during our weekly craft night. In a few days I pull out the mustached or collaged pages and start attaching them to randomly stamped cards. I love making art out of jokes. It's my favorite.

Where do you typically find the paper you repurpose?

Junk mail, magazine subscriptions, and catalogs. These things arrive at the house, are read through about a gazillion times, then are added to the mustache pile.

What type of paper products do you use?

Mostly magazines and catalogs. We attach our collages to new, crisp cards and envelopes.

Where did you learn your current techniques?

Waiting rooms.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?

The popularity of mustache

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?

It's a toss up between the colored pencil and the ever popular Sharpie marker.

Tell us about a couple favorite items they've made from paper and why they stand out in your mind.


Commander Stache, pictured at right, features the picture that started the whole joke. She is like the Mustchae Mother, giving birth to all the countless mustached wonders to happen since.

Beer Helmet, as seen below, is another favorite of mine due to the cooperative aspect of it. Our friend Jessica doodled this bad boy, never thinking it would become a piece of upcycled art!



Any final thoughts you want to share? Viva magazine graffitti!

Thanks for sharing your creative reuse of paper with us! We never knew waiting rooms could bring such fun to us all!

Interested in discovering more about Mary Helen and her work? Check out her blog. Want a mustash card for your very own? Go to her Etsy shop!

FoundThings adds a creative flare to paper!

Materials Focus: Paper

Trashion team member emmy of foundthings gives new life to paper with amazing talent! We asked her a few questions about reuseing paper and here is what she had to say:

What do you make by re-using paper?
Jewelry, collage and mixed media art, art dolls, really I have no limits!


What do you find the most satisfying about your creations?

How the everyday, overlooked, stepped on and taken for granted can be transform into beauty!

Where do you typically find the paper you repurpose?

The street, junk mail, books, friends, discards from local printers

What type of paper products do you use?

I have no limits on the paper I use, from the ordinary copy paper, candy wrappers, newspaper, anything recycled to cardstock.
Since I was little I’ve always had a collection of paper stash. I wouldn't waste a scrap!

Where did you learn your current techniques?

I’ve learned them from pure experimentation.
The best come from making mistakes, taking risks and trying again and again!

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?

I see inspiration in textures, simple and complex forms, and mainly in the found object itself. My sons inspire me a lot with their messes, as well as pure and raw discoveries.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?

My hands. I love to get them dirty, painted and glued!

Tell us about a couple favorite items they've made from paper and why they stand out in your mind.

I have quite a few of my own that our my favorites, but what really stands out to me is working with others who are afraid of "art", being trapped in the mindset that they can't do it or do it good enough. They have a perception that art has to be just perfect. It’s such freedom to see them find the beauty in the raw. So I’d say my collaborative works with others who are intimidated by the raw materials are the ones that stand out.
Seeing someone else realize that they are able to be creative and make something beautiful out of nothing is priceless and beautiful all in itself!

In the photo (to the right) you'll see my friend Sam couldn't believe she actually did this!!

Any final thoughts you want to share?

Life is hard YA gotta get your funk on!!



Emmy your a wonderful joy to witness! Thank you for sharing some of your inspiration and creation with us! So when I was putting this post together I stummbled across the "All About Paper" zine, pictured to the right. It's a family project! Emmy's kids are fundraising to raise money for the local food bank.
"The zine is ALL ABOUT PAPER!! basically its a collage pack with all sorts of FOUND papers, some textured,some hand painted,handmade envies, lots of scraps n pieces, including found images for you to put together your very own masterpieces. also included is an artist trading card and a small sample of collage sheets, and anything else fun we can scrounge up. THERE ARE ART PAGES TO INSPIRE YOU AS WELL! ITS REALLY A GREAT ZINE! its a ONE shot so we'll sell it until we run out of paper!
EACH ONE IS UNIQUE and papers vary! SO SUPPORT THE CAUSE and help 2 inspiring young artists as well!" I, drew the editor of this interview am now the proud owner of a copy of this!!


Interested in discovering more about emmy and her work? Check out her website. Want a one of her incredible creations for your very own? Go to her Etsy shop!

Little Orange Kitchen with Delicious Paper!

Materials Focus: Paper

Trashion team member Laura of LittleOrangeKitchen gives new life to paper with amazing talent! We asked her a few questions about reuseing paper and here is what she had to say:

What do you make by re-using paper?
I make wallets, business card holders, passport cases and journals out of recycled newspaper, magazines, maps, vintage books, magazines and both vintage as well as contemporary gift wrap.

What do you find the most satisfying about your creations?
I'd have to say the response from other people. When someone admires a wallet at a show and I explain that the back panel is a silverware ad, the inner panel is an ad from a German newspaper and the front panel is from a vintage book etc, it's fun to see their delight and how they take a closer look because they originally thought it was just one random pattern. I enjoy seeing a pretty skirt in a fashion magazine and knowing that the skirt alone would make a great pattern on the front of a card holder and then having people ask me where I got the "gift wrap". I get a huge and unabashed kick out of myself. :)

Where do you typically find the paper you repurpose?

If I'm at your house, you can expect that I'll be digging through your recycle bin looking for anything I can use! No map is safe from me, even if you need it for a road trip, I'm going to lay a claim on it! Same thing with your Italian Vogue.
Friends bring me newspapers and fashion magazines from all over the world and I scour thrift shops and even salons for more. I also get tattered books from the free shelf at the Salvation Army. I'm donate a lot of newer books, so I don't feel so bad occasionally taking a few free ones.

What type of paper products do you use?

While I do make a line of wallets with new gift wrap, I use newspaper, magazines, and books for the line that is 100% recycled paper, And, regardless of the source, every single wallet I make is lined with recycled card stock from holiday cards, manilla folders, heavy mailers and old file folders.

Where did you learn your current techniques?

I began experimenting with origami a few years ago and then my mother gave me a newspaper wallet that was cute, but didn't last. I played with paper for a few months and finally came up with a design I was pleased with and began giving them away to friends. One friend asked if she could take a bunch to her office to sell to her co-workers and I was floored when she sold out. From there, people started asking for other things and the cardholders and passport cases were born.

The hardest thing for me to learn was how to fold a straight line. I used to scream in frustration and even bought some tools designed to help and still couldn't get it. If I'm even 1/20th of an inch off, the wallets don't turn out. Finally, my husband was like, "Get rid of the tools and just eyeball it!" The best advice. I'm intuitive when it comes to making things and thought it would be better to be more precise and organized, so I thought ruled mats would help....nope, now I just take breath and "eyeball it". Good lesson, use your own strengths to help you and don't worry if other people seem more efficient.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?

Fabrics inspire me. I can't sew, but I love fabrics, so pictures of fabrics in magazines are the next best thing.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?

My rotary cutter is a lifesaver...a lifesaver, One tip I have for people who work with vinyl or resins in combination with paper (Scrabble tile magnets, belt buckles, resin or glazed jewelry etc...) is to have a lint roller handy. I roll one over my cutting table and the floor around it to ensure there aren't any little flecks of paper, dust or lint around. There's nothing worse than finishing a wallet to discover a tiny paper scrap or yarn fiber from another project trapped underneath the vinyl that I use to add durability to the wallet.

Tell us about a couple favorite items they've made from paper and why they stand out in your mind.

I use old book jackets to make larger wallets and was really pleased with the first one I made. It was from a book on Frida Kahlo and I'm really proud of it.

I'm also proud of this one, pictured at left: It was made of three collaged panels and even though the images came from three different newspapers, the colors went so well together, even the stripes on the backgrounds combined to look like one piece. It sold right away and I miss it!

Any final thoughts you want to share?

I'm in the "hybrid" stage of trashion, I use new vinyl to enhance old paper, and I think it's a good place to start. The wallets are definitely not disposable, but they aren't heirlooms either, so I encourage people to reuse pieces of them once they wear out, or send them to me so I can cut the panels up and make new ones. One woman used hers daily for about eight months and then cut her favorite sections into strips, glued them onto recycled cardboard and made bookmarks, gift tags and a pair of earrings. Right on! The gift that just keeps on giving. :)

Thanks for sharing your creative reuse of paper with us!

Interested in discovering more about Laura and her work? Check out her blog. Want a delightful paper wallet for your very own? Go to her Etsy shop!

samann1121 Recreates Paper

Etsy Trashion Materials Focus: Paper

Trashion team member Jessie of samann1121 gives new life to paper with amazing talent! We asked her a few questions about reuseing paper and here is what she had to say:

What do you make by re-using paper?

Note cards, stickers, gift tags, envelopes

What do you find the most satisfying about your creations?

I love being able to rescue things that were bound for a landfill.
There's so much life left in so many of the things people don't want anymore.
I feel like I'm making the world better a little at a time.

Where do you typically find the paper you repurpose?

garage and estate sales, thrift stores, my mailbox, other people's trash

What type of paper products do you use?

I mostly use vintage papers, like the pages of old books.  Also maps, magazines,
wrapping paper, and wallpaper.

Where did you learn your current techniques?

Craftster was a major source of inspiration several years ago.
Since then, it's pretty much just been trial and error,
and a couple of internet tutorials.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?

My materials inspire me.
I hardly ever go out looking for materials to make aspecific project.
I find the materials, and they tell me what to do with them.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
When working with paper, my favorite tool is probably my paper cutter -
- it's 12" x 15", and cost $12 at the local Salvation Army.  :-)

Tell us about a couple favorite items they've made from paper and why they
stand out in your mind.

I think my yearbook stickers are the most fun to make.
I also love picking out old books to make my book journals.


Any final thoughts you want to share?
I love that the Trashion team is growing so fast!  The more Trashion love, the better!



On that note, if your feeling inspired go puruse Jessie's supply shop!
It's got plenty of rescued paper and ephemera! 


Interested in discovering more about Jessie and her work check out her blog, and Flickr.
Want to have some of her creative paper creations for your very own? Go to her Etsy shop!

Fall into Holiday Cheer with EtsyMoms

rikrak makes these lovely sustainable wallets and she
also an EtsyMom team member!

Thursday at 7 pm Eastern Standard Time The best place to be is the Etsy Virtual Labs!
Join us in getting to know EtsyMoms as they put on a Fall themed trunk show.

Where: Etsy Virtual Labs http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php
When: Thursday September 4th at 7:00pm EST
Who: Etsy Moms is an awesome street team of Mothers who have Etsy shops, we have a few members on the Trashion Team who are also on EtsyMoms.

RockerChick made this beutiful eco-friendly dress from a Men's Izod Dress shirt. She is on the Trashion team and EtsyMoms!

It's only a paper moon sailing over a cardboard sea

The artisans on the trashion team bring out beauty in unconventional objects and materials. We seek out materials others have might discard and revision them. We apply our skills and passion to recycling, giving unwanted supplies new purpose and charm.

In September we will be focusing on upcycling Paper products. We will take a look at the materials themself. Then we will feature papers transformations by the hands of members of the Etsy Trashion Street Team. We will see first hand what they love about paper, as well as how they upcycle it into items of greater value!

To get a peak at some things to come search Etsy with Trashion Team and paper you will be thrilled by what you find!

Painting Vinyl with CrankyPickle

Etsy Trashion Materials Focus: Vinyl

Trashion team member Jessica of CrankyPickle gives Vinyl records an artistic new face! We asked her a few questions about re-visioning vinyl and here is what she had to say:

What do you make from vinyl?

I take 12"s and create art work on them. I also use them to make painted dishes. I'm also trying to find a use for the sleeves.

What do you love about vinyl?

I like the shape of them. Also the center label area and how that looks even tho when I paint them I cover it up. I like that fact that when you hang it you don't need to do any extra work you can just stick the nail through the hole and your good to go.


What's the largest challenge in reutalizing vinyl?

The hardest thing I think was when I started. trying to figuring out how to get the paint to stick to the vinyl. I haven't found vinyl to be that hard to work with other then that.

How long have you been working in this medium?

I've been working with it for about 2 years now.

Where do you find inspiration?

I get inspiration from music, dreams, patterns, nature and the background pattern it self that I start out with. Some times I make a background and then the painting waits for days till the image just pops into my head of what I want to go with it. Most times I don't have a set design in mind when starting.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful art with us!

Interested in discovering more about Jessica and her work? Want to have some of her awesome paintings for your very own? Go to her Etsy shop!

EyePopArt's Series on DIY Art Education

Christine Claringbold of EyePopArt wrote a great article for the Storque:
Parents Teach Art: A DIY Approach to Elementary School Art Education
It discusses a very personal way to bring art back into the schools! She included simple steps for becoming more active in your school districts arts program.

Stay tuned she will also be taking a closer look at how the program works, including roles and responsibilities of the art committee, scheduling classes, teaching tips, and ideas for hosting an exhibit of student art!

Christine you are an inspiration of artistic sustainability! Thank you so much for sharing your know how with us...we can't wait to read more!

Not feeling creative? Recycle that old vinyl!

The Vinyl Institute website (www.vinylinfo.org) offers a comprehensive databases about vinyl and recycling.
* Database of vinyl recycling companies
http://www.vinylinfo.org/Recycling/VinylRecyclingDirectory.aspx

The Recyclers Exchange on Recycle.net provides a list of folks exchanging Vinyl in various grades!
http://www.recycle.net/Plastic/PVC/index.html

Freecycle is always a great way! Send your old Vinyl to someone in your area who can upcycle it!

JenellsRevenge Twisting Vinyl

Etsy Trashion Materials Focus: Vinyl

Trashion team member Jennifer Ellison of JenEll'sRevenge gives Vinyl records some fresh functional art! We asked her a few questions about re-visioning vinyl and here is what she had to say:

What do you make from vinyl?

Currently, I have vinyl record cuffs/bracelets in my shop.

You can get them plain or painted. I am also in the process of making and adding bowls, earring and necklaces as well as finding new ways to customize and decorate it.

What do you love about vinyl?

It's so versatile, with a little creativity and some elbow grease you can come up with some cool wearables and decor. besides it just looks cool people are always puzzled when you tell them that something is made out of a vinyl record.

What's the largest challenge in reutalizing vinyl?

Not burning myself!!!! Seriously...it can get very hot...eventually my finger tips will become immune.

How long have you been working in this medium?

I have only been doing it for about 6 months...but with any project I hit the ground running. I am always thinking of and trying new ways to make it better and more unique.

Where do you find inspiration?

Honestly, everywhere. I love vintage, retro, pin-ups, old school tattoos, Hindu, oriental and I’m sure I'm leaving some things out...oh skulls....so you typically see those things reflected in my work.


Thank you for sharing your heart and creativity with us!


Interested in discovering more about Jennifer Ellison and her work? Want to have some of her lovely cuffs for your very own? Go to her Etsy shop!

Get Creating with Vinyl!

Feel like getting your Trashion on? Here are a couple fun projects for upcycling the vinyl laying around your house!

Rob and Corinne of Threadbanger put together a nifty Instructable on How to Make a Rain Poncho out of a Vinyl Shower Curtain.

We all still love getting snail mail. What about making a postcard out of a 33?
This Instructable by fungus amungus will teach you how to Mail at 33 1/3 RPM. Not to mention Record Etch!

Do you have an old banner that doesn't work for craft shows anymore? How about making a bg out of it! Recycled banner golden mean messenger bags

Vote for Creativity 350!

The above image is of Trashion team member BurningRubber's entry to Creativity 350 contest!

A couple Trashion team members used their creative skills for a good cause: to help stop global warming! By participating in the Creativity 350 challenge they helped spread the word about what scientists and advocates are now calling the most important number on the planet: 350. The most recent science tells us that unless we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million, we will cause huge and irreversible damage to the earth. To learn more checkout 350.org!

Craftster teamed up with 350.org to create a contest that will help raise awareness.

Here's the part where you can help! All the entries are in! As of midnight August 15th the Creativity 350 contest is over and now the voting period is underway (Aug 16 - Aug 31). Just by voting you are letting the world know 350 is important, that you are paying attention.
Here's how to vote:
Craft Contest entries:
http://www.craftster.org/350/voting/index.php?contest=craft

T-shirt Contest entries:
http://www.craftster.org/350/voting/index.php?contest=tshirt

The image to the right is a 350 Upcycled Wool Hood crafted by Fairy Tale Fibers for the contest.

Our original post about the contest can be found here.

BuckleUp giveaway

Trashion team member Millie Hilgert, whose well known as Miss Courageous is launching a new shop BuckleUp! In honor of her new venture she is having a give away on her blog, some lucky reader will win a BuckleUp belt buckle! BuckleUp belt buckles are made with reclaimed wall paper samples and upcycled jar lids for a one of a kind buckle you are sure to get many compliments on!

Entries must be made on her blog and received by midnight mountain time August 31st. It's super easy to enter, just take a one question survey, post a comment, and wait to see if you are the proud new owner of an upcycled belt buckle!

Another awesome thing she's doing in the new shop is giving $5.00 off any belt buckle if you send in your jar lids and mint tins for her to upcycle in to BuckleUp belt buckles.

Watch for new listings soon at BuckleUp.etsy.com!

So stay tuned, and stay safe, buckle up.

Sjroemer is Tote-ally a Winner!

Tote-ally Tab Maille

Huge congratulations to team member Sarah Roemer of sjroemer won the Craft Stylish Tote contest!

Eco-chic Soda Can Tab tote bag is made of post-consumer recycled aluminum can tabs, bound together with cord from a thrift store purse I unraveled, lined in recycled denim.

This tote bag is made from 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum soda can tabs. They are bound together with recycled nylon crochet cord from a thrift store purse Sarah unravelled. The tote is lined in recycled denim from an old pair of shorts.

This bag shows that you really can make something out of nothing. It is beautiful, functional, and earth-friendly. And a real conversation starter, too.

Major congratulations from the Trashion team!!

Tresijas Dreams Up New Uses for Vinyl

Etsy Trashion Materials Focus: Vinyl

Trashion team member Kelly Wakefield-Beytia of Tresijas gives fresh twists to Vinyl records! We asked her a few questions about upcycling vinyl and here is what she had to say:

What do you make from vinyl?

Jewelry, combs, card holders, and whatever else I can dream up.

What do you love about vinyl?
What don’t I love about it?!
It’s incredibly forgiving. If I make a mistake or things don’t turn out how I thought they would, I just warm it up again and start over. It’s versatile, there’s not much that you can’t do with it. I love that I can walk into a thrift store and buy the records on the floor that are cracked or stepped on and make them into something useful.

What’s the largest challenge in reutalizing vinyl?

Not all records are fit for my artistic purposes, as a result my personal listening collection has almost tripled.


How long have you been working in this medium?

Almost one year.

Where do you find inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is nature and the infinite number of organic forms that she creates.


Delightful! Kelly your dreams of vinyl have brought whimsy and joy to us all! Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity with us!

Want to have some of her remastered LP creations for your very own? Go to her Etsy shop!

Trashion Team Spotlight- Interview with Ricki of Rixie Pixie!

Shop name: RixiePixie

Shop address: Rixiepixie.etsy.com

Other sites: http://rixiepixie.blogspot.com



Trashion materials: CD's, wood shapes, screws, scrap stickers, scrap paper, ribbon, clothes pins, Pretty much anything I can get my hands on that would look good on a CD.

What do you transform them into? I make photo holders, coasters and wall art that i like to call "Wall Flowers" with the CDs. I recently made a "Pirate Ship" and used the CD as a 'boat' instead of the actual photo holding part.

How do you do it? I just find things to decorate the CDS (flat for coasters, and 3D for photo holders!) and go all out to make the CDS sparkle!!



Do you remember the first thing you made using the trashion concept? Before my CD phase i had made ALOT of upcycled projects. For my art class in community college, we were assigned to make a "found object" sculpture of a person.

What was it? I ended up with a Girl who was jump roping. It was really fun, used a 5 gallon Zephyrhills jug for her body, PVC pipes and funnels for the limbs, and an old jump rope. I can't quite remember what I used for hair...I think it was scrap yarn that i tied into pig tails with some pipe cleaners. But ever since the whole "Go Green" idea popped up, i was looking around my house for anything i could use to decorate, like soda tabs, and random confetti.



What are your current projects and what is on the horizon? Right now i'm working on a few different things. I'm starting a new line of "Business Card" Holders for shows, and recipe holders for the bakers and chefs out there who always seem to get their recipes covered in food! I have a few ideas of making Wedding table center pieces, some baby shower gifts and decorations, and some other goodies i still haven't thought of yet =D



Why should people buy handmade and from trashion? When people buy handmade items, they're buying one-of-a-kind gifts for someone or for themselves. These items are not mass produced and 50 million people don't own the same thing! I think thats the best reward from buying handmade, and that your supporting artists from around the world! Now, buying trashion items is an absolute plus! Not only are you getting an AMAZING product from an artist but that product was trash-to-treasure! It take a lot more talent then one thinks to turn trash into something beautiful.

Thank you for sharing your work with us Ricki! Way to go giving used cds a glam new life!