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12/20/2010

How2 Tuesday: Packaging Prep for 2011

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Okay, okay!
I must be crazy talking about getting ready to ship orders in 2011
when the Holiday hasn't even been here and went!
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Really, I'm not...
Take a good look at all of those cardboard cartons
from Etsy and Amazon and who knows where else
speeding across your doorstep every day!
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Instead of sending these boxes directly to the recycle bins
lets let them pass Go! Give them a new life!
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Cut them open and into precut sizes that'll slip into
your bubble envelopes and flat rate boxes.
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They're a lightweight (and free!) way to add strength
and durability to your shipments. They also provide a surface to
tape and/or staple your products, business card or swag!
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If you ship via USPS, now is the time to order your supplies for next year! You'll receive them early in January when things are a little bit slow. The perfect time to prepare...
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My absolute favorite day of the year is the day after Christmas.
I'm so excited to clean, and organize,
and prepare for new year sales!
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I cut stacks of 3x5, 5x8 and 8x10 pieces of cardboard
to fit into my bubble mailers and small flat rate boxes.
Little "pockets" are affixed to each board and a business card slipped inside. 2x2" zip lock bags are filled with Etsy & Trashion stickers and buttons and stapled to each board too.
It's fun to get swag!
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Most of my items ship in a small flat rate box.
So, I partially assemble a few dozen boxes by stapling the front
of the box closed and insert a 5x8 board with business card and swag. They'll nestle inside one another to make storing easy.
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So, you see, it really isn't too soon to get a start for next year.
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Positive Thinking = Positive Results!
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Images © USPS
Text © remaker
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12/09/2010

Trash Talk Thursdays: A Trashion Tribute

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A silly poem by Jodi from Tubby Tabby’s JewelBox
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A TRASHION TRIBUTE
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The next time you must buy a gift,
it really would be nifty,
If you would check out Trashion team f
or something upcycled and thrifty
We take stuff other’s feel is trash,
and make awesome gifts to give.
They’re eco-friendly and help the earth,
where all of us must live.
Just let me say, handmade is cool.
We’d love you to stop by.
There’s so many little Etsy shops,
for you to give a try!
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Much Love,
Jodi
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Image & Text © TubbyTabby
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12/01/2010

What's Up Wednesday

This week one of our team members will be selling her handcrafted trashion wares at a show in Fayetteville, AR.  If you're in the area, please stop by.  Not in the area, but know people who are?  Fabtastic - please send them this link and encourage them to "shop local, shop trashion" for the holidays!

Punkinhead Designs will be selling her lovely repurposed wares at Fayetteville Farmers' Market - Holiday Market 2010 on Saturday, December 4th from 10am - 2pm.  The market is located at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville, AR.  More information is listed at the Fayetteville Farmers' Market website.

Shop local and shop handmade at Fayetteville Farmers' Market - Holiday Market this Saturday.  The crafty members of the market will offer a selection of locally-made wares perfect for holiday gift-giving and decorating!

11/29/2010

Marketing Monday: Gift Tags

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Sending out Holiday Orders?
Include a Customized Gift Tag!
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They're a simple yet effective way for the
hand-maker to take their branding to the next level.
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Image © re-maker
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11/23/2010

How2 Tuesday: Mini Mini Cards & Case

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Mini-Mini Cards & Case
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Inspired by an empty Tic Tac® box, these mini-er than mini business cards are a fun way to market your shop! I used a large box for this tutorial but you can size your cards to fit the standard box as well (they’ll just be even mini-er!)

Here's what you need:
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- an empty mint box

- heavy card stock
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- a ruler
- scissors or cutter
- rounded corner puch (optional)
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Step 1:
Peel the label from your container and pop the top off.
Soak both pieces in hot, soapy water and then rub clean (this should get rid of any label residue). Mineral oil will remove any remaining sticky bits but you’ll have to wash the box again with soapy water to remove all traces of oil.
Allow to air dry completely.

Before you make your mini mini cards, you need to take two
measurements: the height of your container and the width of
the lid opening. These measurements will determine the size of
your mini-mini cards. The cards need to easily slide out of your
container. For example, the measurements I took from my
large container meant that each of my cards needed to be
4/8 of an inch wide by 2 1/4 inch long.
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Create your mini-mini cards!
You can design them on your computer and print them out.
If you want double-sided cards, you may have to do some test prints to ensure your front and back images line up.
Or... you can cut your card strips and write them out by hand.
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Cut ‘em out!
(round the ends for added flair!)
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Have some fun!
Add some quotes, maybe a discount code, a holiday greeting etc.
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Make lots!
(the large container shown here holds 120 cards).
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Place your cards in the container and pop the top back on.
Your ready to start marketing your shop! I’m sure you can think of many creative ways to utilize these teeny promo tools!
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11/18/2010

Trash Talk Thursdays: Buying Vintage, Recycled & Handmade

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Delight Worthyn gives us...
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8 Reasons to Buy Vintage, Recycled and Handmade
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I have heard it said (re: the current economic strife)
that we are living in a new normal.
We will buy less but buy quality.
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Bring it on…mindful spending!
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1. Help contribute to establishing a new economy!
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2. Contribute to decrease in fossil fuel erosion.
Purchasing mass produced products generally come from overseas plus barging it all over, production costs etc.
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3. This new breed of craftsperson/merchant is often using recycled materials or selling vintage treasures.
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4. Artisans/craftspeople love creating their wares
and pay a great attention to detail. This is the way it used to be, in other words, vintage.
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5. Purchasing should be a conscious decision.
Be more conscious of spending and of where your
hard-earned money is going. This contributes to the bigger picture.
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6. Made to last.
Many manufacturers make things with a purposelessly short (seasonal) lifespan. A handmade item will be made to last. This, of course, is much better for the environment. Quality over quantity!
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7. A vintage item has already stood the ‘test of time’.
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8. When you buy from an actual person.
This is the true “trickle down” economics...
...everyone wins.
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11/17/2010

What's Up Wednesday

This week one of our team members will be selling her handcrafted trashion wares at a show in Madison, WI - and it's me!  If you're in the Madison-area please stop by.  Not in the area, but know people who are?  Fabtastic - please send them this link and encourage them to "shop local, shop trashion" for the holidays!

Rachael of Rachael Brooke Art Jewelry will be selling at the Authentic Art Fair on Saturday, Nov. 20th from 9am - 3pm.  The fair will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 4011 Major Ave., Madison, WI. 

This is a very well juried annual fine art & fine craft show loaded with a fantastic variety of handcrafted goods.  Shop for photography, watercolors, soaps, felted wool creations, jewelry and more.The church ladies also put on a delicious lunch and tasty home-baked treats area available, too. 

I will be selling my "High-Style/Low-Impact" which I hand-fabricate from repurposed objects and 100% recycled sterling silver wire.  My Vintage Redoux Collection features designs made from vintage, antique or simply second-hand metal objects such as: tea, candy & tobacco tins; aluminum drinkware; and serving trays.  Show special: mention this post and get 10% off your purchase!

11/10/2010

What's Up Wednesday

Welcome to my first "What's Up Wednesday" post!

This week, three of our team members will be selling their handcrafted wares at events in Massachusetts, Missouri, and Wisconsin.  If you're in those areas, take advantage of the opportunity to meet Etsy Trashion Team sellers in person and shop directly.  Don't live there, but you know people who do?  Great - send them this blog post and encourage them to shop local, shop trashion!

Pam of Remaker will be participating in the 14th Annual Amesbury Studio Tour on Saturday, Nov. 13th (10am - 4pm) and Sunday, Nov. 14th (12 - 4pm).  The tour is located at the Amesbury Cultural Center, 36 High St., Upper Millyard, Amesbury, MA 01913

The Amesbury Cultural Council presents the 14th Annual Open Studio Tour.  Local artists &
artisans will open their studios to display and sell their one of a kind work. It's a great opportunity to support your local creative economy and share in Amesbury's rich arts and culture community.  You can also enjoy a variety of performance art & live music during the weekend! For more details visit http://www.amesburystudiotour.com/

Pam will be presenting many new items crafted from thrifted, found and recycled materials. It's an eclectic collection of funky,
yet useful, mixed media items in small sets, series or one of a kind pieces.  Her work combines thrift finds, repurposed materials, and gemstones with recycled sterling silver, steel, copper and brass to create unique pieces that make life a little more fun!  Imagine the fun you'd have wearing her Miniature Copper Book Pendant  or her Dekt Out Belt Buckle Pink No. 1

Emily of Candy Calamity will be selling at the Green Arts & Crafts Fair at the Garden on Saturday, Nov. 13th and Sunday, Nov. 14th (10am - 5pm both days).  The show will be held at the Missouri Botanical Garden 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110 in the Ridgway Visitor Center, upper level.

The Green Arts & Crafts Fair is a great opportunity to buy unique holiday gifts made from recycled, handcrafted materials. Wrap up in a cashmere shawl, buy soap for a smelly friend, or purchase vintage-style holiday cards for everyone you know! 

Emily will be selling her bracelets and earrings made from candy wrappers, pouches made from fused plastic shopping bags, and christmas ornaments made from old holiday cards.  I'm in love with her Starburst Coin Purse - it's bright as summertime and reminds me that Starburst was my candy of choice at the beach concession stand when I was a kid!

Rachael Brooke of Rachael Brooke Art Jewelry (Hey, that's me!) will be selling at The Crafty Fair on Sunday, Nov. 14th (10am - 4pm).  Madison's freshest indie-artisan show will be held at the Goodman Community Center located at 149 Waubesa St., Madison, WI.

The Crafty Fair features 20 Madison-area artisans selling a variety of handcrafted wares such as: upcycled jewelry and clothes, soaps, crocheted items, and more.  Stop by the Ironworks Cafe before or after the show for delish food and coffee.  It's located inside the Community Center and just next door to the show.

I will be selling my "High-Style/Low-Impact" which I hand-fabricate from repurposed objects and 100% recycled sterling silver wire.  My Vintage Redoux Collection features designs made from vintage, antique or simply second-hand metal objects such as: tea, candy & tobacco tins; aluminum drinkware; and serving trays.  Stop by and get yourself or someone else some perfect holiday accessories like my Vintage Droste Chocolate Tin Earrings.

11/01/2010

Marketing Monday: Self Promotion

brass horns
sadieolive

Toot your own horn!
Marketing should be an everyday part of your business.
Take your work with you everywhere you go!
Have your business cards with you, wear your work, carry
your work ... Send out postcards, do interviews, do giveaways,
take out ads on blogs. Participate in social media!
Self promotion - if you don't promote yourself, who will?


I'll be taking a break from blogging on the Etsy Trashion blog
until after the New Year. Stay tuned for some new authors!

10/28/2010

Feature Me Friday: Unraveled Revelry

This week we have Elizabeth Revels of Unraveled Revelry
from Louisville, KY.

Who is Unraveled Revelry?
Just one little gal trying to change the face of consumerism and
live a better life by doing things for myself. The things I make are
useful, but also artistic. I feel like the beauty of life is found in the
everyday. Unraveled Revelry grew out of a desire to not only
eliminate the waste I saw in my life, but to offer others the ability
to limit waste in theirs. When people around me started wanting
reusable bags I knew there had been a shift in popular thinking.
I love to sew. It is both technical and creative at the same time.
I really enjoy the puzzles that present themselves in what I do.
Really it's me just getting to do what I love.

Witch Hat Leather


What’s the first thing you remember making?
I was around five years old. I am sure I made things beforehand,
but I don't remember them. The first thing of note was this little
draw string purse I made with my grandmother. It made me so happy.

Why work with recycled materials?
Waste is a devastating tragedy we can't afford to overlook. Growing
up with an appreciation for secondhand has influenced the way
I live and the way I craft. To be stylish as a kid I had to learn to
"Frankenstein" things. It was very empowering. Keeping disposables
from being the everyday norm is something I have a passion for.
So for me it's mostly environmental. The environment as a whole
as well as the one I grew up in. Good stewardship is a virtue I hold dear.

Where do you work?
I have a small studio in my apartment. I look forward to having
more space. It seems like my fabric stash is always threatening
to avalanche on me. It certainly pushes one to be very organized.

Bat bag hand embroidered

How do you get from A to Z?
Each of my pieces are dictated by the fabrics used to make it.
From the time I choose my fabrics, it's all kind of like a puzzle.
Where do I need to make the cut for straps? To reuse that pocket
or make a new one? I am getting ready to experiment with batching.
A whole new concept for me.

What are your favorite tools?
My utility knife- it's the best seam ripper I have. My snipes for
cutting close to fabric (all my seams are hand finished). I found
these craft rulers that have cork on the back and they are great for
holding the fabric in place when using the cutting wheel. Most
of all my 1920's industrial singer. It makes the magic happen.

What music do you listen to while you’re working?
I listen to a lot of different things. I'm really
into my music collection. The top ones would be: My morning
jacket (famous local boys), Iron & Wine, Calexico, The White
Stripes, The dead weather, the raconteurs (can you tell I like
Jack White?), Pearl Jam, The kills…


What are the five best things you’ve purchased on Etsy
and where did you find them?
I don't buy a whole lot. I'm kind of frugal that way. However,
I started a tradition three years ago to buy myself something from
Etsy with the money I get for my birthday. Thank you family
and friends.
A beautiful print from Tollipop
A great walnut hair pick I use everyday from Wooden Treasures
An awesome recycled skateboard pendant from O'Blue
There are many artists out there that I want to get things from
and the next two are:
Girl Savage and The Generation

Jolly Rodger hand embroidered

Read any good books lately?
It may sound funny coming from a seamstress, but
I really enjoyed the DIY book "How to Sew a Button" By Erin
Bried. I am currently reading Handmade Nation.

Been to any great exhibits?
Every couple of months I go to the Arts and
Crafts museum here in Louisville.

Who inspires you?
When it comes to sewing my greastest inspiration comes from
my grandmothers. Both have always taught me the value of thrift
and secondhand. My Memaw is a seamstress and the one who
taught me to sew. She is an amazing woman who once made a
kimono for my cousin from a picture. My Nana ran a large business
and taught me to be independent. She is my biggest influence to
go into business for myself.

A rose by any other name

What do you do for fun?
Bon fires, hanging with friends over good food and brews, singing,
playing around at making music. Reading a lot of how to books
and scribbling notes in journals. Playing strategy games, brain
teasers and puzzle games. Gardening. Camping and hiking.
Crafting of course.

Besides Etsy, where can we find you work?
I am talking to a gallery about having some of my
things but it's not final yet. So right now Etsy is the only
place to find me.

Black jean and flowers bag

How do you promote your work?
I have just started a blog: A Self Made Life
I use Facebook: Unraveled Revelry
and Twitter: ElizabethRevels
This December I will be featured in a local magazine
article.

Have any words of wisdom?
It can be scary to venture out on your own, but
just do it. Even small steps will get you there.

What’s in your future?
Self sufficiency. Living the life I love. I am
looking forward to branching out into the craft fair world. I am
working toward being a full time artist. Where else can you meet
such awesome people.

10/25/2010

Marketing Monday: Qualities of a Successful Artist

I recently purchased
Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful
Freelance Business
by Meg Mateo Ilasco & Joy Deangdeelert Cho.
At the very start of the book, the authors describe qualities of
a successful freelancer. As I read them, I thought these same
qualities are also essential for a successful artist. Substitute Etsy
shop owner for artist, selling art, jewelry, craft, even vintage ...
business owner, manager, consultant - these are qualities of
a successful person in any field.

So let's review:

One: A strong business sense.
You may make beautiful widgets. But if you can't promote them,
no one will ever see them.

Aspen Leaf from Tripel Karmeliet
westernartglass

Two: A love of your art.
If you are selling life insurance,
you should be passionate about life insurance.

Three: Curiosity
If you sit in a studio all day,
go to the science museum or take a finance class.
If you sit in a cubicle all day,
visit a gallery or the library and find a good book.

Vintage Library Book Pockets and Due Date Slips
SurpriseBoxSupply

Four: Confidence and a strong vision.
When you decide to follow a recipe you have never made before,
you are confident the outcome will be a success.

Five: Good listening and observation skills.
When you're the new kid in class, you check everyone out first -
then you move to make friends with those that will be compatible.

Six: Good communication skills.
When composing a proposal, you should be able to write it legibly,
type it up in an organized fashion, be your own copy editor, and
present it well verbally.

Miniature Copper Book Pendant
remaker

Seven: An ability to handle criticism and rejection.
Your professor was brutal in that last critique.
You maintained composure, didn't argue, and took the advice.
Your next critique was stellar.
or
You asked out 10 girls in as many weeks with no success.
You asked out girl number 11 and she said yes.

Dryer Pillow Sheets Sachet Keep Calm and Recycle On SET of THREE
zJayne

Eight: A positive attitude and professional demeanor.
If you're having a bad day, leave it at the door.
Customers don't want to hear it.
If you have some great news, by all means, share it.
But please don't give your life story.

Nine: Good work habits.
"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
Benjamin Franklin

Record Album Clock - Rock
PopCultureRehab

And my personal quality I'd like to add:
Ten: A friendly sense of humor.
No one wants to work with a stick in the mud.
An ability to laugh will make you a more well rounded and
interesting artist/freelancer/shop owner/manager.

10/20/2010

What's Up Wednesday: iSwipe

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iSwipe for your iPhone...
Allows you to accept credit cards when you're on the road,
at the trade show, or selling at the market.
It's the easiest and most affordable way to jump start your business and increase sales.
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Features:
Best-of-class security: full SSL encryption and keychain password protection
Safe: credit cards are verified as entered.
Quick: single-screen entry makes processing credit cards a snap. Just type and go!
Full Address Verification: (AVS) support with ZIP, street, and CVV fraud detection
Signature capture: with electronic display online
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Supports all major credit cards including Switch and Solo
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Support for the following gateways:
Authorize.Net Gateway
Authorize.Net Card Present Gateway
PayPal Website Payments Pro
PayPal PayFlow Gateway
CyberSource Gateway
TransAction Central
Merchant Anywhere Gateway
PayTrace Gateway
NMI Gateway
Quantum Gateway
MerchantWARE Gateway
Navigate Gateway
BluePay Gateway
FastCharge Gateway
Elavon InternetSecure Gateway
SecurePay Gateway
Braintree Gateway
USAePay Gateway
MyVirtualMerchant Gateway
Expitans Gateway
PlanetAuthorize Gateway
GoToBilling Gateway
CyberAuthorize Gateway
eProcessingNetwork Gateway
Pivotal Gateway
Merchant's First Choice Gateway
uCharge: Authorize.Net Gateway
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Go to the App Store today.
It's the best .99¢ you'll ever spend.
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Images & Text © appninjas

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10/08/2010

Feature Me Friday:

This week we have Vicki of Wearwolf and MyFathersHouse,
from Tucson, AZ.

Recycled Jewelry Circle Bracelet from Upcycled License Plates Leather Wristlet With Button From Upcycled License Plate Recycled Jewelry Industrial Chic License Plate Earrings Recycled Jewelry Industrial Chic License Plate Earrings

Vicki is now obsessive about making cool stuff from
recycled/found objects. Giving things new life as beautiful
keepsakes is very rewarding! Using the process to teach future
generations to look at trash differently is the main goal.


Recycled Jewelry Brass Ribbon Steampunk Charm  Necklace Recycled Jewelry Brass Ribbon Day of the Dead Charm Necklace Recycled Jewelry Brass Bird on a Swing Charm Necklace Recycled Jewelry Necklace Create

I'll be the one walking along the side of the road picking up
every tiny item someone else has discarded as trash!


Recycled Aluminum Jewelry Shrine Brooch Skull OOAK Recycled Jewelry Shrine Flower Brooch from repurposed aluminum OOAK Andy Warhol  Shrine Brooch from recycled metal OOAK Vintage Barbie Shrine Brooch From Recycled Alluminum OOAK

The recycling of metal is labor intensive. All cans are washed, dried
and cut. Cutting also includes "flesh" and I go through many bandages!
I then emboss, shape, paint, sand, distress, and/or file each piece into
a little creation of art. Add fun images in bottle caps or lovely glass
charms wire wrapped by hand and "Voila", a little piece of personal
wearable art!

10/03/2010

Marketing Monday: Etsy on Sale

Etsy On SaleEtsy On SaleEtsy On SaleEtsy On Sale

Have you ever wanted to run a sale in your Etsy shop?
The only way to do it is to mark and edit each item,
send the buyer a new invoice, or
give each customer a refund of the discount.
Not any more!
This week Etsy on Sale had my Twitter a buzz.
The site does all the work for running a sale in your Etsy shop.

Etsy On Sale is a collaborative effort between three friends who love Etsy and are big fans of those who buy and sell handmade items. Etsy On Sale is their effort to help the
handmade movement continue its exponential growth. Etsy On Sale is a service for both shop owners and customers. Artists now have a simple way to manage and promote discounts and sales events for their Etsy shops. Shoppers now have a site where they can easily connect with Etsy sellers who are offering promotions.



The site has a great forum set up for communication, too.
Since it is brand new, Etsy on Sale is working on getting timing
and kinks worked out, and has asked for your patience.
I think it just might be worth it!

9/30/2010

Feature Me Friday: Rachael Brooke

This week we have Rachael Brooke Winkley of
Rachael Brooke Art Jewelry, from Madison, Wisconsin.

Who is Rachael Brooke?
Rachael Brooke is a one-woman art jewelry studio.
My name is Rachael Brooke Winkley.
Rachael Brooke Art Jewelry is my business name which leads
people to assume that Brooke is my last name. My design aesthetic
is “high-style/low-tech” which means I design and craft stylish
jewelry using low-impact metal smith tools and techniques.
I have three design lines in my Etsy shop. The Classic Collection
has a simply elegant design focus. It’s a line of beaded jewelry
(semi-precious stones and cultured fresh water pearls) on my
handmade sterling and 14k gold-filled findings.
The Simply Striking Collection is my line of hammered sterling
and 14k gold filled wire jewelry. The Vintage Redux Collection
features jewelry made from vintage, antique or simply
second-hand metal objects: candy, tea and tobacco tins; aluminum
drinkware; serving trays and such. The sterling silver wire I use
in all my jewelry is 100% recycled.

Saffron Yellow Dahlia Earrings

What’s the first thing you remember making?
Geez Louise, I have no idea.
We were always making stuff in my family. My dad and I would
make Christmas ornaments and little sculptures out of salt dough.
He was finishing his sculpture/art history BFA when I was in
grade school. My mom made clothes and stuffed animals for me.
She was finishing college, too. We were broke, but I had no clue
back then. Doing without or making do with what we had fueled
their creativity, I guess. I also remember making gowns for my
Barbies out of plastic produce bags and twist ties.

Why work with recycled materials?
I think I may have answered that above. My parents taught me to.
Besides, it’s much more of a design challenge to take discarded
materials and try to find one more use for them.

Where do you work?
In May, I became an artist-in-residence at Mendota Mental Health
Institute on Madison’s north side. I’m part of a group of artists
who volunteer to teach art classes for the patients in exchange
for very low rent on our studios. The facility is located on a hill
overlooking Lake Mendota. My studio has high ceilings and
three big windows that look out into a park like setting.
It’s the bestest studio I have ever had!



How do you get from A to Z?
By singing the alphabet, of course.

What are your favorite tools?
My jeweler’s saw, hammers and well worn set of Swanstrom pliers.

What music do you listen to while you’re working?
I often work without music because it’s nice to listen to the sounds
outside. I find I concentrate better without it, too. I do listen to
classical on the local public radio station and jazz or world music
on WORT-FM 89.9 which is Madison’s community radio station.
If I ever get around to loading my i-pod it will have Laurie Anderson,
Beck, Janelle Monae, Cyndi Lauper, Brand New Heavies, Prince,
Mike Doughty, Angelique Kidjo, Harmonious Wail, Stevie Wonder
and English Beat on it.

What are the five best things you’ve purchased on Etsy
and where did you find them?

Please don’t hate me or kick me off the team, but I haven’t done
much shopping on Etsy. However, my favorite things include:
a really lovely handmade bag by rosybird and a vintage French
magazine style playbill for a nightclub featuring topless dancers
from VintageEye.

Recycled Sterling Lyre Necklace with Smoky Quartz

Read any good books lately?
I’m currently reading the Narnia series with my daughter, Bella.
I just read a collection of Dashielle Hammett’s fiction, which
I can’t believe I’ve never read before. The Thin Man movies with
Myrna Loy and William Powell are some of my favorite movies.

Been to any great exhibits?
The most recent one that comes to mind is the Chuck Close
exhibit that was at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
in 2006. His work makes my jaw drop to the ground in wonder
and amazement every time I see it. Seriously, how does he do
what he does?

Who inspires you?
My 87 year Tata Martha (French nickname for aunt).

Why?
My aunt has been through it all and still keeps on going with
a cigarette and a glass of wine. She still knits and can whip up
flawless cabled baby sweaters from memory. My mother told
her recently that I collect Vera scarves. This prompted her to
think she might have one from the days when
“we wore silk scarves with our wool suits.”
She found it, re-rolled and stitched the hems which had loosened
and sent it to me. Did I mention she’s 87? My Tata has more
energy and a sharper mind than many people I know.

Golden Hammered Hoop Earrings

What do you do for fun?
Crochet, shop flea markets and junk shops, tweet, hang with my
daughter when she’ll tolerate me, put my vast knowledge of
useless pop trivia to good use when Guy works on the New York
Times crossword puzzles.

Besides Etsy, where can we find your work?
Absolutely Art in Madison, WI has been a long time customer.
They are phenomenal at supporting local artists.
There is also a list of shops on my website.

How do you promote your work?
I’m trying to be a 21st century babe by doing a lot of tweeting and
Facebook-ing (hey, if google is a verb then so is facebook).
The Etsy teams I’ve joined and the blogs I follow have been helpful
in promoting, too. I have an email and postal mailing list from
doing art fairs for 12 years. Yes, I still mail post cards.
Yes, they work….really.

Red Finch Tea Tin Necklace

Have any words of wisdom?
It has taken me a long time to become disciplined about my
artwork. Creativity may be spontaneous, but it goes to waste if
you’re not prepared to do something with it. To quote Prince,
“there is joy in repetition”. So, dedicate a space to your craft and
dedicate time to it each day. The size of the space and the amount
of time isn’t the important thing. The discipline of creating,
brainstorming and visioning on a regular basis is important.
Holy cannoli, did I really just spout that bit of wisdom?

What’s in your future?
More coffee. More jewelry making. Fewer outdoor shows and
more indoor shows. More wholesale business and, hopefully,
more Etsy sales. But first, more coffee.

Blogs: flea-bitten
mycreativehustle