Thursday Green Artist of the Week: GoGoGirlz

This week, I am thrilled to share a talented green shop with you! Actually 2 shops: GoGoGirlz and Tie One On Designs . These girls offer trendy, funky, recycled, crafted jewelry and accessories that give new life to men's neckties.

I asked the GoGoGirlz a few questions, here's what they had to say:

How did you get started making jewelry from recycled materials?

The GoGoGirlz are two CrAzY Girlz who LOVE to CREATE Trendy, FuNkY, and even CHUNKY Jewelry and Fashion Accessories. We recycle, reuse, and reconstruct the ordinary into EXTRAORDINARY works of Trashion Fashion art. The GoGoGirlz name comes for one of our last names beginning with a "G" and the other one beginning with an "O". "O" is a former art teacher for private schools where the art supply budget was very limited. She got resourceful for school projects and started using recycled materials. The GoGoGirlz meet on the sidelines of the soccer field as soccer momz. They teamed up for their first trashion fashion adventure with men's neckties. You can see our necktie purses and skirts at their second etsy shop: tieoneondesigns. (We are sold out of necktie wrist cuff bracelets right now but check back soon.)

As for soda can creations, we are always searching for new recycled art projects and soda cans projects often "popped" up. So, we collected a few cans and went to work adding our own creativity and flair. Are recycling doesn't stop with soda cans and neckties. When visiting our GoGoGirlz shop, don't forget to check out the bracelet made with recycled Monopoly money.

Why do you use recycled materials?

Recycled materials are creative and resourceful. Free is a great price when using donated materials. It's so much more fun and challenging to search for recycled materials instead of a boring trip to the craft store for new supplies. And, by giving neckties and soda cans an exciting second life as jewelry, purses and clothes, we are doing our small part to save "trash" from the landfill.

Do you mind telling us where you get your materials? (Do you just drink a lot of soda? LOL)

Friends, neighbors, co-workers and family donate soda cans to us. First we were know around town as "those necktie ladies" and now it's "those soda can ladies" Don't know how we are suppose to take that but we choose to take it as a compliment. Most of the time we do not even ask for cans. People see what we make, and in a few weeks, they are handing us a bag of cans to support our cause. Pink creations are always popular for all girlz. "G"s wonderful sister-in-law drinks one energy drink in a pink can a day to keep our pink inventory up. On March 15, we got a last minute order for 20 green shamrocks so we drank a lot of 7-up and Mountain Dew that night before we could drop that custom order in the overnight mail box! We are finishing an order for 18 purple pairs of earrings an Alzheimer Walk team in November so last month we encouraged the neighborhood kids to drink grape sodas.

Anything else we should know about your business you would like to share?

We offer wholesale pricing and free shipping for brick and mortar boutiques, craft show vendors and other retail businesses when purchasing 12 or more items. Soda can creations can make great fundraisers for school groups and festivals. We do have a third etsy shop: 12thwoman. This shop features trashion fashion from salvage Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets uniforms.

Soon, we will be introducing our colorful soda can Christmas tree ornaments.

This is an example from their Tie One On Designs shop:

Thursday Green Artist(s) of the Week: The Hodge Podgery

Okay, so this week I am not bringing you ONE artist, but a whole slew of artists coming together at the Hodge Podgery!

The Hodge Podgery is an amazing new store in Harrisburg featuring an eclectic mix of handmade and upcycled goodies.

What they say about their store: "Focusing on making old things new, turning trash to treasure and waste-not, want-not philosophies, we hope to bring some joy and enlightenment to your day with ever changing offerings of functional items with a twist. We want you to get out of the cookie cutter world of disposable mass-produced consumer goods. It’s time to re-group and re-focus on buying handmade local goods, from talented local people. Viva la difference!!"

Of course, with such a great mission, B.B. Bellezza is part of this store, too!

If you are local, you have to stop in! The store is wonderful, Dawn and Jessica (owners) are complete delights. Seriously, you can't talk to Dawn for more than 2 seconds without smiling!

For a lot more photos, check out their flickr photostream.

1100 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

They also have classes and workshops scheduled!

Thursday Green Artist of the Week - Roses Bloom

The Roses Bloom Shop is very exciting to me because I love to knit. Actually, more than I love to knit, I love yarn. I am delighted about what Rose does!

Rose goes to thrift stores and purchases sweaters. Then she rips them out, washes the yarn and makes skeins for us to reuse! Brilliant!

From her Etsy Shop:

“Maybe you are wondering why I would go through all of the trouble to rip out, wash, skein, weigh, and measure thrift store sweater yarn. There are multiple reasons. First, I am reusing/recycling something that had no purpose other than to be a manufactured sweater that someone didn't want anymore. Thereby I am reducing my own carbon footprint by reusing already made yarns. Plus, since a thrift store sweater is quite cheap and produces a lot of yarn, I can offer you the yarn for a good deal. So, two reasons to buy reused yarn: 1 nice to the environment2 nice to your wallet”

This is pure cashmere yarn, worsted weight (!!!) and it’s only $25 for 262 yards. Is this a dream come true or what?

The Interview:

How and when did you get started making recycled yarn?

I started making recycled yarn not too long ago. Actually it was in the end of March. I was about to get laid off of my job, and I knew I would need something to keep me busy. Since finding a new job seemed like it was near impossible, I wanted to recycle yarn to distract myself and also bring in a little money.

Why did you start making recycled yarn, what was your inspiration?

The main reason I started making recycled yarn was because I thought it was a brilliant idea. Daily I feel guilt about what an impact my lifestyle has on the earth, so minimizing my impact and others' impacts through their yarn stash was a good place to start.

Do you have one tip for people to incorporate being green into their everyday life?

It's so much easier than it seems. There is a recycling bin in my apartment complex that is never ever filled because people don't have the motivation to separate their own recyclables. In addition to recycling, I would urge people to reuse their items as much as they can before recycling. I reuse my old oatmeal packaging to store grains I buy in bulk. If you don't have the time, patience, or resources to do your own thing, ETSY is a wonderful resource for reused, remade, recycled, and upcycled items.

Anything else you would like to add about your art/craft?

It's so fun! I love the entire process. I've always been somewhat of a thrift store fiend. Now I have the chance to buy all of the beautiful sweaters I find, take them apart, and get a new beautiful product. I am so fascinated by the process of any industrial product, so ripping out sweaters gives me a chance to analyze how the factories/workers put a piece together. Plus, something beautiful happens to the yarn in the process. It becomes brighter, softer, and has an unending amount of possibility.

Websites:

I am nosierosie nearly everywhere.

Facebook: Rose Bloom

Twitter: nosierosie

Etsy: http://rosesbloom.etsy.com/ and http://nosierosie.etsy.com/

blog: http://nosierosieknits.blogspot.com/

Ravelry: nosierosie

Here’s a photo of Rose at work:

Thursday Green Artist of the Week - Re:Made

This week I bring you re:made

Re:made encapsulates what it means to be a Green Artist.

The re:made shop was created from the idea of being as “green” as possible. There is a nice variety of items for your life.

From button jewelry (which you know I love!!):

To Tea Kettle Cosies:

To Brooches:

To Purses and Pouches:

And Bamboo Scarves:

And also mug cosies, earrings, coffee pot cosies and pinnies (aprons).


The Interview:

How/when did you get your start in your art/craft?

I’m one of those people who was brought up in a very creative household and who was taught to knit and sew at the same time as being taught to read and count to ten! It was so ingrained in me that it never really crossed my mind that I didn’t have to be an artist or designer and could maybe go and study archaeology or astronomy! And so, I left my home in Northern Ireland when I was 18 and went off to study art and design on the UK mainland. My first degree was in Textile Design followed by a Masters in Fine Art at Edinburgh College of Art. I then went on to teach Textiles at the art colleges in Dundee, Belfast and Aberdeen as well as working for a short time in Botswana. I stopped teaching when I had my little boy five years ago and since then I have decided to concentrate on making my own work , both the textile pieces that you can find on my Etsy shop, 're:made' and my fine art work which I try to do alongside this fairly new venture. It’s all a case of juggling life and work and thankfully I enjoy being busy - very busy!

What specifically do you do that is “green” in your business?

The idea with my business was to try to be as ‘green’ as possible. My art practice has always been about using materials that have had a previous life which I have then explored in various ways in order to make installations and smaller framed pieces. It seemed logical to me to carry this through to my new business and use materials and objects which I can transform through various processes. I have tried to continue this ‘green’ thinking through all of my business and so, as well as the recycled materials, I use natural and sustainable materials such as organic cotton and bamboo yarn and, at the moment I also have a featured maker ‘Bois’ on my site who makes beautiful recycled wooden earrings from salvaged precious hardwoods. I have also chosen to use recycled packaging materials and gift boxes and to re-use shipping materials wherever possible.

Why have you decided to use these green practices or make these products?

As I’ve said, I enjoy the challenge of transforming materials – there’s something magical about putting a bobbly old jumper into the washing machine and changing it into a material with endless possibilities, i.e. felt. However, I am also really interested in the whole idea of living in a simpler and more sustainable way. I recycle as much as I can and am passionate about growing vegetables in my small plot in the back garden.

Do you have one tip for people to incorporate being green into their everyday life?

I think it becomes a bit of a bug. You just need to start small, doing a bit of recycling or making compost and soon it just becomes part of your daily life and you feel guilty if you chuck out your potato peelings. Having said that, there’s a lot more I can do and I must try to leave the car at home more often! I think it’s great that schools and even my son’s pre-school nursery are introducing kids to green issues and I’m often reminded to turn the tap off or a light by my five year old boy!

Where do you draw your inspiration?

My Etsy business – it’s really very new and I’m enjoying the contact I’m having with other Etsy sellers and the feedback I get from buyers. There really is a strong sense of community in Etsy and I’m finding that very inspiring. I also want my products to look contemporary so I read quite a few home magazines and scour the internet. As far as my thoughts on ‘green’ issues go, loads of people inspire me – I’m particularly into a book at the moment that my sister gave me called ‘The Wonderful Weekend Book’ by Elspeth Thompson - mind you, it suggests that you should “ bring back Sunday for quiet contemplation and communing with nature” so I’d better turn the computer off and go and do that now then!

As a special promotion this month I am offering FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING on all the products in my shop until 31st May!

Thursday Green Artist of the Week - Redux Redux

I am so delighted to feature a wonderful green artist this week, Redux Redux. Redux Redux’s tagline is “gifts that leave small footprints.”

re • dux (rē-dŭks'): [adj] brought back; returned; resurgent

Redux Redux uses reclaimed pieces whenever possible. For example, their Dashies and Windies use reclaimed jewelry pieces to make your rearview mirror, computer screen, or really anywhere you can hang it, more fun.

Redux Redux also has adorable treasure/keepsake boxes made from plastic boxes that used to hold microscope slides. So cute!

Look how beautiful these aroma tins are! The embellishments are made from recycled and reclaimed papers.

Here’s an example of Redux Redux’s green packaging!



Looking through Redux Redux’s Etsy Shop shows that recycling can be beautiful. Giving something a second chance not only makes the planet more beautiful, but the items themselves can be beautiful as well!

The Interview:

1. How/when did you get your start?

I got started a couple of months ago when I found myself working 24/7. I couldn’t even remember what I used to do for fun, so I knew it was time to find something that was stress-reducing. Crafting helps give my life a sense of balance.

2. What specifically do you do that is “green” in your business?

We reclaim and reuse materials whenever possible. Old jewelry becomes a window decoration. Paper scraps get used to make tags and embellishments. Plastic bags get made into garlands and pom-poms. Petals that fall off of silk flowers at the craft store get upcycled into embellishments for sachets/aroma bead tins. Junk mail envelopes get stamped and embellished and turned into tiny gift bags…You get the idea…It is a fun challenge to look at something that someone is ready to throw away and figure out a creative use for it.

3. Why have you decided to use these green practices or make these products?

It just feels right. Honestly, doesn’t it get to you that we throw out so much stuff? I don’t like clutter so this gives me a chance to re-use things and give them a fresh, clean feel.

4. Do you have one tip for people to incorporate being green into their everyday life?

Be okay with not being perfect. Little things matter. I always tell myself that any little thing I do is better than not doing anything. It’s not a competition to be ‘the greenest.’ Just do what you can do and feel good about it.

5. Anything else you would like to add?

The proceeds of our shop go to my daughter who is studying sustainable development and agroecology. She’s developing a web-business to get college kids to purchase jewelry and accessories from women in developing nations as opposed to buying things at the local mall. She has worked on an organic farm in Mexico and in the rain forest building trails in Costa Rica. I’m so lucky to have her in my life!

Find Redux Redux
on Etsy: http://reduxredux.etsy.com/

Thursday Green Artist of the Week - A Bit of Color

I am so happy to bring you A Bit of Color as the featured green artist of the week this week. A Bit of Color uses polymer clay to make all sorts of jewelry and accessories. (Also check out her sculptural ceramics and Smoke-fired ceramic jewelry)

What I am most excited about is A Bit of Color’s line of headbands and pins that use recycled jeans. You can find them in her Etsy shop here.

The Interview:

What specifically do you do that is “green” in your business?

I use recycled/upcycled jeans in making flower pins, headbands, and other accessories. I also use recycled packaging wherever possible.

Why have you decided to use these green practices?

My mother always saves old blue jeans to make quilts and potholders out of. Even though I live far away from her now, out of habit, I keep worn-out jeans in a bag in the closet. Usually, I'd just take them to my mom when I visited home. Then one day, I thought, "Blue Jeans and Polymer clay--that's gotta be an awesome combination!" I pulled out my jeans, some remnant fabric, a needle and thread, and of course, my polymer clay.

Do you have one tip for people to incorporate being green into their everyday life?

You don’t necessarily need to be a pack-rat to save materials from the landfill. When throwing something away, I like to ask myself if it’s something I can use in a project. I keep fabric, ribbons, cardboard, boxes and packaging (for shipping my ceramic art ), and anything else that catches my eye. If I can’t use it or don’t know someone who can, then I see if I can recycle it before just throwing it away.

Where do you draw your inspiration?

My 3-year-old daughter is my biggest source of inspiration. When I’m out of ideas, she’s my go-to gal to ask for something crazy to make next. This is where my nesting bird pieces came from (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19641053 and http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20017678 came from. I asked her what I should make and she told me I needed to do some birdies.

All the ways you can connect with A Bit of Color:

Etsy: http://abitofcolor.etsy.com

my other Etsy: http://trpottery.etsy.com/

Artfire: http://abitofcolor.artfire.com/

Blog: http://abitofcolor.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/trpottery

Giveaway - Knitz and Bitz

Our featured Green Artist of the week this past Thursday, Knitz and Bitz, is having a giveaway on their blog! I'm entering and you should, too!

Thursday Green Artist of the Week - Zoe and Stella of Knitz and Bitz

This week, I am so thrilled to feature Knitz and Bitz, a sister team who makes lovely handspun yarn from fleeces they get directly from the farmer.

They offer handspun yarn and other goodies in their misi.co.uk shops Knits and Bitz and Quiltz.

From the Knitz and Bitz shop:

Fleece is sourced from the UK, and when washing we never use harsh chemicals. From START to FINISH your item will be made by us, (with a little help from a sheep)
We also offer handspun hand dyed yarn for you to knit your own items with each batch is dyed in small amounts, so unrepeatable colours which will make your item unique! We spin all fibres, from kid mohair from a farm in Devon to Possum and silk. You will be sure to find a unique blend of wool. Not so adventurous, we also spin just plain sheep fleece. After all sometimes you can't improve the natural fleece, so why try!

I LOVE my craft, and hope that shows through my items. I really can't tell you how many HOURS it takes to make just 1 small bag.

The Interview:

How and when did you get your start in your art/craft?

Me (Zoe) and Stella have been knitting every since we were little. I have knitted every day for 30 years. About 18 years ago Stella worked at a spinning museum and learnt how to spin. She would send me wool, and of course I fell in love with handspun and had to learn too. Because of the job, Stella became an expert in spinning wheels and now has a fantastic collection. She is restoring a wheel at the moment.



We started selling our Handspun about 6 months ago. We were late on the market! But we have so much experience and between us, we have spun everything from Banana fibre to cotton. I don't think there is a sheep that hasn't been spun by one of us. So you will find a yarn to suit everyone.

What specifically do you do that is “green” in your business?

We have a strong sense of eco/green values and I think that’s why we spin our wool. We try to source fleeces direct from farmers. When we get a fleece we hand wash it (no chemicals), hand-card and then spin it. [from Kim: Check out their blog for photos and descriptions of the process.] Our real passion is the beauty of the natural fleece, each breed is a different colour, the shades of creams, browns and greys are just amazing and I personally love the chocolate colour of Shetland. I would love people to see and feel the softness of this yarn, it really is a dream. But we do dye our wool too. We often use natural dyes and hopefully when the nettles are out we will be showing nettle dyeing on the blog.

Why have you decided to use these green practices or make these products?

Both of us are really into History and often wonder, how did the Egyptians spin? You know you can make a drop spindle from a stick and a stone! I think it’s this that drives us to the traditional methods of producing yarn. Apart from that handspun is a joy to use. People are a bit scared. But you should try it. We will always give you the weight, and advice on needles. It will knit to commercial patterns. Most of our products are handspun. I love the mohair handspun beanie. Mohair is so different from commercial brought. It is so soft and a joy.




About the Knitz and Bitz blog:

We are new to the big wide web. But offer years of experience. We are so passionate about our crafts. We recently ran a challenge on the blog, which was really popular we are going to run this again. We hope to offer Advice and Instructions on HOW TO's. Its really on just starting out, but we would welcome people over to start asking!

You can find Zoe and Stella on http://misi.co.uk
At http://www.misi.co.uk/store_info.php?user_id=205
And http://www.misi.co.uk/store_info.php?user_id=320
Blog: http://knitzandbitz.blogspot.com

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beaniebanks/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/26428761@N08/

Sneak Peek

Today I feel like I could use these wrist warmers!

Isn't this yarn just gorgeous?!

Tomorrow my Green Artist(s) of the Week will be a sister team known as Knitz and Bitz.

They offer handspun and other goods in their www.misi.co.uk shops: Knitz and Bitz and Quiltz

Look for the feature tomorrow!

(By the way, I am always looking for artists and crafters for Thursday Green Artist Features! Contact me if you would like to be featured or know someone who would!)