What's That ?! - Recycled

Do you ever look at something and find yourself fixated for a few seconds longer than normal as you think to yourself, "What's That ?!" This week's project comes to us from Afroditi Krassa, a talented designer that is really making a name for herself. It was published in ReMake It in 2010.

Can you see it right away? Can you see what these business card holders and photo holders are made from?

That's right...they are made from recycled yellow pages!

Which reminds me of the bag that I just posted on Facebook a few days back which was made from recycled telephone book pages.

I can't say that I've seen too many projects with recycled telephone books, have you? If you have, share them with us in the comments below or on the Blue Velvet Chair Facebook page.

Until next time...
Mike



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Creating Success Around the World - Pouch (UK)

It's time to take a Tuesday moment and learn a little something about the creative souls located in Europe. Yes, it's time for Creating Success Around the World.




This week's European creative showcase:Pouch

Who:  Nicola at Pouch
Where:  Bristol, England

BVC:  When did your passion for creative recycling/crafting begin?
Nicola:  I started buying vintage fabric back in 2003/2004 from thrift stores and jumble sales. The more I bought, the more I fell in love with the bright designs and colours from the 1960s and 1970s. Before I knew it I had amassed quite a collection. I started to think that I could combine the bright vintage fabric with repurposed denim and corduroy. I had also gathered quite a few pairs of jeans and trousers whilst rooting around at jumble sales and I noticed that people often threw trousers out once the hems were worn. I also noticed that there was plenty of viable fabric left despite the worn hems. Denim is hardwearing and takes lots of natural resources to make, so it seemed logical not to waste this valuable fabric. I have always been quite thrifty and didn’t like to see fabric going to waste so I decided to reuse it and combine it with my vintage fabric to make unique, one-off bags. I started to make a few totes and sold them at craft fairs. It wasn’t until I discovered Etsy in 2007 that Pouch really took off as a handmade business. Since 2007 I have expanded my range to include housewares, belts and my lavender owls and rabbits, which have turned out to be my biggest selling item.

lavender sachets

BVC:  Is it your 'day job'? Or do you also have another job to pay the bills?
Nicola:  I used to work as a freelance book and journal typesetter. I had always had Pouch on the backburner when I was typesetting, but since having my daughter in 2009, I haven’t been able to return to fulltime typesetting due to the high cost of childcare. I needed to work in a more flexible way so I decided to put more focus on Pouch. I work two afternoons a week whilst my daughter is in nursery and boy do I have to manage my time well! Now I have so few hours to myself, it really helps to focus my mind. I have made more stock and written more blogs posts than I ever did when all my time was my own pre-2009. I love what I do and 2011 was my most successful year yet, I sold over double the amount in the run up to Christmas 2011 than I did in the same period in 2010 – which isn’t bad in the current economic climate!

BVC:  Where do you sell online? Do you have any good tips for others who are thinking about selling their creations?
Nicola:
http://www.pouchbags.co.uk
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pouch
http://www.pouchbags.blogspot.com
Make something you love, always be original and don’t expect to be an overnight success or get rich quick! I’m learning all the time and still don’t feel Pouch has reached it’s full potential, I’m always trying to evolve and improve my products and photography – it’s hard work!

BVC:  Do you feel that the UK has a strong arts and crafts network for handmade? Recycled?
Nicola:  Definitely. I have met so many like-minded people via Etsy, there is a very vibrant handmade community out there. The main job is to try and encourage people to support us and step away from mass produced creations. I have been involved with an organisation called UK Handmade for quite some time now. As is says on their website:
“UK Handmade is a design led online magazine committed to showcasing and promoting the best creative talent the UK has to offer. The term 'handmade' is now an indicator of quality, care and professionalism that is second to none and something we at UK Handmade wish to encourage and celebrate.”
http://ukhandmade.co.uk

BVC:  What is your 'dream' project? 
Nicola:  I have lots of ideas, but unfortunately very little time to execute them now that I am a busy mum! I have an applique project in my head that I have been mulling over for about two years now – I have made a pact to make 2012 the year I start putting together some samples and prototypes. I would love to get it off the ground as I hate having half-finished ideas and projects on the go or in my head.
I am also hoping to take part in a collaborative project to create an installation for a Children’s Hospice in the UK. The project is being coordinated by Lisa Stevens who runs Seaurchin, a ceramics store on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/seaurchin). She is still looking for people to take part, so you can find out more about the collaborative project here: http://estellaswall.blogspot.com

lavender sachets

BVC:  Can you share 3 other DIY or crafting blogs from the UK that you think our readers should see?
Nicola:

UK Handmade

Craft Blog UK

Team EcoEtsy

BVC:  Fill in the blank: If I were in Paris, I would...
Nicola:  ... love to visit the fabric district! I know that doesn’t sound very romantic, but as a confirmed fabric addict I really regret not having the time to go and have a long mooch around the fabric shops. When we were visiting Sacre-Coeur, I could see from the steps of the church these huge fabric shops in the distance. We had so many things we wanted to see in our three day stay, I knew my husband would be reluctant to trawl around a fabric store! So maybe next time I’m there...

Nicola - I truly hope that you get those days to mooch around the fabric shops of Paris! If you're like me, a day like that is so meditative and inspirational. My dream day of mooching would be at one of the great Parisien markets. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

For all the BVC folks, make sure to hop over to the Pouch blog or follow along with Nicola's progress on Facebook as she continues to grow her Pouch business.

If you'd like to catch up with past global blog hop interviews for Europe, check out:
ReThink Design (Sweden)
Sea Green of Appledore (England)
Stylizimo (Norway)
Ina Olavarria (Spain)
Made by iSa (France)
Handmade by Kallaristi (Greece)
Annemarie's Haakblog (the Netherlands)


Now let's hop over to see who's been discovered in North America, Australia, or Asia.

Are you also in Europe and would like to be considered for an interview feature? Leave me a comment at the end of the post, or send an e-mail with your website/blog to: bluevelvetchair at bredband dot net.

**Don't forget to add your own blog or website to the link party below to connect with new creative soulmates from across the world.


Until next time...
Mike

Repurposed Ties & Whimsy

Alisa at Ties & Whimsy in Brisbane, Australia is making the most beautiful repurposed tie and lace accessories. I'm enamored with the ties, so they will get the airtime in this blog post. But make sure to hop over to Alisa's to see her full collection, or to buy a tie for yourself on Etsy.

The vibrant colors and whimsy of these creations speak for themselves, don't they?

Until next time...

Mike

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What's That ?! - Repurposed

Okay. This has never happened before. I'm posting a "What's That ?!" series two days in a row. But after Amy over at The Salvage Collection pointed me to this artist for her fabulous button art, I saw these other works of hers and just had to share with you. Uh, excuse me one moment. Note to self...must practice patience in this new year.

So, can you guess what these whimsically twisted horses are made of?

No? Want another look? And don't miss the fabulous recycled jeans flag on the wall!

They are made from...drumroll please...

...COCONUT HUSKS! 

What I absolutely adore about Ann Carrington's creations is that she works with a variety of materials. Recycled and repurposed materials. My favorites are the plush fur rug, the tree made from tires and innertubes, and of course the button stamp art.

Do you also keep a mental list of people you'd like to have in the same room one day? Mine just keeps on growing. 

Until next time...

Mike

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Creating Success Around the World - ReThink Design

Like I mentioned on Facebook today, even though it's the new year - some things should remain the same. Like the showcase of Creatives in the "Creating Success Around the World" global blog hop.



This week's European creative showcase:ReThink Design

Who:  Linda at ReThink Design
Where:  Göteborg, Sweden  (which also happens to be the hometown of Blue Velvet Chair)

BVC:  When did your passion for creative recycling begin?
Linda:  When I was little I wanted something that did not look like everyone else's clothes, I think that was what got me to start sewing as a hobby. My mum taught me. I´ve had an interest for the enviroment as long as I can remember. My company was started because I wanted to show that we need to think more sustainably about our consumption. And also to combine my interests: sewing, design, enviroment… I have two very strong beliefs, or maybe life motto is the correct term:

Nobody can do everything but everyone can do something.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of what comes along their way!

recycled T-shirts

BVC:  Is ReThink Design your 'day job'? 
Linda:  Yes, right now its my daily job. But I'm currently looking for a job to combine with the company. I think it’s a bit too lonely sometimes.

recycled thrift fabric

BVC:  I see that you sell products online with Signerat.se (the Swedish version of Etsy). Do you also sell items on other online markets or in retail stores? Have you been able to make an income through creating? And what tips might you have for others who want to sell their recycled products and creations? 
Linda:  The main place I sell my things on is on my own webpage: www.rethinkdesign.se. I also sell on www.signerat.se and recently started a shop on etsy.com. Etsy though seems to take a lot ot time and effort. I sell in a few retail stores in Sweden, and my aim is to expand this side of the business. Yes, today it's my main income, but I also have courses in textile and making them into new things. I have lectures in creating sustainable companies. So my business is more than making products.

My tip is to decide early if you want to do it as a hobby or if you want to make a living out if it. If you want to make a living out if it, you need to be prepared to put in a lot of effort and a lot of time. But for me, its been worth it!

repurposed man's shirt

BVC:  Do you feel that Sweden has a strong arts and crafts network for handmade? Recycled? 
Linda:  To be honest I think that Sweden sometimes is a bit bad in appreciating arts and crafts. I feel that the tradition is stronger abroad. I also think that a lot of customers don’t understand the time and effort behind the product and have comments about the price compared with the clothing companies, etc. But I also think that Sweden is upcoming and usually early adapters for new things and new thinking. So recycled and environmentally friendly things are definitely upcoming!

hand warmers from recycled sweaters

BVC:  What is your 'dream' project? 
Linda:  Ohh, that’s a difficult question. But I have a lot of ideas working in materials other than textile fabric.

winter scarf repurposed as necklace

BVC:  Can you share 3 other Swedish blogs that you think our readers should see?
Linda:  I'm not a very active blog reader. But here are some that I follow for inspiration:


Tant Marit

tantmarit
om jag får be



Elsa Billgren
for the lovely clothes and outfits

Design for Life
One of my partners

BVC:  Fill in the blank: If I were in Paris...
Linda:  ...it would be in spring or summer, I would go and have a picnic at the Seine with the love of my life ( who I haven’t happened to meet yet…) and then off to a museum and a great flea market. Later that evening, we´ll watch a romantic French movie!

Linda - we live so near each other that we really must meet! We share the same beliefs in recycling and reusing for redesign, and I think we would have lots to talk about. Thank you so much for sharing your time, thoughts, and talent with all of us here at Blue Velvet Chair.



If you'd like to catch up with past global blog hop interviews for Europe, check out:
Sea Green of Appledore (England)
Stylizimo (Norway)
Ina Olavarria (Spain)
Made by iSa (France)
Handmade by Kallaristi (Greece)
Annemarie's Haakblog (the Netherlands)


Now let's hop over to see who's been discovered in North America, Australia, or Asia.





Are you also in Europe and would like to be considered for an interview feature? Leave me a comment at the end of the post, or send an e-mail with your website/blog to: bluevelvetchair at bredband dot net.

**Don't forget to add your own blog or website to the link party below to connect with new creative soulmates from across the world.


Until next time...
Mike

Creating Success Around the Globe - Sea Green of Appledore

Well...I had the most relaxing Christmas holiday with my family. Oh, there was the one little mishap with the day-after realization that my 10-year old son ate every single speck of chocolate and candy that was in his Christmas stocking and various gifts (at least a 2-3 month supply). We sat down last night for a 'sugarholics anonymous' discussion. And now he's on detox. Which means I have to be on detox to set the example. Really? Did I sign this contract when I became a mother?

How about your holidays? Any inspiring or funny anecdotes?

Anyway, relaxing for the holidays also meant that I was away from 1) the computer, and 2) blogging. So while it's been a bit quiet around here this past week, it's time to hop back on the train and head straight towards the new year! And it's time for our weekly peek at a fellow creative in the European pitstop of the Creating Success Around the Globe blog hop.




This week's European creative showcase:Sea Green of Appledore

Who:  Josie at Sea Green of Appledore
Where:  Appledore, England (North Devin Coast)

BVC:  When did your passion for creating and crafting begin?
Josie:  I was born with the passion for making things, one of six children living in the countryside we made all our presents and cards using anything we could find. We picked wild flowers and made posies for our mother at Easter and Mother's Day, and Christmas wreaths with holly and ivy, which I still do today. I carried on crafting with my own children - we always had an ongoing project on one end of the table and had to eat our meals at the other end.

BVC:  Do you have a 'day job'?

Josie:  My three daughters have all left home now, so last February I took a risk and mortgaged my house to buy my little shop and craft workshop in Appledore "SEA GREEN of APPLEDORE" where I make nearly everything myself from recycled materials. It's my only income and I've managed to pay all my bills since then and even afford a bargain inspirational trip to Barcelona. Only two months to go and I will have proved that you can make a living out of craft. I have worked with children doing crafts, and I've also used craft as a therapy for elderly people, adults with learning disabilities and in hospices. I've had stalls in craft fairs and markets selling my creations.

The whole community is behind me on this project so I find some strange things left on my doorstep to recycle. I enjoy the challenge to use my inventive-ness. I made some great wooden coat hooks out of the legs of a broken table the other day and someone made a clock with a T-shirt at my workshop yesterday.

BVC:  Have you ever sold any of your decor creations on sites like Etsy or Epla?
Josie:  I don't sell online because I can't face all the administration involved with online orders.

BVC:  Do you feel that England has a strong and supportive network for recycled arts and crafts?
Josie:  I don't think England has a very strong craft/recycle network, but I do feel that it is now growing and expanding fast. The people who come to my workshops are very keen, and in these hard times are seeing the sense in reusing things.

BVC:  What is your 'dream' project?
Josie:  I'm now living my dream project - I don't want it to expand into something else. I think a lot of people get caught up in this trap and then realize that they didn't recognize the dream when they had it.

BVC:  Fill in the blank:   If I was in Paris, I would...
Josie:  ...do what I can't resist on any of my foreign adventures, head for the back streets. That's where you find treasures. Away from the tourists I find pokey little antique and retro shops, small galleries and workshops, and unusual eating places. And of course I meet real people.

How great to meet someone that is living their creative dream - and showing that the bills can be paid at the same time! Thank you, Josie, for sharing your thoughts - and for letting us know that we aren't the only ones out there with projects on one end of the table, and dinner on the other.


If you'd like to catch up with past global blog hop interviews for Europe, check out:
Stylizimo (Norway)
Ina Olavarria (Spain)
Made by iSa (France)
Handmade by Kallaristi (Greece)
Annemarie's Haakblog (the Netherlands)


Now let's hop over to see who's been discovered in North America, Australia, or Asia.







Are you also in Europe and would like to be considered for an interview feature? Leave me a comment at the end of the post, or send an e-mail with your website/blog to: bluevelvetchair at bredband dot net.

**Don't forget to add your own blog or website to the link party below to connect with new creative soulmates from across the world.


Until next time...
Mike