Three Sheets to the Wind: Upcycling Old Linens

I am a BIG fan of vintage, needless to say this includes vintage sheets. I especially adore the plethora of old floral print sheets that continually beckon to me from the thrift shop's linens section, and I'm always on the look-out for quality items to reclaim and upcycle. On a recent scavenging trip, I found the remnants of someone else's attempts to upcycle these lovely, nostalgic textiles of yore. They had cut sheets (and some other fabrics) into long strips and sewn the strips together at the end to create a sort of yarn or cordage. I was instantly drawn to the tattered, shabby look. 

Once the sheet strips are cut and sewn into lengths, they can be used for all sorts of creative applications. One thing I did was use some long strips to tie around the tissue wrapped packages I ship from my Furious Designs shop. You use it as you would a normal ribbon, and it adds a cute, shabby, decorative yet eco touch to packages and gifts. 

I also knew that I wanted crochet some of the ribbon-like cordage. It crochets up quickly and easily into braid-like chains. If you leave enough length on each end so you can tie it, these work great as headbands. The crochet work has a bit of stretch, which makes if super comfy and the tie closure makes it really adjustable. So cute! This can also be worn as a chunky fabric necklace, which I think looks pretty adorable too!

Thinking about wearing the crochet chain as a necklace made my mind wander and it went to some beautiful places. I wondered how it would work to incorporate one of the crochet chains into a dress or shirt, and I'm really pleased with the results of my prototypes. 

Sustainable Wednesday

I decided to add a new weekly post to my blog--Sustainable Wednesday. Every week, Sustainable Wednesday will highlight various aspects of sustainability, especially focusing on people and their efforts to reduce human impacts and preserve a healthy environment and culture for planet Earth.

We've all heard the cliche--if it ain't broke, don't fix it. However, if it is broke and it can't be fixed, you may find that it can be repurposed and turned into something entirely new. Repurposing is quite the trend these days, but smart, resourceful people everywhere have always lived this way. In today's post, I'll be introducing you to three artisans who make new and beautiful things by recycling used, unwanted and discarded materials. 

Meet Northern Floridians, Jen and Dale. This couple works together to make lights from unusual repurposed objects such as baskets, collanders, and vintage bowls which the sell in their Etsy shop, UpReNew. I love their eye for simplicity and design.

Now, meet Schuan Carpenter, of Seattle, Washington. I fell in love with Schuan's craftsmanship the first time I stumbled upon one of his recycled glass greenhouses on his Etsy shop, Little Mansions Design. They are oh-so-sweet! Each one is made largely from salvaged/reclaimed wood and windows.

 And what about Clone Hardware? Run by Alisa, of Ontario, Canada, this creative little Etsy shop features funky cyber jewelry made from upcycled computer parts and electronic waste. Who knew the insides of your computer were so aesthetically pleasing?

 

That's it for today. Stay tuned for the next Sustainable Wednesday blog post and until then enjoy!

Give a Gal a Handpunch

Using the remnants of an Amazon gift card, I recently purchased a star hand punch and a "flourish" paper punch with the idea of finally making some attractive, upcycled tags for my clothing.

Needless to say, I've been having so much fun! Punching out paper is quite therapeutic and satisfying. I immediately gathered up some paper and cards that have been sitting around waiting for exactly such a moment, and started punching away.

By far my favorite tags came from a recycled cardboard box from some delicious Alaskan smoked salmon we enjoyed over the winter holidays. I was able to get 12+ tags from the box top, each one with a piece of the indigenous styled artwork decorating the package.

I added a personalized stamp to the backs and finished each tag with some satin ribbon. The tags will hang on my clothes from tiny safety pins that can then be reused for something else. 

And when I'm done, it all fits neatly into a 5" by 8" repurposed, wooden box. Until next time. <3