Second Chance Sewing Month Challenge #2

Looking to put a little punk in your trash?  Well look no further than this:

Annie from MontanaSolarCreations had me cracking up when I read her blog post about the project she did with the box of trash that I sent her...cracking up in a good way!  Here is what I sent Annie:

Yep, that punk rock idol is constructed of part of an egg crate, plarn (plastic bag yarn) and a little girls top.  Hop over to her blog to see how she created this punk goddess.

Second Chance Sewing Month Competition

Right after I started posting the sewing month challenges at the beginning of the month, there was a very enthusiastic resurgence of interest in participating.  I was oh so happy to have the extra blog posts that were not only incredibly creative but that didn't require me to think.  So, I decided I'd open a second chance opportunity for those who learned of the challenge a little late.  And I'm very happy I did...lots more creativity and a lot less brain activity on my part.  I don't know what I'm going to next week when I have to start to writing on my own again!

Bee from the Wooden Bee submitted a fabulous project utilizing some pretty odd bits of trash.  I sent her several round plastic containers that came from a gumball type machine, old clothing tags and the skinny part of a tie - yep, JUST the skinny part.

Bee made some fabulous decorative fabric balls, check 'em out:

You'll have to hop over to her blog to see how she creatively used the clothing tags.

Fun, right?  Well stay tuned because I'll be posting a couple more trash to treasure projects this week and give you another chance to vote for a winner.  This time, participants are competing for a $50 shopping spree in the Upcycled Stuff shop.

Oh and don't forget, voting for the first round of competition closes tomorrow.  Be sure to get your vote in!

Sewing Month Challenge #5

The final project in the first round of Sewing Month Challenges comes from Genie at the Verdant Violet.  I sent her a thrifted pair of leggings that were a bit pilled, the core from a roll of packing tape and a handful of plastic rings from soda/water bottles. 

And look at what she transformed this pile of whatnots into:

Super cute puppets, right?  I'll let her explain her process:  "I am excited to introduce you to monster puppets Mort and Millie and their 5 monster finger puppets, Max, Mimi, Baby Merv, Manny, and Linda. Poor Linda has two eyes. Mort is multifunctional as he is both a puppet and a drawstring bag that can be used to hide the rest of his family. 

I used the cardboard tape roll as the base for Millie and the plastic rings as bases for the little guys. This allows them to stand on their own if they choose, which is great for their self-esteem. It also makes Millie feel like a bracelet."  

Well, I think I did a pretty a good job selecting just the right pieces of trash to send off to challenge participants!  What do you think?  I know, I know, I really can't take any credit for the awesome projects that have graced the pages of my blog in the last couple of weeks.  So now you have a choice to make.  Which was your favorite project?  Just vote below for your favorite:

Fold 'n Go Tote made from a pillowcase 
Comic Book Garland
Sunflower Puncher
Map Adorned Photoboard
Family of Monster Puppets

Remember, bragging rights and a $100 Upcycled Stuff shopping spree are up for grabs so challengers...call your friends and family and not-so-loved-ones and send them over to vote for you!  Winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 25 at 6:00 EST!

And tune in all next week for a second chance challenge where upcyclers will compete to win a $50 shopping spree.  That'll round out National Sewing Month nicely (or should I say, National Tricia Doesn't Have to Come Up With a Bit of Original Content Month). 

Good luck everyone and thanks for playing along!  

*TO VOTE:  Register your favorite project in the comments below...one vote per person :)
 

Sewing Challenge #4

When faced with a challenge such as this, sometimes it's best to stick with what you know.  And that's exactly what Elaine from ElaineZelkerPhotography did when she created her project from this hod podge of crafting materials that I sent her: 

She received the top half of Goodwill T-shirt, a "junk load" of pop tabs and a couple of pages of maps. And artfully, this trash was turned into treasure when Elaine created this photoboard:

She adorned an an old frame with origami flowers made from the maps, then used and old medicine cup, some of the T-shirt and the pop tabs to create a pin cushion to house pins for future pinning.

The pop tabs were simply hot glued but she did sew some map strips onto the T-shirt which acts as the photo board backing. These strips easily hold pictures in place:

Sweet way to upcycle a bunch of stuff that someone else might just cast aside, right?

Sewing Challenge #3

Envisioning this finished product in use had me in stitches.  Don't get me wrong, Maria from WildChildGardens did a fantastic job but when you envision her punching sunflowers, you're sure to giggle just a bit.  Here's what I sent her:

A bit of fabric left over from the kitchen curtains that I (er, I mean mom made for me) several years ago, a handful of Coke lids and a Starbust package.  Of course my first thought was a sunflower harvesting glove, wasn't it yours?  That's exactly what Maria made.

Maria says that as the seed heads (of the sunflower) dry, they get really tight and sharp. By punching the sunflower seed heads with her bottle cap knuckles, the seeds easily pop out and and she can pick them up with her exposed fingertips. She even included a pocket made out of the Starburst package which had a Ziploc closure.

Also, because the glove is constructed from sturdy fabric and covers the whole and it's good for harvesting squash and okra, which otherwise leave tiny prickles in her arms all day. All of the sewing was done on her vintage Singer, except for the bottle tops. She punched 4 holes in each cap with a nail and then hand sewed them in place. She made a draw string around the top to hold the glove up and used a grommet and piece of lace edging to finish it up.

And because she believes strongly in using all parts of the "animal" (my kinda gal), she used the leftover materials to quilt together a little clutch. She used the two left over bottle caps as toggle closures for the bag.

So what do you think?  Have you picked your favorite project yet?  Well, hold that thought, we're not done yet!  Stay tuned for another fabulous project.

Sewing Month Challenge #2

I have to admit, this packet of trash was a little bit evil.  It didn't have any fabric of any kind...I know, bad blogger and contest hostess! But this WAS supposed to be a challenge right?  Here's all the fun stuff that I sent to Sarah from Sweet Someday.

Yep, that's it...a bunch of plastic Target bags, a comic book that I picked up on a Freecyle and an Arizona Tea can (that I turned into flowers before I sent them).  Here's the fabulous garland that Sarah made.

After punching out 1" colorful circles from the comic book pages she stitched 'em up with brown thread (because that's the color that was on the machine and re-threading it with another color wasn't an option - sheesh she sounds like me).  Just two more challenge materials....

She took the Target bags and cut some small rectangles out of the white portion and tied them onto the thread between every five circles for a little added texture and interest.  Next she took some longer strips from the target bags, braided them and attached them to each end of the garland to easily tie it up.

And finally, those aluminum flowers were used to disguise a couple of cardboard circles that she used at each end to attach the braided plastic bags.  It turned out to be a cute garland that could be used for parties, birthdays, special events, or just every day. She's also the only one who used the packaging in her project!  Everyone received their trash in some sort of food box that I turned inside out for mailing.  Sarah used her oatmeal box as a spool for her garland.  Other than the thread and adhesive - the ENTIRE thing was upcycled!

Here's another look:

Featured Artist: LW Interiors

Continuing on the vintage theme, today I introduce you to Lindsay of LW Interiors and Custom Art.  Lindsay's Etsy Shop is filled with beautiful brightly colored vintage jewelry boxes. At the end of this post you'll be given several easy ways to enter to win this beautiful piece:

For now, let's get to know Lindsay!

Tell us a little about your shop and your art.

Lime Green Jewelry Box

I have been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. In high school I started painting seriously and by the time I was in college I had a pretty extensive collection of pieces. I love bold colors and modern abstract style. Since college I have integrated my interior design degree with my love for art by offering people custom paintings for their homes and businesses and that is where the LW Custom Art business started. A couple of years ago between clients I started sculpting cupcakes out of polymer clay to put on my Christmas tree. I was posting them on my facebook page when a friend of mine told me about etsy.

When did you start turning old stuff into new creations?

I recently started to put more time and effort into my Etsy shop since I have been working in a small boutique that takes vintage furniture, paints it and sells it. The store has started selling its items on Etsy and when I saw the success we were having I decided I should give it a try.  One day the owner of the store brought in the most beautiful bright pink, painted vintage jewelry box. My fiancé bought it for me as a Christmas gift and that’s when the light bulb went off. I could combine my love of jewelry, interior design and painting all into one!

Hot Pink and Gold Jewelry Box

Who are the important folks/critters in your life?

My mom has always supported my art. She had paid for and driven me to more art classes as a child than I can count. Her and my dad both supported me when I went to art school in NYC and also when I decided to offer art classes of my own. My fiancé is also a big supporter of my art. I have basically turned his apartment into my studio. It’s a disaster in there and he just smiles and lets me make my messes. He’s so good to me. 

Where do you take your inspiration from? 

I truly believe that inspiration comes from everywhere. That’s probably why I am always involved in multiple types of projects. Lately I have been getting a lot of inspiration from other Etsy shops. The artists on Etsy are so talented. 

What other passions do you have in life?

Sunny Yellow Jewelry Box

I am an avid cyclist. I have done several fund raiser events for cancer research, children’s programs, and this year will be my first time joining the MS 150 where we will be riding 150 miles from Rhode Island to Massachusetts to raise money for multiple sclerosis. I am also a huge animal lover and will be donating a portion of money from my wedding to the humane society. I think it’s really important to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. 

What do you want readers to know about you or your art?

I just want my art to bring happiness and inspiration to people.

Time to enter to win a lovely upcycled vintage jewelry box.  To enter, simply take one (or more) of the following actions and be sure to leave a separate comment for each one that you do.  On Thursday, April 26 at 6PM Random.org will pick the winning comment number.  Make sure I have a way to contact you if you're the winner!  Alright, get sharing, tweeting and browsing:

1.  Tweet this blog post and be sure to include @lwhippleintx in your tweet
2.  Visit LW Interiors on Etsy and tell us what your favorite item is
3.  Follow Lindsay on Facebook

Want to learn more about LW Interiors?  Check out her website and her blog.

Good luck!

Featured Artist: Lilah Vintage

Meet Amanda from Lilah Vintage!  This is my first vintage upcycler that I've featured and what a great first.  I love Amanda's story, not to mention the fun picture of her.  I hope you'll enjoy reading about her work as much as I did.  Oh yeah, you'll have your chance to pick up a great pair of earrings just for sharing this blog post.  But more on that at the end.

Tell us a little about your shop and your art.

LilahVintage is a marrying of vintage material and modern design.  I collect quality broken vintage jewelry and take them apart to create simple elegant designs for everyday wear.

Silver Hoop Earrings

When did you start creating with “old stuff”?

My grandmother, Louella, was a spit-fire and lived a long fantastic life where you dressed up to get on an airplane.   I inherited all of her jewelry but much of it was broken and I didn’t want to throw it out so I took classes on beading and chain work learning how to reuse the pieces.    I love both the art of jewelry making and creating modern gems from beautiful old finds.

Who are the important folks/critters in your life?

I keep a photo of Louella at Morro Bay in a skirt suit and hat on my desk.  She’s standing at the beach so posh and engaging!  Next to her is a photo of my lovely fiancé, Gary, and our Aussie rescue Lilah – for whom my shop is named after.

14kt Gold Nesting Necklace

Where do you take your inspiration from?

I gravitate towards the clean lines of mid century designers like Neutra, Eames and Eichler where every element has a purpose.

What other passions do you have in life?

My other day job is working on Hollywood movies as a coordinator.  I get so excited reading the script and being a part of movie making – even after 15 years.   I’m an avid runner and usually take Lilah trail running at Eaton Canyon in Altadena.

Also a portion of proceeds from all LilahVintage sales goes to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  It is a charity close to my heart as my mother is continuing her fight against leukemia.

Time to enter to win these beautiful earrings made from vintage glass beads

You know the drill, be sure to enter a separate comment for each action that you take below. On Thursday, April 5, Random.org will determine the winning number! Now get busy tweeting, sharing and commenting (and be sure you leave some way for me to contact you in case you are the winner):

1. Visit Lilah Vintage on Etsy and tell us your favorite item below

2. Tweet this post and be sure to include @Upcycled_Stuff in your tweet

3. Follow Lilah Vintage on Facebook

Good Luck!

 

Featured Artist: Break the Record (and yes, another giveaway)

One of my favorite things about featuring other upcyclers on my blog is that I get the chance to see some really cool products that I wouldn't have otherwise seen.  Seriously, how cool is this night light made from old cassette tapes?

Stacey has a great Etsy shop, Break the Record, filled with fun upcycled items made from cassette tapes and records.  And this week, she's offering up this fantastic piece of functional art to one lucky reader.  Here's what Stacey had to say about herself and her upcycling!

Tell us a little about your shop and your art. 

Mix Tape Pencil Cup

Last May I began brainstorming for the perfect birthday gift for my boyfriend.  He is very hard to buy for.  He is a small business owner, but in his spare time he likes to DJ with vinyl records and also produce music.  So, I started thinking of gifts that were related to vinyl records and such.  That is when I decided to make a clock.  Within a week I had discovered a passion for making anything and everything I could out of vinyl records.  So I started looking for old scratched up no-longer-playable vinyl records and rescuing them before they were sent to rest eternally in the local landfills.  Friends encouraged me to try selling my crafts on Etsy, so I gave it a try.  After I sold my first clock to a woman who purchased it for her unborn son's retro themed nursery, I was inspired to create something out of the other retro music memorabilia like the cassette tape.  And since I was picturing a baby nursery, my first idea was a night light.  Now my MixTape Lights make up almost fifty percent of my Etsy shop.  

Who are the important folks/critters in your life?  

The two most important blessings in my life are my two little girls, Lexi and Jayden.  They inspire me every minute of every day.  As a single mommy I was actually job hunting for a second job when I decided to start my Etsy shop.  I had a hard time because I refused to work a job that would take time away from my babies.  I am so thankful that I started Break The Record because, although it may not be an "I quit my day job" story, it is a personal financial survival story that has made a significant impact on my family's life.  My daughters are very happy to be able to go skating or to see a movie on the weekend.  They say "Thank you, Mommy!" and I tell them "Thank Etsy!  Mommy got a sale this week."

When did you start playing with trash?  

The first time I "played with trash" was when I started cutting up old T-shirts and "making them cool."  I wanted a cool shirt to wear to a concert so I took an old band T-shirt and did a little slashing, slicing, and redesigning and whipped up a totally rockin' and unique halter top that was way more flattering for a young concert gal than a old boring man sized Tshirt.  

Where do you take your inspiration from?   

Vinyl Mail Sorter

My crafts are inspired by music and my love for it.  I spent my entire childhood watching MTV all day long.  I was never into cartoons or other things that kids my age were watching.  I was completely addicted to music videos.  To this very day I still turn on the television and go straight to one of the music channels.   My life inspiration and drive is inspired by my children and wanting to always be able to provide them with what they need, rather it be a new pair of tennis shoes for cheerleading tryouts, a mommy-made puppy costume, help with a science fair or art fair project, advice, encouragement, or a big hug.  

What other passions do you have in life?

There is one particular cause that is very close to my heart, and that is supporting the cure for breast cancer.  A portion of all proceeds at Break The Record are donated to numerous breast cancer charities.  My mother was diagnosed nearly 15 years ago.   She went thru surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.  It took a toll on her body, but with lots of hope and many prayers, thankfully she did beat it.  My daughter and I are volunteering at the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk to show our support for finding a cure.  I will soon be launching a line of PINK MixTape Lights in which 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the cause.  My other passions in life are all my goals for the future.  I want to own my own clothing shop someday.  I've wanted to be a fashion designer since I was a little girl.  I hope to eventually open up my own clothing boutique  here in my hometown.  

What do you want readers to know about you or your art?  

Wedding Table Lighted Centerpiece

I love having my own Etsy shop, but I do find it very hard to balance running my shop, caring for my children, and working my full-time job at the State Prosecutor's office, where I have worked for the past 17 years.  Creating items for Break The Record is so much fun to me.  I love being crafty and I love music.  Combining two of my favorite things and creating really fun unique items is like my own personal form of yoga.  After my kids are in bed at night I get out all my supplies, relax and start crafting.  

Time to enter to win that really cool mix tape night light.  You know the drill, be sure to enter one comment for each action that you take below.  On Thursday, March 22, Random.org will determine the winning number!  Now get busy tweeting, sharing and commenting (and be sure you leave some way for me to contact you in case you are the winner):

1.  Visit Break the Record and tell us your favorite item below

2.  Tweet this post and be sure to include @iBreakTheRecord

3.  Follow Break the Record on Facebook

My Quirky Obsession with Cube Storage

While moving is stressful, there is something so cleansing and wonderful about the opportunity for a "design do-over."  One thing I've learned in the move is that I have what may very well be an unhealthy obsession with cube storage.  Just look at the cube storage units that I have in my craft space:

This Ikea unit started as a two-sided bookcase that separated a continuous living room and dining room when I lived in Los Angeles. It continued on to Seattle with me where it performed the same function.  Unfortunately, in my move to South Carolina it got pretty banged up.  So into the closet it went for storage when I started my Etsy shop.  Now it's perfect for all my kitty litter containers filled with glass jars, old clothes and the like.  Gosh, talk about some serious upcycling on this shelf!

I picked up two more cube storage units as my crafting with trash obsession grew.  One stores all my newspapers, magazines, phone books and so forth that I need for paper bead making (I think I'll be busy for a bit).  The other one stores a variety of miscellaneous tools, mismatched or broken dishes, spray paint, you name it it's on that shelf.

 

I picked up these little shelves before I moved and never used them because they didn't work in the space I had intended them for.  This set of three (while a bit crooked) lives on the wall by my sewing machine and is perfect for all of my little sewing odds and ends.  I still have another set that I don't know where I'll put!  And I should point out that really adorable pin cushion, it's artsy and upcycled.  I picked it up from The Frog Bag, she made it with the core from a used roll of packing tape and the bird on the front is actually a cancelled stamp.  Too cute!

Then I found this nifty little wall unit that stores all of my jewelry making tools and such.  Even found a way to add some upcycled goodness to this little unit with some covered soup cans for storage.

And finally, the piece that I almost forgot about as it is stored away in the closet. I did an enormous amount of downsizing when I moved and after donating half the shoe collection I was left with and extra shoe cubby.  It fits all of my old plactic jars and coffee cans that serve as a repository for things like pop tabs and syringe caps (yes, I will find something cool to do with these!). 

So there it is, my quirky little obsession with cube storage that I didn't even realize I had!

Featured Artist: Lambkin Toques

Merino Wool Toque

Did you know that a toque, brimless hat, could be made from a refashioned sweater?  Well it can!  And you can find some super cozy looking toques at  Lambkin Toques! The artist is Marcella and she is offering up one lucky reader the pick of her shop but she's also offering everyone else a 20% shop-wide discount through March 16 (just enter the coupon code UPCYCLEDSTUFF20 at checkout).  A bit more about how you can win one of these for yourself after we learn a bit about the artist.

Tell us a little about your shop and your art.

 

I make toques out of reclaimed wool. I also make other accessories as I become inspired (e.g., cup cozies, cowls, yoga socks, etc). Old unloved sweaters are my media of choice. I started making hats when I couldn't find one that I liked. I'd see sweaters at thrift stores and think that would make a perfect hat. Then the lightbulb went on and I decided to do just that.  Now I can't stop!

Alpaca Headband

Where do you take your inspiration from?

I honestly have to say I enjoy making every single toque. I love the process of being inspired by the material and pattern of a sweater. I enjoy showing people that products made out of recycled materials can be just as fresh and new feeling as products that are made from new materials.

What do you want readers to know about you or your art?

Wool Cowl

Someday, I'd like to try to make my own furniture out of reclaimed wood. I like to reuse materials as much as possible rather than buying something new. It takes a lot of resources and energy to make new products, I want to help reduce that by making sustainable choices. I'm far from perfect, I do what I can and take it easy on myself for things I can't.

Slouchy Mohair Toque

Sounds like my kind of gal!  Okay, time to enter to win a toque (or other upcycled item from Lambkin Toques) of your own and it's easy as one, two, three!  Be sure to enter one comment for each action that you take below.  On Thursday, March 8, at 6:00pm EST Random.org will determine the winning comment number!  Now get busy tweeting, sharing and commenting (and be sure you leave some way for me to contact you in case you are the winner):

1.  Visit Lambkin Toques and tell us your favorite item below

2.  Tweet this post and be sure to include @LambkinToques

3.  Follow Lambkin Toques on Facebook

We Have a Winner!

Last Friday readers were given the opportunity to win a really cool upcycled bag from Bea Unique Designs and today we have a winner.  Random.org says that the winning number belongs to Christine Avila.  Congratulations!

If you haven't visited yet, be sure to drop by Bea Unique Designs' Etsy shop to check out all the upcycled goodies!

Featured Artist: Bea Unique Designs and a Giveaway!

Today I get to introduce you to another fabulous upcycler and give you the chance to win a fabulous upcycled tote bag. Jennifer's shop, Bea Unique Designs was opened just under a year ago and hosts a wide range of upcycled goodies from garden art to tote bags.  How about those tote bags? Jennifer is giving away an upcycled tote bag (winners choice) to one lucky reader.  Here's the one  I love, made from a kilt:

So let's get to know a little about Jennifer and her fabulous work.

Tell us a little about your shop and your art.

Upcycled Flirty Apron

I like to upcycle items and find new uses for them. I repurpose dresses into aprons, mismatched dishes and pottery become funky yard art and whimsical cake stands and skirts are transformed into reusable tote bags.

When did you start playing with trash?

For as long as I can remember I have always had a creative streak and seen things differently. I tend to be an ‘organized hoarder.’  My Grandmother Beatrice never threw a scrap of fabric away and always found another use for things. She was extremely organized and would label each piece of fabric or lace trim. She taught me how to sew and I loved her dearly, that is why I named my shop after her, Bea Unique Designs.

Upcycled Cake Plate

Who are the important folks in your life?

My son is the light of my life and such a great kid! He is one of the best human beings I have ever met and can make me laugh more than anyone else! My family and friends keep me motivated and my lovely niece Kylie that models my items for my site!

Where do you take your inspiration from?

Inspiration strikes me at the strangest times, in the grocery store or sometimes in the middle of the night. I have learned to keep a note pad with me at all times and one by my bed. I also get inspired by friends that share the same vision, like my friend Val!

Tea Cup Yard Art/Bird Feeder

What other passions do you have in life?

I have a passion for ALL music and I love my charity & volunteer work! It’s all about giving back!

What do you want readers to know about you or your art?

I put my heart and soul into everything item. I only create what I LOVE! I just want people to have different and unique items for themselves, their home and their yard!

Upcycled Tea Towels

Now back to that generous giveaway!  It's easy to enter and you can enter multiple times.  Simply write a separate comment for each of the actions you take below:

1.  Tweet this article and be sure to include the tag @Upcycled_Stuff
2.  Follow Bea Unique Designs on Facebook
3.  Visit Bea Unique Designs on Etsy and tell us what your favorite item is below

On Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 6 pm EST we'll toss all the entries into a random number generator to determine the winner.  Good luck!