26/1/2010



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Eco Etsy Finds

From time to time, I like to browse both Etsy and Eco Etsy to see what sorts of fun, new products I’ll stumble across. There have been lots lately, so I thought I’d put together an abbreviated list of some of my most recent finds/vendors.

Recycled Sail Purses and Luggage Tags

Throughout college, I frequently summered in Portland, Maine. There was excellent shopping throughout the city, but I’ve always remembered this one little shop that turned used sails into adorable handbags. These purses and luggage tags instantly made me nostalgic for a summer spent with rocky beaches, lobster rolls and good friends.

Vendor: Reiter8

Upcycled Bottle Cap Magnets

Over the weekend, I was (perhaps to my own unfortunate embarrassment) skimming through the pages of one of my Martha craft books when I found a fun project: turning used bottle caps into adorable magnets and “mini” frames. You can thus imagine my excitement when I discovered these Valentine’s Day-themed versions this afternoon.

Vendor: Beans Things

Dictionary Gift Tags

As a writer, I always adore finding any sort of decor that incorporates reading and/or writing into its design. These upcycled gift tags feature delicate dove cutouts atop of a circle cut from a dictionary page.

Vendor: Kelso Doesn’t Dance

Woven Vintage Tablecloth

This woven cotton tablecloth reminds me of something I might find in a bin at Urban Outfitters, question whether or not it was adorable, purchase because it was on sale and then use until it literally became worn with holes.

Vendor: I Wonder Vintage

Sea Glass Necklace

As a kid, I always loved to skim the beach in search of sea glass, which I would later wrap in wire and fashion into jewelry. I love this more grown-up version. The copper chain makes this necklace a little bit tough while the delicate cut out heart design makes it sweet, too.

Vendor: Sea Find Designs

Lavender Ring Pillow

A linen ring pillow filled with lavender is a simple, yet pretty (and calming) touch for any wedding ceremony. Each ring pillow is custom made so that you can select colors that will tie in with your wedding palette.

Vendor: La Pomme

06/12/2009



During the holiday season, nearly every retailer boasts great deals on small gifts and entertaining items. This is a perfect time to stock up on products to use at all of your events during the coming New Year. Take the time this holiday season to look for bargains on recycled glassware, paper goods and unique gift items that can be used as party favors or décor. Here are a few items from my personal wish list:

Recycled Cardboard Coasters

These durable, water-resistant coasters, which are made from old cardboard, are crafted into a unique, playful honeycomb design. (www.bambeco.com, $22 for a set of four)

Recycled Glass Round Bowl

These recycled bowls would be perfect for serving salads or other starters or for displaying floating flowers or candles. (www.westelm.com, sale price $6.99/each)

Vintage Doorknob Wine Stopper

A vintage glass doorknob sits atop a sturdy chrome and rubber stopper. Leave one of these unique stoppers on each table at your next party to prevent spills in style. (www.etsy.com, $24.95/each)

Recycled Glass Goblets

Most goblets are so delicate that many hostesses are afraid to use them except for very special events. These solid, 100% recycled glass goblets are statuesque and sturdy, making them perfect for an elegant dinner party or a backyard barbeque. Each goblet holds 14 ounces. (www.bambeco.com, $36.00 for a set of two)

Soy-Blend Filled Recycled Glass Votives

Simple, yet elegant, these candles are made from a blend of soybean, cottonseed and beeswax oils. (www.potterybarn.com, $16.00 for a set of four)

Soda Bottle Glasses

These individually flame-cut glasses are crafted from recycled Boylan’s soda bottles. Quirky and unexpected, they are the perfect tabletop addition for a child’s birthday party or other playful event. (www.etsy.com, $15.00 for a set of two)

Cobalt Frosted Goblets

Created from discarded wine bottles, these richly colored goblets will stand out on any table. (www.bambeco.com, sale price $62.00 for a set of four)

Tagged: Gifts, Favors, .

27/11/2009



Over the years, I’ve received my fare share of useless party gifts. Cheap jewelry rolls. A tin of gum marked with the couple’s last name. Sashes of ill-fragranced potpourri. Maybe it’s because I’ve been trained to have an eye for detail when it comes time for special events; but I have to admit that nothing demerits the classiness of a special party like seeing a paper tag that reads “Made in China” beside an elegant place setting.

I like the idea of gifts and favors that are both beautiful and useful. And so, with winter approaching (as well as my tendency to spend many hours indoors involved with creative projects), I’ve been considering fun ideas for chic, handmade gifts to pass out at parties this season.

Printed Journals

In a world overflowing with BlackBerrys, I find something very romantic about the idea of an occasional handwritten letter or note. For your next event, why not pick up some blank eco-friendly journals (these are a bit pricy, though they’re the perfect fit for the job: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34577471)? Once you have the journals, you can print a unique design on their covers that will blend with the theme of your event. Natural objects, such as leaves or dried seaweed, make excellent design patterns. Follow the link below for specific directions on how to easily and properly print your one-of-a-kind gifts (substituting journals for a tablecloth).  http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=847cb8d7b242f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

Printed Totes

Only a few years ago, carrying reusable bags was hardly a trend. However, today, you can pick them up in the grocery store, the bookstore, and even in some clothing stores. Why not embrace the green trend and create unique, printed reusable totes as parting gifts for guests at your next shower or birthday party? Just pick up some blank totes (here are some that are made in the U.S.A:  http://store.americanapparel.net/e549.html?cid=49) and follow this link for specific printing directions (http://www.marthastewart.com/article/leaf-print-tote-bag-with-hannah).