Published on December 15th, 2008
Ever wonder what you could do with an old mattress? It’s pretty easy to think of ways to reused discarded clothing and bottles and cans, but a mattress?
That is the challenge set forth in Open Architecture Network’s contest: Discarded Dreams.
With over 40 million mattresses discarded every year in the U.S., this challenge asks that over 80% of the mattress be reused. Careful consideration should be made to the mattress’ deconstruction, as the Open Architecture Network is looking for a way to divert these mattresses away from the landfill and into new life.
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Published on November 18th, 2008
If you are looking for some fabulous one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, and you live in the Bay Area, visit Bazaar Bizarre SF on thanksgiving weekend November 30th in Golden Gate Park. Read the rest of this entry »
Published on November 14th, 2008
We have an exciting day tomorrow here in Atlanta: the Indie Craft Experience (ICE) is this Saturday from 11a-6pm at Ambient + Photo Studio. It’s my favorite local craft show, so you can imagine how exciting it was to learn about what organizers Christy Petterson and Shannon Mulkey were doing to make it greener!
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Published on November 12th, 2008
Have you checked out the indie craft show circuit lately? It has grown leaps and bounds in the past few years. There is definitely a trend toward eco-friendliness and charitable initiatives, but with a signature grass roots flair.
At the Giant Dwarf Make and Take Trunk Show on Saturday in Philadelphia, PA, Sue Eggen will be sewing her gorgeous hats from recycled materials. She is inviting attendees to customize their item, and will whip it up for them, right there on the spot. This is a fantastic way to not only demonstrate a craft, but let the consumer witness part of the fabrication process. Read the rest of this entry »
Published on November 10th, 2008
We are pretty sure this contest is right up our readers’ alley! Do you find yourself perusing through your local big-box during the holidays and getting a little worked up about all the cheap plastic junk they have on the shelves just for the sake of temporary decorations? Here is your chance to show ‘em what stuff like that should really be made of.
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Published on October 13th, 2008
It’s amazing that I know far more artists and crafters with successful microbrands or intentions of starting one than those who are purely hobbyists. I, for one, so enjoy the process of constructing an identity for my creative outlets. They can define one more than the car you drive, the movies like, or the body you’re in. Many of us love it so much that we forgo financial gain so that more people can afford to own a piece of it. Suddenly the world is thrown into an economic crisis, and I’m seeing varied reactions around the community ranging from flippance to great concern.
Where do we go from here?
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Published on October 9th, 2008
This week I’ve been in the mood to knit with something simple and sweet, so I was pleasantly surprised when I came across Schulana’s Cotton-Silk Natural. This 80-20 blend is made with organic cotton and silk. And while the blend might not make it a completely simple yarn the gentle colors are quite sweet.
This yarn is also a very elegant and soft fiber. The silk lends its smooth texture to the sometimes rough cotton to create a peaceful yarn. Cotton-Silk Natural comes in relaxing colors created with plant dyes. It is available in five different subtle monotone verigates. These restful colors are created with such things as sandalwood and herbs and flowers.
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Published on October 5th, 2008
As many of you know, I’ve been on hiatus planning Strange Folk, which took place this past weekend in O’Fallon, IL. We had amazing weather and an estimated turn-out of 10,000 people. On a shoestring budget, I set out not only to lessen this event’s impact on the planet, but also to wisen the public to the ways of upcycling.
The first part of this equation poses many obstacles. For instance, enough cash to order all the marketing materials I need printed on recycled cardstock with soy based ink from a company across the country (because no one does that locally) and offsetting the carbon emissions it takes to ship them to me. But that’s just the beginning. I’m truly starting to understand the woes of the organizers of this year’s Democratic National Convention, even if they had $70 million to work with. Pfft… pocket change in terms of going uber-green. Read the rest of this entry »
Published on September 22nd, 2008
While we’ve already covered passed crafting supply swaps like the one in Richmond, VA, we would be remiss if we didn’t tell you about one coming up that if in the Washington, D.C. area - you could participate in!
This coming Sunday, the Craft Mutiny Arts and Crafts Collective is having a Supply Swap at the fifth annual Crafty Bastards, Arts and Crafts Fair in Washington, D.C. The Supply Swap is a great way to reuse and recycle leftover craft supplies.
You can donate your leftover and slightly used craft supplies and trade them in for new-to-you supplies. Tried a craft that didn’t work out? Donate the supplies to the swap. Is your fabric stash threatening to take over your house? This is a great way to cull the herd. The swap will accept all sorts of supplies and materials from yarn to fabric to paint and beads. Things that are not swap-able are house paint, toxic materials and old clothing. You should try to bring supplies someone else would love to use and not that musty old fabric sitting in the garage!
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Published on September 14th, 2008
The fifth Carnival of Green Crafts is Thursday here at Crafting A Green World. If you’re going to submit a post, why not do it today? If you’re not, why not?
Details here, or submit a post through the submission form.
Previous editions of the Carnival of Green Crafts:
