Etsy Shopper – Halloween

Halloween, the time of year to dress up in fun costumes, watch scary movies and get together with friends to celebrate all that is spooky! I had a lot of fun compiling a selection of Halloween treats from Etsy. Everything is wonderfully fun and all made from recycled, reclaimed and vintage materials! It’s scary how creative these Etsy Sellers got in creating their Halloween products! Enjoy!

Remember that you need to scroll past the pictures to get a product description and link to each seller’s shop, just match the numbers from the pictures to the descriptions…

1.19Moons

2.akaCINDERS

3.bigmelittleworld

4.bionicunicorn

5.buppins

6.CherryLaneJane

7.Culturerevolution

8.ECObyLimitz

9.geneetoy

10.GreenPost

11.hasenpfeffer

12.jessejanes

13.katesy

14.KBExquisites

15.ladylotus

16.lunaclaydesign

17.MariposaAvenue

18.PendantLicious

19.reimaginedmusings

20.RockCandyVintage

21.RuthEyes

22.urbanlegend

23.WillowCreekSparrow

24.YOUgNeek

25.N2Hookin

1.Argh!  I love pirate… anything! These brass earrings are a great addition to a costume are as an everyday accessory! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32030188

2. These hair clip is made out of eco-friendly felt (from post consumer soda bottles and the black daisy shaped piece has a handmade domed resin eye (like Edward Cullens’s) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31966146

3.  This adorable handmade fall ornament is made in a reclaimed butter container. The fine craftsmanship is evident is all the handmade and painted details throughout the piece. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30197862

4.This fabulous piece, by one of my favorite shops and this is their second appearance in this feature, is made from many vintage materials put together to create an eclectic necklace that I’m gah-gah over. And it has a skull and bones element to it so of course I would love it, right?! This shop is also having a 20% off sale all THIS week so stop by http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32296242

5.These creepy crayons are are handmade from “orphaned crayons”. They are melted down and shaped into monster fingers, this is such a fun product! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32854272

6. Great pillow with reclaimed materials! It is made using a repurposed sweater and the candy corn is made from a vintage quilt. Perfect for fall home decor! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31114030

7. This great ring is made from a vintage button. Really great accessory for Halloween! AND it’s adjustable so it will fit growing hands for years to come! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30683527

8. I love products that can be used for all different things! These fun earrings are crocheted from fused plarn (Yarn made from recycled plastic, bags usually). But you can wear them as earring or use them as an accent piece on a sewing or scrappbooking project, among other things! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31431410

9. This is such a cute hair accessory! The bow is made from reclaimed T-shirt material, very sustainable. I’m sure you can find other uses for it as well! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32860949

10. Absolutely genius! These are plantable recycled paper gift tags. They are shaped like little ghosts which is perfect for the season and when you are done with them you can plant put them in soils and grow wild flowers because there are seed in the paper! How cool is that?!?!!  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32213591

11. This one of a kind handmade doll is so impressive. It is made in part with recycled wool. The orange dress is halloween ready and so intricate, just lovely. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32047704

12. These two Halloween hairpins are made from reused Scrabble tiles! They come gift wrapped, are available in larger quantities and have wholesale options! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32396169

13. This Max costume from Where the Wild Things Are will be a big hit with your child! This costume is made from eco-fleece and is ready to ship! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=32846344

14. This Halloween themed reusable snack bag is the perfect sustainable product for the season! Not only that but this shop is having a 10% off sale on all Halloween items! Many quantities are available. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30653212

15. These arm warmers are made from recycled T-shirt.  There are anatomically correct bones painted on them, great for Halloween or anytime! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32741678

16. EEK! This creepy Tarantula is made from a vintage tv.radio glass vacuum tube and bendable legs. You can wear it on your Halloween outfit or put it in the candy dish for Trick or Treaters to find! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28644818

17. Great Halloween decoration! It is made from a recycled Aluminum can and the details are hand cut. Drop in a votive candle and you are ready to go!  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=33000459

18. Great halloween necklace! The pendant is made from a recycled scrabble tile. There are interchangeable pendants and chains for every taste so stop by this shop and you can find something you love! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=33008365

19. This mask is made from upcycled junk mail! Great idea, great product and perfect addition to any Halloween outfit! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16151712

20. This necklace works wonderfully for Halloween or everyday use. It is made from a tea stained piece of black cherry wood and the raven was printed onto recycled paper and the necklaces lobster clasp is antique. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32750627

21. I love charm bracelets. This intricate piece boasts reminders that Halloween is near. The working star watch charm is a practical, yet chic, piece. I love it ! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32856829

22. This Hells bells necklace is made from vintage lucite and gun metal chain. I would honestly wear this anytime of year and it will add a nice touch to your Halloween outfit! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31467083

23.  Aren’t these boots fun! These orange boots are in great condition and have been decorated quite nicely. I’m sure these will turn lots of heads this Halloween! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27433187

24. Fantastic! These pins are a ready to wear costume! They are made from recycled playstands and I get such a kick out of them!  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32747792

25. This fun Halloween doll is sewn up using recycled sweater, it takes 2 or 3 days to sew one of these unique pieces so make sure to stop by and snatch up your own! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32871733

About Reclaimed Threads: Reclaimed Threads is a sustainable bag company launched by Katherine DeSantis. Katherine is  a 20-something entrepreneur combined her love of being creative and sustainably conscious to form the company.  Every bag is handmade by Katherine from reclaimed, vintage and organic/sustainable materials. There are a variety of style bags and products to chose from! Her shop is at: www.reclaimedthreads.etsy.com.

Etsy Shopper – Earrings

Welcome back!

This week there will be two Etsy Shopper features so that we are back on schedule! Yay! What a treat! Tonight will of course feature earrings by Etsy sellers and tomorrow will be Halloween items, so be sure to stop back!

The first two Etsy Shopper features had a mixture of both conventional items and recycled ones. I am shifted the focus from here on out to focus ONLY on recycled products that are handmade by the wonderful people selling on Etsy.com. There are plenty of items to chose from which makes me so happy and as usual impressed. Be prepared to be blown away and finding yourself in these shops ooo-ing and ahh-ing at what they have created! I found a really nice mix of fancier pieces and pairs that are just plain fun!

So onward! and enjoy!

Remember that you need to scroll past the pictures to get a product description and link to each seller’s shop, just match the numbers from the pictures to the descriptions…

1.118east

2.AliBaliJewellery

3.AlliesAdornments

4.ANORIGINALJEWELRY

5.ballandchain

6.Bellota26

7.bionicunicorn

8.COOBoriginals

9.creationsbyingrid1

10.DrStrychnine

11.ecoblingcouture

12.foundling

13.GhostShip

14.hollylynne

15.lolapetals

16.melsville

17.mybuttonboutique

18.paperelle

19.remaker

20.sevenply

21.shixie

22.steampunkjunq

23. wiredoriginals

1. These Pumpkin Spice Earrings are made from 18kt gold plated wires with a recycled, vintage gold 3D sunburst. The lovely orange faceted cornelian adds a punch of fall color. And you can buy a matching necklace! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28177977

2. These beautiful brushed silver and copper tear shaped earrings are made from recycled silver and copper. The imprinted design is on both sides and come to you in a nice jewelry box made from recycled materials! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32661314

3. This beauties are made with brass antique victorian buttons from the 1800s, one Swarovski crystal bead and brass birds. High quality materials make a high quality, and in the case high style, pair of earrings. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32240800

4. These cute earrings are made from recycled sterling silver. They are simple, classy and environmentally friendly! There is a matching necklace and you better hurry and get yours before I snatch these up! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=32831999

5. These earrings caught my eye before I even decided t do this particular feature. They are so unique and fun! They are made from spoon handles and the wires are sterling silver. Great find! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32696322

6. These earring are light weight and less than 2 inches long. Most of bellota26’s items are made from recycled vintage jewelry! Great pieces!  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28917100

7. Just perfect, I love these earring! They are made up of a variety of different items such as vintage brass key stampings and watch gears, looove it! Stop by this week and get 20% off your entire purchase! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30838149

8. I don’t think it gets much cooler than these Lego earrings! They make me smile every time I look at them. And the kid in me loves that the smaller lego is detachable so you can switch them around!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26459764

9. Another really cool idea. These earrings are made from a recycled CD! So they look good AND you can feel good about wearing them! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32706949

10. These little green army men earring are the best! Such a creative idea and they look great! I had to feature these even though these particular ones sold the other day, DrStrychnine has other equally cool stuff in her shop so make a point to stop by!  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32692795

11. Gorgeous is the word to describe these earrings! These earrings flaunt Swarvoski crystals and glass beads with gold fish hook tops and come with a equally stunning necklace.  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31649944

12. SO CUTE! Each pair of oxidized silver earrings has a snippet of a vintage dictionary preserved behind resin. Love them!  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32707446

13. GhostShip has taken vintage sea glass and turned them into an eye catching set of earrings. The earring are finished off with Czech glass bicones and silver plated lever back ear wires. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27618158

14. These earring have that “wow” factor to them. They have Columbian coins suspended beneath Czech glass, natural onyx and gold plated bead cups. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21591762

15. These fun earrings are made from eco-friendly felt and have a champagne colored pearl in the center. Lightweight, adorable and the perfect addition to any eco-chic outfit! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32709354

16. These lightweight wooden earrings are made from the inner workings of a retired piano! They have been reshaped, sanded, stained and decorated to give you a one of a kind piece! Perfect gift for the person who has everything!  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32694968

17. I loooooov buttons! So of course I love these earrings! They are hand pressed using recycled security envelopes. Too cool.  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32500718

18. Very cute. These handmade Origami Lucky Star earrings are made using an recycled magazine ad. The earrings even come gift wrapped in an upcycled box! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26196324

19. At first glance I had no idea these earrings were made from a tin can, but they were! Each disk was punched from a Crate and Barrel holiday tin and domed, giving them this wonderful shape! The pair come in a handmade oversized matchbox, all very creative. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15040085

20. Yes, that’s right, these earrings are made out of a recycled skateboard! I love this concept! The pair have been cut out, sanded and sealed. Great from every angle these are sure to turn some heads! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32693387

21. Check these out! These mini dress earrings have been made from a recycled tin can!. They are so detailed and I am so impressed by them. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=31551459

22. These awesome earrings are made from pocket watch gears and vintage 1920s red cross pins. Stop by this shop to see all of the other items they have made from vintage and found objects!  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32890186

23. These made to order earrings are made from a fine silver circle and sterling silver chain. They only use eco-friendly, 100% reclaimed/recycled silver wire and even make sure to recycle their scraps! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29845481

About Reclaimed Threads: Reclaimed Threads is a sustainable bag company launched by Katherine DeSantis. Katherine is  a 20-something entrepreneur combined her love of being creative and sustainably conscious to form the company.  Every bag is handmade by Katherine from reclaimed, vintage and organic/sustainable materials. There are a variety of style bags and products to chose from! Her shop is at: www.reclaimedthreads.etsy.com.

Reclaimed Threads Business Update! October 2009

Back To Work After A Death In The Family

Hello, Hello.

This is my Nanny 1919- 2009

Unfortunately my grandmother, aka Nanny, passed away a couple of weeks ago. All of the chaos that unfolded after, family flying in from everywhere, etc,  has kept me away from the computer. I have, however, been doing some sewing, buying and planning during this time. That being said, I AM BACK! I have all sorts of great new tote bags coming out soon that I am really excited about.

New Equipment and Materials!

My birthday was a few weeks ago and I got the mother of all sewing machines! It’s the new Singer Professional 2010. It is a great machine but with my luck one of the prongs in the power outlet, within the machine, broke off into the power cord?! Figures, so now I am down one machine and up lots of eager customers! Things could be worse though of course.

I have stocked up on all sort of materials over the last few weeks; I blew through my original fabric stock quickly. We have been going through my grandmother’s huge home and  have found a whole bunch a fabric from all over the world! From fabric samples straight out of 1950’s  NYC to silk from Asia. We’ve really found an amazing mix of high quality textiles. I obviously got my knack for nice fabric from my Nanny! I also bought some great vintage fabric off of Etsy.com and was given a whole box full of relatively new fabric that someone decided they weren’t going to be able to use the way they had planned. So I am all stocked up with great fabric and notions!!

Interfacing Dilemma Solved!

quick pic of one of my new bags, made from a fabric sample, cotton interfacing and blue cotton interior

I have been struggling to find some sort of alternative to synthetic interfacing so commonly used today. I came across some organic cotton interfacing (they only have a limited supply though) and regular 100% cotton interfacing. Both only come in the fusible variety of interfacing and I do not know what is in the glue, but, I figure it is still better than the synthetic interfacing. Using the interfacing is making the quality of my bags increase so much more than I thought it would. Higher quality bags means that they will last you longer so overall this is the most sustainable option for the company and I hope that you all agree! I also came across some cotton and bamboo batting, I’ll play around with that too once I build up some more inventory!

Getting Out There!

The idea that I need to get my products out into boutiques and into markets has been reinforced repetitively over the month that I have been selling my tote bags online. Tote bags are definitely a product that people need to see and touch before they buy from you for the first time. Once people have bought a tote bag from me in person then I am confident that they will feel comfortable buying another from my online shop and recommending Reclaimed Threads Sustainable Bags to their friends.

So now they key lies in getting out into the brick and mortar market place! I am looking forward to this and if anyone has any advice about where to start looking for stores that might want to carry my sustainable tote bags, how to price products for wholesale or how to market yourself then drop me a line! I love hearing from all of you and find that I get some of the best advice this way!

I’m also starting an online picture account so that I can share more pictures of fabrics that I come across, finished products and Reclaimed Threads in action (sewing, buying, at fairs, etc). So I will be sure to reference to that on Twitter as I update it with pictures!

To Wrap Up

I am excited that the company is already evolving and improving! I cannot wait to get all of the new bags finished and up for sale because they are turning out so nicely and I am really proud of them! I love that life has worked out so that I can be a 25 year old with my own company that reflects my  passions for being creative and living sustainably. I am learning so much and enjoying every minute of work. Creating sustainable tote bags for everyone to enjoy is so much fun and watching someone love a bag that you made with your own hands is extremely rewarding! So things are looking bright and I can’t wait to give everyone another update next month!

‘Til then, remember to stop back and catch the Etsy Shopper weekly feature (picking up again next Thursday, October 22, spotlight on Earrings) and other miscellaneous features promoting sustainable living every Tuesday (starting up again next Tuesday, October 20 with “Halloween Goodies”). Thanks for all of your support and spread the word!

Best Wishes,

Katherine