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I’m always peeking at the recycled-and-upcycled offerings over on Etsy – and today I found this great looking pendant light.
It’s made from a colander! And a lot of careful craftsmanship.
Look at all the positives: it’s recycled (a colander!). This could have gone in a landfill – and it shouldn’t have – and it didn’t. It’s handmade, which is always a good thing. (There’s enough big box stuff out there already). It uses the new energy-efficient CFL bulbs. It’s unique. It’s affordable – a pendant lamp for your place and even with the shipping, it’s only $55? Oh yeah, this is of the good.
And of course the most important thing – it LOOKS GOOD.
It’s available from SpokenStitch on Etsy – go over there and take a look, they’ve got lots of goodies, both recycled and handmade. Totally worth checking it out!
Think how great this would look in a loft space. Or a farmhouse kitchen. Or over your dining room table. (Or mine!)
You get the idea I like this lamp? I really really do 
You know I’m always talking about decorating with white – and I really do love it. White, and/or neutral, mostly. But that makes color even more important and vibrant when you do add some. Take a neutral room (make a neutral room) and then add a splash of color – and it really sings.
Imagine how gorgeous these would be in a white room!
I found them at a terrific vintage Etsy shop, Design Through Time. There are lots of goodies over there – you’ll want to go peek
She also has another shop on Etsy, ModernSpecific on Etsy, where I found this fabulous
Vintage Rosti of Denmark Melamine Yellow 4 Liter Mixing Bowl.
See what I mean about the color just singing to you?
Even if the items I’m showing here are gone when you go look – she’s got lots of treasures. And (I think) all vintage. So: good design, reasonable prices, and fabulous character pieces. Go look!
I found these totally adorable shoes today on Etsy:
They’re available from Tbone4Life and they’re only $12.00 (plus shipping)! If they were my size I would be buying them today. But they’re not, so you have a shot at them
If they’re gone when you see this, go look at her shop anyway – she’s got some super cute goodies at great prices. And they’re vintage, so you’re being eco-friendly and fashion conscious all at the same time.
Comfy and cute shoes – totally of the good!
I just wanted to point out something you probably know already – the great finds you can score at Craigslist. If you’re in the U.S. – and a lot of cities worldwide – there’s a local craigslist, or close to “local”. And if you’re shopping for goodies for your house – you really ought to check it out before you go and pay Retail!
For instance – here are a few goodies I found today in my local CL. If I were Seriously Shopping, and not just looking around, I would call the owner to check any of these out!
 
They’re asking $75 for the table and five chairs. $75! And that bench has lovely bones, I think. They’re asking a whopping $20.
 
The patio set? The owners mentioned the chairs need new cushions (or covers) and maybe a coat of paint too. But hey, they’re asking $50 for all the pieces shown. And the sofa? It might not look as good in person, or it could be all smoky-smelling, or torn up and down the back. But it might be as good as it looks. And doesn’t it look good? They’re asking $150. Might take less
Yes you have to inspect your purchase carefully, and not be afraid to say “Sorry, don’t want it.” But sometimes you really will want it – and you might get a great deal!
PS You are also Going Green – you’re reusing and recycling, and maybe rethinking too
These pretty little sparklies add some bling to your summer wardrobe
Light Amethyst (Lilac) Vintage Glass Jewels and Swarovski Crystal Rhinestones
Aqua Vintage Glass Pear Jewels and Swarovski Crystal Rhinestones
These aren’t huge and loud. They’re little-to-medium, and they’re pretty. And of course when you do it yourself – make a pair of earrings for yourself, or maybe for a gift -you don’t have to spend a lot
Sparkling Crystal Pear Jewels in Silver Plated Settings
Yes, these are all available in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop. Take a look around
A little summer indulgence
I just thought I’d give an update, a peek at some of the goodies I have in my Etsy Shop. I love these little sparklies – and I hope you will too
And – just a little hint and self-promotion combined – you know Prom Season and Mother’s Day is coming.
Do it yourself and save money!
PS If you’re getting married? You can easily make your own bridal earrings, just as an example. They’ll be sparkly, they’ll be beautiful, and you can save your money for your wedding or your party or your honeymoon!
I’ve said this before – more and more I’m leaning toward decorating with white. I love the simplicity of it, the clean look – okay, part of that is “uncluttered”, too – but when your base is (mostly) white it’s like you’re making a canvas for the people in your house – the life that goes on – rather than “uber decorating”.
White looks GOOD. And, of course, I’m always interested in vintage – in reusing and rethinking and taking things that might have been discarded and making them a loved part of your life.
Case in point – take a look at these terrific vintage items I found on Etsy today:
White Vintage Lamps from Kowgirlkitsch on Etsy
and
Set of Six Vintage White Cups from Kowgirlkitsch on Etsy
These would look great in your house. They’re functional, they’re a little funky, and they’re vintage (and affordable, which is not always the case!)
I found them at Kowgirl Kitsch on Etsy, and she’s got LOTS of great looking, fun items at good prices. You should go look
I know I’m going to revisit this idea – decorating with white. It’s looking so good to me lately. Stay tuned for Part Two (or Six, or whatever!)
I was just looking around Etsy – which is one of my favorite ways to play on the net for a little while – and I saw this terrific and gorgeous vintage dress:
 .
Isn’t that a yummy color? And the way it skims the waist, it would be easy to wear and flattering. And it’s only $30.00. I mean, you’ve got to love it!
The Etsy shop, Raleigh Vintage has LOTS of other goodies
Just as an aside – okay, a little self-promotion here – these earrings from Paper Jewels would look adorable with that dress:
Or maybe these:
I think the soft grey would be great with the light blue in the dress – or (of course) I could make them to match the blue. Hint: these would be great for Mom, too – Mother’s Day is coming soon! (End of commercial!)
But truly, go check out that dress!
Woo hoo! I just got a new shipment of vintage glass jewels AND now I have silver plated settings in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop. Take a look at a few of these new (vintage, old unused stock) pretties!
Crystal Vintage Glass Jewels – 14mm x 10mm Oval Jewels in Silver Plated Settings
Deep Pink 11mm Jewels with Light Pink Swarovski Crystals – in Silver Plated Settings
Sheer Pink Vintage Glass Pear Jewels in Silver PLated Settings
They’re sparkly – and fun – and affordable – and make wonderful gifts, for your mom, or your girlfriend, or for bridal jewelry – or hey, for yourself. And did I say sparkly? Yes!
You can’t get more “fashion forward” than upcycled, newly created one of a kind garments that are made from recycled clothing
It’s the best of both (all) worlds – unique styles, handmade quality construction, AND eco-chic! Take a look at these wonderful items from Broken Ghost Couture on Etsy.
That top is so much fun! I love the colors, you know it’ll look great with leggings or skinny jeans, and the black lace adds a cool edginess.
This is such a darling dress! The colors are so happy, and it would be warm with those long sleeves, and those buttons and gathers on the skirt are adorable. Think how much your little girl would love wearing it!
The seller (creator!) on Etsy has lots of other goodies – one of a kind, original, unusual garments. You should definitely check out her shop!
PS By the way. Some people think that creating garments from recycled clothing is easier than starting from scratch with new fabric. I have to tell you, I do some sewing myself, and the truth is, it’s much more work to recycle/reconstruct, than to just cut out fabric and sew. You have to pick and choose carefully what you can use from the cast-off clothing, often you have to de-construct, and your ‘eye’ for construction must be more finely honed. It’s a demanding skill!
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