Kickstarter
Kickstarter first entered my vocabulary about two years ago when an acquaintance at a birthday party was telling me about her latest project and how she intended to fund it. Kickstarter is a website where entrepreneurs and artists list details about a project plan and investors have the opportunity to fund it. Everyone can pledge to get an innovative new product or a creative arts project on its feet. You can start your own project or search for new and creative ideas that inventors are hoping to launch. Kickstarter states on it’s website:
Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. Every week, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields.
It’s a great concept and it’s truly amazing to scan through the creative vision of so many talented, pragmatic and smart people. It really helps highlight what the world is thinking, planning and developing for the new, next thing. The interesting twist is that you must post your budget, then a countdown begins. You have a limited period of time in which to capture the attention and wallets of benefactors. If you don’t reach your funding goal then no money exchanges hands and the project is canceled.
- Why is Kickstarter funding all-or-nothing?
-
On Kickstarter, a project must reach its funding goal before time runs out or no money changes hands. Why? It protects everyone involved. This way, no one is expected to develop a project with an insufficient budget, which sucks. Remember you set your own funding goal, so aim to raise the minimum amount you’ll need to create your vision. Projects can always raise more than their goal, and often do.
In addition, the developers often offer bonuses of everything from promotional materials like free tshirts or the product itself signed by the inventor or other enticements to those who are willing to support their dreams.
I particularly love that you can search by region to help support local artists and artisans. You can also search by project type (fashion, music, theater, etc) or even recommended, popular or recently launched. It gives consumers the power to vote with their wallets before a project even gets off the ground and that seems like a very good idea indeed. I’ll be searching and pledging my support to great designers who focus on recycled goods because that’s where my passion lies. Who or what will you find to kickstart? Leave your thoughts in the comments below including links to any really cool projects that you’d like to recommend.
Filed under Activism, DIY, Products | Tags: benefactor, creative, design, DIY, donation, eco-friendly, Kickstarter, projects, recycle, refashion, sustainable | Comment (0)
ikcdesign: Original (re)Design
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62006649/upcycled-checkbook-cover-made-from
I’ve run out of checks again so it’s time to order a new set. After wading through screens of puppies and fairies and Christmas designs, I finally decided to just reorder the argyle that I’m already using. I know; boring. I still can’t figure out what kind of person wants to have Christmas themed checks all year long, but I digress… As I was about to checkout the page suggested that I buy a matching leather checkbook cover. “Ooh…pretty”, I thought, but then I realized that it’s new and it’s leather. Neither of which are particularly environmentally-friendly, so I popped over to Etsy to see what I could find in the upcycled/recycled categories. In college I studied Japanese language and East Asian studies and have retained my love of all things Asian. I was so excited to find checkbook covers made from recycled book pages about Japan. There were so many interesting choices. One seller in particular had some very creatively recycled pages that I thought would make for a very stylish checkbook cover. They also recycled the tops from trophies and old album covers. The seller named ikc (original redesign) has a very catchy tagline “Old is the new New”. I love it! Here are few other really cool recycled homegoods by ikcdesign:
Stuff I Love: Paper Made from Poo!
Yes, you did read that correctly. I am referencing paper recyled from excrement. Ewwww…. Well, The Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company has a cute little slogan that reads, “We take the OO out of Poo”. This paper has been crafted from the undigested plant fibers left behind by elephants. It’s allowed to dry, cleaned and then made into paper. According to their website, they can make 25 large sheets of paper from a single elephant dropping. In addition, their website gives great elephant facts, including this one:
Did You Know? – Surprising Facts About Elephants
~ Elephants eat 300 – 600 lb (130 – 270 kg) of food per day – 60% of that food leaves the elephant’s body undigested.
I love this product because it’s unique, sustainable and helps endangered elephants while creating a useful and attractive final product. The line of safari and sea life paper products are adorable! The best thing is that by developing the recycled poo paper industry they are contritubting to the welfare of elephants:
Products With a Purpose
Our purpose is to successfully sell our goods in order to complete a truly creative sustainable cycle:
where raw materials with little other use are utilized to make a useful and functional product all the while providing jobs and opportunity along the way and ultimately selling our goods at a profit from which a portion
is directed to a worthwhile cause: elephant welfare and conservation.
Basically, our sustainable cycle works like this: as with all creatures on our planet, elephants need a clean environment and a good diet. With these needs met, an elephant produces a lot of dung, which we collect and use to make our products. We work with various conservation parks (and mahouts) to gather the dung(which is full of fibrous material and makes great paper). We then process the dung into paper sheets from which our products
are made. The more we sell to customers like you and to stores across the country and around the world
…the more we can contribute as a portion of the profits from each item you buy is contributed to elephant welfare and conservation programs!
What a great cause! They also offer fundraising for clubs, associations and environmental groups. So, embrace the poo, it may just be the paper of the future.
SerendipiT Donating 100% of Sale Proceeds to Japanese Aid Organizations
The catastrophic events that have taken place in Japan over the last week are almost unimaginable, the suffering of the survivors nearly inconceivable. Fortunately there are several charitable organizations already providing aid. For this reason I am temporarily converting my Etsy shop over to serve as a means to collect donations to support the efforts of these organizations. While I have my personal favorite, I wanted to provide everyone with a choice. Therefore I have listed 8 charitable organizations that are currently providing relief specifically to the people of Japan right now.
Do you want to help Japan? I will donate 100% of your purchase to one of the organizations listed here specifically to aid with the rescue and rebuilding efforts in Japan. To communicate your selection just list your choice in the “convo to seller” at checkout:
AMERICAN RED CROSS: Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help.
GLOBALGIVING: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami.
SAVE THE CHILDREN: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter.
SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need.
AMERICARES: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region.
CONVOY OF HOPE: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities.
SHELTER BOX: The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort.
Thank you for your generosity and kindness in this time of need for the Japanese people.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth of SerendipiT.etsy.com
SerendipiT sources fabrics from previously loved clothing and recycles these textiles into hand-crafted EcoChic fashion. This eco-friendly process reduces our consumption of raw materials and precious resources. Refashioned clothing and accessories are true sustainable fashion that helps you to reduce your environmental impact on the Earth.
*Proud Member of the Fashion: Remix Team (tag: fashionremixteam)
*Proud member of the Recyclers Team Guild (tag: wastenot)
Etsy Shop Feature: Little Asian Sweatshop
This Etsy shop feature segment is for a local designer from the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. At fewer than 50 miles away from Baltimore, D.C. is just a hop, skip and jump away. We are both members of the same Etsy team: DC Craftacopia, a collection of fun and talented crafters from the D.C. Metro region.
ICouldSewDoThat(SerendipiT): Ok, let’s get this party started! So, first things first…your shop name. How did you choose such an unusual shop name for yourself?
LittleAsianSweatshop: While in college, I started cosplaying, and began making costumes for all my friends, manically sewing well into the night for weeks preceding a conventino, which earned me the moniker, “a Little Asian Sweatshop”.
ICouldSewDoThat(SerendipiT): Ah, well that sounds innocuous enough. I studied Japanese language and culture in college, so as you can imagine I was really into anime and quite a few of my friends really enjoyed cosplay too. Baltimore is home to Otakon, so we’re no stranger to conventioner’s milling around the streets in furry costumes. In fact, my neighbor, Stephanie Burke, is a well-known science fiction romance writer who can be frequently found at many conventions around the country in all sorts of fun outfits. Sewing costumes can be tough work, have you been crafty your whole life?
LittleAsianSweatshop: I first started sewing when I was 10 years old, making outfits for my brother’s Transformers (my mom didn’t believe in buying me Barbie dolls).
ICouldSewDoThat (SerendipiT): Wow! That’s some serious experience! I had both Transformers and Barbie Dolls that I enjoyed equally, but I’ll be honest and say that it never even occured to me to put a dress on my Optimus Prime. You must be a really creative thinker. So what inspires your creativity now?
LittleAsianSweatshop: Since I’ve stopped cosplaying (too old!), I’ve focused my passion for sewing onto making cute and whimsical hats, dresses, and accessories. I don’t really know where my inspiration will come from – but I strive in making everything as adorable as possible!
ICouldSewDoThat(SerendipiT): Well, you have certainly accomplished your mission. Your hats are super cute! My favorites are the Cleverly Wise Owl, the Scrumptiously Sweet Strawberry and the Dastardly Dangerous Dragon. These are such unique and fun items. What do you love most about the creative process?
LittleAsianSweatshop: I love it when a design that has been floating around in my head comes out EXACTLY the way I pictured it! It inspires and encourages to keep trying new things!
ICouldSewDoThat(SerendipiT): I am not yet familiar with this technique. Nothing ever comes out the way I plan. Sewing and creating has been a real practice in patience for me. I work with refashioning clothing and recycling what would be trash into new stuff mostly. What about you? Do you ever work with any “green” matierals?
LittleAsianSweatshop: I try to be green by upcycling when I can. For example, my poker card flowers came about because a friend was about to throw away an old deck that was missing an old deck. Most of the clothes I wear are modified from vintage or thrift-store buys. My inlaws think that I spend a ton of money on my clothes, but not a single item in my closet cost more then $30 
ICouldSewDoThat(Serendipit): You know, the clothes that I get the most compliments on are always my thrift store buys or stuff that I picked up at a clothing swap so I totally know what you mean. I also get some great vintage and refashioned buys on Etsy too though. Do you have any favorite Etsy stores that you are willing to share with us?
LittleAsianSweatshop: My favorite Etsy sellers are www.etsy.com/shop/PaigeyPumphrey and http://www.etsy.com/shop/janinebasil because her stuff is so cute, and because she has the BEST customer service skills. A close runner up is http://www.etsy.com/shop/friendlyfeathershop because she believes in cruelty free feathers (something that is very hard to find). And some of my other favs:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/anilineblack
http://www.etsy.com/shop/theghostgirl
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlybeauty
http://www.etsy.com/shop/theaterclouds
ICouldSewDoThat(SerendipiT): Thanks! I’m totally going to go and check those out now. So what’s next for you and your craft?
LittleAsianSweatShop: I’m hoping to be at the Art Whino in July and August…and I’m working on placing my products in stores…soon!
ICouldSewDoThat(SerendipiT): Wow, I had never even heard of that! I’m totally going now; thanks! That “Viva la Gummy” looks really awesome. So to close out our interview, I love to ask people for one completely random fact about themselves. Do you have anything that you want to share with the world that may have previoulsy gone unknown?
LittleAsianSweatshop: I’m a closet thrill seeker - I’ve scuba dived, done trapeze, sky dived and bungee jumped!
ICouldSewDoThat(SerendipiT): Whoa! I never would have pegged you for an adrenaline junkie! Thanks for taking the time to share your story with me. Be safe you wild and crazy artist and keep up the super cute work!
Check out the amazingly adorable hats and other goodies (especially the eco-friendly recycled poker card fascinators) on sale in the shop now!
Filed under Blog Coverage, Featured Seller, Featured Seller | Tags: Baltimore City, D.C., DC Craftacopia, eco-friendly, Etsy, recycle, refashion, Teams, Washington | Comments (2)Etsy Shop Feature: Sweet and Dirty’s Emporium of Good Stuff
This next shop feature is special because we are both members of the same Team on Etsy: The Etsy Recycler’s Guild Team. However, I noticed and marked a few of their items as favorites before I even realized that they we were teamies. So, without further ado, it has been my pleasure to interview Sweet and Dirty’s Emporium of Good Stuff.
ICouldSewDoThat (Serendipit): First, let me thank you for taking the time out of your busy designer schedule for this interview. Second, let me say that I love your stuff. I’m so inspired by it every time that I browse your shop. In fact, the rowdy girls bag is on my wish list right now; I love it!
What is your inspiration for these wonderfully unique items?
SweetandDirty: I was always encouraged by family to make sure that I love what I do, and I really think just knowing that I get to do that everyday.. wake up, be with my kids, and sew… that is all the inspiration i need to keep on keeping on. Of course coming across some good vintage fabric is pretty motivational too
ICouldSewDoThat (SerendipiT): Wow, that is so cool that you had so much support from your family and you get to really enjoy what you do; congrats! I love vintage fabric too, for many reasons. I typically use vintage fabric because it’s eco-friendly. Do you consider yourself “green”?
SweetandDirty: Very much. My entire shop is made from vintage/recycled/repurposed materials… it’s so nice to give new life to something instead of discarding it. It all carries over into my home life too – compost pile, garden growing (soon to be canning this summer), crazy recyclers.. it’s true, my husband has been known to go get and give recycling bins to those we know who don’t!
ICouldSewDoThat (SerendipiT): So, now we know that you are an eco-friendly artisan, who enjoys crafting with your family, tell us a little more about yourself.
SweetandDirty: My name is Logan and I live in the wonderful mountains of Tennessee. I am a stay at home mom to two sweet babes (Harvey and Ruby) and wife to a super encouraging husband. I went to college and got a BFA in painting, worked a silly retail job for way too long, then decided to take what I was doing for my loved ones and try to sell it to a larger audience… so far so good. It’s amazing to be doing what you love. In my ‘free time’ i can usually be found putting on impromptu dance parties and concerts with ruby, she’s two.. Harvey is only 5months so he hasn’t joined in just yet. I also love to cook!
ICouldSewDoThat (Serendipit): Wow! Well you sound like one very well-rounded and equally busy lady who really lives life to the fullest; good for you! I always find talkign with other artisans who have taken their craft full-time to be so encouraging. I hope that one day I can too. There are so many great artisans on Etsy who really focus on the quality and good design; I find a new shop that I love every day. Do you have any favorites?
SweetandDirty: oh my goodness there are so many sellers i love, if you take a look at my favorites it justifies that!
a few off the top of my head…
http://www.etsy.com/shop/necessityisthemother
http://www.etsy.com/shop/spinthread ( i have one of her lovely necklaces and wear it all the time, love it)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/chelebert12
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ziazia
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sohomode
http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackbirdtees
ICouldSewDoThat (SerendipiT): I will definately be checking those shops out; thanks for sharing! So, besides creating and shopping on Etsy, what else do you really love?
SweetandDirty: I love it when my little Ruby gives me random hugs, Harvey smiles my way, I get a date night with my husband, I find “new” fabric, seeing someone happy with something I have made, oh and a good batch of gravy and biscuits works real well too!
ICouldSewDoThat (SerendipiT): Well, you are a woman after my own heart. I lived in Tennessee for a spell myself and I have to agree that it’s the simple pleasures in life that really make each day special, especially time with loved ones and the chance to express yourself through craft. The biscuits always help too.
Well, to close out the interview I always love to get at least one totally random fact about each person that I meet. Can you share an interesting tidbit about yourself?
SweetandDirty: Let’s see… I can’t drive a stick.. I have an unhealthy obsession with sweet tea…I know the words to lots of obnoxious rap songs…and I can weld!
ICouldSewDoThat (SerendipiT): Those are some really fun facts; thanks for sharing! I’ve always wanted to weld, maybe I can trade you for some lessons in driving a manual. So, now that we know how to find you on Etsy, where else can we keep up with you?
SweetandDirty: I do a lot of local festivals in my area.. the two largest being The Big Crafty in Asheville, NC (it’s in July and December) and Rhythm and Roots in Bristol, TN/VA (it’s in September). I’m looking forward to doing a lot more here this next year though!
Sweet and Dirty on Twitter, Facebook and Blog.
Thanks again for sharing your story; I really enjoyed learning more about a favorite teammate of mine.
Filed under Environmentally Focused, Featured Seller, Featured Seller, Products, Uncategorized | Tags: clothing swap, design, eco-friendly, Etsy, Etsy Recyclers Guild Team, Featured Seller, interview, product review, recycle, refashion, sustainable, thrifty | Comment (1)2011 Is Here; Now What?
Well, it’s officially 2011. If you are into Mayans or Judgement Day there may not be much point in planning out your next project, but as for me; I’ve got a lot of work to do. I am extremely happy to have survived the holidays. Everyone seemed to enjoy the gifts that I made for them with a few confused looks but mostly happy faces. Lots of exclamations of “It’s my favorite color!” which is really what I was hoping for. Lots of promises to pair the shawls coats (apparently purple coats were very popular in recent years) and new soap savers being filled with beer soap. I hope everyone really loves their gifts as much as I loved making them, but now it’s time to work for myself. Well, for myself and my Etsy shop. I’m off to a productive start though. I’ve already made a brimmed beanie and a pair of sweater boots from the same sweater. I’m hoping to get well practiced at making these matching sets so that I can have a few for myself, a few to give as gifts and a few to sell in my shop. They combine all of my favorite things in a few fun projects: thrifting, recycling and crafting! I’m also planning to use my newly acquired knitting and crocheting skills to get to work on a few fun projects too. I’m hoping to make a few rag rugs, some stylish accessories and maybe a sweater or two. Of course, I’m already receiving family requests for a new knit scarf, patches and hemming and even a fun baby shower gift. I’ve also come up with some fun ideas for the shop and I’m going to try to start using patterns in my refashions, so wish me luck! I’m also studying up on photography so that I can improve my photos. Please be sure to comment on anything you see in my shop; I can always use feedback, pointers or advice. Finally, in just a few months it will be time to get started on those Christmas projects again. So who has time to worry about the apocalypse? I’ve got crafting to do! What are your plans for the coming year? Be sure to share photos of any projects that you get finished or links to any cool tutorials that you spot. Happy New Year to you gentle reader!
Filed under Uncategorized | Tags: 2011, apocalypse, crafts, crochet, DIY, eco-friendly, Etsy, fashion, Happy New Year!, Judgement Day, Mayan, prediction, Rapture, recycle, refashion, SerendipiT, sustainable, Threadbanger, thrifty, Tutorial | Comment (0)Etsy Shop Feature: Interview with Lola’s Jewels
I enjoy handmade craft for many reasons as you may already know from previous posts. The benefits of purchasing handmade are many, you provide living wages to someone that you can get to know rather than supporting a faceless corporation who may be purchasing from abused workers overseas, you can ensure quality and customer service are a premium and help the economy by ensuring that hard working, creative and entrepreneurial designers can practice the craft of their choice. You can purchase items online, at a craft fair or even your local farmer’s market. However, every so often I would like to take the time to feature and help you get to know some of the handmade artisans who have setup virtual shops on Etsy. This is the first shop feature that I’ll be promoting here and it’s an interview with Lola’s Jewels.
I’ve decided to start with this shop because it’s local to me. Lola’s Jewels hails from my home town, the lovely Charm City, Baltimore, Maryland.
ICouldSewDoThat: First, tell me a little something about yourself.
Lola’s Jewels: I am a mother of three wonderful children. I work full time and love to design jewelry in my “spare time”. This actually relaxes me. I even have my 7 year old daughter making her own jewelry. I love to read and enjoy lots of time with the family.
ICouldSewDoThat: So what inspires you?
Lola’s Jewels: My inspiration definitely comes from my family. I named my shop Lola’s jewels after my daughter and I hope she will design and create jewelry to add to the shop one day. She has a great imagination and an eye for design, so we shall see.
ICouldSewDoThat:As you may know I love eco-friendly design and have been trying to “green” up a bit for a variety of reasons. What about you, do you consider yourself environmentally conscious?
Lola’s Jewels:I am definitely eco-friendly! Waste not want not! My scrabble tile jewelry is made from upcycled game pieces. The shell items in my shop are made form actual sea shells found while on vacation with my family in Florida. There will be more upcycled jewelry coming soon!!
ICouldSewDoThat:Have you found any other shops that you really love to shop in or are inspired by on Etsy?
Lola’s Jewels:I have many favorite Etsy sellers. There are so many talented people on Etsy.
ICouldSewDoThat:“I love it when….”?
Lola’s Jewels:People love my creations! There is no better compliment.
ICouldSewDoThat:For Baltimore locals is there a way where we can shop local and catch you outside of your Etsy store?
Lola’s Jewels:I will be at local craft fairs in the Spring and you never know where else…… keep your eyes open for Lola’s Jewels!
ICouldSewDoThat:What’s are some totally random facts about you?
Lola’s Jewels:Dessert is my favorite part of the meal. I see the beauty in everything. I love Sunsets!
ICouldSewDoThat:Thanks so much for taking the time to share a little bit about yourself and your craft.
Be sure to check out the shop and look for Lola’s Jewels locally in Baltimore. You can follow her on Twitter or friend her on Facebook.
Remember to shop local and buy handmade!
Filed under Activism, Environmentally Focused, Products, Shopping, Website | Tags: Baltimore City, crafts, eco-friendly, Etsy, gifts, recycle, sustainable, thrifty | Comments (2)It’s Party Time!
That’s right folks, it’s officially party season. From now through New Year’s Eve you will be expected to don your best duds and doll yourself up to spend time with friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances. You can’t be seen wearing the same fancy dress year after year or be caught wearing the same suit and tie in every after party photo can you? What’s a green girl or boy to do? Even worse is the thought of shelling out all of that hard earned dough during this tough economy for a single purpose dress to be worn once and then hung in a fancy bag in the dimmest corner of your closet until you finally give up and donate it. Well, before you do that try refashioning. If you like to sew just grab a dress from a local clothing swap, goodwill or best friend who doesn’t want to wear it anymore. Purchase or make your own pattern and refashion that frock. I realize that this isn’t likely to happen for most of us during this busy holiday season, so I present to you some environmentally-friendly, budget conscious alternatives to grabbing that shiny new outfit from the rack. Check out some of these great recycled and vintage pieces from the crafty sellers on Etsy:
Look Nook covers Handmade Gift Wrap (and my fabric bow)
http://looknook.blogspot.com/ is a blog that focuses on “things to look at and things to read. art, books, love.” The blog highlights small shops that focus on handmade arts and crafts. Yesterday, the plaid fabric gift bow that I have offered in both my shop (SerendipiT.Etsy.com) and the team shop (FashionRemixTeam.Etsy.com). Below is an excerpt and a link to the original; go read it and comment. Thanks!
Here is the link to the original article EW: Wrap it up.
Filed under Blog Coverage | Tags: blog review, crafts, eco-friendly, Etsy, FashionRemixTeam, recycle, refashion, SerendipiT, sustainable, thrifty | Comment (0)They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover or a gift by its wrapping. I happen to disagree. The outside is an item’s first impression and should be decorated as such. That said, there is no need to go overboard. My trick is to use 1 part simple to 1 part extravagant. If I am using plain paper, I will gussy it up with some fancy bows, bells, and tags. If I am using amazing paper, I keep the ribbon tying simple and clean.
If you found the Target wrapping paper section as underwhelming as I did, these items will hopefully inspire you this gift-giving season.
