Etsy Recyclers Guild

Etsy Sellers Story : PaperFloDesign Don't Give Up

2022-02-14T09:19:00.001-05:00

PaperFloDesign on Etsy sells downloadable SVG Files.

It has been some time since I dusted off this blog, but in case you've landed her struggling with your Etsy shop, I thought I would post today.

So many Etsians have given up, they join Etsy only to get frustrated that their items aren't flying off the shelves. It takes time, patience, and determination to create a successful business. There's a bit of difference making a transition from doing what you love craft or art-wise then turning it into a money making entity.

Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was your shop. Maybe you're great at crafts but bad at running an Etsy shop, don't give up! I recently interviewed an Etsy shop owner who used to live in the USA, but now sells on Etsy from France! Naa Ardua of PaperFloDesign makes the world a greener place by selling digital files. She focuses on SVG files. The files are then sold via downloadable art to the customer, and the customer makes things with them. They can reuse the files and make variations of the items. What a green idea.

What's more, the seller offers an outside-of-Etsy online course (which I didn't think was expensive) to teach others how to start an art like this,and do what you love on her own website PaperFloDesigns.com

It's important for sellers to help each other, and keep small business alive. Here's the free podcast which may give you some motivation!

You can Listen to it here:

Happy Etsying!

Etsy Recyclers Guild Twitter Makeover & Team Treasury

2016-07-19T19:00:00.001-04:00

The new look for the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Twitter account! It features our team blog banner and an updated matching profile photo pulling together a cohesive appearance that's very GREEN! I want to send a special thank you to Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader Cindy of Etsy shop RetroChalet for creating our team's Twitter page! She's so awesome!

In celebration of the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Twitter makeover, I've created a green inspired team treasury spotlighting 100% upcycled creations and retro renewed vintage treasures from members of the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team! Reduce, Reuse, and Reminisce!...Uncover the Hidden Mysteries of the Green Guild!

This blog article was contributed by the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica Woody of Eco-Friendly Freckles

An Upcycled and Vintage Wonderland Inspired by Alice Through the Looking Glass!

2016-07-18T22:52:00.002-04:00

Have you seen Alice Through the Looking Glass? Are you absolutely mesmerized by the wacky whimsical film?! Invite Lewis Carroll's books' enchantment and a curious Tim Burton twist into your home and wardrobe with these handmade upcycled creations and retro resurrected Etsy treasures and trinkets inspired by the fanciful movie and legendary tale of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland! Included here are two one-of-a-kind hand-painted upcycled decoupage art pieces by Etsy Recycler's Guild Team Captain Jessica Woody of Eco-Friendly Freckles as well as a set of fabulous vintage lovelies from Team Leaders Cyn Marie of Etsy Shop Retro Chalet and Andrea Scott of Storybook Artifact...along with other vintage and handmade treasures from Etsy Recyclers Guild Team members!

Hand-Painted Upcycled Decoupage Alice in Wonderland Inspired Art Canister "Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica Woody of Etsy Shop Eco-Friendly Freckles

Vintage Plastic Skeleton Keys Melmac Swizzle Sticks by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader Cyn Marie of Etsy Shop Retro Chalet

Mad About You Tea For Two - Antique Plum Vine Teacups and Saucers by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader Andrea Scott of Etsy Shop Storybook Artifact

Upcycled Glass Bottle Teardrop Geode Necklace (in an "Alice Blue" color and reminiscent of Alice's tears) by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team members Kelly and Leslie of Etsy Shop reVetro

Purple Cat Bangle (reminds one of the Chesire Cat!) by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team member Jolanda of Sweet Lake Jewelry

"Only Felt in the Heart" Wood Collage (reminiscent of the Queen of Hearts) by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team members Ami and Pam of Etsy Shop ArtRepurposeDaz

Vintage Lithograph Print of the 1896 Harpers Magazine Cover by Artist Edward Penfield featuring the March Hare by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team member LaOohLaLa Boutique

Hand-Painted Upcycled Decoupage "Twisted Alice" Art Canister by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica Woody of Etsy Shop Eco-Friendly Freckles

This blog article was contributed by the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica Woody of Eco-Friendly Freckles

Greenerprinter Sustainable Printing Services

2016-04-24T10:05:00.002-04:00

Kraft Paper, Eco Inks at Greenerprinter.com

Greenerprinter is an environmentally friendly printing and graphic company who helps companies promote themselves in more eco friendly and sustainable ways. From business cards to printing soft bound books, they have taken major steps in their business to be less harmful to the environment and achieving a multitude of certifications along the way. When you order something, you can rest assured you've done something good and enjoy fair pricing.

Templates help you choose what you need - make your designs come to life!

Greenerprinter prides themselves on using Soy and Vegetable based inks ! By taking initiatives to rule out harmful petroleum based inks, this company showed a a major step in helping the environment. They have their own Recycling Program for unused inks and cartridges and a strict program to control just how much to order and when. Eco Audits keep things running smoothly.

Inside the Greenerprinter building , state of the art equipment.

They use Carbon Neutral Shipping which you can read more about this shipping here. They are "Lean and Clean" in a chem-free environment! Having state of the art equipment helps production run more efficient, and creating less footprint . As mentioned above, they strive for all kinds of certifications including currently they are part of the Green-e Marketplace, Sustainable Green Printing Partnership, have been named a Certified B-Corp, Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification, FSC, and work with CarbonFund.org to name a few.

Hang Tags are a specialty at Greenerprinter.com

It takes extra effort for people to go greener. These efforts started in 1987 and continue advancing today. One would imagine paying extra for such services, but thanks to Greenerprinter having so many happy clients pricing to customers is more than fair, I did my own comparisons.

Don't take my word for it, see for yourself, could you ever imagine getting a digitally printed soft bound full color book 25 copies for under $210? (*excludes shipping, but see below) Just see the template here. Still, this would make even the small business want to utilize their services or even the individual , can you imagine an easy Christmas gift this year - printing recipe books for all your friends and family?

***Their Facebook page and instagram is bustling with free coupon codes, sometimes discounts off orders or free shipping, so please LIKE them on Facebook or follow on Instagram and find coupon codes there:
Facebook - Greenerprinter
Instagram

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This article was updated 2/2022 due to being broken photo links.

Running the press

A photo posted by greenerprinter (@greenerprinter) on Apr 20, 2015 at 11:04am PDT

note: This was a sponsored post by Greenerprinter, as companies sometimes pay for mentions, but after researching the company the author @iramency was completely thrilled and the ideas her own. I will use this company for future needs.

5 Great Upcycled Gifts from Etsy

2016-02-17T07:55:00.000-05:00

These old utensils have found a new use at Curbside Pickins set $20

Upcycled & Recycled Love

These gifts are great for any time of year. Upcycling starts with using items and repurposing them into something else. Lisa and Andy from Charlottesville Virginia have found good use for old utensils. They also use old encyclopedias to make pendants and ornaments as well. Who would have thought mismatched

silverware would look so great?

Pop Art Canister would look great in the art room Eco Friendly Freckles $95

Jessica from Oklahoma takes old cans and makes them into functional art canisters, great for storing your gardening , sewing , or craft supplies. With a pop art look these would make great one of a kind gifts! In her shop you will also find upcycled cassette tape business card holders!

RetroGrandma Upcycled CookBook Purse $45

RetroGrandma has been upcycling cool things on Etsy for sometime, including records into functional clocks. This cookbook purse is not only funky but would make a statement for the chef in your life. Imagine the comments you would get. Her items are made with love from Canada.

HodthePods uses old firehose to make these coasters $24.95

Fireeeee!!!! Well, there goes the fireman hose, upcycled into functional art coasters to hold your tasty beverage. A set of four run you $24.95 and have a great look to them. Not all are stenciled but the material makes them look so retro and great for your home! Felted back and great guy gift! Made by Mike from HodthePods a shop out of New Jersey.

Rebecca Steen Crafts Paint Mirror $55

How cool is this? Paint scraps that were left over on Rebecca's palette would be scraped into the trash can, or tiny dried remnants otherwise unused, have been affixed to this 12x12 mirror and would look great for the art room! What a way to upcycled, from Riverside, California.

Etsy has a great plethora of upcycled and recycled gifts!

ADT Pulse Reduce Home Energy Costs

2016-02-10T14:10:00.003-05:00

Electromagnetic Radiation Health Care Gadget from Etsy shop BataAcke

Energy bills can rack up. Many times one is clueless on how to cut costs. Now more than ever we are being victims of telemarketing and automated calls asking you to switch to this provider or that provider in order to save money on your electric bill. It's all so confusing after energy de-regulation and sometimes you find yourself lost in the fine print. Recently, though, there's a solution by ADT , the company who is known to provide consumer security and dates back to 1874 on how to reduce home energy costs .

[Source: Home Security Solutions]

Implementing their ADT Pulse® service, you can remotely monitor your home from any location, using your Internet-enabled smartphone, tablet or computer. This makes it very efficient to control your home's energy costs, and is on the cutting edge of awesome technology. Wow.

Energy Star Set of Rocks Ginger Street Folly

Angel Chakra necklace re: Etsy Shop Primal Painter

Thanks to ADT Pulse for sponsoring this post

Stella Divina Coasters Recycled Tile Needs Beer Labels You Get Free Coaster

2016-01-31T18:38:00.000-05:00

Vadim surprised me with flowers at the #ClaremontFarmersMarket today!!! #love #flowers #Entrepreneur #girlboss #farmersmarket #BuyHandmade #BuyLocal

A photo posted by Stella Divina (@astelladivina) on Jan 24, 2016 at 9:56am PST

Stella Divina Coasters - Hand Crafted in the U.S.A.

As we are always on the hunt for upcycle and recycle artists, we just found Stella Divina of Claremont Village, CA. She is creating away gorgeous colorful drink coasters from old tile, cork and labels. Not to mention, she's encouraging people to drink beer and send her labels. Why?

She says, "I make upcycled coasters using recycled tiles that I paint by hand. Each tile has different mixed-media embedded into it, such as craft beer labels, vintage art, wine labels, or photography. I have a Beer Drinking Team so people can peel labels off their bottles and send them to me to recycle them into my coaster, and 25 labels gets anyone a free coaster. Great way to recycle those labels!"

Who would know these were old kitchen and bathroom tiles? Find them here at StellaDivina.com or Etsy shop astelladivina

This coaster by Stella Divina $14.99 and an old citrus crate label. Find it here.

Buy them on Etsy @Astelladivina

Drink Beer & Get a Free Coaster?

It is true craft beer is a hugely popular item today. Although most people recycle the bottle, the labels are lost forever. Now you can remove the labels and send them to Stella Divina, and get a free coaster!

Find out more about this promotion at StellaDivina.com

Etsy Shop: astelladivina

note: drink responsibly.

Green Baby So Rad Bamboo Clothing

2016-01-06T13:59:00.001-05:00

Eco Baby Teether, $8.50 from fairyofcolor on Etsy.

Ohhhh Baby....

Nothing like shopping greener and smarter when shopping for baby gear, novelties, decor and health and beauty aids. We've come across these great finds to help you and baby live a more eco friendly life. Above, Fairy of Color prides themselves on making eco teethers - crocheted wooden teething rings. With no removable parts, something to ohhh and ahhh the baby in your life.

The Eco Friendly Organic SoRad Bandanna Bib is only $12.99 here

Shop with So Rad...

If you want to take this a step further, why not try to find bamboo, organic cotton clothing for baby? SoRad offers clothes are made from actual Bamboo in the fabric! Yes, we said clothing from bamboo-- don't as us how, we'll leave that up to the professionals, yet we are gloating over the fact a renewable resource is used in such a wonderful way!

Bootie Socks, well made and oh so cute $18.99 here at ShopSoRad.com

This store, SoRad hails from Canada, but has greened up every part of their store. They ship worldwide. Not only do they make green clothing, they also make chemical free body care products. Not only can you dress baby in soft and eco-conscious clothing but you can powder them up knowing full well all the ingredients don't contain harmful chemicals!

Vegan Baby Powder: No harmful ingredients, worthwhile $15.99 here.

The powder above is Talc free, Paraben free, and does not contain harmful Phthalates or GMO's. What a great idea! Made with Lavender Flowers, Cucumber and Marshmallows, a small sure to please both baby and mommy and daddy. You can keep up with ShopSoRad on Instagram here, or on Facebook as well.

Mason Jar for Baby with BPA free Drink Unit $13.00 at IowaFarmLifeDreams

Back in the day of grandma and grandpa baby bottles were glass, and easy to sterilize. You would never heard of plastic milk bottles. Unfortunately over time chemicals used in plastic baby bottles could contain harm to baby. Why would you stick harmful things in baby's mouth? This idea using a mason jar and cap with BPA free drink unit is an idea for toddlers...at Iowa Farm Life Dreams. Maybe growing up on the farm means mason jars aren't just used for ice tea anymore.

Thanks to the shops above for taking steps to create items that are better for baby.

Organic Holiday Guide : Items to Calm Body and Mind

2015-10-15T12:04:00.000-04:00

Calming and uplifting natural bath items are available at Paper Street Soaps

Calm Your Body and Your Mind

When buying natural and organic items for your body and mind make sure the actual items are being made with eco friendly processes in mind. Packaging and manufacturing processes should be taken into consideration when shopping to better the environment. These pics we found online and the fact these items are all made in the United States makes for great holiday gift giving!

Conscious Clothing on Etsy has this infinity organic scarf for just $48 made in Michigan!

Energy Balancing Organic tea in Eco Tin made in Santa Fe, New Mexico $15 here on Etsy.

Who doesn't like healthy banana lollipops? A sweet and healthy treat by Sugar Bakers Bakery in Pennsylvania. This set, $18.

Roll On Perfume Oils made from natural components and essential oils, priced at only $9 here.

Paper Street Soaps out of Minnesota makes all their beauty care products by hand including bars of organic soap. They say, "We make bars of cold process soap as well as many other body care products from all-natural and organic materials. We also offer many vegan-friendly items. Items are made by hand in Minnesota from the finest organic ingredients to leave your skin healthy and glowing.

Cold Process Soap has Clove and Cornmeal, and is only $6 here.

Solar Energy Sunshine Is Here to Stay

2015-10-01T15:17:00.000-04:00

Sunshine....

SpunkyFluff sunshine mini sign.

Yes, it's true here in the States we are under the spell of Hurricane Joaquin right now. So we wait for the rain to clear...

Rainbow Wind Chime @DragonflyDreams1

So we wait for the sun to appear. All this rain makes for dreary weather. Yawning at work and wishing we were somewhere else. Just like magic, after the rain clears, we wait for the rainbow.

See this larger here http://see.solar/infographic

FACT: Did you know, the US U.S. consumes the most global resources. We use 19+ million barrels of oil in a single day. Since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions have risen 11%. These same gases are what cause global warming. We need to make a change now. It's time to use renewable energy sources, such as solar power.

Recycled Tire Birdfeeder found @Junkfx

Thanks to See.Solar for sponsoring this post!

Solar Power See Solar Green Energy

2015-08-12T15:37:00.000-04:00

Green Planet Tees, offers this eco friendly shirt for $17.99

Switching to Solar Power

Solar energy provides a renewable source of energy and was first "discovered" or "invented" by Frank Shuman in 1897. Today, many advancements make it not only affordable to have solar energy powering your home, or business. Once debuted at a costly initial investment alternative to monopolized energy companies, it is now easy and affordable to make the switch to solar.

Old Solar Panels make this table interesting at Heritage Wood Company.

Living "off the grid" is making solar panels more popular than ever, so is easy financing plans where it is affordable that you can convert or add solar power to your life at a fraction of the cost. A big problem is misunderstanding or being overwhelmed with where to start, and most people just don't know what company to select.

According to See.Solar , people switch to solar power every three minutes. Solar City has made it possible to figure out plans in your state and area to help you make the switch easy! What a great way to live green. Watch this video to see what you need to do for solar power.

Video: http://www.see.solar/news/2015/08/06/video-switch-to-solar/

Rainbow Satellite w Solar Panels : Kelly Newcomer, artist

Grow Dome and Garden Dreams

2015-08-05T18:12:00.002-04:00

Summertime is here , weather is sunny and crops are booming. Here's some great Eco Products for the home, and your life.

Garden Tool Set, $24 VintageABCs

No garden is complete without plants, tools and cute decorations. First up, we have some antique gardening tools for the taking. Buying vintage means you are using something discarded yet fully functional, doing your part to upcycle and not buy mass produced crap items that will further clog the landfills. Let's face it, if the tools above are still around this means they don't make them like that anymore! These tools above will last you plenty of seasons to come!

The Tiberian GrowDome System is your solution for fresh food. Find it here: http://jessegilbert.com/growdome

Next up, we have a Garden Growdome. This is a must for the eco conscious gardener. The bottom line is before Monsanto, and use of growth chemicals and harmful sprays, people grew their crops and harvested them in a healthy and timely manner. Now, with population spurts and climate issues, Monsanto backed by large box retailers are under fire for teaming up to mass produce items in a hurry. This includes spraying them with harmful chemicals, using fertilizers that are harmful, or contain growth hormones. Long term issues include health problems.

Now you can be corn fed with natural untainted crop by using this udpated Tiberian Grow Dome system . The mere theory dates back to 14AD --- and has been updated to today's gardeners. This way, you can make a climate to safely grow your plants to the max without the use of pesky hormones and unfriendly chemicals. The guide is available for less than the cost of a gallon of weed killer, which you don't need anyhow. Get on the bandwagon here http://jessegilbert.com/growdome

Suzanne's Pottery Farm, $40, set of three

Once you get your garden going, add some gnome homes, thrown by hand on Etsy, set of three from Suzanne's Pottery Farm, she'll whip them right off her kiln.

Find these at Smart Seeds: Burlap Windowsill Herb Garden

Herbs drying out or seeding on you too quickly? Plant more mid season. Start them indoor with this tiny windowsill herb garden.

$18.86 Medium Sized Fiber Fiber Set, $45.26 here

Somewhere in Western Australia, Fox Hill Llamas offers handmade Llama fiber is used to make vessels, homewares and recycled paper (out of poo). Above: These fibre bowls are the cat's meow and could easily hold your favorite plants.

Below: Since we're on the theme of gardening, we can't overlook the bird nesters. These are made from fiber left over from teh processing that would normally become waste. Hand picked and stuffed into these adorable little nesting units, birds will flock around to remove it to build houses.

Find this at Fox Hill Llamas : Bird Nester $18

The nesters provide material to help the little birds build theeir own nest, so you can see them in action. Nesters come in natural, small to large, and even wire casings. Find out about the process used to make the bird nesters here.

This is a sponsored post, keep in mind, sometimes our posts feature sponsors who pay to get their links included.

Eco Friendly Vegan Dog and Cat Products

2015-06-21T18:11:00.001-04:00

Delta talks about her products, note the pet bed (below) made from recycled soda bottles!

Living life by going greener, wanting to be "eco friendly" doesn't have to just be for the humans in your household. What about your furry friends? Eco Dogs And Cats, a pet website run by Delta Farrington, who has been a true vegan for over 27 years decided to launch her own business offering products she would use. None of the products are made in China. She was featured on this Youtube video (above) talking a about the various items she offers that are eco friendly for dogs and cats.

This pet bed uses recycled soda bottles for the (inside) stuffing. The outside is organic cotton. See it here.

Vegan cat and dog food kibbles available here.

One thing a pet owner can rest assured knowing is none of the products come from China. The Ami pet food, which is a kibble vegan dog or cat food free of GMO's or slaughterhouse biproducts is made in Italy and for the first time available in the USA ! You'll find dog toys are made from Hemp and unlike mass produced unsafe products you'll know what your friends are chewing on.

Organically grown cat nip is free of toxic chemicals, sprays, so your furry feline is safe from unpleasant chemical effects. Packaged in these pretty tins.

Delta says, I practice what I preach. My cat Simba has been a vegan since we adopted her and my dog Hannah for 10 years. Our household, including our three animal companions, eat natural and organic, humane and cruelty free, vegan foods."

Go there now--> EcoDogsandCats.com

Editors note: Although the article is our own and we've chosen our favorite items from Eco Dogs and Cats, this is a sponsored post.

Nearer Nature Nature Herbal Hair Oil

2015-06-15T10:33:00.000-04:00

Nearer Nature Divine Herbal Hair Oil $38.74

Nearer Nature Store

Today we're found eco friendly not tested on animals Divine Herbal Hair oils, a bottle of which can last up to three months. Based in the UK, we found this product at Nearer Nature doesn't load their store with "fake green products" but instead hand selects and tests them on subscribers before releasing them to the market.

It's true, a growing number of people are fed up with the abundance of beauty and personal care products on the market that may contain harmful ingredients and not knowing which products or brands to trust. Just because something says "green" or "eco friendly" is it really?

Natural Oils and Ingredients Hold Claims to Strengthen and Thicken vs Chemicals

This divine hair oil infuses 21 different essential and botanical carrier oils and 10 botanical extracts to stimulate hair growth. Penetrating deep into the scalp it is said to repair damaged hair follicles which may help hair to grow stronger and more healthy. What's more it's produced in small batch quantities in the UK.

One bottle retails for 24.95 pounds which equates to about $38.74 for a bottle, keep in mind this repair lasts for up to three months!

This is a great way to :

• Helps to promote thicker, healthier and shinier hair.
• Helps to prevent hair loss.
• Works to improve hair volume.
• Helps to increase hair strength and elasticity.
• Works to alleviate dandruff and other scalp conditions.

----
Find out about this item here.

Visit the store here: Nearer Nature

This is a sponsored post.

Bake Sale Held for Local Tornado Relief

2015-06-04T12:35:00.001-04:00

My sister, Jessica Woody with Eco-Friendly Freckles, and I (Andrea Scott with Storybook Artifact) held a local bake sale this last weekend to help raise funds for two families who lost their homes due to an EF2 tornado that recently struck my neighborhood. It was amazing to see who all came out to support us: such a caring community of people. We also collected other donations: children's clothing and supplies. My children even helped us out too; with my son dressed as our little mascot in firefighter costume, and my daughter sampling the cookies.

FOX23 News Coverage of Bake Sale:

Bake sale held for Broken Arrow tornado relief

TulsaWorld Article on Supported Families:

Residents clean up following tornados, severe storms

From the home baked treats contributed by caring locals to the generous donations made from those within our community, it has been such a miraculous thing to see so many people who care. We may not all personally know these families, but their stories do touch us in a way that hits home. ... A goal was really never made, but we did break $1000! To be exact: $1092, which gives $546 to each of the two families whom we were raising funds for. ... Thank you all for the support and we'd like to specially thank: FOX23 News, Tulsa's Channel 8, BA Homeschoolers, members of Destiny Church, Gavco Plastics, Red's Pizzeria, Oneta Wine & Spirits, and Broken Arrow Firefighters.

This blog article was contributed by the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader Andrea Scott of Storybook Artifact

Tundrada Nature Arctic Inspired Gifts

2015-05-21T18:01:00.000-04:00

Tundrada on Etsy has the best Eco made gifts!

Shopping for unique gifts on Etsy can be as easy as one, two three. First look for the shops who take pride in making handmade items. Case in point, we've found Tundrada who has a unique flair from the Arctic ! Her shop is based in Enontekio, Finland. Shop owner Eline Niemi takes pride in her goods.

1. Above: Tree Moss Baskets are made of real moss collected in Finnish forrest. What a great way to reuse the earth! Price $29.49 2. Below: Natural Leaf Card has a real pressed leaf in it, for only $2.86.

The store is filled with rustic items that will fit in any part of the home. Even better, all the materials are sourced via local woods, so these are truly eco friendly items that are handmade and one of a kind!

Antler Coat Rack: REINDEER!

You will also find things you just don't see here in the states, yet shipping is available to the states.

3. Above: Coat Rack $49.71 made from Reindeer?

Support this Etsy shop now: Tundrada

Save Energy Odor Killing Bulbs Go Green

2015-05-13T15:48:00.001-04:00

Odor Killing Bulbs Kill Germs too.

Save Energy with these new bulbs! Check this out for an odor free house . This is interesting, those with pets, germs and messy smells can now get a new bulb that eliminates odors.

Now , these compact fluorescent bulbs are approved by the FDA and said to kill germs and bacteria as well as MRSA, swine and bird flu! How does one bulb do this? It saves energy and gives your home or office a smaller greenhouse foot print.

According to the website, the odor killing bulbs actually santize the air by killing microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold spores and nasty dust mites without having to use spray or harmful chemicals.

They are coated with a sanitized next generation coating which decomposes the organisms.

More info:

Read about them here to get an odor free house.
Or, buy them here.

SaniBulb™ Air Sanitizer CFL Bulbs

EcoSmart | EnergySmart | HealthSmart
KILLS Deadly Viruses & Bacteria
DESTROYS Toxic Pollutants & Allergens
ELIMINATES Tough Unpleasant Odors
IMPROVES Indoor Air Quality & Health
SAVES Money & Lasts 10x Longer
REDUCES 75% Energy & Footprint
FIGHTS Pollution & Global Warming
PROVIDES Instant Flicker Free Light

Sponsored post by http://www.odorkillingbulb.com/

Renew & Reawaken: Breathing New Life Into Vintage

2015-05-05T00:00:00.001-04:00

This is me, the grateful Team Captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team, in my Aunt Mary Lynn's Hand-Cut Moon Geisha Zen Taoist Appliqué Denim Vest in my Etsy shop Eco-Friendly Freckles. I am constantly reflecting with reawakening aspirations, gaining inspiration from fellow Etsyians!

I am so amazed and impressed with this story that I have to share which I know members of the Etsy Recyclers Guild will enjoy as it encompasses the themes of reusing and revamping!... A certified yoga teacher from Canada, Amy of Mystic Key Meditations, purchased one of my vintage beaded necklaces from my Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy shop, a 1980s blueberry swirl necklace, and how she transformed it is truly amazing! Like Amy's alias name "Metta Morphosis", she has revived and enchanted these old beads, creating a profound metamorphosis in their aesthetic beauty and symbology by utilizing them as an element in her sacred, artistic craft. She removed the beads and constructed them into a yoga mala necklace and bracelet Prana Gift Set that includes a 108 mala, lotus bracelet, and swirl sunshine peace flags. Like a butterfly flying out of its cocoon for the first time, let's admire in awe the astounding transformation of the before-and-after images of this vintage necklace being altered into a sanctified creation!

BEFORE: As the vintage 1980s Blueberry Swirl Sorbet Marbled Necklace in my Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy shop...

AFTER: As the beautifully transformed sacred 108 mala and lotus bracelet in the Prana Gift Set in Mystic Key Meditations...

Isn't it gorgeous?! I am so in love with this stunning transformation...Mystic Key Meditations utilizes vintage in this Prana Gift Set in such a creative and breathtakingly beautiful way by combining it with three silver lotus marker beads, a "be yourself" pendant, white tassel, natural white bamboo cord, and sacred blessings.

Mystic Key Meditations is hosting a free give away for the month of May! I encourage all admirers to check her Facebook for more entry details for this giveaway HERE! There will be 3 prizes and it runs May 2 - May 30th. The winners will be picked May 31st

As I bid adieu with farewell blessings, I'd like to leave similarly as I came with another one of my Aunt Mary Lynn's handmade feng shui creations...this one is a home decor piece in my Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy shop, an Oriental Zen Geisha Tea Room Pillow...Namaste...

This blog article was contributed by the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica Woody of Eco-Friendly Freckles

Upcycled Art at Franklin Arts Center, The May 2015 Issue of Tulsa People Magazine, & Jessica White's Cranky Pickle Etsy Shop Feature!

2015-04-22T08:32:00.000-04:00

Hooray!! The TulsaPeople Magazine feature spotlighting my Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy art business in the May 2015 issue recently made its debut (an early release before the magazine will be available on local newsstands May 1st)! The article can be found on page 24; and the entire magazine can be viewed HERE! Along with my upcycled artwork, the two books that my art is featured in, Jen Karetnick's "Brie Season" and Julie Rawding's "The Upcycler's USA: 21 Eco Folks Who Made It" is also promoted! I'm so excited!!! My artwork can be seen in my Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy shop section "Upcycled Decoupage Art" (my virtual online art gallery), however at this time this only includes my canister and tin art pieces since throughout the month of April all of my vinyl record artwork is on display in the "Art On Record" exhibit at the Franklin Arts Center | Resident Artists Gallery in Brainerd, Minnesota.

If you happen to be visiting the area, please stop by and admire all of the upcycled masterpieces at this wonderful art gallery!

In the gallery exhibit's promo photo above, my upcycled vinyl record art piece titled "Tintype of Love" is shown on the far left, in the middle is fellow Etsy artist Jessica White's vinyl record artwork titled "Nature Walks"...I love it's whimsical charm! I encourage everyone to stop by her Etsy shop Cranky Pickle and check out all of her delightfully quirky mixed media vinyl record art pieces! Two of my personal favorites from Jessica White's collection are...

"Woman Sitting on Henna"

...and "Lipstick Kisses":

This blog article was contributed by the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica Woody of Eco-Friendly Freckles

A Tour of My Upcycled Art Studio and the Two Books That Feature My Artwork!!

2015-03-21T12:02:00.002-04:00

Hello! I'm the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica Woody of the Etsy shop Eco-Friendly Freckles...Welcome to my art studio! Here you will find my hand-painted upcycled vinyl record wall art...a couple of the pieces are sold, but will soon be replaced with more artistic eco-conscious creations!

Me in my art studio hand painting "Eco-Friendly Freckles" onto one of my original upcycled decoupage vinyl record art pieces...after my local Tulsa People Magazine "Artist in Residence" photo shoot yesterday!!

My hand-painted upcycled art cans, canisters, and tins, and the two fabulous books that my art is featured in!!! Jen Karetnick's "Brie Season" food and wine poetry book...

...and Julie Rawding's "Upcyclers U.S.A.: 21 Eco Folks Who Made It"...which features a wonderful variety of eco-artists, including myself!

For each copy of Julie Rawding's book "The Upcyclers U.S.A.: 21 Eco Folks Who Made It" sold 10 trees will be planted!!

Back to my art studio, in front of the pretty daffodil flowers are some stationary art cards printed with my original Eco-Friendly Freckles artwork on them...Thanks to my thoughtful twin sister Andrea (Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader and owner of the Etsy shop Storybook Artifact) for getting me this awesome gift! These cards will soon be available in my Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy shop; sold in sets of four (one of each card).

Next up, my art collage assemblage/packaging station; with some of my vintage print ads and retro wares from my Etsy shop nestled underneath...

My precious Mod Podge and museum putty that I couldn't do without, along with an assortment of acrylic paint and brushes, and some of my Etsy bling, badges, and pamphlets from local art events where I've had my art shown: RAW Natural Born Artists Tulsa and The Drunken Artist...and I have Jen Karetnick's beautiful Brie Season poetry book and accompanying postcards pictured here too. I love that my artwork is featured on the cover of her book!!

...and that's it! Thank you for taking a tour of my home art studio...my sweet Flame Point Himalayan kitty Nozomi says, "good bye!"

I've added some of these photos to my updated Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy shop About Page; which I encourage everyone to stop by and check out...Thanks again!

This blog article was contributed by the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica Woody of Eco-Friendly Freckles

Green Bug Killer Insecticide Natural Epazote

2015-03-13T19:26:00.000-04:00

When killing bugs, are you killing the good ones and the bad ones? Pic: FatDragonfly

Kill Bugs Naturally

In our previous post we talked about green alternatives to household cleaning agents. Right in line with living green and finding eco friendly solutions to chemicals in our lives; today we've decided to talk about bug killer and harmful insecticides.

Spring is here and soon the flies and bugs will be rampid. There are many problems with store bought insecticides and too many to list--from the albeit known facts they contain harmful poisons to your family, your pets and your body. Have you ever considered that by using them, they are not only killing the bad bugs, but the good ones too?

To maintain a friendly eco system some "good bugs" are needed. Spraying tons of store bought chemicals on your lawn, garden, plants, or in your house is messing with the greater good. Not only are you wiping out the bad insects but possibly harming the good ones. The good news is now you don't have to be in a catch 22 anymore.

The Epazote herb helps kill bad bugs , but you can grow your own, Pic: Fair Dinkum Seeds.

Fair Dinkum Seeds has exposed the secrets of the Dried Epazote Herb. They say, "It's a dried herb that has a natural chemical component that is toxic. This toxic chemical kills insects and is much safer than standard insecticides. "

The catch here is that it is not harmful to some bugs if used properly. Thereby, you can leave the bees buzzing while killing off the pests that aren't needed.

Now you may know already that many herbs and plants work naturally to deter pests or insects, and Epazote works as good as Confidor, but if used per Fair Dukum Seed's instructions, it does not harm bees at all! This is one issue with using other insecticides --- it kills the good bugs and bad.

Grow Your Own vs Buying Epazote Plant Already Grown

What's better than buying a plant and making your own insecticide? Perhaps starting from scratch. Plant your own seeds, watch them grow and then make into the finished product.

Fair Dunkum says, " I also sell the seeds here and am hoping folks start to dump the conventional poisons and start to use natural alternatives instead. They are just as effective, and there is a subtle explanation about only killing insects in necessary. Most insects are good, so generally it is best to leave them alone, but if you really must, then this is a lesser evil than the rest."

Find out more here: Fair Dinkum Seeds Epazote Page.
How to Make Your Own here:

Thank you to Fair Dinkum Seeds for sponsoring this post and educating us on the wonders of alternative solutions.

Clean Green with Natural Cleaners

2015-03-05T13:58:00.000-05:00

Vintage Window on Etsy: Find it at VintageWindowPanes

Clean Green : Natural Cleaners

Living a greener lifestyle often means trying to find viable solutions and alternatives to harsh chemicals and cleaning agents. There is a greater need for consumers to uncover just what has been placed in their regular household cleaning products - in fact even I was originally shocked to find out that in regular old window cleaner can exist many harsh chemicals and detergents.

After doing a little research, many blogs and websites now give advice and recipes on making DIY friendly cleaning agents or explain where to purchase eco friendly and sustainable products and I will share some of my favorites with you below.

Go Eco When Hiring Maid Service or Commercial Cleaning

Taking it a step further, I am pleased to see how this need has impacted the commercial cleaning industry. if you have the luxury of hiring an Eco cleaning service to clean your commercial offices or clean your home ; you should find one that knows the importance of eco friendly cleaning and dangers of using harsh chemicals.

For instance, the company Natural Cleaners says that by using natural cleaning agents and microfiber rags, they provide the customers with the cleanest and healthiest indoor environment. They also use HEPA vacuums which will capture 99.9% of all dust, dirt, and dander. By using natural chemicals, they say, you already have a defense against germs and ailments. This proves to be true: read below!

Reclaimed wood makes this mirror, find it at CountrybytheBumpkins

Window, Mirror, & Surface Cleaner : Quick and Natural Recipe

Let's take regular old Windex or surface cleaner. I for one was shocked to read how much hidden harmful chemicals may be hiding in that spray bottle. If you or someone you know buys those dollar store spray cleaner in an effort to save money, tell them to stop. Making your own Windex can be as little as .35-.50 per bottle and much safer!

Have you ever done your windows and seen them streaky? No doubt detergents used in window washing fluids are built up on your windows. Not to mention, it contains ammonia and other items that are no good for you to be breathing. Many places online will show you how to make your own Windex, and essentially they are instructing you to use Ammonia. Look for the eco friendly recipes like the one below! Doing your own windows at home with green cleaner is easy!

I use equal parts vinegar to water for my cleaner . Example:

2 cups water

2 cups vinegar

This is the strongest mix yet is pretty pungent yet to me, I have pets and a husband with a low immune system. It's important for me to make sure I'm killing the max amount of germs. You you could actually use less vinegar and it will still work. The smallest ratio I've seen (via Wellness Mama) is :

2 cups water

2 tablespoons vinegar

Vinegar is:

Non Toxic
Biodegradable
Kills germs

A lot of people ask why vinegar could kill germs? According to it's composition it contains a small portion of acid that has been proof positive at killing household pathogens. It's the acid in the vinegar that's killing the germs.

Vintage Laundry Board from CynthiasAttic on Etsy

Natural Laundry Detergent & Softener

Back in the day of your great , great , grandparents circa 1800's soap shavings used to be added to heated water to clean clothes. The lye in the soap such as the later popular Octagon soap would be used to whiten clothes. Unfortunately lye is still present in many items today...

Quick Green Laundry Softener

First let's talk softener, that's a bit easier. I use 1/2 cup WHITE distilled vinegar or 1 cup of baking soda in cycle. It's quick, and easy and both work well.

Making Your Own Detergent

Many people suggest using Borax, and here is the official Borax list of ingredients. You should read this article first by Crunchy Betty to see if that's the way you wish to go. I can't tell you yeah or nay. My father is a die-hard Borax user and he's got high allergies, so he swears by it.

Some quick and easy recipes using equal parts Castille Soap and equal parts Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (different than baking soda) have proved favorable and other reviews have been epic fails. Many say to use Fels Naptha soap but other blogs say this contains harmful ingredients.

The truth is making your own detergent sometimes is a long process, but it can be worth it not only financially but for the safety of avoiding the harsh chemicals and additives. There are plenty of recipes online. I found this recipe by Cleaning out the Clutter seems to work which includes use of:

-Baking Soda
-Borax
-Epsom Salt
-Castile soap or Tea Tree Oil Soap

To read the actual recipe or find more go here.

Note: This is a sponsored post wherein we may receive some form of compensation, either financially or in product for mentioning a company, product, service or blog.

Woodsy Decor for the Nature Lover Tree Hugger

2015-01-31T11:30:00.000-05:00

Found on MarkedCo.com this woodsy decal adds depth to the wall for $28.00,

If you love the woods, nature walks or just love to hike, we've found the best natural decor ideas for you. All from crafters who sell on Etsy (some also in their own stores) at affordable prices. Above we have a great "Pleasure in the woods" decal from Karen Simpson, who sells on Etsy but also direct at MarkedCo.com. She handmakes her decals and feel that instead of spending tons of money on paint.

Vintage Pine Tree Print from Etsy , TheBlackVinyl $15

The print above is reprinted on eco friendly paper taken from an 1800's print. This would look great hanging in your home to give a woodsy feel.

Plantillo Birch Log Pillows $60

The log pillows above are what happens when Sabine Herrman takes nature photography and turns them into functional items. Hunting down cool things with her camera in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, you never know what may turn into something decorative and that you can rest your head on!

Lake House Sign , Benchmark Custom Signs $39.95

Cool lake signs can adorn your home handmade in a variety of woods (ie: Custom Sign) from Benchmark Custom Signs on Etsy. They started some time ago making great signs on high quality woods. Phil has the fastest ship time on Etsy and don't be fooled by imitations. A variety of sizes and styles can be great for inside the home or outside, to welcome people to your cottage!

From masacoche shop, $65 repurposed kids blanket

We love the eco friendly repurposed wool blanket for your child in retro colors, adorned with cute woodsy animals sure to please! Not to mention would go with any cottage or natural decor in great hues and earthy tones!

Reclaimed Wood Desktop $500 FreshRestorations

Old floorboards have been restored into a variety of desktops and tabletops by Fresh Restorations, in Bound Brook New Jersey. This could prove as a functional workspace, tabletop or focal point in your shabby home!

Got Beef? Explains Manufacturing Approval On Etsy

2015-01-21T10:12:00.001-05:00

How a T-Shirt is made if you aren't a screenprinter

Green Lifestyle: Etsy Manufacturing Approval?

I won't forget the day Etsy sellers heard that third party manufacturing processes could be submitted for approval. Many sellers cringed at the idea since Etsy was always so small scale handmade....a crafter's dream come true. List your items for under a quarter and go with it.

I used to have an Etsy shop, but I don't anymore. Granted, I shop on Etsy, love Etsy, and I lurk quietly in the forums. Being a good Etsian, I won't "call out" , but there happened to be some questionable jewelry resellers for years and that's pretty much what happened to me. I had a good design, but my items were priced so much higher, than the other shop. They took me so much time to make, and well, the shop in question listed so many more items than me and were always showing so high in results, one day I found my own design there! My little shop sort of fizzed out and died. Could I have stayed and worked on my shop? Maybe. I didn't have time for all that. Half my fault for giving up. For a long time I refused to buy a mass produced item. I hated commercial manufacturing processes and thought them the same as resellers. UNTIL NOW. I look at things differently.

There's three types of reasons I am highlighting below, that I for one am glad Etsy approved their manufacturing processes.

Shop: With Envy Parties, You can get these printed, or printable.

#1 Case Study

Original Design Gone Good : Etsy Makes Someone A Star Example : WithEnvyParties

Location: Oregon

Shop Keeper: Anitria, Mom of 2, Who Loves Caffiene

Items: Printables, Printed Materials and Everything You Need for a Party!

One example would be Anitria who is a graphic artist. She opened her shop on Etsy in June 2013. Now at January 2015, just a year and a half later, she's almost at 3000 sales. She offers downloads that are printable.

For someone like me that doesn't have a clue what I'm doing, ordering the print version is much better. Her cute and quirky designs are simply adorable, and she can print some things off herself. However, Anitria doesn't want to get into gluing together paper to make a notepad so she she decided to partner in with a local print shop so that she could offer these same adorable designs on notepads and stationary to her customers at an affordable prices, better than if she spend hours trying to do it herself. It's still her designs on the items, and you bet your bottom dollar that Anitria is on top of that from start to finish, quality control checking to make sure her original designs are stunning.

THANK YOU ETSY!

Got Beef? tshirt in BigFatDaddys hop

Case Study # 2

Company Add Ons : Creative Control of Your Brand BigFatDaddys "Got Beef?"®

Location: Pennsylvania

Shop Keeper: Wayne & Cindy

Items: Hand Blended Spice, Apparel, Housewares

Wayne Schafer is a well known Pitmaster who travels selling his beef and BBQ and catering for celebrities. What you may not know is that he and his wife also own the "got beef? ®" trademark on clothing and housewares as Wayne has used it for years. Seeing that Wayne is a chef and cook and not a screenprinter, creating t-shirts for his company, would not be possible without outside help.

In this scenario, the Schafers are indeed mom and pop with kids as pit crew. Schafer fought the plethora of online of resellers who were using got beef? without licensing, and shut down thousands of listings per month spending lots of time and money to protect their brand, more than they make on selling it. To them it's not about how many shirts , hats, hoodies, cups, or mugs they sell, but the quality of said products and their own reputation.

A scribble made this shirt, for real.

Schafer's wife Cindy creates the designs, which change each year as old styles are phased out and new are created. Sometimes these starts with a scribble and a vision. She picks the color palettes and mocks up a design for the final job. All the while, keeping in mind her husband's ties to the brand, which can be traced back to his former restaurant. In this example, she wants a cow or bull on the shirt. Lucky for them, they have two great printing companies they have been working with for years of which were approved.

These are swatches the print company helped with on the last run.

Wayne's wife Cindy says, "The print company works with me personally on all my designs. He actually sends me swatch samples to my Iphone and we discuss different styles. I may be hooked on a color and style that isn't compatible, but I mull it over and Tyler will find a way to make it work. I actually feel like he's part of our process. We go back and forth on shirt styles and colors, and I know I talk his ear off. One shirt I design can literally take five or six proofs as I'm super picky. He tells me what can and can't happen. We push the bar on designs, for instance, the got beef? this year on our unisex shirts is going way out of usual printable range. We wanted it to be huge, in your face, and that's what we got."

How a Scribble Became a Reality

The Schafers feel good knowing they have ways to design and build their products with the help of a manufacturer. When the shirts come in, they make and apply their own hang tags, which are all handmade. They control their own inventory and do their own shipping.

You won't see their shirts flying off the shelves. Original Got Beef?® items range about $28-$32 a shirt, on the high end range. Schafer sells them on the road, and several places online. Cheaper knock offs and variations on the internet sell for half, and the Schafers have an uphill battle.

In fact, they refuse to make any mugs this year until the existing are off the market. In this case Etsy has allowed these items to be made with the help of a third party manufacturer.

THANK YOU ETSY!

Cindi Ressler Fine Art Photography on a Pillow

Case Study #3

Expansion of Your Brand : Photographer Offers Purses : Cindi Ressler

Location: Maine

Shop Keeper: Cindi, Fine Art &Nature Photographer

Items: Photographs, Prints, Jewelry, Pillows and Bags

Cindi's photography is stunningly beautiful, and why shouldn't she expand and offer these items onto pillows and purses? Cindi can print and do her own prints, jewelry, etc but as far as proper application onto a pillow or bag- best to get a third party in to help. Obviously, they are using her original art, and Cindi looks over the finished product for approval before sending it to her customers. In this case, the squirrel on the pillow is simply fascinating, and a good seller in her store, and how cute he is.

THANK YOU ETSY!

I am nuts about this pillow in the Cindi Ressler shop.

------------------

About Etsy Approval

Going for Etsy approval in most cases is a lengthy process. It's not just point, click, approve. For one, getting approval doesn't take overnight, it can take weeks, or even months.

Etsy has the right to ask for photographs, pictures, and follow up with your manufacturers if they want. In this case sellers must be able to prove they are involved in the creative design process from start to finish and provide examples. Photos are sometimes needed to prove you are doing what you say.

Maybe this will give you a new outlook on Manufacturing. What do you think? Tweet comments to me @AndreaMLitton

Original Upcycled Artwork on the Cover of Jen Karetnick's New Poetry Book "Brie Season"!

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I recently added a new hand-painted upcycled decoupage art piece to my repertoire! I call it "Remnants Of Our Lives". I'm absolutely delighted that this art piece will be featured in my interview of Julie Rawding's (owner of Can or Can Not) upcoming book "21 Eco Folks Who Made It".

I feel this piece is a "sister project" to my other decoupage vinyl record album "Vivacious Vineyards and a Cat Named Brie" which is featured in the cover of Jen Karetnick's new food & wine poetry book "Brie Season" as it shares a similar artistic style with a woman at the focal point peeking from behind something...be it vineyard grapes or blue hydrangea flowers! I have a lot to be thankful for; I'm so very happy to see my art enjoyed and receiving exposure! Brie Season is now available on Amazon; please check it out HERE!

To view more original hand-painted upcycled decoupage artwork from Jessica Woody please check out her Eco-Friendly Freckles shop HERE.

This blog article was contributed by the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica Woody of Eco-Friendly Freckles