recycling is rad

Your Face Here?

2012-01-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

James, in thread and flannel.

Ah, the face cozy. I mean, what's better than having your likeness immortalized in thread? This guy is my bro-in-law in one of his more "Father Winter" phases. (It can get pretty cold in MN.) A couple of years ago I made one of my sister, so I thought it was only fair they both had one.

I'm currently in the midst of what is, for me, a pretty ambitious hand-stitching project (I'm afraid to call it embroidery because I'm self-taught and therefore assume to be somehow less legit). But of course in the middle of one thing, I have great visions for what's next. Which is a whole series of face cozies. Featuring what faces, I haven't decided yet. Maybe you have a suggestion? Maybe your face? Leave your ideas in the comments or hit me up on Facebook.

Press!

2012-01-13T12:50:00.000-08:00

Check out the feature spot R is R scored on the Minneapolis style site Thrillist.com!

http://www.thrillist.com/style/minneapolis/recycling-is-rad_bags_custom

Follow the link to read the (short, but super nice) article by Drew Wood. Yay for press!

DIY Upcycled Terrariums.

2011-12-08T12:33:00.001-08:00

I've long defended our awkward ratio of houseplants to house with the argument that the greenery helps us all survive Minnesota's version of winter. Which I think is actually probably true. Aside from us just being happier having plants around us, indoor gardens can help to purify the otherwise stale air we breath all winter, when the doors and windows shut against the cold also keep out the fresh air.

My finished jar terrarium, featuring some kind of fern, two or three mosses, a found antler and my favorite tiny blue bowl.

But of course my real concern is whether or not it's something I want to look at. And lately, I'm in love with looking at terrariums. There are probably a trillion possibilities of awesomeness, and they're super easy to put together and maintain. (None of mine have died yet!)

I loosely followed guidelines in this book, but you can also visit your local garden store (some offer classes or terrarium kits), or find much more detailed step-by-step instructions here: http://www.gardendesign.com/how-to/diy-moss-terrarium


Teardrop terrarium with moss and the most adorable vintage squirrel miniatures my genius husb spotted at the thrift store.

Read about my process after the jump, plus more pictures! (Thanks to the studly T.C. Worley, ace photographer for lending a hand with some of the photos.)

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Satchels.

2011-11-22T09:50:00.001-08:00

This is the time of year I start questioning my small shoulder bag choice. When you can't fit the strap over your newly bulked-out, winter-coat-wearing shoulders, it gets you thinking. I haven't settled on a design for my own purposes yet--and let's be honest, between knitting projects and holiday orders, there's not a big chance of me having any time for Selfish Sewing before the snow melts--but this is a style I love. The strap design is compatible with any size parka, plus, it's awesome to have some extra room for stowing a hat and mittens.

Check out these ones from my Etsy shop...the Buck Satchel is just listed today!

Just Listed: Buck Satchel

Unicorn Satchel

Very special limited edition satchel! The Stormtrooper Satchel

Winter Friends.

2011-11-14T13:22:00.001-08:00

I'm not trying to jump the gun or anything (believe me, I'm clinging to fall like the rest of you). But once I dug out my knitting (and crochet) gear a few weeks ago, I've been obsessed: going to yarn stores, spending hours looking at patterns on the internet, plotting a ginormous mental list of projects I will never finish, and also actually knitting stuff. So when I was finishing the hand sewing on these guys, I couldn't resist adding some winter accessories. Tiny, tiny winter accessories. All the winter friends (and more details) are available in my Etsy store.

Winter Squirrel wearing a crocheted wool stocking cap.

Winter Raccoon wrapped up in a green handknit wool scarf.

Winter Fox with a knit wool hat to keep his ears warm.

Messenger.

2011-11-11T07:42:00.001-08:00

Octopus: Small Recycled Plastic Messenger Bag

It's true, I've been a little caught up in all things fabric as of late. For handbags, cozies, and toys, it's hard to beat repurposing an awesome vintage--or not so vintage--textile. But for more rugged or all-purpose uses, recycled plastic is my go-to medium. These new messenger bags are great all-weather commuters, if you're brave like that, and for the less daring: gym bag, errand bag, overnight bag. Etcetera.

Thank You: Small Recycled Plastic Messenger Bag

The small version of the messenger is still big enough for a laptop + miscellaneous, and its generous flap and heavy-duty velcro is designed to keep the weather out. Get all the details by checking out the individual listings in my Etsy shop.

Fall Cozies

2011-11-09T14:15:00.000-08:00


Radiant MN and Blue Antler Beer Cozies

Two new cozies just made their way into my Etsy shop, wooly and plaid since it's fall. I both love and hate the season for everything it brings my way. The colder temps chase me out of the weather more often than not, but I try to get out there whenever I can stand it...no snow on the ground yet! So for all the true diehards still hanging on in backyards across the Midwest, clutching their beers with icy hands, these cozies are for you.

Blue Antlers Wool Beer Cozy

Radiant MN Wool Beer Cozy

Both stitch designs come from my MN Love Series. The state is pretty obvious, I know. As for the antlers, well, technically I guess you can and should love the antler aesthetic wherever you're from. But I like to think that growing up in the Midwest, all those trophy mounts my friends' dads had hung all over their paneled basements, nutured an especially soft spot in my heart for the sentimental kitsch of it. But it's true, antlers are just beautiful.


Radiant MN and Blue Antlers Wool Beer Cozies

I also chose fabrics that seemed most fitting to my home state and region--wool plaid. The burly orange and green wool was a sadly moth-eaten (and possibly accidentally shrunk in someone's laundry? It was strangely misshapen.) jacket, and the grey plaid was a grandma's wool skirt, a homemade one at that. Since both items were no longer useful in their current states, I was happy to send them on to their next life. Of beer-hugging awesomeness!

Blue Antlers Detail

Etsy.

2011-10-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

Orange and Olive Wristlet

Etsy is so much better than when I first opened my shop there in 2006. They've made tons of changes, and the latest one I've been waiting on for a long time: the ability to change your shop name.

Unicorn Satchel

Tweed Purple Wristlet

Five years ago, I didn't have a business name--was barely even a business--when I started making and selling things on Etsy. So I named my shop after an old email account and have been stuck with it ever since. No more. Last night I changed my shop name to my business name (makes sense, right?), and you can now find me on Etsy under RecyclingisRad. Whoo!

Octopus Satchel

All the old links to my shop will continue to work, and the old URL will remain active for the next month or so. But I promise you'll feel much more special using my new URL: www.recyclingisrad.etsy.com. Yay Etsy!

I Heart Canadian Thanksgiving + S'mores Whoopie Pies

2011-10-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy lately! Regrettably not taking and/or posting enough pictures of everything due to my ill-chosen love of procrastination. Sigh. But yay! I was able to wrap up a few of the big orders before our annual Canadian Thanksgiving celebration last weekend and totally relax and enjoy the festivities. And in honor of taking a break, and also Canadians everywhere, God love you, I decided to post a few highlights from the weekend.

I heart Canadian Thanksgiving. I'm not Canadian or even related to anyone in Canada, so the only reason to celebrate is a pure-hearted love of Thanksgiving food. That and getting all our friends over before it's too cold out to even huddle around the firepit in the backyard. This year we planned ahead by brewing a batch of homemade hard cider. The day of we made two turkeys (one smoked on the grill, compliments of my sis, and one deep fried in the turkey cooker in the backyard), and our friends truly outdid themselves with amazing side dishes. So much fun.

What might be my favorite part of the event was the art project I started my kids on early in the day to keep them busy: The Hall of Famous Canadians. A couple of my favorites from the collection:

Bryan Adams: Canadian!

Neil Young: Canadian!

Another highlight: whoopie pies. Who doesn't love them? They're like cake-burgers! I made two kinds (both recipes from one of my favorite food blogs in the whole world, comma, dessert category: Brown Eyed Baker), a pumpkin with maple cream cheese filling, and my personal favorite, s'mores. Whoever thought of turning a s'more into a whoopie pie was straight genius. They. Were. Delicious. Follow the link below to get the recipe for yourself. I recommend.

S'mores Whoopie Pies

Forest Creature Friends.

2011-10-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Zip-Up Acorn Home with Bunny and Fox Friends.

Today I delivered a batch of creature-filled acorn houses to CorAzon on Lake Street. The zip-open acorns each hold three little animals, a mixed bag of raccoons, foxes, squirrels, and/or bunnies. The creatures I made from old sweaters, and wool and flannel shirts and skirts. And I found some ridiculously plush velour-esque drapes for awesome acorn tops.

Grey Squirrel.

Zip-up Acorn House.

I love making tiny things, so I was excited to work on this project for CorAzon, as always, a fun easy-to-work-with client. They should be up on the shelves in the store soon, at both the Lake Street and Washington Avenue locations. Stop by one of them to check the animal sets out in person.

Sydelle Wristlet

2011-10-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share this super quick! It was bright spot in my week when I got an email from a woman who currently owns one of my wristlets. Her not-yet-two-year-old daughter apparently loves to carry it around, and this smart lady thought if she could give her daughter a kid-size wristlet, she'd get her own purse back. Even though I'm in the middle of a project involving tiny toy creatures, making a kid version of something as grown up as a wristlet sounded like a lot of fun. So I took a quick break, and here's what happened:

Sydelle Wristlet

Wristlet with sunglasses for reference...it's roughly 2/3 the size of a standard wristlet.

I hope Sydelle loves her new purse, and I can't really imagine anything cuter than a two-year-old with her own wristlet.

Happy Birthday Ames!

2011-09-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

My sister, who is amazing, celebrates her birthday this month. She's one of my favorite people to make stuff for, and last year I stitched her face onto a beer cozy. Once you embroider someone's face onto something, there's basically no hope of ever outdoing that. Well, I mean, there is, but I didn't really have the time to hand-stitch a fabric mural of her riding a unicorn-wolf across the solar system with her pet eagle. I'm keeping that one in my back pocket for next year though. Instead, I made her some stuff for the kitchen in her new house, including these hilarious napkins.

Polite Observation Napkin Set

My screenprint method is completely freehand, involving embroidery hoops, glue, and toothpicks, and is probably murder on my eyesight, but totally a labor of love. I'm generally drawn to a process that leaves room for imperfections; they're just so much more interesting to look at. You can see the variation in the print from piece to piece, and I only ruined one in production.

Gross Woodgrain Napkin

Dirty Hands Woodgrain Napkin

Start to finish, these were super fun to make, and maybe if I ever get all the orders cleared off my table I'll make a few more sets. For now though, I hope my sister gets the point. Happy Birthday Ames!

Polite Observation Napkin Stack

Swede Lake Farms + Icebox Pickles

2011-09-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Jalapeno-Garlic Icebox Pickles made with Swede Lake Farms' cucumbers and chesnok garlic.

Yesterday I got to spend the day in Watertown, MN volunteering my super sweet garlic-shucking, bean-picking skills at Swede Lake Farm. Maybe my skills aren't all they're cracked up to be (more than once I had to have one of the real farmers lift heavy objects for me, hanging my head and my t-rex arms in shame). But the farm is awesome, and one of my favorite places to spend the day. Swede Lake Farms is organic for real, and family for real; once I'm there I never want to leave. The polar opposite of a factory farm, almost every task there is done by the hands of the farmers--Scott and Deanna, and the fantastic interns Colsie and Robert. And besides being some of the world's greatest people, they grow the most delicious food in the universe. When we finally dragged ourselves away yesterday at sunset, we left with a backseat full of heirloom potatoes, giant romano green beans, and cucumbers.

The green beans they grow are, I suspect, infused with crack, and I selfishly hoard them so they last till the next market or farm day. And the cucumbers? Please. My often veggie-hating children eat them out of hand like apples, and will mow through a pound in no time. If those two happen to leave any behind, I make the rest into icebox pickles. (Oh icebox pickles, I love you...and I'll get back to you in a second.)

If you're lucky enough to live in the Twin Cities area, Swede Lake Farm's amazing produce is within your reach. Find them at the Mill City Farmers' Market on Saturdays during the warm months, and at the Kingfield Market on Sundays. Even if you don't live anywhere near Minnesota, you can still reap the benefits of the Swede Lake farmers' garlic crops. They grow some rare and beautiful varieties for eating and cooking or for seed. Ordering details available here.

Ok. Icebox pickles. We were fated to be together, I know it. And as it turns out, I married into the recipe, so it actually was fate that brought us together. Sometimes I eat them straight out of the jar standing in front of the open fridge, but truly the best way to appreciate them is stacked on a medium rare burger you just popped off the grill and covered in piles of bacon and molten white cheddar. This year I added jalapenos from my garden and some of Swede Lake's awesome garlic to a few of the jars. So good. But however you spice it up or not, it's basically the easiest pickle recipe ever. The most important part is getting a really great cucumber to start with, and I've already told you where to get those. The word icebox in the title of the recipe is your clue that there's no canning required or allowed for this recipe. Full recipe after the jump.

Peek.

2011-09-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

I just started a new project for a local store that I'm super excited about. It's only in the very beginning stages at the moment, so all you get is a peek. But I'm hoping to have the whole thing deliverable by early October, at which point you'll be allowed to see the finished project in all its (tiny) glory. Yay!

Check it:

Stay tuned for the full reveal in October!

2 Bow Wristlets.

2011-09-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

I don't own as many handbags as you might think, of my own design or otherwise.

(Aside: I have this thing for vintage purses, especially anything leather or just a little bit weird, except that I hate the stab of guilt I feel whenever I happen to be carrying one and someone asks me the obvious, "Holy Craps Girl! Did you make that?!" For shame!)

But I've been carrying my current purse (my design) for a bit now and the coming of a new season has me thinking about a new style. We're still in the thinking phase though; give it a few months. I like to wait till I've finished up an especially big order before taking the time to craft something just for me...or at least till I come across a fabric I can't go on without. Until that time, let's look at these two wristlets (with bows!) I just posted to my Etsy store, both in really great fall fabrics.

Orange and Olive Wristlet...with Plus Signs!

Purple Tweed Wristlet

I Made Jam. Plus Important News.

2011-08-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of school. Historically, I have not handled this day well for so many reasons: summer's over and, oh crap, i forgot about how hellish winter is; the kids aren't hanging from the tree in the front yard or being hilarious or sprinkling dirt all over the house all day; and, as a lifelong commitment-phobe, I really, really hate schedules. I might dread the first day of school more than my boys do, which is a lot, and when it finally arrives I'm prone to weepiness and poor decisions about cutting my own hair. Last year I staved off the crazies by making a gajillion jars of salsa. And this year, jam.

Pint jars cooling on the kitchen table.

It is not difficult to make jam. Unless you consider actually having to measure things trickier than necessary, and maybe math isn't your best subject. In the past I've foolishly believed that I could just throw a few fruits in a pan with some sugar and a box of that stuff and everything would work out. (Last year I made a pretty spectacular super adhesive from several pounds of precious wild Michigan blueberries.) So this time, I put on my apron, got out the Ball Canning Chart, a kitchen timer, and my oversize calculator.

Plum.

I planned on two batches: plum and strawberry hibiscus-honey. Thanks to the totally unfair fractions used by the Ball Canning Chart it was touch and go there for a while (major props to The Husb here for not just leaving when I was following him around with my giant calculator and shrieking "but does that make SENSE?!!"), but through some dark magic both batches set up perfectly, and every single airlock sealed. Yes.

Strawberry Hibiscus-Honey.

The best news is that for once I remembered to write it all down, so next time shouldn't put either my fragile brain or my marriage in any danger. Or maybe the real best news is that now I have 10 pints of freaking delicious homemade jam on my kitchen counter. I did my best to translate them into a normal person recipe, and you can find both of them, plus canning instructions, after the jump.

***

Important News! There are only two days of August left...don't miss out on the State-on-a-Cozy sweepstakes going on. Details HERE.

Read more »

Stitch

2011-08-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm about to use this kind of language, but people, it's 2+ weeks till back to school. In our house we don't speak of it, and I've been doing my best to put it out my mind completely. Not easy, since I'm working on an order of hand-stitched fall satchels for CorAzon. At least, if it has to come, it can come in plaid.

Antler, on a green and blue wool plaid

Antler, Hare, and Barn Owl designs for Fall Satchels

Hare, on a heather wool solid

Your State on a Cozy Sweepstakes!

2011-08-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

Friends! August's cozy drawing is finally here!

Your State on a Cozy Sweepstakes.

That's right. The state you love lovingly stitched onto a cozy. Basically a once in a lifetime chance is what we're talking about here, and the rules are simple.

First, select your favorite state, or if you can't pick a favorite (I hate decisions), just pick one you really like. Here's one I really like:

Yes! Michigan! (Map courtesy of geology.com)

And I know lots of great people who live in this state:

By and by: Washington! (Map courtesy of http://parks.wa.gov)

And here are the rest of them:

USA! USA! (Map courtesy of ggdrink.com)

Now that you've made your choice, make sure you're entered in the drawing or all that choosing will be for naught. You can enter by following R is R on Facebook, or by subscribing to this blog. Anyone who enters both ways gets their name in the hat TWICE. Holla.

Drawing will take place on the last day of August 2011; one winner, one cozy, one state. Also, as far as I know all official R is R fans are stateside, but if we gather any non-U.S. residents as friends in this process, I'm happy to adjust "state" to "any geographic boundaries which you love or live within" as long as a map of that place exists.

This isn't part of the rules, it's just a picture of the state I chose made into a cozy:

Star of the North: MN!

Stone Fruit Pie

2011-07-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

I've yet to have time this summer for making jam or pickles or any canning of anything, so to make myself feel better about the situation, I've been making pies instead. This one turned out so pretty, I decided to be vain about it and put pictures on the internet.

I got the recipe from the August issue of Bon Appetit, and I basically followed the whole thing. What's awesome about this recipe is that you can use any assortment of stone fruits, so whatever you can pick or buy that's in season will work. For my part I'll try to plan ahead better next time and use fruit that's absolutely ripe instead of just questionably so...but i was determined to have pie the same day I thought of it. In the end it was a little too tart to call a masterpiece, but the fruit was beautiful and I loved the colors of the different fruits together.

Stone Fruit: Peach, Black Plum, Cherry

The mini pie my son made from the leftover filling and pie dough scraps while I was turned around putting the finishing touches on mine. I was all telling him over my shoulder how one day he too might be genius enough to make a pie by himself, blah blah blah, and then turn around to see this tiny, perfect version sitting there. Sigh. I'm an idiot. At least he was nice enough not to point this out.

Stone Fruit Lattice Pies

Super delicious sugared lattice crust

The full recipe for Stone Fruit Lattice Pie after the jump!

Quite Strong

2011-07-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

I know, I'm horrible. It's been way too long. But you know, summer = crazy busy. I have been: filling custom orders, going to bike races, sewing, cleaning out the basement, driving to Wisconsin, camping, going to the lake, building forts in the backyard, filling a CorAzon order, and having bonfires. See? So busy.

But. In way more interesting news, let's talk Quite Strong.

The Quite Strong Home Page: http://quitestrong.com

Quite Strong--"creatives of the female variety"--is an awesome site put together by smart ladies that's part resource page, part support group. The site's founders are based in Chicago, but the creative women profiled there are all over the map. And as of last week, you can find me representing Mpls (girl!) at the top of the "B" listings (Bekah Worley). Each profile shows samples of the artist's work, bio and contact info, plus a little wisdom on working in the creative field. Definitely worth a look if you're a creative, or a woman, or just like creative women.

My Profile on Quite Strong's Lust List

MN Cozies

2011-06-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

I heart MN summers. We all know they're gonna be short, so we make it count, don't just save it for the weekends. At the end of the day, hit the backyard with a cold can, start the grill. Basic perfection right there. And in this season of outdoor drinking, a cozy is pretty much one of the bare essentials. You don't want your beer sweating all over you, getting warm. Sad!

I made this first set for a custom order. The design comes from the MN Love series, and it's def one of my favorites. Kinda coveting the green one actually. After stitching the design onto repurposed fabric, I quilted it into cozy shape and added the elastic tab to make sure it hugs the brew nice and tight.

This set is taken, but follow the jump to peek at the other cozies still for sale in the shop.

Set of Two Radiant MN Cozies from the MN Love Series: custom order

Quilting detail from green Radiant MN cozy

Quilting detail from red Radiant MN cozy

Summer. For Real!

2011-06-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

It hit a hundred degrees on Tuesday, and Wednesday was the last day of class for my dudes, so it's official: summer's here! I've been soaking up the sun like a crazy lady. So exciting! And also a complete one-eighty from that one time (and then also that other time) I was sad about clouds.

But bad attitudes are in the past now. It's time for awesome summertime handbags! These are all freshly listed in my Etsy shop, so be sure to visit there for the real nitty gritty. Also! I've been doing so much custom work lately. So much. Which I totally love. So if these aren't quite your speed or you just want something all your own, definitely contact me for details. I promise, it's super easy!

Paisley Shoulder Bag at www.soulsister.etsy.com

Paisley Shoulder Bag bead detail

Blue Chambray Wrislet bow detail

Blue Chambray Wristlet at www.soulsister.etsy.com

Beachy White Mini-Wristlet bow detail

Beachy White Mini-Wristlet at www.soulsister.etsy.com

Coconut Cupcakes + Spokane Wrap-Up

2011-05-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

So, Spokane was really really great. Basically I got home and crashed and didn't get up for a week. Also, it was my birthday week, so I was extra lenient about time off. But it was wonderful to meet so many supportive and fantastic people! I sold a bunch of stuff, and took a lot of orders which I will be cranking out this week. I think one of my favorite highlights from the trip was the spontaneous purse party at the P.I. wherein I sold two purses while perched on a barstool. And when I say "I," I really mean my friends and rockstar sales team Katie and Brian. Thanks guys!

And now the birthday part. We did the annual backyard party, which works great since my birthday falls on or near enough Memorial Day weekend. And this year I decided to try one of my grandma's recipes I discovered a few weeks ago in my mom's stash. My grandma, who passed away several years ago, was an incredible home cook. I still dream about her potato salad. So when I found this recipe for coconut cake, I knew it was going to be this years' birthday dessert.

Candied Coconut Garnish=Deliciousness!

Grandma Aldridge's Coconut Cupcakes

A few notes on my tactics: First, I haven't consumed a ton of coconut cake in my lifetime, but this seemed pretty mild on the coconut scale. I even won over a few devout coconut-haters! Second, since it was a backyard party, I turned it into cupcakes. Third: her recipe calls for fresh coconut, which is a legitimate hassle, but kind of a fun one. I went for the caveman approach and split it by whacking it on the back sidewalk. Classy! After prying chunks of the meat out of the husk, I trimmed off the brown skin on its backside with a paring knife before shredding it on a cheese grater. And finally, fresh coconut isn't sweet like that angel stuff you buy in the grocery aisle, so I candied some for garnish. Which was DELICIOUS. Instructions for that follows the recipe.

Read more »

I Made Even More Purses + Spokane is Fun

2011-05-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

You guys, I'm leaving for Spokane tomorrow! Excitement abounds! I'm looking forward to meeting a bunch of awesome people out there and hanging with my girl KT. If you happen to be attending the Womanhood Weekend as well, you have to stop by my table and say hi! I'll be selling my handmade bags, as well as cozies, zips, and maybe a few toys, plus I'll be taking orders for custom items. And! Don't forget about the Yoga Tote. That's gonna be there too.

Anyway, I'm pretty much out of time for any more making of things, so this here's your last preview of stuff I'll be taking with me. And I have to say that while I always like the purses that make it to salable status, there's sometimes one or two that I kind of psychotically adore. And this red and blue plaid is one of those. Those colors? Please. It's like what you get when you mix Paul Bunyan with Even More Awesomeness. Plus, it's a fun contrast to the subtler tones in many of the fabrics I've been using this season.

Paul Bunyan Purse

Paisley Zippered Tote

Paisley Zippered Tote Handle Detail

Brown Velvet Bow Wristlet

Ps: Spring finally feels like Spring! It was so beautiful and sunny yesterday I had a hard time finding a spot shady enough for good photos. I ended up taking these on top of my kids' treefort under the giant ash tree in our backyard. You can still see all the sun glinting though around the edges.

I Made Purses

2011-05-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

It's May! I'm way late saying this, but here we are. I've been busy. Being sick and/or accosted by allergies, hitting up my favorite garage sale weekend, entertaining house guests, thoroughly enjoying Mothers' Day (my kids=insanely awesome), and yeah, SEWING. This spring, maybe because of its slow, rainy start, I've noticed that I've been drawn to mostly subdued colors and patterns. A few wild ones thrown in there too, of course, but here's a sampling of my favorites in the subtler tones. (This group is earmarked for the Womanhood Weekend in Spokane...T minus 9 days! Hope to see you there!)

Slow Progress

2011-04-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

I know I've been very clear about how I feel regarding Minnesota's version of spring this year. I don't know if you could call it SAD quite; I just need me some sun. Like, really really bad.

And apparently the basil I've been sprouting on my desk feels the same way. These guys are at least a month old, and maybe I'm just impatient, but I am pretty sure they should be way bigger. I'm too spazzy (read: short attention span) to be that great of a green thumb, so these little friends probably have more obstacles to overcome than just a lack of sunshine. I was planning on plopping them on my kitchen counter once the plants are fully developed, so I can use them for cooking and eating, but at this point I'm not sure we'll ever get there. But then again, maybe I'm just being hysterical because of the rain.

But! Awesome aside: check out the sweet mango tree I'm also growing in the same pot. It turns out, if you pry open that massive hairy pod in the middle of a mango, there's a giant lima-bean-shaped seed inside. Which I sprouted by sticking in some dirt. Much like the avocado pit I sprouted a few years ago and is now a 5-foot tall tree potted in my front room. Yay food sprouts!

Yoga Tote to Hit Spokane 5.20.2011

2011-04-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago Deanna Davis (the famed, of Applied Insight and the Womanhood Weekend happening in Spokane next month) contacted me about a custom yoga tote. I thought her ideas about the bag were brilliant, so the design process was pretty straightforward. Just a translation of her list of must-haves into fabric features. This one is Deanna's of course, but the bag turned out kind of stellar (my humble opinion), so I'm definitely cranking out a few more of these to bring to Spokane with me, and will be accepting orders effective immediately....and maybe even a give-away, who knows?

Yoga Tote

Yoga mat straps!

Front and back pockets for books and magazines


Water bottle pocket is extra roomy for large bottles

Friday Cuteness

2011-04-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day! It's Earth Day AND it's Friday, so instead of babbling about some random awesomeness I discovered on The Internet, I decided we should look at pictures of my favorite earth-lovin' endeavor around here: Backyard Chickens!**

(**Backyard Chickens are earth-lovin' for at least these three reasons: 1. No driving to the grocery store for sad eggs. Or supporting giant corporate egg factories. 2. No wasting anything edible--chickens will magically turn all your table and kitchen scraps into delicious eggs. 3. Free natural fertilizer--compost chicken waste for the most amazing garden soil.)

Recently we added a new girl to the flock: Buffy the Buff Orpington, who I also like to call Puffy or just plain Puff, and who is only 4 or 5 months old. Introducing a new bird always results in a lot of drama (turns out pecking order is actually a real thing), so we separated her from the others until she's big enough to take it. At the same time this was happening, the oldest bird of the flock, a super calm old lady named Iesha, decided to go broody. Without getting into the nitty gritty of chicken science, a broody chicken is one whose biological clock is telling her it's time to hatch some chicks. Only no rooster=no baby chicks in all those eggs. But a broody chicken is nothing if not determined. She will sit on those eggs endlessly, hiking her body temp and refusing to get up for food and water. At this point it's necessary to remove her from the nest and lock the chicken out of the coop until she cools off and gets her head straight.

So. We put the calm old lady with the unwavering maternal instinct in the separation with tiny Buffy. I felt bad for them because I felt like they were in chicken exile or something. But then this happened.


Iesha and Little Puff

They totally bonded! If you can't tell, Iesha has her left wing wrapped around Puff, all mother hen style. (Tears!) Since this photo we've let some of the other chickens mingle with Puff and Iesha, and because Iesha has defined Puff's role in the flock, no drama! I know there's a bird-related metaphor about solving two problems with one solution, but I can't bring myself to use it now.

Enjoy your Earth Day and the rest of the holiday weekend!

Spring Planters

2011-04-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

I almost didn't get out of bed yesterday. I knew it was gonna be bad when The Husb walks in and says, "Look out the window. If. You. Dare."

Snow in April=Utterly demoralizing. (But ok, later in the day I heard my friends in northern Michigan got NINE INCHES of snow, so I called a halt to my little pity party.) Even though our snow melted by mid-afternoon, it's still going to be awhile before I'll be going anywhere near my garden. In the meantime? Thinking warm thoughts and sprouting basil on my desk.

These spring planters are made from the same recycled plastic material I use for messenger bags and zips and whatnot. It just so happens to function pretty great for plants as well. I've had good luck growing herbs on my kitchen counter in them, and one of my favorite houseplants has been thriving in one for the last year.

This little guy is constructed from scraps, and is designed to fit in the windowsill. Kitchen window herb garden? Yes please.

Windowsill Planter on Etsy.com

Each of these pots has the full word "plant" spelled out on its side so they can totally stand alone, but I think they look pretty sweet together with their letters lined up. I made them a little tall for aesthetics, but the bottom can be lined with gravel or styrofoam peanuts to act as both a filler and aid drainage if you have a fussy plant.

Recycled Plastic Planter Set on Etsy.com

All of these are now available in my Etsy shop. Visit for more details.
Happy Spring....

Harwood Steiger Pillows

2011-04-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

All the sunshine and fresh air coming through the open windows is making it hard for me to concentrate on the hand stitching I'm supposed to be working on. If I go out there, I'm never coming back in, so I'm just taking a quick break for The Internet to share an awesome discovery I made this morning.

Here's what happened. While practicing yoga on the living room floor, I was admiring the pillows on our couch, and decided it was high time to look up the name of the artist at the bottom of the silkscreen design. My girl Leah picked up the fabric for me about a year ago at a yard sale, a really sweet screen printed design, which I held onto it for several months before finally making it into pillows. So after yoga, I looked it up, and it turns out, it's a Harwood Steiger print. And Harwood Steiger turns out to be this great mid-century textile and watercolor artist who had a studio in Arizona where he hand screen printed his designs.

The moral of this story is twofold: 1. Nice score Leah! and 2. Yay! I have Harwood Steiger pillows on my couch! I always loved them, but I love even more knowing the story behind the fabric. Check out some of his work, and also my pillows**:

(Update! To see TONS more great Harwood Steiger prints, check out this site: The Harwood Steiger Book Project!)

Harwood Steiger Placemat

Harwood Steiger Screen Printed Fabric

Harwood Steiger Linen Tea Towel

Detail from Harwood Steiger Screen Printed Fabric


My pillows made from Harwood Steiger Screen Printed Fabric

Detail from my pillows

**(My only regret here is that I didn't photograph them when they were shiny and new. Well, "new." Here the pillows are shown after quite a few months of life on a couch in the home of wild boys.)

New! R is R Video: Spring Tote Preview

2011-04-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

New R is R tote designs are in the works. I'm planning to debut the designs at the Women's Weekend in Spokane next month, and they'll be available to everyone after that. Check out this preview we put together for you though, with much thanks as always to the stellar photographic talents of T.C. Worley.

Custom Orders + Spokane Rocks

2011-03-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

First of all, I need to thank all the R is R friends in Spokane, Washington. Your business and support has been fantastic, and a really big thanks to the Yoga Shala for being awesome. I'm truly thrilled that I'll have the chance to visit and thank some of you in person during the Women's Weekend May 20-22nd. Yay Spokane!

And now, a word on custom orders...

I say all the time that R is R hearts custom orders, and it's totally true. Being the sole designer, crafter, supply-gatherer, and whatever else I do around here gives me lots of freedom to create some really crazy custom stuff. I've filled a range of super vague to insanely specific requests for purses, toys, cozies, messenger bags, and lots more.

In fact, my friend Katie, who rallies the R is R Spokane contingent, is responsible for my favorite custom order ever: A purse imbued with hope. (Obviously a bold and shiny raspberry wristlet that is deceptively tiny and yet holds the universe.)

Placing a custom order is as simple as sending me an email. I'll work with you from concept through production to create the bag (or cozy or toy....) that's perfect for you, and you get to be as involved as you want to be in the making of something totally yours, handcrafted, and best of all, sustainably made. If you're interested in placing your own custom order, email me at bekah@recyclingisrad.com, and we'll get the conversation started.

In the meantime, a few of my favorites:


Barn Swallow Winery Commuter

Wool Felt Interior and Wine Bottle Pocket: Barn Swallow Winery Commuter

Laptop/Carry-All with Hand Screenprinted Logo for Baroque Design

Logo Screenprint and Button Closure

Bag Interior: Laptop/Carry-All for Baroque Design

Hand Stitched Original Design: My Sister's Face Cozy

Sweater Bunny Family

My Husband is Ridiculous

2011-03-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

My Living Room Wall: White Doe by Rachel Denny

(Ridiculously awesome.)

THIS was my (significantly belated but not any less freaking amazing) Valentine's gift this year. You guys, it's hanging on my living room wall right this second. This is an actual picture of my living room wall. What? I have to keep looking at it to make sure it's real. This enormous box came in the mail today, and I started hyperventilating as soon as I saw the return address. Also, I could not stop hugging it after I got it unwrapped. The Husb finally pried it out of my arms so we could hang it on the wall. Wow. I. LOVE. THIS.

We came across Rachel Denny's work via something somewhere on the Internet about a month ago and I haven't stopped thinking about her since. The Husb must have gotten a sense of this and realized his chance to completely waste me in the Battle of Best Presents Ever. Which I am ok with.

I have to go and look at my cable knit doe some more now, but first I have to insist you all go check out Rachel Denny's site right this very second: www.racheldenny.com

i heart cozies.

2011-03-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hand screenprinted original design: Dead Rabbit Cozy on Pedalr.com

I just got back from taking a week to thaw out in the Florida Keys with The Husb. There was a lot of walking, and eating, some biking and kayaking, but mostly we had a fantastic time doing almost nothing but remembering what the sun feels like. (Magic. Magic is what it feels like, in case you live in Minnesota like me and are still snowed in.)

And despite the severe and snowy setback we had here in Minneapolis while I was away, my sights are still set on spring and summer. I have to believe that there WILL be a day in my future that finds me drinking a beer in the backyard sun. So in that hope, and with only days left till the end of R is R's March Sale, let's look at some cozies before that beer gets warm:

Hand stitched original design: Bunny Cozy on Etsy.com

Hand stitched original design: Anteater Cozy on Etsy.com

Hand screenprinted R is R logo: Recycling is Rad Cozy on Pedalr.com

Hand stitched original custom design: My Sister's Face Cozy**

(**getting your mug stitched onto a cozy is about as custom as it gets, with the added bonus of never again confusing your beer with someone else's...germs are bad. send custom order requests to bekah@recyclingisrad.com. Recycling is Rad March Sale prices DO APPLY to any and all custom orders placed this month. act fast.)

Basil Sprouts!

2011-03-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Last week I started some seeds in a couple of my recycled plastic planters. I love how the basil looks at this stage, cute like a baby, and I almost feel bad about my eventual plans to eat it.

This Week's Wishlist

2011-03-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting on top of my worktable taking a knitting break. (Funny story: my old "worktable" died after my husband decided to take a seat on it's poorly-joined multi-leaf formica top...luckily this one is an actual worktable and up to the challenge.) My work space is mostly windows, so it's really pretty in here on a sunny day, and the dripping eaves are a sign of good things to come. And since it's Friday, a day to think about things other than work, I thought I'd share my wishlist of the week, inspired in part by this month's issue of Dwell magazine.

Crafting a Meaningful Home by Meg Mateo Ilasco

This book! It's 27 projects, all DIY, by different designers, and looks like it could be a great way to access some new ideas. Sometimes just knowing the magnitude that exists of things to be made and ways to make them is super overwhelming. So maybe start with just 27 things? The hand-woven rope rug project is one I'd love to try.

Uten.Silo by Vitra

Let's be clear. I'm not getting this. I don't buy expensive things (and my version of expensive equals: "20$ for a shirt?! what is it, made of gold?"); I opt for how awesome it is to find something you didn't even know you loved at a thrift store or roadside, and the random nature of my house attests to this. But. Sometimes there are there are things I'm just happy exist. Designed by Ingo Maurer in the late 1960s, this version has be re-made by Vitra. I can easily imagine myself entertained for hours by putting things in all the odd-shaped cubbies.

3.

Bike Shelf by Chris Brigham for Knife and Saw

I've already combed every inch of wall space in my house, and this just isn't happening. Not without sacrificing something else, like the couch. But I love everything about this design. It's super simple, solves a problem, and is something you want to look at. Between the four of us we have enough bikes to put wheels under a small army. And even though we have quite a garage, most of the time there's a bike or two hanging out in the house. Usually I pretend that I totally mind, but the truth is, there's not much I prefer to the aesthetic of a bicycle, and if I had a fancy parking spot like this, I'd have mine living in plain view all the time.

Have a great weekend, and don't forget about R is R's March Sale! (20% off all merch and custom orders this month only...coupon code YAYFORSUN required for my Etsy shop only; all other products are already sale-priced.)

Happy March (Sale)!

2011-03-01T08:26:00.001-08:00

Antler Satchel--Etsy.com

We made it to March! It might be foolish to start the end o' winter countdown here in Minneapolis just yet, but I'm feeling optimistic today. This might be because today is not only the first day of March, BUT ALSO:

1. My husband's birthday (which means dolmathes and carrot cake!)
2. National Pig Day (hug or eat a pig today, I guess?)
3. National Beer Day (celebrates the end of Icelandic prohibition, and also beer is delicious.)
4. The first day of R is R's March Sale!

To take advantage of item #4 on the list above, visit my Etsy shop (use coupon code YAYFORSUN), my Pedalr shop, or place a custom order during the month of March and receive 20% off all purchases.

Here's a preview of some of the other stuff on sale:

Octopus Satchel--Etsy.com

Caution Messenger--Pedalr.c0m

MN Love Series: MN Can Cozy--Etsy.com

Rad Can Cozy--Pedalr.com

So celebrate today however you see fit, and go get your shop on! (One Important Note: Items in my Pedalr shop are already marked down for you, but you'll need to use the coupon code YAYFORSUN to get the discount in my Etsy shop; custom orders will be discounted by me at the time of invoice.) Happy Beer Pig Sale (and Birthday TC!) Day to all of you!

Blaahg

2011-02-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

I am thoroughly creatively blocked this week. I've been wandering around my work space looking at stuff and just feeling antsy. I attempted to make SOMETHING yesterday and it turned into a tote bag that looked like a loaf of bread someone had dropped from the third story. Also, it was beige. Boo.

This happens.

I think part of my brain runs on pictures*, and when I get stuck, looking at cool stuff can be inspiring. So instead of wasting more material on awful projects, I'm looking at things on the internet (Yay Internet!). Category: Green Things You Can Keep in Your House. Go.

Mixed Bag of Three Small Air Plants by ToHold

These air plants are tillandsias and are members of the pineapple family. And also, they are super cool. Air plants collect all the necessary water and nutrients through their leaves instead of their roots. In nature, their roots are used for anchoring purposes, but in your house they can hang out almost anywhere and be totally happy. Mine are perched near the stereo.

Wally One by Wooly Pocket

I love the idea of vertical gardens and someday I will have a living wall. Or maybe a green roof. Or maybe both! Or maybe I should just move to a forest in a much warmer state? Too bad I love Minneapolis so darn much.

Ok, so these are on the internet, but technically I made them. But they fit the category, and I love the photos (taken, obviously, by the mega talent Studio Blue). The pots are great; one of my favorite plants is potted in one in my living room. And sometimes it's good to look at past projects you're actually proud of, and remind yourself that not everything has to end up beige. (Seriously...what was I thinking?)

*The rest of my brain probably runs on music. My smart friend suggested this as a cure: The King of Limbs

Toys...

2011-02-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

Remember how I said how much I love Valentines'? I got carried away. I kept the party going basically all weekend. This included class valentine making with the kids, lots of white school glue, an entire bolt of pink tulle, and all of the following things in the shape of hearts: toast, PIZZA (I know!), marshmallow Peeps, and TWO desserts (one so ugly we can't talk about it, and then red velvet whoopie pies that turned out the opposite of ugly).

Why? I mean, I know why, but really? I'm full of sugar sadness today, so let's just look at some pictures of cute things and try not to think about cake. Oh look! This one shows how I feel:

And this one is just cute:

And both of these are available in my Etsy shop.

Grey Squirrel on Etsy

2011-02-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

Just listed this guy in my Etsy shop...

Visit the listing for full details.

Eggs!

2011-02-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

This is just a small digression so I can show you what I'm excited about this week:

Those are eggs and my chickens laid them. Aren't they beautiful?

If you didn't know, we keep chickens in our backyard. It started as kind of an experiment several years ago, and now the hens are as much pets as they are egg-providers. (We only eat the eggs, as they--unlike the chickens--do not have names.)

Keeping chickens isn't cheaper than buying grocery store eggs, but it's a lot more entertaining. And the to-your-plate distance doesn't get much shorter than your own backyard.

But the real beauty of these eggs is the meaning they carry: longer days, MORE SUN. Chickens only lay eggs when they're happy and healthy enough, their egg cycle governed by the amount of light in their day. Instead of supplementing with artificial light so they lay year-round, we give our ladies the dark months off. So when the first eggs start appearing in the coop, I get really excited. In part because no grocery store egg can compare to these gems, and in part because I LOVE THE SUN.

This post is dedicated to the birds: Annie, Speedy, Aiysha, Lucky, Ruby, and Weenie.

Sweater Squirrels

2011-02-03T17:11:00.000-08:00

In December I made a family of sweater bunnies for a custom order. They were cute. And I loved the project so much, that when a couple of close friends recently welcomed new babies into their respective tribes, I decided to make squirrel versions as older sibling gifts for the girls in each family. I didn't get a chance to photograph the red squirrels, but here is a sampling of the gray squirrel family.

This time, since I had the luxury of knowing the recipient families, I was able to customize the squirrels to individual family members. Like a tiny wool flannel for the squirrel version of a dad who wears the same.

It was this aspect that made the project especially fun, so if you've ever wondered what you'd look like as a squirrel, well, let's talk.

Acorns, in place of the bunnies' carrot, make homes and carrying-cases for the squirrel families. But hands-down, my favorite part about this whole thing: tiny curling squirrel tails.

At the moment these custom creatures are only made to order, but I can't even express how much I love making these. Any inquiries on the orders can be directed to my email: bekah@recyclingisrad.com.

Wristlets on Etsy

2011-02-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Happy February! Once we get to this month, I can imagine March, which is followed by April, when even in Minnesota the snow will start to melt. Grass! I can picture it, the scrubby little light at the end of winter's tunnel. Word on the street is that the groundhog predicts an early spring, and that he's got a 38% accuracy rating. Glorious.

Plus, it's almost Valentines' Day, a holiday I adore for all it's staggering cheesiness. I love cheese! And heart-shaped food. And anything involving glue, (required for the making of valentines...I also love valentines!). It's the perfect holiday, really.

So, I'm excited. Clearly. Though it is highly possible we will get an Armageddon-level crusher of a snow storm next week and my good mood will be spoiled. In the meantime, I posted some new wristlets on Etsy. And here they are!

Lion Pillow + Drawing Deadline

2011-01-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

Some things!

1. I made a gold lion pillow. Originally, the potato print pillow I made was going to be this one instead. I'm not sure what sidetracked me (potatoes?)...it's kind of a frequent occurrence.

The design is based on vintage children's book illustrations. Not any one in particular, just drawing on the slide show in my brain and that nostalgic sense that type of illustration has. My screenprinting process is very by-hand and leaves a lot of room for minor variations of character, which I typically really like. I love how this lion print turned out, and there's something about the gold ink and corduroy together that gratifies my tactile side. Check him out in my Etsy shop.

2. The deadline for the drawing is Monday! It's happening 1.31.11 at High Noon. If you aren't following me yet on Facebook, be sure to join in time to be part of the drawing. You can find all the details plus photos of what the winner will recieve HERE.

Things with Antlers

2011-01-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking about antlers today because one of my jobs for the day is to find a single shed antler that is stored somewhere in our (scary) garage. We've decided that what's really missing from the decor of our 1920's Minneapolis bungalow is a set of antlers, so I'm designing a wall-mount using some of the miscellaneous shed antlers we've collected during trips into the forest. I can't really get started until I find the last antler, and I've been putting off going out to the garage for at least a week, so today's the day.

Although obviously the first step is looking at pictures of antlers on the internet. Look! A bike with antlers! Killer.

Antler Bike by Jenny Nordberg

Antlers are these amazing works of art that grow out of animals' heads, and while of course they have survival-driven purposes, they're also beautiful to look at. The whitetail deer we have in Minnesota grow their antlers just for the season of love (dudes only) in order to attract the ladies and get in spectacular fights. Then the antlers just fall out like loose teeth. It's so weird and cool, and I am totally taken with the whole aesthetic.

Anyway, here are some things I made with antlers on them!

Antlers 2 beer cozy from my MN Love Series. (Sold)

Stag Satchel designed and made for my sister. (So, not for sale.)

Heart Antlers Plaid Satchel. (For sale: www.soulsister.etsy.com)

If I ever do make it to the garage (and out alive), and get those antlers on the wall, I'll post some photos of those, too.

Art: It's Awesome.

2011-01-21T10:20:00.000-08:00

Yay! It's Friday! And I'm looking at awesome stuff on the Internet instead of being productive! Hooray.

But first.

You know those bumper stickers people put on their cars that say "Buy Art"? (Here we go.) I'm always secretly annoyed by them because they're lame and also because I don't have that kind of cash.

So! I am excited about these two things that are awesome because it turns out almost anyone can own some really rad artwork.

Meet my talented super friend Troy DeShano (www.troydeshano.com). I would classify him as terrific and his work as fantastic. You can buy prints of his HERE for insanely reasonable prices, AND they're actual fine art giclee prints, which means they're very very nice. I've seen them in person. I will attest. Here's one I love!

"The Breakfast Club" by Troy DeShano

You need to visit 1200 Posters (http://1200posters.com). On the 12th of every month they release a limited edition print by an new (up and coming) artist and sell them till they run out. Also quite affordable and a pretty sweet idea. The site got started in November, so there's three so far. I liked this one by Mando Veve:

"There is no power greater than community discovering what it cares about" by Mando Veve

Pillows on Etsy

2011-01-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

If you read my last post, you know I'm probably still obsessed with a bottle of gold screenprint ink I found. I am. And I promised to list some pillows on Etsy for those of you who can't resist shiny things; this here is the first set.

Details and purchasing opportunities HERE. (Or scroll down for basic instructions on how to print your own!)

Potato Prints

2011-01-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

The other day, lost inside of a Michael's (big box craft store), I was led by destiny to a bottle of gold screenprint ink. I have many plans for this new friend, but this is the first project I did with it. Potato printing is something I've always reserved for disastercraft with the kids, but I just may have been underestimating the vegetable's potential.

If you're looking for a good weekend project and aren't afraid of paint-like substances, I highly recommend attempting this one. It lends itself to all levels of creative/artistic/sewing skills. And if sewing's not your thing, try printing a purchased tablecloth or curtain, or a throw pillow case if you have one that is easy to remove from the form.

The supplies you need include:

Screenprint ink*
Medium-to-heavy weight fabric (item to be printed)
Paintbrush
Potato
Sharp knife
Newspaper
Iron
Parchment paper or scrap cloth

(*My favorite brand is Speedball, but any brand should be fine. Screenprint ink is available in most craft or art supply stores.)

Slice one end of the potato or whatever vegetable you're using. Using a sharp paring knife, cut shape into the end of the potato. I did a basic square, but do whatever your knife-wielding skills allow for. Just make sure the face of the stamp is as flat as possible so it meets the fabric evenly when you print.

Protect a flat surface from bleed-throughs by laying down newspaper. Then lay out the fabric, removing any wrinkles and fuzz or pet hair or whatever. Pour a little ink onto a tray or plate or newspaper and spread it around with your paintbrush. Dip the potato stamp into the ink and dab it off a little on the edge of the tray. This is the part where you might want a test subject to see how the stamp performs before you start slapping paint all over your granny's tablecloth. I used a strip of the fabric I made the pillowcase from so I'd have a really good idea of the final product. Press the stamp down lightly first, then apply a little pressure as evenly as possible. I reapplied paint after each stamp, but you might want to experiment for a different effect. This is a by-hand process for a handmade finish, so don't freak out about minor variations...that's what makes it awesome.

When you're printing your design, start small and build on the pattern (or lack thereof). If you're attempting something symmetrical, you might want to plot it out first and chalk a template onto your fabric. However you do it, when you're done stamping, leave the fabric to dry completely. How long depends on how much ink you used per stamp and all that, but make sure even the heaviest areas are totally dry before you proceed.

Once the ink is dry, heat set the prints by ironing. Follow the specific directions on the screenprint ink bottle, but basically you'll need to iron the design with a medium-to-high setting, using a piece of parchment paper or scrap cloth between the iron and the project. Iron the front and back of the printed fabric. Once the ink is heat set the print is typically machine washable, though it depends on the type of fabric you used. For longest wear, turn the item inside out to wash or wash inside a delicates laundry bag.

To finish the project, I added a couple cloth-covered buttons to mine so I'd have a tufted pillow, but do what you feel. Yay! It's done!

I know not everyone has the time or desire to make their own their own super sweet throw pillows, but now that I have gold screenprint ink, I have lots of ideas, so stay tuned for more pillows soon to be listed in my Etsy store.

Tiny Spotted Owl and Barn Owl Wall Hangings

2011-01-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

Just a quick shot of my new wall art for your Friday afternoon. Heading to Duluth for the weekend, so I'm supposed to be packing, but first check them out:

I made them yesterday. The hoops are about 3 inches across, just for reference, and they look super cute together. Also, I've been visiting this site, so I totes have owls on the brain.

Winter Cozy Excitement=Yay!

2011-01-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

My friends. It is cozy time. We have a billion inches of snow, it is freezing out there, and the icicles on my house have reached the potentially lethal level. I generally classify myself as a winter-hater, but this year I'm trying on a better attitude. We'll see how long it lasts, but yesteday I did the unthinkable and went for a run. Outside. Basically anything could happen next.

ANYWAY.

My point is, I made some cozies. For you to look at. And buy. Or win. What?! Yes. I'm sharing my irrationally positive attitude by way of A Winter Giveaway(s...there might be more!). At the end of January I'm going to draw a name from my cache of Facebook friends, and the lucky winner, wins! A cozy! Deets below...

Contest Rules:
1. To enter your name in the drawing, be my Facebook friend. (The button's on the left or: www.facebook.com/recyclingisrad)
2. To enter your name TWICE in the drawing (What?!), write me a hilarious joke on R is R's facebook wall. To make it more interesting, dirty jokes don't count. You know I mean business because it's in bold.
3. Here is the cozy the winner will win:

Octopus Cozy: The Outside

Octopus Cozy: Awesome Paisley Lining

It's already the 4th of January! Let the friending and joking begin!

Sweater Bunnies!

2010-12-27T08:10:00.000-08:00

I love this one! Definitely on the list of 2010's favorite projects. In early December my friend was talking to me about gift ideas she was hoping to have me make for her niece. She described a toy her grandmother had made when she was young: A family of small plush bunnies that lived inside a zippered carrot. This had awesomeness written all over it, and I was super pumped when she decided to go ahead with the order.

The original bunnies were made of terry cloth or fleece, but when I found a men's cable-knit cashmere sweater vest in a thrift store, I knew what had to be done. The adult bunnies are about five inches tall, and the tiny baby is about an inch. Tiny soft pillows of cuteness! I think my favorite part about this is the dad bunny's shirt and tie. I cut the skinny end off of a vintage tie I found, then rolled and knotted it. I did consider that putting the dad in a tie might be a little heavy on the old fashioned gender role side of things, but I decided in the end that 1. the re-making of a toy made 20 years ago by a grandmother should at least hint at the traditional and 2. smart fashion is timeless, even if you are a five-inch tall bunny made of cashmere and corduroy.

I also love that the bunnies are housed in a carrot, which doubles as carrying-case and storage. I have this secret obsession with fake food which might be a carry-over from never getting that play kitchen I wanted as a kid, and maybe also mixed in with my insane love of actual edible food too. Either way, yay fake food! And finally an excuse to make my own. Yes!

The body of the carrot was originally a duvet-cover which I cut to my pattern and quilted so the carrot would have some shape to it. And since the recipient is four years old, I used a pretty burly plastic zipper so it'd be easy for her to zip and unzip. The last thing I did was stitch her name onto the carrot greens. I hope she has a ton of fun with her sweater bunny family!

Etsy Discounts for Facebook Friends!

2010-12-16T12:57:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure if I was ready for Christmas yet, but last night we brought home the tree, and I got out my Sufjan Stevens Christmas album set, which around here is the official sign that I am in the Christmas spirit.

So now that that's out of the way, I'm ready to announce my Facebook Christmas Bonanza! I'm offering a 15% discount on items in my Etsy shop to all my Facebook fans. It's easy! Here's how to get in on the deal:

1. "Like" Recycling is Rad on Facebook, if you haven't already. Click the Facebook button on the left of the screen or go HERE. Yay! Now we're friends.

2. Shop my Etsy shop. Click the Etsy button on the left of the screen or go HERE. It looks like this:
3. When your cart is full of Recycling is Rad goodness, go to the checkout. You will have TWO payment options. Choose "other." Like this:

You'll still be able pay using either Paypal or a check, this just allows me to send you a discounted invoice without letting every single person on the internet get this deal. Because then it just wouldn't be special, would it facebook friend?

4. Spread the word.

Yay saving money and Christmas and recycling!

Craft Show Wrap-Up, Plus Etsy...

2010-12-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

No idea how many miles we logged this weekend, many of them through the mountainous snow drifts also known as Michigan's roads. But there's no denying we had a great time. It was fantastic to see friends and support the crafty side of Traverse City. Big thanks to everyone who made it happen and/or made it out there to see us.

I shared a table with Buckets of Moonbeam s, featuring the talents of my friend Noel, who makes handknit and felted purses and bowls, as well as the most scandocious hot pepper jam ever.

Orange Handknit Purse by Buckets of Moonbeams

Also at the show was Noel's husband, Troy DeShano, illustration artist and graphic designer who does some of my favorite work (including my logo and business card design!).

"A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" by Troy DeShano

Quality peoples and good times. I'm sorry if you missed it.

But now that I'm back home I have some good news if you weren't there...or if you were there and for some strange reason didn't leave with any R is R merch: I did not sell out. And this afternoon I listed a few of the unsold items in my Etsy shop. This is your chance: Go Shopping.

Craft Show Preview: Satchels!

2010-12-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is it: last preview post, I promise. I patterned these satchels after this bag I made for my sister in the fall. Don't ask me why I fixated on the most time-consuming medium possible when I only had a month of production time. So I wasn't able to crank out a gazillion of these, just a very exclusive, limited run. I'll be selling these along with everything else (toys, cozies, zips, purses) at the Holla-Day Bazaar, although I totes want to keep one. Not that I could anyway: it's super uncool to carry a purse that matches your little sister's bag. Sigh.

Craft Show Preview: Toys!

2010-12-08T07:57:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun making these! Alone in what I hilariously refer to as "the studio," hunched over my worktable, trying out buttons for eyes, and giggling. That's how I spent the last few weeks. Even now I can't look at Albino Squirrel in his pleated wool pants without getting tears of laughter in my eyes.

Anyway, these and a lot more will be at the Holla-Day Bazaar with me (Saturday, December 11, 10am-5pm, InsideOut Gallery, Traverse City MI). Stop by and see us!

Craft Show Preview: Cozies!

2010-11-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

A few cozies from the line I've been working on. All original designs hand-stitched onto repurposed fabric scraps. I'll be taking these to Michigan with me for the Holla-Day Bazaar, but you can check more cozy designs HERE.

Toys are Fun.

2010-11-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

The last week or so I've been getting ready for an indie craft show I decided to enter with a friend of mine. Decided exactly one month before the date of the show. Since I don't keep piles of awesome stuff I've made laying around, I have a lot of work to do. The show is the Holla-Day Bazaar in Traverse City, MI, and it looks like a good time. Plus, I'll be with friends, so all this work now will be worth it. I hope.

Since it's a Christmas event, and Christmas always makes me think of toys (TOYS!!), I'm making a few to go along with the bags, zips, and beer cozies I'll be showing. Making toys is vastly entertaining to my simple mind; I mostly sit at my sewing machine cackling. I'm hoping to have time for a preview photo shoot before I pack my bags for Michigan, but until then, you should look at these:

And then after that, you can also look at these.

Matt's Beer Cozy

2010-11-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

My friend Matt has been dropping hints left and right about what a stand-up beer cozy tester he'd be if only someone gave him the chance. Then a couple of days ago he spent his entire day off helping my husband put a new window in the living room, so I figured this was the least I could do to say thanks. Especially since my living room is like a sea of sunnyness now. So let me know how it works, Matt.

Noel's Messenger Bag

2010-11-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

Last week, before the snow, and when it was still a miraculous 70 degrees here, I took a couple quick shots of this messenger bag I made for my friend Noel. She's a fitness instructor in Traverse City, MI, so this one will be doing double duty as gym bag as well. If you're lucky enough to live in the area, definitely check out one of her classes.

Cozies for Cyclocross!

2010-11-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was the fourth annual VeloCX, or the National Sports Center Velodrome Cyclocross, hosted by the always awesome Behind Bars/Little Guy Racing Cycling Team. Since my husband and (unofficially) both my little dudes ride for the team, I decided R is R should support the scene this year. For the event I designed this custom cozy and then made 12 of them. (In one day. What is wrong with me?) Since weather is unpredictable during the CX season, I made them all out of repurposed wool scraps. A snappy little coat for your beer! The logo on the cozies is an actual cyclocross tire track in screenprint ink, over which I embroidered the race lettering.

The race itself was pretty great. For November we had a decent day, no rain, no snow, just lots of sun and wind. And the sponsors ponied up for a giant inflatable bouncy thing, free beer, brats, and coffee. Good times. My kids raced the juniors' race, but the husb was still recovering from a broken rib, so he spent the day behind his camera. Good news for you, see his shots from the race HERE.

5 New Bags

2010-11-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

A new batch of vintage textile purses in the shop. Details and purchasing opportunity available after the jump for each bag.

1. Librarian Bow Shoulder Bag
2. Velvet Brown Handbag* (Okay, so this one sold right after I posted this! Good thing I take custom requests.)
3. Grey Wool Wristlet
4. Green Quilted Wristlet
5. Raspberry Wool Wristlet

New Messenger on Etsy

2010-10-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Since the start of fall I've had a few requests to get some messenger bags up on Etsy. I've had other fish to fry. BUT. As a peace offering, I listed one there for you today. It's a large, with plenty of room for whatever it is you people need to carry around. And just in time too, with the weather here in the Midwest really starting to hit the fan, as they say. This bag is a perfect all-weather commuter...the recycled plastic material combined with the bag's fold-over flap design keeps out the wind, rain, snow, sleet, and what-have-you.

Plus: I upgraded the strap material to a heavyweight polyester seatbelt webbing that's stronger, more durable, and super abrasion-resistant. Other notable features include velcro flap closure, bright whites and yellows to keep you extra visible, interior pouch pocket for your keys and phone, AND use of actual caution tape harvested from the very first VeloCX cylcocross race hosted by Minneapolis' own Behind Bars Cycling Team. Just a little piece of history folks.

Get the details, get the bag, HERE.

Video Break

2010-10-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

It might be a few years old, but I've had this (Cornerstone Productions) video on my brain all week for some reason. Oh yeah, maybe because IT'S AWESOME. Check:

I Heart my Bicycle

2010-10-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

This morning my boys and I walked out the front door just in time to see their bus pulling away from the stop. We're a one (drivable) car family at the moment, and that one drivable car was already somewhere in Northeast Minneapolis by then. Not cool. But we happen to be having the most amazing fall ever, and it was already in the mid-sixties, so after a lot of complaining about the poor bus driver, we all got our bikes and rode the four miles to their school.

Yes, they were late to school, but it's not possible to stress out while pedaling through sunny neighborhood streets with the leaves falling around you. Generally I'm not a fan of the fall, since it means summer's over and winter's next, but this was a pretty awesome morning. And every time I get on my bike I think the same thought: I love you bike!

I also love my small messenger bag. It's the perfect size for holding what I need--lock, water bottle, sweatshirt, keys and phone, etc--without feeling like I'm towing a VW. Sometimes big is good, like if I'm headed to the grocery store or carrying a package to the P.O. But I like to travel light when it's possible, and this was a perfect morning for it.

Face Cozy + Stag Satchel

2010-10-06T13:15:00.001-07:00

Not that long ago my sister had a birthday, and I made her some stuff. My sister is awesome, and I'm really bad at birthdays, so I wanted to make this one totally great. First, I got this crazy thought to embroider her face onto a beer cozy. I wasn't sure if I could pull it off, but in its idea-form inside of my brain, it really looked rad, so I tried. As it turns out: vacation photo + iron-on transfer pencil + hot pink wool fabric = sweet face cozy. As for the benefits of having your own face on a beer cozy, well, those are pretty much endless.

After I finished that, I kind of wanted to stitch something else. I'd picked up this herringbone wool fabric at a yard sale for like a quarter, and I kept looking at it sitting there on my work table. So the night before cake day, I cut out and quilted the body of a bag, and embroidered the flap with the antler design my sister really liked from my MN Love series.

And then on cake day I made an enormous slab of chocolate cake layered with peanut butter mousse and covered in dark chocolate ganache. Done!

Custom Laptop Bag

2010-09-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a project I finished for a graphic designer in Washington who needed a bag able to hold her laptop, accessories, paperwork, cell phone, wallet...plus anything else the job and day happen demand. This bag has tons of pockets, plus a cushy quilted laptop sleeve sewn in. The adjustable strap is heavy duty polypro webbing which wraps around the bottom of the bag for extra stability and durability. I lined the entire interior of the bag with a fabric that draws from the same color families as her company's identity. I also created a custom screen based on her business logo and hand screenprinted the front flap of the bag. For a vintage-inspired design, I finished the bag with a few touches like the pleating on the front of the bag, and vintage button closure on the flap.

Bicycle-Themed Goodness

2010-09-14T09:12:00.001-07:00

(** Simplicity Poster by Nick Dewar)

Bikes are great for many reasons, but being a generally shallow person I choose most of my loves on a looks-first basis. There's something about the aesthetic of a bicycle that I just dig, so when my favorite design blog, Design Sponge, posted a collection of bikes, accessories, and other bicycle-themed glory, I wanted to share the delicious eye candy, this poster being a perfect example of such (I want that). See the rest of it here.

Bike Tracks Custom Cozy

2010-09-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I know you're thinking all I ever do these days is make cozies. That's just your imagination. They're the easiest to photograph, though I'm actually working on a bunch of other stuff as well. Turns out this is a busy season for both me and my husband/photographer, so I've put any major product shoots on hold for just a bit.

More importantly:

I made this custom cozy today. The project may or may not have involved me painting the front tire of my husband's cross bike with black screenprint ink.

I Survived BTSW

2010-09-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

To celebrate making it through the horror that is Back to School Week, I'm having an Etsy tote sale. All totes in my Etsy shop are marked down 20%. Check it out.

Also, we're in Mega-Production Mode here at the R is R headquarters. (That's our official term for making a TON of stuff...BTSW also marks the return of retail season.) Lots of updated designs for the fall in a bunch of awesome fabrics, all destined for local shops. I'll be keeping aside a few choice items for the Etsy shop though, so be sure to check back soon for the newest items available.

MN Love Project

2010-09-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

I decided my fall project is going to be a Minnesota series of designs. After this post, I was kind of hooked on quilting wool and flannel, so I'm building a whole series of cozies around the concept of being a Minnesotan. Fall and flannel and beer!

So far I've created two designs, and over the last couple of days have been playing around with mediums. Yesterday I came up with this:

I liked it, but I felt like it was missing something. Like kitsch. So I spent my Saturday morning coming up with this:

And also this:

The Antlers and Radiant MN designs are both embroidered in a chain stitch on repurposed fabrics, which I then sewed to quilted panels of wool, also repurposed, yes. The elastic tabs are adjustable and secure with a velcro closure. (You can read a cozy's list of functions here.)

Here's the set so far:

These two, as well as the first version of the Antler design, are available in my Etsy shop. I'll be posting more sets as they're finished, so check back for more designs and renditions in the series throughout the fall.

New Labels

2010-09-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

Check the new labels. All official-looking and fancy...thanks again to TroyDesh for the design work!

Good Neighbors

2010-08-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

There's not much that's more definitively Minnesotan than an insulated flannel. You could say the same thing about my neighbor: the kind of guy who plows the whole neighborhood's sidewalks on his mini John Deere just because he likes the snow, and has kept our favorite beers stocked in his garage fridge for whenever we might drop by. I made him this cozy for his own brand in honor of his birthday, and despite my transplant status, I gotta say, it's kind of got me wishing I was as dyed-in-the-wool as he is.

Handmade Labels...

2010-08-16T13:01:00.001-07:00

More zips up on Etsy.

I was in between label suppliers there for a little while, and now I'm waiting for the new labels to arrive any day. In the meantime, I started playing around with making my own labels. Lots of fun, but definitely a little too labor intensive to make sense for most uses, though I thought these zips turned out looking pretty killer. All the same specs as the standard zip, just with a little more style on the front side.

MN Grown Dinner

2010-08-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

We went the Mill City Farmer's Market last weekend. It was a rainy Saturday morning, but the market was busy anyway, and we loaded up on tons of beautiful local organic produce. Then I got kind of busy and only got around to making a fabulous meal out of it all yesterday, with some contributors from my backyard as well (both from the garden and from the chickens!). These are Spinach and Leek Mini Quiches with Goat Cheese and a Tomato Arugula Salad with Basil and Parsley. I forgot to line the muffin tins I made the quiches in, so they were kind of haggard by the time I got them plated, which made me pretty crabby (I want my food to be beautiful AND delicious), but regardless, everything tasted really great. I'll definitely be making this meal again, and also, hooray for leftovers.

Zip

2010-08-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

Now in my Etsy shop. The perfect little pouch for whatever...wallet, toiletry case, pencil bag. The lightly padded and weatherproof nature of the recycled plastic material make this a good place to stow electronic gadgets inside your messenger or shoulder bag. Thumb loop allows for clipping the zip to something else so it's easy to keep track of.

Also available by custom order (bekah@recyclingisrad.com).

Backpack Number Two...and Product Testing

2010-08-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

First, meet Backpack Number Two. I made the first one for my husband's trip to South America back in February, and it got a great response, so R is R decided to refine the design and add it to our product line. Round Two features a tapered lid for a less bulky roll, all the buckles and straps are sized down for better functionality and less weight, and we added a whistle clip to the chest strap. It still has the signature spacesuit-looking shoulder straps, small interior pocket, and weatherproof design.

This pack is still in the development stage. I'm happy with the direction it's going, but it's not there yet. The only way to improve the end result is to keep turning out prototypes until I'm totally satisfied with the design. Which is going to result in a lot of backpacks piling up around my house unless R is R can find some R & D assistants.

So, in exchange for some performance feedback, I'm offering a hearty discount on prototype packs like this one. This deal is limited and on a first-come-first-served basis, so if you've always dreamed of being a product tester, contact me now for all the dirty details:

bekah@recyclingisrad.com...or find me on Facebook.

E-Friends 4 Ever

2010-08-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

Whoa. This is big news. As part of an ongoing effort to be ever-more legit, I created a Facebook page for Recycling is Rad. (I kind of hate technology, so this actually is a big deal.)

Also, totally awesome, I've uploaded a ton of photos to the page so now it's easy to view pictures of all Recycling is Rad's regular product lines.

Follow R is R on Facebook...

Can Cozies on Pedalr

2010-07-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

I made some can cozies for the bike site Pedalr this week. Basically, these things do the following list of stunts:

1. Look awesome

2. Keep your drink colder than your hand

3. Class up the lowliest of brews

4. Remind you which can is the one you were drinking out of

5. Adjust to also fit around bottles

6. Double as super sick wrist warmers

Also noteworthy, cozies are made fully from repurposed vintage textiles and scrap fabric, and the designs are hand screen printed. Check out my Pedalr store here.

Custom cozies are also available through special order by contacting me.

Friday Night Dinner

2010-07-16T18:36:00.001-07:00

I saw a photo of this burger on the internet the other day that was topped with a fresh cherry slaw and I can't stop thinking about it. I mean, I'm thinking about slaw in ways that never occurred to me before. So when the boys requested grilled turkey burgers for dinner tonite, I made these tiny sliders topped with roasted corn and pepper slaw. They were so adorable stacked up on the plate with grilled onions and avocados and baby greens from the back yard, so I took a picture.

R is R Logo Screen Print

2010-07-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

Today I'm working on a screen so I can print my logo onto stuff if I feel like it. (Original logo design by the great Troy DeShano.) I do all my screen printing using this by-hand process you could possibly call "quaint," and the results have a definite handmade feel to them, which I personally really like. I might not be done with this one yet...I haven't decided how polished I want it. When it's ready though, I'm sure I'll be printing this on everything in sight. Like across the top of the dog's head perhaps? Yes.

Button Handbag

2010-07-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

I'm spotlighting this handbag from my Etsy store because I'm really digging this color right now. It's such a great fabric too, with this subtle texture for the more tactile-obsessed ones among us. I love how it looks next to those big vintage buttons. This particular bag design has been really popular this summer; Moss Envy carries a line of R is R bags I developed for them based on this original pattern. More details here....

Delicious Salsa

2010-07-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

I went on family vacation last month and never got myself out of summer mode. Summer in Minnesota is so amazing though, you have to soak it up while it lasts. So in the spirit of perfect summer evenings, I'm giving you the recipe for the only thing I want to eat this season: fresh salsa. Definitely not reinventing the wheel here, just fresh and simple deliciousness. Right now the peppers are coming from my backyard garden (Hungarian wax peppers and sweet banana peppers), and hopefully later this season so will the tomatoes and onions.

Fresh Salsa

3 large tomatoes
1/2 yellow onion
2-3 hot peppers (depending on their heat and how hot you like your salsa)
1/2 bunch cilantro

Chop everything, toss it in a bowl with:

kosher salt, to taste
1 lime, juiced

I love this with literally EVERYTHING, most notably piled on black beans or huevos rancheros.

Save the Date: Moss Envy Grand Opening

2010-06-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here's the disclaimer: this post is probably a few days early, but maybe for the first time ever I'm planning ahead. Early tomorrow I'm leaving Minneapolis for a few days to spend some time in nature with extended family. There will be kids galore, a lake, a cabin, and no internet. So I'm preemptively announcing this big news: items from Recycling is Rad's vintage textile line are now available at Minneapolis' newest conservation-minded retailer, Moss Envy.

Moss Envy's grand opening is happening this coming Saturday, June 19, at their St. Louis Park location (in the Whole Foods shopping complex). There you'll find more R is R purses like this one, plus eco-friendly clothing, gifts, home goods, baby gear, bath and body, and furniture. Check out their site to learn more about the store and the super rad couple that run the place, Tina and Ryan North (previously of Re-Gifts and Twin Cities Green fame): www.mossenvy.com.

I'll still be in the aforementioned forest, so I won't be able to get out and show my support, but you should go. You know, help keep it real in the Twin Cities. Click HERE for directions and more info.

Pedalr

2010-06-09T17:47:00.002-07:00

This week I listed some of my messenger bags on a new site I discovered (and by "I" I mean "my gear-blogging husband"): Pedalr. It's bikes, bike gear, bike culture, all under one roof, and anyone can sell their bike-centric wares there. Basically Etsy-for-bike-nerds-only. So, it's awesome. Go check out my shop there and see for yourself: http://www.pedalr.com/profiles/180.

Pink Squirrel Bag

2010-06-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

Every time I see this bag, I start singing "Red squirrel in the morning..." in my head. But to be clear, the plastic I used for the squirrel is actually bright pink, so. I love the all-white look, and the inside is lined with a pale grey wool flannel and has an interior water bottle pocket. Although, I lamely forgot to get photos of the interior. I was and still am fighting some kind of vague head cold, so the fact that I'm even upright here is impressive.

Here's a closer view of the squirrel graphic. Instead of doing the straight-up silhouette cut-out that I usually do for graphics, I drew this onto a piece of plastic bag with a sharpie, originally just to get the idea of it going, but then thought it looked kind of awesome that way, so I went ahead and fused with the sketch lines. I wasn't sure how they'd react to the heat and layering, but I'm pretty happy with the end result.

Also, did I mention I rode a fixed gear for the first time ever for this photo shoot? You can tell by my face how much I love trying new things. Actually, it was secretly awesome. Mostly I was just nervous because this particular fixed gear is this truly sweet custom bike my husband has on loan from local (and ridiculously rad) builder Peacock Groove for photographing purposes. Not the bike you want to crash into your own garage on. Most of the bike doesn't show up in these shots, but TC will be doing a more extensive shoot (of just the bike) soon and those photos will likely end up on his site in the very near future.
A stability strap is pretty much a must-have if you ever plan to wear a messenger bag AND ride a bike at the same time. Nothing makes me want to ride screaming into traffic like a slidey bag.

So, that's the bag. I kind of want to keep it, but it's already been claimed. You want one, give me a call.

It's My Birthday Month + Birthday Blowout Madness

2010-05-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows about that age-old tradition, The Birthday Month, where your loved ones celebrate and honor and totally spoil you for the entire month in which your actual birthdate occurs. You know, that tradition that exists and is totally real, the one that I did not just make up one year regardless of what my husband may or may not claim. Yeah, that one. Well, this is it: May. May is also Recycling is Rad's birthday month, since it was born the year I received a sewing machine on my birthday. I'm not getting any younger, and neither is R is R, so party time is at hand.

Last year I celebrated with cupcakes and my own special brew of Jargaritas (that's spirited margaritas in a jar), and this year, I thought R is R deserved its own shindig, one I'm calling Birthday Blowout Madness! That's right party people, for the entire month of May receive 25% off all custom orders for any item: messengers, purses, plant pots, hats, zips, all of it. Just send your custom order requests to bekah@recyclingisrad.com and put the words "Birthday Blowout Madness" in the subject line. Happy Birthday Month!

Excitement at the Living Green Expo

2010-04-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the Living Green Expo in St. Paul, and you should go. Yes, there will be everything about everything eco-friendly/earth-loving/conservationist/sustainable/carbon-footprint-less. But, did you also know that Twin Cities Green will be releasing their new brand at the Expo? It's true. And they'll be featuring some Recycling is Rad products, sneak peek as follows:

Planters at the New City School Silent Auction

2010-04-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

My boys go to the greatest school ever. All the teachers know my kids by name, not just their individual teachers, and I'm pretty sure the kindergarten teacher is secretly a saint. I'm sure there are lots of awesome schools in the world, but this one is our awesome school, and I want to support it however I can. So this year for the annual silent auction fundraiser, R is R donated a few bags, and these herb planters.

The planters are just the right size for your kitchen counter, and these ones have stevia, fernleaf dill, and lavender growing in them. Stop by New City School in northeast Minneapolis on Saturday to bid on these and lots of other items during their silent auction event. (There will be food!)

New City School Silent Auction
May 1, 2010, 6:30pm
New City Center
229 13th Ave NE, Mpls
Admission $5 (There will be food!)

Exclusive Womanhood Weekend Deal

2010-04-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

Recently my good friend Katie Howard called me up and asked if I might be willing to donate some purses as raffle prizes for a women's weekend she was helping put on through Applied Insight. I've known Katie since forever, and I'm pretty sure we're both completely indebted to each other for life for all that we've put each other through, so of course I was excited to have a chance to support something she really cares about. It's true, a small part of me was totally thinking, No one will want these, but I sent a box anyway. And this morning got an email from MaryAnne Radmacher telling me that fights were breaking out over the purses, this one in particular, I guess. Awesome. Except by fights she meant selfless gift-giving and hugs, which is even more awesome.

Anyway, the point of this story is that Katie and I would really like to carry on with that same spirit of gift-giving and hugs. So I'm offering all the women who attended Womanhood: The Weekend a special deal--10% off any custom order or anything in my Etsy store. Just mention the Womanhood Weekend when you email me (bekah@recyclingisrad.com) to discuss your custom order, or contact me on Etsy about orders from my Etsy store. Hugs!

Friends That Are Great

2010-04-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

So, check out my new look. My awesome friend Troy DeShano (who is awesome) just finished designing my logo, and I love it! I'd been searching for the perfect designer to work with forEVER, and Troy was definitely the guy. I've known Troy for years, though we don't even live in the same state anymore. I started following his blog last year, www.strongodors.com, and when I saw his design work, I knew I had to convince him to make me a logo. I'm so happy with what he did; he was able to somehow intuitively capture what Recycling is Rad is all about without getting a lot of input from me ("um, I want it to look cool"). Also, it has pink.

To sum it up, Troy DeShano is great. Check out his sites: www.troydeshano.com andwww.strongodors.com. His blog is a great read, and, obviously, a great visual. Troy also happens to be married to a super talented lady who is totally inspiring to me; she's a culinary diva, and she makes crafty things, and she's a fitness instructor, and they have kids. Basically their house is one big pile awesomeness.

PS: Here's one of my favorite illustrations that Troy has done:

New! Recycled Garden Containers

2010-04-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was looking at an article about modern planters in the latest issue of Dwell Magazine. I love plants. Obsessively. And really wanted all the amazing planters the article featured, until I started looking at what they were retailing for. Because seriously, I know there are people who can pay a thousand dollars for something that holds dirt, I just don't think I will ever be one of them, however fantastically designed said dirt-holder may be. Sometimes, when I really want something I can't have, I start wondering if there is any way I could make whatever-it-is myself. It's really embarrassing how long it took me to think of using recycled plastic for the material, but once I did, well, now my house is full of homemade pots.

II.

I'm really happy with all these pots. I have a stack of empty ones on the front table I'm getting ready to deliver to a local retailer, and I keep picking them up and saying, These are so cute! And awesome! I can't believe I didn't think of this till now! (I always get annoyingly excited about new ideas.) I've been keeping the very first pot I made on the kitchen table full of herbs--rosemary and chives and mint. They're doing great, and I love having a tiny herb garden right in the kitchen.

III.

The garden containers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to anyone anywhere right now through custom order (email orders to recyclingisrad@gmail.com) and coming soon to Etsy. The pots will also be available very soon at local retailer Twin Cities Green in Uptown.

Go Bikes

2010-04-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

Minneapolis is the new number one city for bikes; so says Bicycling mag (Take that, Portland.) So here's to all the crazies riding through the winter. And by crazies, I mean folks more awesome than me.

I made this bag for a local bicycle commuter who was inspired by the another design of mine. We only got one quick shot of this one, but it does have a stability strap on the chest strap (not shown), which is totally the way to go if you ride. Nothing more annoying than elbowing your bag out of the way every four minutes.

(PS: I was just kidding, Portland.)

Getting Your Craft Back On

2010-03-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

March is National Craft Month, apparently. I just wasn't feeling it for most of the month (craftastic disasters at the end of February kinda killed it for me), but the sunny weather has got me feeling more productive, and my brain's coming back on. So you don't miss out on the fun like I almost did, here's a couple of links to get you started:

http://www.designspongeonline.com/category/diy-projects

http://craftingagreenworld.com/

And a list of 100 Recycle-It-Yerself Projects: http://toponlineengineeringdegree.com/?page_id=116

Patagonia Dry Pack

2010-03-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

My totally rad husb just returned from his Patagonia trip. (Read his many blog posts on the subject here.) He does a lot of adventures, but I was a little afraid he wouldn't come back from this one. So I'm incredibly grateful that he did, and that he was not in Chile during the earthquake. It kind of seems like a selfish thing to say after seeing even just newsreel glimpses of what the Chileans are going through, but I'm just happy he's home.

The following photos are ones he took for me of a prototype design I made for him to take on his trip (his request, and basically his idea). He was in the town of Punta Arenas in southern Chile, one of the last areas of civilization before you enter the wilderness of Patagonia.

This is TC in Punta Arena's town square. Waist and chest straps keep the pack from sliding around. (Credit for this photo: Stephen Regenold, the Gear Junkie, the rest were taken by TC.)

Black-on-white graphic patterns and text make the bag extra visible for commuting.

Dry bag style roll-top closure secures with clips.

My first real attempt at backpack straps. Hopefully future attempts involve less tears and cursing, but these turned alright in the end. TC pointed out that they remind him of vintage astronaut gear.

The design still needs some polishing before it's ready for public consumption, but armed with all the information from TC's product testing, I'm heading back to the front room (my studio) with hopes of releasing the design this spring.

I Like It.

2010-02-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

There are not words for how happy this makes me:

News

2010-02-09T08:07:00.001-08:00

This is a trash can in Punta Arenas, Chile. It is awesome.

Also in Punta Arenas? My husband, who is my photographer as well. From Punta Arenas he'll be traveling into Patagonia's wilderness with Team Gear Junkie as a correspondent for the Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race. Exciting!

Besides covering the events of a world-class adventure race, TC is also doing some product testing for me while he's there. I sent him with a prototype of a top secret new pack design. When he reports back, I'll incorporate his field research findings into this new design that will hopefully be part of the line-up by spring.

PS: Without a photographer handy, I won't be posting the usual product pictures for a bit, though I'll try to let you know what I'm up to in the meantime.

Wall Tote on Etsy

2010-01-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

Just listed this medium tote on Etsy for your viewing (or buying) pleasure. The randomized print pattern features print designs that appeared to be pretty vintage. I have no way of knowing how long ago the plastic was printed, but a lot of the bags I used for this one had a graphic aesthetic that current plastic packaging mostly lacks. Either way, I like all the text and imagery that ended up in this one.

The deets: The medium tote has a flat front pocket that's nice for stashing mail, receipts, or papers, and an interior pouch pocket keeps tabs on your keys and other small goods. A magnetic snap holds it shut when needed. Durable recycled plastic material wipes clean, and if you spill your coffee inside (I can attest to the possibility of this), you can even rinse it out and let it dry. Wrap around double straps of heavy-duty polypro provide great support, making this a good market bag, everyday bag, or carry-all. Get it, or get the facts, HERE.

Wool-Lined Winery Commuter

2010-01-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes someone will ask me to do something I've never done before, something I'm not immediately sure I can manage while also making it look good. Typically I'll give it some thought, come up with a plan, tell the customer what I can do, and proceed directly to the Creative Freakout.

During this stage, I :
lay on the floor wondering what exactly I'm trying to pull,
suddenly have a great idea,
lay on the floor and feel immense hatred for all of my ideas,
am excited about a new challenge
lay on the floor and lose the ability to make any kind of decision
get up and make an espresso.

Hopefully and very eventually this cycle ends in an actual finished product, and this time, when it was all over, I was in love the results. Not only does this messenger bag have a very different look from many I've made before, it also has some awesome features. It's fully lined with 100% wool felt, has an additional chest strap for stability while riding, and a wine bottle sleeve for bike trips to the local winery.

Messenger Bags for a Bicycle Commuter

2010-01-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

My first order for the year was for this pair of medium messenger bags, one of them outfitted with extra features (belt loop clips and extra chest strap) for winter bike commutes through the cities. The customer requested the design layouts for both bags, and I think they turned out great. It also makes me super happy to know that there are people way more hardcore than me out there riding their bikes to work despite the fact that it's January and this is Minnesota. Current temp: one degree.

I Like It: Chrismas Break 09 Edition

2010-01-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas Break is officially over, and the dudes got back on the bus for school this morning. The house is trashed and quiet. It's a new year, the aughts are done, and I'm launching a new segment of my blog: I Like It. The occasional post that's less about what I've made and more about the stuff I like. Because sometimes stuff is just awesome: brilliant-awesome or beautiful-awesome or break-your-heart-awesome. And this one is a little bit of all of that.

Where the Wild Things Are.

I will just say that I cried through the whole thing, and that it was perfect. (ps: Dave Eggers is a freaking genius.)