Get OUT!

Yo.  So, approximately one year ago I made a messenger bag from the caution tape used to mark off the course for my husband's first cyclocross race.  See?  I received a lot of great feedback on that bag, and kind of always meant to make a few more along those same lines.  But, you know.  Then, on my birthday date, husband and I drove past a road sign with a bunch of DO NOT ENTER tape flailing around it.  Which I harvested, in birthday dress and birthday heels.  And turned into this fantastic messenger.  

You may notice that the design has been updated since the original Caution Tape Messenger, and with good reason.  My helpy helper husband carried that bag all over the cities on his bike, in all kinds of weather, just to test the design.  Via his reports, plus input from friend SuperRookie, and some of my own research, the messenger was re-designed.  To be awesomer, more weather-proof, and to last longer.  (More details here....)

And p.s. for no real reason at all, I'd like to send some props along the the team who sponsored that first cyclocross race, Velocross.  Only the greatest cycling team EVER, Team Awesome, also known as Little Guy Racing.  

Doorbusters for the Green Geeks

Apparently, there actually are people who wake up for those post-Thanksgiving 4am doorbusters. Fall into gravy-laden dreams after dinner knowing their alarm is set, that in a mere hours, in what most of us call the middle of the night, they will wake up and go out into the cold with their sights on the American dream of a free cordless drill and 25% off apparel for the whole family. For myself, I hate the mall and I love to sleep, so I've never attempted such a feat.  I prefer to save my excitement for the It's-Christmas-Eve-and-I-Haven't-Bought-You-a-Present-Yet shopping expedition.  But this year, in the spirit of sleeping in to be thankful for, Recycling is Rad is having an ALL WEEKEND ANTI-DOORBUSTER SALE!  Starting now.  Go.  

Cache at the Casket 2008 Review

I survived my first show, and have to say I do feel the teensiest bit sheepish about getting so worked up over it.  My goal for Cache was to not lose money, which I accomplished.  What I didn't expect was to have so much fun talking to people about my work.  It was great to meet all of you out there who were equally excited about the radness of recycling, and I'm thrilled with all of the new contacts I made.  Some of the other highlights include scoring an awesome location right across from the main bar, my really great neighbor BMF Jewelry, and what a surprise hit the little wool hats were that I added to my inventory.  More good news is that I do have some leftover inventory.  Some of it can be found in my Etsy shop, and there are also a few bags at Twin Cities Green on Hennepin in Uptown. (Oh, and p.s. store-wide sale there this weekend.)

Riff Raff Makes a Comeback

Oh, hey friends.  Did I tell you Recycling is Rad is going to be at the Cache at the Casket art show this weekend?  Well I am.  We are.  So, that's tomorrow, November 22, from 6-9 pm, and Sunday, November 23, from 11am-4pm.  Treats, libations, and musical entertainment.  Plus, you know, all things handmade like jewelry, art, ceramics.  Oh yes, and recycled riff raff made by me.  Like this stuff.

Messengers!

New messenger bag designs make exciting debut at the Casket Arts Building this weekend!

New Tote Gets Rad

I've been spending all my time getting ready for Cache at the Casket (November 22-23, don't forget!), and I'm excited about my new work.  While the details of taking part in a show incite annoyance or panic--details, arr--it's been fun to work towards something, and I've amassed quite a collection of totes, messengers, laptop sleeves, and other riff raff that'll be available at the show.  

These are just a sampling of the tote designs.  Possibly my brain is preparing itself for the approaching season of the grey and the white, but I've really been drawn to strong colors and color combinations.  Especially for the straps, which I've lengthened, making the tote easier to reach into without taking from your shoulder.  

Please stay posted for more show previews (messengers!  zips! more!) coming at the beginning of the week.  And don't forget to visit me at Cache next weekend to see the full line of bags.

Cache

I decided it was high time for me to join the rest of the crafty crafters and do a real art show. This one looks like it's going to be a lot of fun with delicious food, wine (wine!), and music in addition to all the vendors. Reasons you should show up include the following: me, the Northeast art scene, getting your Christmas shopping done PRE-Thanksgiving. Hoot Hoot!