Local shops selling locally made goods are a fabulous abundance in the Twin Cities. However, what with the toddlers dangling from my arms, and a constant deficit of free time, I don't have the luxury to browse like I used to. Thanks to Etsy.com, I can shop locally from the comfort of my living room. And what's more local than that?
I also like to seek out recycled or re-purposed goods. It's often ecology on a small scale that just makes good, practical sense – re-using glass bottles, old record covers, and vintage fabrics helps keep garbage out of the landfill, and it's a simple yet revelatory practice Americans are once again embracing: Use what you have.
To re-purpose a cast-off into a beautiful new artful object flies in the face of our disposable lifestyle. Those broken baubles floating around in your junk drawer were once produced, shipped and paid for by somebody, if not you. I say let's get the most mileage we can from the detritus of our consumer habits. Oh, and why not wear a fabulous necklace while doing it?
I spent some time browsing the
"locally made" Etsy shops in search of recycled, upcycled and re-purposed goods. The results were too wondrous and varied to share them all, but here are a few favorites.
Many artists and crafters re-cycle fabrics. After all, it isn't hard to come by, it's inexpensive and it is incredibly nostalgic. From the ginghams of the fifties to the psychedelic polyesters of the seventies, a fabric is a tangible relic of the past. Check out
Roundbottom Baby for kids' items made from upcycled and vintage fabrics. (Also see their oilcloth re-usable sandwich wraps, a great alternative to disposable baggies)
Also see
Make Me Over, where damask, linens and all manner of vintage fabrics are made over into a variety of household items and accessories. Most inspired are her fun and functional walker bags, a need she realized in her 20 years in health care, often working with the elderly.
Trigo describes themselves as "dedicated to making upcycled items that are fun for all ages!" It's true, they do! Check out their "monster" coin purses, made from recycled fabrics and featuring a funny little tongue. You can also snatch one up at Frame Ups in South Minneapolis.
I have a special love for things made from old books, as I'm a reader and collector myself. The
Crabby Sister Company makes journals and scrapbook/photo albums re-using old album covers. And while the artist at
Unique Art Pendants does, in fact, make lovely and unique art pendants, I really loved the Alice in Wonderland prints on old dictionary pages. Her work can be bought all over town; for a full listing of local shops carrying her wares, visit her shop.
I love to wear vintage jewelry, but let's face it, when your favorite choker is fifty years old, its days are numbered. However, with vision and a sense of adventure, the talented artist can re-imagine a vintage trinket as a wholly new piece that retains some of its historic charm. To wit:
Recycled Jewels and
Bionic Unicorn. Recycled Jewels has items ranging from sweet little whimsical barrettes sporting rhinestone ladybug to chunky pendants hanging from tangled chains – the designs are an inspiration. Bionic Unicorn designs self-described "steam-punk" jewelry that will knock your socks off. Really, you'll be barefoot with your jaw on the floor. Enough said.
Recycled glass items transform the humble discarded vessel, often a beer bottle, into a sparkling little thing of beauty and light.
Wild Dog Studio sells many fused glass pendants, but my favorite was the gently ruffled amber
beer bottle pendant.
Western Art Glass uses recycled bottles to craft original stained glass jewelry and window hangings. All the items are gorgeous, but particularly charming are simple, luminous
beer and wine bottle leaves.
Many of the artists listed sell their goods at local stores and shops as well, and usually list locations on their profile page. Next time you're hankering to hunt down a unique, locally made and eco-friendly gift, check out your local artisans on Etsy. Their prices are incredibly affordable, and they need your support.