Hearts on Fire- A Valentine Treasury for Etsy Recyclers Guild

'Hearts on Fire- A Valentine Treasury for Etsy Recyclers Guild' by Retreauxgirl

Just a little love................

Art Sculpture Robot Val... leuckit $110.00	Cherry Red Beaded Knit ... TranzendentalA... $65.00	Hoot NobleUpcycling $25.00
Dragon Heart Necklace -... islandgirlzjew... $9.95	Red Gray Black Dress Of... Brokenghostcou... $64.00	Red Sweatshirt Fingerle... ohzie $10.00
Eco Passport Cover with... wrapcycle $16.00	Shabby Chic Shelf Red prettydarncute $24.00	Super cute Valentine Gi... mattiereidchic... $15.00
Be My Upcycled Valentin... SerendipiT $5.00	Upcycled Crazy Love Val... rekindleme $15.00	12 Upcycled Hearts Play... PaperPicker $5.00
Flower Power Button Bro... RetroChaletStu... $22.00	Vinyl Record Bowl- The ... thesmurtis $7.00	Valentine Fairy Mushroo... WanderingLydia $30.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

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Awesome handmade Valentines day gifts...

Steampunk Time Clockwork Red Dog Tag Necklace $28 by Retro Chalet Studio

Kitchen Robot - LADY IN RED $105 by Kitchen Robots by Leuckit

Joans Blackheart Repurposed Necklace $50 by Retreauxgirl

Red Sweatshirt Fingerless Gloves $10 by Ohzie

Valentine Gingham Heart Onesie 0-3m Newborn $10 by

Mattie Reid Chicago

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Interview with Gloria of Lolailo

Lolailo is a shop who believes in the importance of reducing and reusing. Lolailo is based out of Fairfield, California and is owned and operated by my Etsy Recyclers Guild team member, Gloria.



Q. Tell me a little about yourself:

When I am not unemployed, I am a winemaker. I grew up in Spain. I live near the Napa Valley, I am married to a winemaker, and I must say we drink quite well at our house. In my newly found spare time I have reconnected with my crafts, which is something that had been falling by the wayside little by little. I also take classes at the community college by my house and practice kickboxing.

Q. When did you first start crafting?

My mom is a very creative person, and I’ve been crafting since I was able to hold a pair of scissors, pretty much.

Q. Please describe your work in detail. What's your favorite type of crafting/art?

I primarily make bulletin/message boards using wine corks and old frames. My love for corks came through my job. I was fascinated by the typography and design that each producer used. I was dismayed at these very interesting and diverse corks ending up in the garbage after a tasting, so I started hoarding them. I investigated what to do with them, and of all the many crafts you can use corks for, the bulletin board was my favorite. I am a pragmatic person, so I like things that have a function. I go to thrift stores and garage sales and look for frames suited to become cork boards.

Q. How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

I have become more flexible, in that I can see more possibilities on frames that perhaps I would have dismissed earlier on. I decorate the frames, paint them, nail beer caps onto them... Anything to rescue unloved frames from the landfill.

Q. Where do you get your inspiration?

I get a lot of inspiration from the frames themselves. There is nothing standard about creating something out of a “found object”, so when I’m ready to tackle a new project, I just throw some corks into the frame and start playing with them, forming a design, changing it, and eventually I come up with a plan.

Q. Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

Online at Lolailo.

Q. What advice can you give other crafters when selling their items?

I am trying to figure out so many things myself! I find Etsy to be full of very experienced and talented artisans, who tackle crafting as a business. I read the forums and the blogs as much as I can, and try to heed their advice.

Q. Describe yourself in three words:

Recently Etsy had a similar exercise, but we had six words! This exercise was based on Ernest Hemingway's claim that he could write a good story in six words.
I wrote:
“Spanish winemaker hates throwing corks away”

Q. Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?

Treasuries are a wonderful way to connect with other Etsians, promote your items and develop an aesthetic eye. The fairest treasury team I know is the Pay It Forward Team. We follow the Golden Rule and try to be as helpful as possible. Please look us up! Everybody is welcome to join!

You can find Gloria online at the following places:

Lolailo on Etsy
Facebook
Twitter
Kaboodle

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Interview with Beads, Buttons and Bows

Small Aqua/Turquoise Colored Medicine Vial Flip Off Lid STud Earrings $6.99


Shop name: Beads, Buttons and Bows

Name: Melissa

Location: Roxboro, NC

Tell me a little about yourself:

By day I am a supervisor for the Vascular Surgery Dept at UNC Hospital. By night I am a crafty jewelry designer. I am the proud mom of 2 doggies (Daisy the Pug, and Roxie the mut) and 3 kitties (Saidie, Sophie, and Boots). I have a BA degree in Visual Communications. Crafty is my outlet - it keeps me sane!

When did you first start crafting?

I have been crafting all of my life. My mom was a very artsy person. She could draw anything you ever wanted. She would also let me create. I have always used repurposed material for my crafting. I started making jewelry and accessories when I was in 9th grade (1992). I started with old puzzle pieces.

Green and White Broken China and Emerald Necklace $24.99


Please describe your work in detail. What's your favorite type of crafting/art?

My work in detail...I work with repurposed material, what some people may say is trash. I love to create earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and hair accessories. My favorite materials to use are paper, wire, plastic, glass, cardboard, and fabric. I also try to incorporate some type of natural stone or glass beads in my work also. I love to use turquoise.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

My earlier work was very tailored to what I like. I have had to learn that I need to create pieces of jewelry that is not just for me. Everyone has different tastes. I have had to learn to use colors that I may not like - orange & green, for example.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from today's trends. I look through magazines and watch today shows and see what people are wearing and I try to create jewelry that will go with the clothes.

I also get my inspiration from that special items that I might deconstruct. I might see a piece of fabric and think - what can I do with that.

Unique Broken China Pendant with a hand beaded turquoise necklace $24.99


Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

My items are sold through my Etsy store, Beads, Buttons and Bows.

What advice can you give other crafters when selling their items?

Remember that you are not your buyer. You have to think about what others may like. Pictures are worth a thousand words. Don't over-price, and Don't under-price -- do your research.

Describe yourself in three words:
Crafty, organized and happy

Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?
Remember to think outside of the box. Use unconventional materials. Think about what you could do with that old shampoo bottle or those old pair of jeans. What about that magazine? You do not have to spend a lot of money to make beautiful jewelry and hair accessories.

You can find Beads, Buttons and Bows online at the following places:

Etsy shop
Blog
Facebook and
Twitter

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.