Earth Day! Hooray!

I try to be as Earth friendly as possible when I create my magnets, paperweights and hooks. Sure, new things are cool, but recycled, and Vintage things are even cooler.

The colors and graphics of Vintage papers just can't be compared to their newer counterparts. It's a bit of a win-win! Not only do I recycle and upcycle items, but I love the look!


Also, I've discovered some great, local sources for my Vintage sheet music,maps, and books (which means I leave less of a carbon footprint, as they don't have to be shipped to me). Another win-win!

The studio has been a great source for supplies, as well.....I use scrap cardboard that is destined for the landfill for my magnet packaging, and scraps of felt to line the bottom of my paperweights.

(thankfully, I stocked up on those items before the flood!)


In the big picture of being Eco-friendly, I realize this is a small, small thing. But, I believe that anything (big or small) that each of us can do to minimize our impact to our Earth is invaluable.


Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day + Handmade

My first memory of Earth Day was in 1991.....while attending Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. The neighboring State University (SUCO), had an all day event planned, with bands, vendors and lots of information.

To be honest......I went for the music. Some of my favorite local bands were playing, the sun was shining, and we were all excited about the prospect of being outside, listening to music and escaping our day to day college life.

But, the day quickly became more than music. It was inspiring and motivating. Recycling, the rainforests and global warming were the hot topics (and they still are, 18 years later). I returned to campus with a new found appreciation for our Earth, and a new beaded necklace.

I loved that necklace..... a simple, beaded necklace. Handmade. And I loved it (that bears repeating). From that point, I made a conscious effort to buy more Handmade products. I went to street fairs, and filled my jewelry box with handmade goodies (many of which I still own). I went to bead shops, and started making earrings and necklaces (many of which I do not own...as I gave most of them away, or they reached an untimely demise).

I fell in love with creating. And I'm certain that April 22, 1991 is one of the reasons I do what I do today.

Happy Earth Day! And Hooray for Handmade!