"Go Green" Shopping Guide

Guest Blogger:
Jen from Jenco13.etsy.com

Think about how many places or times today you heard something about Going Green? Was it at the office, the grocery store, your child or a friend who spoke of it? In my house we talk about recycling everyday and I try as hard as I can to clean and recycle everything I can.

With school starting right around the corner the art rooms are in need of supplies. What can you send in or call your local school to donate? Well, lets see… at breakfast you may eat eggs. That egg carton could be used in classrooms to help students learn how to sort items or make a wonderful art project. At lunchtime you may have had a yogurt. Did you know that the schools use these in many different places? In the classrooms they use it for water, paints, and glue so they don’t spill. Other schools have a local charity that may give the school 2 - 5 cents for each (cleaned) container they receive (check your local schools newsletters or websites). Then comes dinner… You’re in a rush and you take that Healthy Choice out of the freezer and pop it into the microwave. Then into the garbage afterward, right?? Wrong. Wash it set it aside and give it to a school!! They are used for science projects or painting. All of these plastics may have the number 7 on it, but we could make a difference in our daily world instead of allowing the schools to go out and buy unnecessary supplies. You can be supporting the arts as well! Don’t want to contact the school… not a problem! Contact a friend you know who does art!

One of the books I have in my house is all about recycling. I haven’t gotten a chance to read all of it yet, but there are some really good steps about becoming green in this book that the Etsy Twitter Team has already done. Check it out!

Paper

With the amount of paper that is wasted on a daily basis, it’s no wonder that we are losing our forest and fresh air bit by bit. ACageyBee.etsy.com makes these adorable cards with paintings of girls on them. The envelopes that come with her cards are 100% recycled material. What a great way to write to a friend about an amazing book you have been reading about! Pick a card that looks like you or your friend to send to him or her. It will show your friends how much you’re thinking of them!!

Or how about a handmade Christmas tree ornament for that very special person from SalonDArte.etsy.com –Hey, it’s never to early to start your holiday shopping and help the earth at the same time!

Want to start a journal or a sketchbook? What about a list of things to do? In Pretty Cheap’s shop I’m sure you will find her journals to be perfect along with the fact that they are upcycled!!

Love beautiful flowers and real pictures on your cards? Check out DeeJayPhotography.etsy.com. They use 100% recycled cards with 100% recycled envelopes.

Jewelry

I don’t know about you, but some of the best jewelry I ever have received was handmade by someone. Many of our team’s shops recycle something that we see every day such as milk caps or dominoes. You also see them taking antique pieces of jewelry and making their own creations or upcycling vintage plastic beads and chains.

Here are some of my favorite shops:

threepeats.etsy.com - vintage

ThatsHeadley.etsy.com - recycles tins into fabulous jewelry

PunkyJane.etsy.com - metal clay silver jewelry that is recycled silver
WellspringCreations.etsy.com - all natural stone jewelry
PrettyWhimsical.etsy.com - recycled pendants
NovaScotiaBeachGlass.etsy.com - a day at the beach jewelry!
LindaB142.etsy.com - love the bottle cap earrings!!
InMyHeadStudios.etsy.com - upcycled domino and Scrabble tile pendants
FirebirdHouse.etsy.com - antique jewelry pieces made new again
EchodAmour.etsy.com - custom item jewelry with recycled metals
BeadsofGlass.etsy.com - uses metal clay that contains recycled silver (99.9% silver)

According to my book, it’s a great way to go for a vintage item such as necklaces, wedding rings, etc. instead of buying something new. Why? Because metal is not being melted down to make new items. What do you need to melt down metal? Fuel. Energy. These things are becoming precious in our world. Buying vintage really helps to save the world in the long run!

Home Decor

Decorating your home can be really hard these days. Too many choices if you ask me! Plus you want everyone to walk into your home and say, “Oooooh, that’s so nice! Where did you find that?” You can make your home one-of-a-kind by checking out these handmade goodies!

KimWhiteCreations.etsy.com – tic tack toe pillows
FirebirdHouse.etsy.com – recycled sweater felted pillows that hide your journals
GeekDetails.etsy.com – uses some upcycled materials in her work
CuriousMess.etsy.com – recycled embroidered olive oil bottles

Now go enjoy a “Go Green” party and show off your green items!!

Go Green Bags

Reuse your grocery bags!! When my great grandmother was around she used to take all of the plastic bags and twist, turn, and knot them until they became a door mat. Yes, a door mat! They lasted a lot longer than you would think and they cleaned her son’s boots off from the farm. (That’s what my grandmother tells me.) Grandma would be proud of me because even though I may not know how to make these amazing door mats, I use a recyclable bag every time I go to the grocery store, the mall, or even that big warehouse I love so much. Here are a few stores on our team that sell these bags!

PinsWithFury.etsy.com
JaybirdDesigns.etsy.com
HandmadeBySandi.etsy.com

Did you know you would also be helping animals not eat these plastics in the sea or fill our landfills? How about helping the super markets save money on plastic bags? Ask their front desk to see if they give a you discount for every reusable bag you use. It could range from 5 to 25 cents each!!

Back to School Must Haves

The last bit of shopping I want to share with you are back to school items… there will be hats, shawls, back packs, cup cozies, and sweaters that are needed for fall fashion. Jump start that fashion with some of our shops:

KnittingGuru.etsy.com - uses eco-friendly yarn
JusShar.etsy.com - shawls and the coolest skirts (with bags to match)
Jenco13.etsy.com - scarves and cup cozies
HuayruroPeru.etsy.com – eco-friendly jewelry
HerbanLifestyle.etsy.com - organic teas and bath items to help you unwind from that long day at school or work
GreenBubble.etsy.com - organic and natural bath items
AquarianBath.etsy.com - no chemical fragrants
AmieVoltaire.etsy.com – adorable eco-friendly back to school outfits for children

I hope you check out some of these amazing shops because becoming a “Go Green” person is easier than you think when you start shopping with the Etsy Twitter Team.

If you would like to know where to buy a certain Go Green item, please post your questions here and we will point you in the right direction!

Happy shopping!

- Jen

Don't forget we're having a huge sale for Go Green with the Etsy Twitter Team until July 27th!! There's a scavenger hunt going on, too, with fabulous "green" prizes for 5 lucky folks!

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Part 3

Welcome to Part 3 of our Valentine's Day Gift Guide from the Etsy Twitter Team!

And Then
This kit contains materials to create 3 beautiful Valentine hearts! When the sun shines through, they look just like stained glass!


Wayside Violet
This lovely pink coffee cup cozy is hand knit with a gorgeous cable stitch. An eco-friendly alternative to disposable paper sleeves.


Firebird House
Glass gems are paired with vintage images to create a one of a kind link bracelet sure to let anyone know how much you love them!


Aquarian Bath
This is a beautiful and lovely soap scented with Rose Geranium, Camphor and Menthol. The lather is light and fluffy and it will leave you feeling clean and cool after using it.


Emmakat
Simple Valentine's Day card in Red, Gold and White. Eight groups of Gold hearts have been printed onto the card using a Gocco printer.


SafiyaBeauty
A delicious combination of chocolate therapy and aromatherapy. Creamy cocoa butter mixed with vanilla extracts form a rich and ultra moisturizing butter.


Applied With Love
Stunning pink papers overlapping one another, with hints of sparkle surrounding the heart makes this frame a true beauty! Genuine Swarovski crystal rhinestones are carefully placed atop the finest papers; all consisting of different textures and prints, yet all pink and sweet~


Jessica Doyle
This is a set of 8 handmade mini heart themed greeting cards made by me. They are so cute and are perfect for Valentine's Day!


Tanya Nichols
This is for those of you who have locked your heart safely away.


Free Forged
These earrings are the romantic side of my Molecular series. I carefully form delicate sterling silver wire into hearts and then solder them each to two smaller circles - forming a molecule of love.


Lorem & Ipsum
The cyclops is made with yarn, felt, and stuffed with polyfil. The "M" can be replaced by any letter of your choice.


Falling Leaf Designs
A 17 inch red silk choker, that can be adjusted to 19 inches, from which a glitzy 1.75 inch wide by 1.5 inch tall 3 dimensional heart woven from dozens of 6mm Swarovski crystals.


Misses Kwitty's
What a sweet old-fashioned gift for your sweety this Valentine's Day, or any day you just want to say "I Cherish You".

Natalie Callwood's Ceramics

Rustic design travel mugs - they all come with lids and are made to order with in a week . The mugs are all hand painted by me with a low fire glaze.
They're great for on the go coffee, tea , or soup.


Sumiko Shop
This candid necklace features a gold heart pendant with rose cabochon made of polymer clay, gold chain, glass pearl, rose beads made of polymer clay, and red bow.


Ela Steel
"The Lovers" is a pair of pendants created from the unusual artwork of Ela Steel.


By Light Of Moon
Each Special Hat has a magnet back and is embellished with ribbons and flowers and/or beads as the photo shows, and comes with a Special Gift Card with a nice Saying and the words ~ "SO ...... HATS OFF TO TO YOU!"


Part One of the Gift Guide
Part Two of the Gift Guide

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of the Etsy Twitter Team Valentine's Day Gift Guide! We have plenty more goodies in store! Happy shopping!

Sacred Sparks
These earrings are dedicated to all who allow their tears to flow for LOVE. LOVE of all kinds, it matters not, for those tears are the waters that will HEAL our troubled souls and world. May we all cry for LOVE.


Chicken Scratch
Champagne Soy Massage Candle: Spoil your sweetie this Valentine's Day with a champagne scented massage! Nothing's more romantic than candlelight and some hands-on attention.


Created By Risa
A mix of metal and beads, this heart pendant will capture your (and everyone else's) attention.


Soap Rehab
A Complete Valentine's Day Bath Intervention! Celebrate with Champagne and Chocolates... This is a Trio of bath and body products in the Tiny Bubbles and Chocoholic scents. A great Valentine's Day gift for your sweetie, or a pampering gift to a friend or yourself! Get Clean, Relax, and Soothe your skin.


Gem Heaven
A gorgeous hammered heart pendant with a beautiful moonstone set in it. Put on a sterling silver ball chain, oxidised and hand~polished, to create this organic but simply beautiful pendant.


Lazy T Crochet
A mixed blend of soft, white, fluffy yarns crocheted in a simply soft button scarf. Adorned with two red heart buttons, this makes a fun accessory for Valentine's Day or any day.


BBesigns
"It is the things in common that make relationships enjoyable, but it is the little differences that make them interesting." What a great quote to send a to that special person in your life just to say "I Love You" or "Happy Valentine's Day"!


ZenBreeze
Beneath falling cherry blossom petals, Buddha, or perhaps a zen Buddhist monk, sits in meditation. This is a monochrome piece, done in shades of green. This mystical landscape is offered as a fine art pendant, hand crafted from original artwork. Suitable for a man or a woman!


Bellflower Textiles
This pencil rolls are soft fabric rolls, made from the highest quality 100% cotton. Each roll contains 12 pockets just perfect for any size pencil, pen, or marker. Slide in your favorites and then roll and tie with the attached ribbon. Perfect to throw in your backpack, purse, or even to keep in your car for inspiration on the go.


Mama Mayborne Designs
These beauties are perfect for your sweetheart or yourself! These Graphic Heart Earrings are made of handmade, fine silver heart charms and handmade sterling silver earwires.


44th Street Fabric
One yard of pink Andilucia "Flora" fabric by Patty Young, 1 yard of pink "Sis Boom" fabric by Jennifer Paganelli, and 1 yard of pink "Ta Dot" fabric from Michael Miller, a fantastic combination.


The Pink Samurai
♥ Probably the most asked question in the Etsy forums is brought to life! If you want to make a cute little heart then follow the button!


Tamdoll
"Home is Where the Heart Is"
Feelings will be loud and clear when this pendant is worn by a loved one - your mom, spouse, significant other, birdhouse lover, quilter, even your realtor!


Winchell Clay Works
Here is a pair of scrollwork hearts in red, glazed on front and back. They measure 2 cm x 1.5 cm, just the right size for earrings or a charm bracelet.


Mufi
Rose Quartz Briolette Earrings - Lovely briolettes of faceted Rose Quartz dangle from delicately detailed sterling silver chain and a simply satisfying sterling ear hook.


Art Lady Manor
Do you need Valentine cards for your child to exchange at school or daycare? For a unique Valentine card, have your child's picture put on a valentine card that I specifically designed for children's Valentine exchanges. (Two designs are available.)


Tamara Garvey Illustration
This is a signed print of my original pen-and-ink illustration. It is archivally printed onto matte, acid-free 11" x 17" paper, a perfect size for framing!


Linda B's Jewelry Designs
Get your valentine a beaded love letter necklace. Show her you love her.


Ambient Lights
Hair and Body Mist with Aloe and Vitamin E and Soap Pouf: Soap Poufs are made with high quality glycerin Goats Milk Hand and Body Soap and a nylon shower pouf.


Rhodes Annals Designs
Knit in gorgeously soft luxury wool in 2 shades of burgundy/red, this hot water bottle cover has a split at the back for easy access to the bottle. The ribbed neck allows access to the bottle top (and hides the ugly neck.)


A Cagey Bee
With so many of us opting for email over the traditional letter, I'm always extra tickled when I do get a personal note in the mail. I think this girl and her bunny feel the same way as they excitedly check the mailbox.


Part 1 of our Gift Guide is HERE.

Etsy Twitter Team Valentine Gift Guide: Part 1

Welcome to our first Valentine's Day Gift Guide! We have a lot of team members so I am splitting this up into a few parts. Happy shopping!!

Geek Details

She loved her uber dork and wanted to show him in a meaningful romantic way. Flowers weren't his thing though and neither were chocolates. She knew she'd have to speak his language for him to really understand how she felt about him. Just saying "I love you" wouldn't work. So she sat down and created a true work of love...

RoseBushDesigns

Want to show someone you care? Done in hues of greens and browns, this card does just that. The front flap tucks just under the flowered flap. It is blank inside for you to write your own thoughts.

In My Head Studios
Wear a tiny original collage around your neck featuring real lace and cute little hearts!

Rocki's Supplies

I hand form each heart with love and Sterling Silver, solder close, hammer lovingly for sparkling texture then tumble polish for added strength and shine.

Jenco13

This beautiful crochet scarf is so soft - you’re going to love the material!!

BabyCakes1011
Show your Valentine how much you love him or her with one of our Valentine's Day Gift Boxes. Inside there will be a dozen Death by Chocolate Truffles, A Velvet Resolution CupCake enough to share, and a dozen Vanilla Marshmallows cut in hearts and dipped in Red Sugar, and last but not least... there will be a little stuffed animal or heart, our choice.

Beadbug

A Beadbug original - the modern version of a wonderful vintage bead - usually made with glass or Lucite. Vintage sugar beads were popular in the 1950's and were made in Japan.

Alexis Art & Design
Romantic & sweet lovebirds Valentine print. Birds are one of the few animals who often stay together forever. This Valentine's day, show your significant other you really care.
(Print only - listing does not include frame)


Don't Know Publishing
"Be Mine" ACEO - A watercolor of a red heart outlined with glitter. A blue\green background. On watercolor paper. Actual painting.


Get Happy
Here is one of my new Valentine tags, made from vintage "Snapshot" game cards. The card measures 3"x4" and are made from heavy chipboard. They are the actual game cards, not copies, and one of a kind!


Liv'nGood Jewelry
Green with envy isn't always a bad thing - especially when it's other people envious of your new earrings. Combining brass keys with watch gears and internal workings, these resin earrings are completely unique and one of a kind.


Joslin Jewels
A plump rose quartz teardrop captured in a net of sterling silver adorned with tiny blue, green, and pink tourmaline flowers. The pendant hangs from a sterling silver chain finished with a tiny pink tourmaline flower drop.


KnittingGuru
You'll look devastating in this sexy lace and ribbon shawl. The inspiration came from garments worn by ladies during the Victorian period. It's a combination of innocence and sensuality that has eternal appeal.


Pasaii Paperie
The design is hand embroidered on cross-stitch fabric and then turned into a pendant. The silver plated back of the pendant is attached to a delicate sterling silver chain (18").


Beladonna Jewels

This beautiful necklace is Vintage Inspired.

Featuring a gold plated 14mm ring from which a key, locket charm, and an acrylic turquoise bead charm strung onto a long gold plated chain and finished with a lobster clasp closure.

Paw & Claw Designs

The heart is textured by hand with various hammers and punches, then polished to a gleaming mirror like shine.


Jack and Ella

Adorned with a 10mm AB siam (red) crystal heart and a silvertone skeleton key, this choker is made of 1/2" wide velvet ribbon featuring the word in elegant script: Beloved


Beautiful Bridget

This gorgeous cowl is so perfect for those late night walks with the one you love....

Jewel Craft Designs

This versatile piece can be worn with jeans or your little black dress. The circles at the center of the lariat create a nice focal point.


Herban Lifestyle
This versatile oil can be used as a massage oil, or as a skin-softening addition to your bath. The soothing tones of lavender, and the earthy herbaceous scents of clary sage and blue chamomile will help smooth away your cares.


Kitts Krafts
Here is a good lasting note book to add to your valentines gifts. Made from a NECCO sweethearts candy box.


kittyanydots
I call this print "the most beautiful dream."

Stay tuned for more great gift ideas for your loved ones!