Transforming Trash Into Treasure: Part Two

Spring inspired colors.

Since I seem to be on a streak of creativity lately, I happened to look through all of the goodies my granny had sent with me, and found a new inspiration.  In the little red shopping basket that she had loaded full, were oodles of tiny sunburst beads, also known as paddlewheel beads.

My granny used to make beautiful, sparkly ornaments and such out of these beads, but I was looking for a way to reinvent these gorgeous fancies.  So far, all I have come up with are these cute, dangly earrings.  I am in the process of two different designs, as well as necklace pendants in the future.

These are so pretty and sparkly!

These beads are so fun because I can incorporate them into every holiday and season.  The above pictured are, of course, my spring idea.  Next, are more funky and holiday inspired colors.

Funky color combinations.

St. Patty's Day inspired colors.

If anyone has any suggestions, I'd greatly appreciate it.  I'd hate to just let the gorgeous beads go to waste.  I'm determined to create something new and inspiring that women and teens will love.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stephanie

Transforming Trash Into Treasure

One of the inspirations I had when I began making jewelry was implementing recycled components of some sort.  It all began with recycling images from magazines I had found at the library, or obtained along the way.  Now I reuse old pieces of jewelry or take over someone else's bulk, as well.  Although not all of my jewelry is completely recycled, I try to implement about 40-60%.  I've begun to accomplish this feat recently when I bought a large lot of destash jewelry from fellow Etsian, Destash Pearl.

"Destash jewelry in pinks and purple." Item

Becoming more eco-friendly is important to me in order to help reduce the amount of waste on our planet.  I am one of those people who believe that our actions of excessive carbon production and waste are helping to accelerate the temperature of the planet.  

From my recent travels across country to visit my family in Wisconsin, I saw my very own two eyes, and my boyfriend will vouch for me, what over-farming has done to rivers and creeks throughout Kansas and much into the south eastern side of Colorado.  There also was hardly a bit of snow until higher in the mountains of Colorado.  All throughout Iowa you could see for miles the newest technology, wind power.  It was like living in a Pink Floyd video with their monstrosity lurking above our vehicles.  

"Six covered buttons with vintage embroidered linens." Item

For those who are interested in making art that is recycled or upcycled, check out the links I have included in this blog.  Also, use keyword "destash" in the etsy search to find more stores with supplies.

"Three hand-dyed vintage appliques in dark periwinkle blue." Item

Thanks for stopping by!


Stephanie

Back From Vacation in Wisconsin!

After a long anticipated adventure back to visit my family in Wisconsin, I am so relieved to have finally spent quality time with them.  It has been 13 months, and I was growing more and more homesick every day.  This was the first time my boyfriend would be meeting any of them, so it was important that I introduced him to as much family as I could.  I left after 12 days with a sense of satisfaction that I would greatly miss them all, but could not wait to get back to the San Juan mountains.  I am back, and I must say, I love it here more than words can express.

Classy Marilyn necklace in Marilyn Collection. Thank you granny for the beautiful beads! Etsy Item

While back in Wisconsin, I visited with my maternal grandmother and showed her the jewelry I have been designing for the past year.  She was the wonderful grandmother I have always known her to be, and gave me some jewelry and supplies she no longer needed.  Her contribution has more than paid off.  Not more than a few days after arriving home in Colorado, my creativity took off, and I created more pieces I am very proud.

Since I moved to Colorado, in the first place, with all that would fit into my Honda, I had the privilege to go through my belongings and find more Marilyn photos I had acquired several years ago.  We stuffed my boyfriend's truck full, and I am pleased with all that I was able to bring along with me on my adventures.

Sunny Marilyn necklace. More beads and charms from my granny. Etsy Item

I also purchased from several Etsians before leaving on my vacation, so when I arrived home, there were many packages to open.  One Etsian in particular was more than sweet, and in the mistake of an order I had placed, sent me a wonderful package that made me so happy, it was like my birthday.  It was too kind of this Etsian to send me such great things.  I will soon be creating a blog post about her shop and such.

Made from destash materials and items that were waiting for me when I arrived home. Etsy Item

Spring is slowly drawing near, and I must say that I am very anxious to start spending more time outdoors.  Recently I stopped down at The Funky Trunk here in town and dropped off a dozen items.  Jen was positive by stating that spring break is coming up and sales may go well.  I am staying positive, too.  Someone suggested that I should start making more necklaces, which I've been inspired to create lately.  Enjoy!
AnotherUse Shop

More upcycled materials used in this Cupid Marilyn necklace. Etsy Item

Thanks for stopping by!

Stephanie

OPEN 24/7! NO MINIMUM BUY IN LILPENNY'S BNR 4 SALES! REDONE!NEW ITEMS

As I'm sure many who follow my Facebook have noticed, I have been posting a lot of links to BNRs.  What exactly is a BNR, you ask?  Well, basically the rules are listed differently on each BNR right beneath the 16 photos of what is up for sale.

What you do is look through all of the photos listed and decide if there are any you want to purchase.  If not, you can click on each photo and look deeper into their store by clicking the links on the right side of the screen.  When you find an item that you want to purchase, go back to the BNR, and make sure you follow the rules.  Once you have purchased the item, your item will go up for sale in replace of the one you just bought.  If you have an Etsy store with items you want to sell, this is a fun and sometimes quick way to make a sale.  I highly recommend checking them out if you sell on Etsy, or plan to.  If not, shopping is always welcome.  Come and play!


Lilpennies BNR

Handmade With Love Giveaway: Feb 2-6

Recently I was asked by Alex of One Thrifty Gurl blog to consider participating in a Handmade With Love Giveaway.  I am volunteering to give away two pieces of jewelry, possibly more, for those who enter.  

One of my giveaway items.

There are over 189 blogs participating, and there are many other shops on Etsy participating in the giveaway.  This will take place starting at midnight Pacific time on February 2nd until February 6th.  Gifts are to be valued at at least $5.  Many people are waiting for the event to begin.


Go to AnotherUse Free Gift for 2 extra entries.  Just leave a comment.  

Teeny mushroom earrings in giveaway.

Alex is the mastermind behind setting me up with this contest.  I am very excited to be a sponsor, along with all of the other beautiful Etsy shops she has found.  


Thanks so much, Alex!

Ahpaksoy: Mad Cat World

Because she's been so wonderful and is a loyal customer, I am featuring Allison's Etsy shop. 

The Outing Purse-Vintage Liz Clairborne

Allison has a cute vintage shop on Etsy.  Many of her items were obtained on "treasure hunts" at thrift/consignments stores, such as GoodWill.  Allison also paints and makes jewelry.  Most of her jewelry supplies are purchased from fellow Etsians.  She enjoys supporting the Etsy community.

Strawberry Fields Heels Size 8M

Due to pay-cuts at work, Allison has been dedicating more of her time to Etsy in order to bring in a little extra money, much like myself.  Although Allison states that she is having a harder time finding her "brand," I wish to see that with time and dedication, she will see her shop flourish.  It will come naturally.

SALE Orange Mojo Silk Scarf

Allison stated that sort of just "stumbled across Etsy accidentally." She was searching the internet one day for "cute/unusual gifts" for bridesmaids and kept finding stuff she liked at Etsy.  Allison said that she sort of forgot about the site, but then later remembered it when searching for vintage jewelry.  Since then, she has been learning more and more about all that Etsy has to offer sellers.  

Take 10% off creamy flowy blouse size M-L

Here is wonderful feedback Allison has left me. It really made my day when I found this message.

Take 10% off Plaid Skirt XS-S

♥ ahpaksoy says:
I was so excited when I received this in the mail this afternoon! When I opened the package I was blown away. It is at least 20 times more beautiful in person than in the photo. I LOVE it and will def be buying more from this seller! If you are reading this, please support this seller. Her items are beautiful and she seems like an awesome person! PS. someone really needs to buy those zebra/rose earrings. Love them! I don't have my ears pierced but if I did they would have been mine a while ago. :

Allison took this appreciation photo.

Currently, Allison is having a sale at her shop.  Take 10% off vintage items with coupon code VINTAGE10.


And a buy two get one free deal is going on until January 31.  Allison would like it if customers would send her a message before purchasing anything.


Thanks Allison!

Gold and Pearl Bracelet

The Funky Trunk

So to give a quick overview for those who don't know, I live in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.  Pagosa means healing waters.  Right downtown there are several options for where to go in order to feel the soothing soak this water has to offer.  


It draws many tourists, but overall is a small town.  There are many wealthy people who own homes here and there with or without companies, but this time of year can really drag for small business and employees.  

Trunk I bought from The Funky Trunk in Pagosa Springs, CO.

Today I wanted to talk about a wonderful boutique called, The Funky Trunk, in uptown Pagosa Springs.  For those who don't know Pagosa, there is a downtown and uptown.  In between, there is Putt Hill.  I promise you will understand why when driving a 1989 Honda Accord up that sucker.  It's embarrassing!  Lol!

Other side of the trunk I bought. 

Anyway, The Funky Trunk is located uptown at 100 Country Center Drive, Unit D, Pagosa Springs, CO, 81147.

Inside of the trunk.

It's run by artist, Jen Slind, who is a wonderful person.  Many local artists sell on consignment with her, including myself, as well as those selling clothing, shoes, bags, or books.  


Every time I stop in, I find something I can't or don't want to pass up.  

If anyone is interested in checking out her facebook, go to The Funky Trunk Facebook. 

Please bear with me when I post websites.  I just figured out how to hyperlink.

Here are a few links to items that she sells in her shop.  If interested, she will also mail items. 


Jen Slind's Trunks:  I own one of these trunks and it is so adorable.  They are refurbished trunks.  Check them out! Great for storing or just a display.


Jen's Fused Glass:  Jen makes fused glass jewelry that are a lot of fun.  Take a look at these flower rings.


Local Artisan SanJuanJewelryCo:  A local seller with a funky edge.


Thanks Jen for your support!