handmade | upcycling

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Steampunk Costume Divas

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If you haven't heard of steampunk yet you're missing out. It's origins started out as sub-genre of science fiction and it's moved it's way over to fashion. Think of it as an edgy mix of Victorian romance, goth, gypsy with an industrial age nod.

The fusion belly dance troupe Torque recently unveiled a new choreography with costumes to match. These ladies make every bit of their costuming by hand! We're talking pleats, ruching, fringe and more—literally hours of sewing goes into each costume. Here are few detail photos of some of their handiwork.

Spirit Beauty Lounge — sustainable beauty

So maybe everyone else has already heard of this site, but it was news to me. I'm referring to Spirit Beauty Lounge—a site  that sells luxury cosmetics, fragrance, hair products and skin care. The interesting standout to me is this company promotes itself as being hosted with 100% solar energy and all facilities powered by 100% renewable energy. They are also paying attention to products without toxic ingredients like nail polish without toluene and other harsh chemicals.

Sure it costs more for these more carefully crafted products, but I believe in the adage "put your money where your mouth is." If we really want to see sustainable energy sources developed, more handcrafted products and fewer corporate megastores, we can't always shop for the cheapest price.

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My books came—hurrah!

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I got a box from Amazon yesterday with two new books—"Simply Sublime Gifts" and "Creative, Inc."

One of last year's resolutions was to make more gifts this year and Jodi Kahn's "Simply Sublime Gifts" has over thirty projects and most are no-sew or low-sew techniques. Don't you love the apron on the cover? It's made from Wonder Bread bags!

"Creative, Inc." is a guide to making a freelance business a success which as a freelancer myself is pretty much my top priority.

Can't wait to dive into both. 

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Safire Designs

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I don't often strike up conversations with seat-mates on airplanes, but I'm so glad I did on a recent trip. I met a jewelry designer who works with fine silver, artisan lampwork & borosillicate glass. These are quality materials people, not the cheap beads and baubles you pick up at the local craft store. I fell in love with these silver earrings which are completely handmade. Sally-Ann Flak of SAFire Designs is also adept at the art of chain maille creating intricate woven designs from small rings and loops of silver. Check out her Etsy shop for a small sampling of her wares—send her a message to find out which show or festival she'll be at next so you can see her full inventory. 

Typewriter Conversion to USB Keyboard

 

While I love my new low-profile keyboard that takes little force to strike the keys and is nicely quiet, I miss the clickety-clack of a typewriter. I've often wondered how kids learn typing these days. I'm sure it's on computer keyboards rather than the dinosaur typewriters I grew up with. There was an oddly soothing quality to the rhythm of those machines and the sound of the bell when you pushed the carriage across at the end of a line. 

A clever Etsy seller has modified this Smith-Corona Super Sterling typewriter to work as a USB keyboard that you can hook up to your Mac, PC or iPad. Genius. If other typewriter models are more your taste, don't despair—there are several more options to choose from.

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Cute no-staple Stapler

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Made by Humans has designed a stapler that doesn't use any staples. Sweet. It's really a pain pulling out staples when you're ready to recycle paper. Their design instead punches up to 4 sheets of paper with a "tab" that folds over and keeps the papers in place. In addition to never running out of staples, you can choose from two cute critter styles—dog or cat.