New items @ GreenBeing!!

Here are some of my new designs you can look for at GreenBeing in Scranton, PA! I've been working with plastic lids and also revisiting some previous designs but changing them up a bit...

GreenBeing is located at: 334 Adams Ave Scranton PA 18503

Feast w the Beasts event...

This evening I will be exhibiting my work at the annual Feast with the Beasts event at the Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton, NY. This event will be featuring food and beverages from regional restaurants, wineries, and vendors.

Lid Hoops...

Lately I've been into making these loop hoop earrings! I make them using plastic lids, something I didn't find much use for in the past. It's fun to watch your styles evolve and adapt to materials you have available.

Awesome Feature!!

My 2-liter bottle bracelet is featured in the Chicago Tribune's 'RedEye'!

latest creation...

One of my latest creations is this eco-watch! This watch does not tell time, but it's sure to stir up some conversations. Why do we normally only wear things that serve a purpose? Why not wear a watch that does not tell time? You'll always be on time with this watch! This design is made from all recycled plastic pieces. It has a button snap closure for easy on and off!

My First Anklet!

I had a recent request for one of my flower bracelets to be made into an anklet. I liked the end result so much I decided to add it to my collection! These flower anklets really look pretty on your ankle! It really transforms your whole look! As always I hand cut each piece from recycled bottles. The shiny petals are from a salon hair dye tube!

Yogurt Cup Bracelet Cuff!

My sister saves me tons of yogurt cups! Unfortunately they are made from a non-recyclable plastic, which means they land in the garbage when emptied unless you find another use for them. This gives me a little extra pressure to create a use for them. I've been making earrings out of the yogurt cups, but yesterday I made a simple braceled/wrist cuff. It uses the majority of the cup, leaving a lot less to throw away. Plus it's super cute and funky and sure to stike up a conversation. I used button snaps for the closure which makes for easy on and off. And since it's all plastic you can wear it anywhere because it's waterproof! I have lots of flavors, what's your favorite?

Eco Bangle!

I bought a funky leather bangle when I was recently in Rome, Italy. I loved it so much and it inspired me to try and make one out of recycled plastic. It is a common design among leather bangles/wristcuffs. The leather bangle I bought is cut so perfectly and it was only 5 euro! I wonder if they use some kind if machine or jig and crank them right out... Mine on the other hand, was pretty labor intensive and it took over an hour to make. My leather bangle had a button stud for the closure. I looked high and low for them and found that they were quite expensive so I experimented with button snaps and really liked the finish result. Using the button snaps has opened doors for new ideas so be on the lookout for more funky eco-cuffs!

Art Opening @ Acacia Aveda Vestal, NY

I'm so excited to be part of an exhibit called 'Pretty Things' at Acacia Aveda on the Vestal Parkway in Vestal, NY! My eco-jewelry will be joining another artist from Susquehanna (actually the Susquehanna Comm. H.S. art teacher!) Jime Grabowski of Pretty Lines. Since the venue is an Aveda Salon, I am making pieces out of Aveda bottles ie: shampoo, conditioner, hair dye tubes, etc. These pieces are all one of a kind! I've listed some example pieces.

The opening will be held this Saturday, May 8th from 3pm-6pm at:
Acacia Aveda
The Shoppes at Pierce Hill
1308 Vestal Pkwy E. Suite 3
Vestal, NY 13850

Along with our art you can also enjoy mini scalp and facial treatments, teas, etc.

just to fill you in...

Sunday's 'Walk for Water' at Longbranch Park in Liverpool, NY was lots of fun. Unfortunately the weather was not favorable, but my Aveda bottle jewelry was a huge hit! And I made lots of great contacts. Looking forward to next year!

This coming weekend Saturday, April 24th and Sunday, April 25th I will be vending at the Maple Festival which is in Troy, PA. I've never been to Troy or the festival so I'm looking forward to it! Lets hope the weather cooperates too!

Aveda Walk For Water...

This coming Sunday (April 18th) I'm proud to say my business will be part of the Aveda Earth Walk 2010! Here is a quote from EANY, "Environmental Advocates of New York is partnering with Aveda Salons across the region to bring broader visibility to our work to protect water resources and prevent water pollution. As part of Aveda’s worldwide Earth Month activities, the Aveda Salons of Central New York are sponsoring a Walk for Water at Long Branch Park in Liverpool, NY on Sunday April 18 from 10am to 5pm. Proceeds from the Walk for Water will benefit Environmental Advocates of New York."

Exhibits/vendors (including me!) will be set up along the way featuring merchants and organizations to promote environmentally conscious, organic, green or earth-friendly, sustainable products, services or technology. Dogs are welcomed to walk with you too!

I've been working with Aveda shampoo bottles and hair dye tubes to create a funky series of Aveda jewelry for this event. I'm really looking forward to showing my work! This Aveda jewelry series will also be featured at the 'Exhibit of Pretty Things' with Jime Grabowski May 8th at Acacia Aveda in Vestal, NY. I'll post more on that event as it nears.

50 awesome ways to reuse beer bottles!!

Here's a great article sent to me from a blogger on how to reuse your beer bottles!! Check it out!!

news

So glad Spring is arriving!! I have lots of cool art shows lined up for the season. An earthday event in April, a beer festival in May, an exhibition with an amazing artist (who is also the Susquehanna Community H.S. art teacher!) Jime Grabowski. And our new band has started playing out as well too (The Look)!! Lots of fun things going on! Oh yeah, and a trip to Italy coming up too!

exciting weekend!

I noticed lots of traffic and sales in my etsy store this past Saturday and I found out that my 2 liter bottle bracelet is being featured in a Storque article (online etsy magazine)! The article is called Born Again. If you scroll down through the items you will see my bracelet. I'm so greatful for this wonderful feature!!

a smaller version...

Here is a smaller version of my large milk carton flower bracelet! Both hand cut from plastic milk cartons!

spring things...

Here are some new spring items! These flower pieces are made from plastic milk cartons. I cut each layer individually by hand from a milk carton. Then the layers are stacked and fastened together by a head pin. Using a head pin allows you to move the petals around! These are super light weight! Perfect for spring!!

one of my favorites to make...

I love working with plastic bottles! They come in so many colors it really boggles my mind! One of my favorite types of earrings to make are these layered circle and square kind. The color combinations are endless (sometimes I feel overwhelmed!)! I also love to add a touch of sparkle by using a tiny silver circle from an aluminum can. They're chic and modern and will definitely make any lady stand out from the crowd!

Celebrating 2 years on etsy!!

Today is my 2 year anniversary on etsy!! I can't get over how fast time goes by! Etsy has been wonderful for my business, I owe a lot of great things to my etsy shop. I'll never forget how I heard of it...I was getting my teeth cleaned and I mentioned to the hygienist that I was starting my own art business. She asked if I ever heard of etsy, and I said no. I checked it out and immediately signed up. My pictures were horrible!! I'll never forget my first sale either (1 month after opening). I was so excited when I saw it! I've come a long way in these past 2 years, and I've been working extremely hard. My hard work is starting to pay off though. In my mind there is no such thing as luck, it's all about hard work and passion...

Spread some Love!

2 Liter Shamrocks

This is my latest shamrock creation...I cut shamrocks from a green 2 liter soda bottle then threaded them onto a bracelet! I could make matching earrings too!

Shamrock Bracelet...

Another St. Patrick's day item! I made this item using a milk carton and a clothes detergent bottle! Everything is cut with scissors by hand and connected with jump rings!

shamrocks...

One of my lovely customers requested a pair of shamrock earrings made from a Mtn Dew can...I'm sure glad she did! Before this past weekend I never visited the 'shamrock' shape (not sure why!). I must say I'm having lots of fun with it and I'm coming up with lots of funky things! Ps: my mom's maiden name is O'brien!

Brand New Design!

I'm so excited about these guitar earrings! I've been wanting to make them for a long time and I was finally able to do it yesterday (the first pair is mine!)! I'm really happy with the end result, still tweaking it. I added some texture to the body of the guitar and formed the neck. This would be a fun pendant too! I can make them from any kind of beer or soda can...Look out for the strat earrings next!

winter doldrums...

How do I make the most of the winter doldrums? ...Well I start by making a big list after Christmas of things I would really like to accomplish by spring time. Here is this year's winter to-do list:

Taxes(done!)
Change etsy avatar (done!)
Get to 100 items in my etsy shop (20 more to go!)
Book art shows and festivals
Work on new designs/increase inventory
Contact Breweries (to make beer can jewelry)
Mail eco jewelry to some celebrities (it can't hurt, right?!)

Now that it's out in the open I will definitely get everything accomplished!!

Delightful Divas...

Check out this awesome blog!! Lots of cool things to browse! Among them are a pair of my heart earrings :)

doki blog

It's so cool to come across your work on other blogs! Nothing describes the feeling when you discover other people discussing your work! The other day I came across an Italian blog that had featured my work. It made my day!! Grazie!!

Independent Arts Bazaar

Yesterday's Independent Arts Bazaar at Eleanor Rigby's was a huge success! I met so many great people and saw lots of great art! People really appreciated my eco-art. The belly dancers and acoustic performances were awesome. I'm so happy to hear that this event will be bi-monthly! I'm sure it will continue to grow as well. I look forward to being part of this again and hopefully playing some music as well!

Independent Arts Bazaar!

This Saturday I'm excited to be taking part in the Independent Arts Bazaar put on by the Greater Carbondale Arts Alliance! This bazaar will be taking place at Eleanor Rigby's on Rt. 6 in Carbondale, PA from 12-6pm. There will be lots of art and fun things going on so I hope to see you there!!

First 'guy' item!

I'm so happy to have finally made something with the guys in mind! This is a small, funky pin made out of a monster energy drink can. It was originally a special request for a friend's son, and I was so happy with the end result that I decided to add it to my collection...

Crying Calypso!

One of my eco-bracelets has been featured in this lovely blog (Crying Calypso Vintage Shoppe)!! Check it out!!

A MUST See Blog!!

I have been featured on a wonderful blog! Check it out!!! Going Green Crafters and Artists