recycled tape measure goods!

While browsing on etsy, I happened upon these fun accessories made from tape measures! David from HomeMade Karma is making earrings, bracelets and wallets in all colors. We share a love of recycling and making something from what other might see as nothing. Here are my favorites:

I love the classic yellow tape measure on these earrings and the pink on the rocker chic bracelet! Check out the shop for more...

What inspired you to start recycling?

I had always been collecting old things, broken machines and other useless items from the streets, trashcans and flea markets. When I was 15, I made a lamp out of a 50´s hairdryer and other stuff like that. But I really started making handycrafts during a travel in South America where I learned macrame and other traditional techniques from a group of artisans. Back in Europe, I continued to make things on a small scale but bit by bit changed to using other materials and techniques. I see making recycled handicrafts as a statement. Recycling & reusage is the future.


Yes! I love how you put it. What are your other hobbies?

Running, reading, mountain & water related sports, festivals, making impossible plans, spontaneous adventures, bingeing on life, too much too name...
Thank you so much David! We look forward to seeing more recycled goods in the future. In the meantime, check out these cool bags for wine or baguettes that he makes with a friend!

recycled fashion show

A couple of my good friends collaborated on this entry in the recycled fashion show in Frankfort. Aren't they gorgeous nature goddesses?

camping in recycled+revamped style

Earlier this summer I went to a women's retreat and camped in our van. It's a 1988 Ford van and it has been decked out with curtains and pockets.  There's a bed in the back and it's just perfect for us right now. Of course, I wore my tunic and hoodie b/c they are so comfy. And for those mornings when my hair is crazy - the hat I made at the recycled hat workshop! What am I holding? The last bit of last year's strawberry jam. Since then I've made a whole new batch.

Where is your favorite place to camp?

{this moment) boating on glen lake

{this moment}

an extraordinary moment that I want to savor and remember

inspired by Amanda Blake Soule at soulemama

Hope you have a wonderful summer weekend! Enjoy the water if you can!

Gorgeous recycled bird wings and a giveaway!

Check out these great wings! After some conversations with my sewing friends, we determined that making wings was a big challenge. I ended up buying a pair from another crafty etsian for little f's dragon costume (he wore that vest for 2 years!). My friend, Colleen came up with an easier solution for her seagull made of recycled sweaters. But this design is brilliant! I want to make these! I can see a gorgeous butterfly using this same concept. What will little f want to be for halloween this year?

So I read her etsy profile and sent out a request to learn more about the domestic goddess behind these folksy upcycled pretties and patterns. Jay responded right away, and it turns out that she is smart, creative and quick with a background in fashion design. With three kids to homeschool, she still finds time to create these awesome patterns and take great photos! I bought the Every Which Way reversible coat pattern and have some ideas for making it more boyish. Wood grain fabric, maybe? This skirt is on my list too, but I think I want to make one for myself...

How did you learn to sew and what inspires you?
I come from several generations of Sewists. One of most treasured pieces is a hand-sewn quilt from my great-grandmother! To study the consistency of her stitches and detailed embroidery is absolutely amazing to me. 

I was initially given some sewing basics from my mother but then really developed my skills later as an adult. After purchasing a new home, I was suddenly inspired to create curtains and slipcovers to decorate until my heart's content. 

Then along came my peeps and I realized that I just couldn't find and/or shop for the type of clothes I desired for them to wear....soooooo, I broke out the ol' sewing machine and got crafty. (sound familiar?)

When wearing their one-of-a-kind outfits about, I got a tremendous amount of compliments and requests of where my kiddos got their clothing. This really transitioned me into the direction I'm into now with pattern making.

Creating clothes on my own and tweaking existing patterns, I began to study and polish my pattern making skills. After many experimental years of bloopers and happy accidents, I would say now, that I am a pleasantly confident Sewist. :)

I have a sweet little working set-up / studio of 3 sewing machines and 2 sergers. I'm in sewing heaven!



Oh, if only I could teleport. I would love to visit that studio! Since we can't all visit her studio, Jay is willing to offer a FREE pattern to one lucky reader and to offer 20% off any pattern in her shop for everyone! The code backtoschool will be valid through midnight on July 31. How cool is that?

Here are all the ways you can enter the giveaway, just leave a comment here for each one before midnight on July 31. Winners will be posted here the first week in August.
1. Visit Chickenhill on etsy and tell us your favorite pattern.
2. Become a follower of recycled+revamped
3. Be a fan of recycled+revamped on facebook
4. Tweet about it
5. Post on your blog about this giveaway
6. Invite your friends to comment and or follow!


Happy sewing!