press box

When I started Green Cricket a little over 3 years ago, I did not have a structured plan, but I did have a list of things I wanted to experience with this new venture. Be creative, meet new people, travel, re-think recycling and get a little press. The first 4 are a pretty regular occurrence, and last week, I was able to accomplish the last, not once, twice, but three times....and from some pretty big players.

When I returned from Chicago's Vintage Bazaar, my friend Kim shared this fantastic write up from Apartment Therapy

Then another artist friend Tammy, found this one from ReadyMade

and finally, while turning the pages of my copy of the latest Madison Magazine I see this great write up.

When it rains it pours. Not only are they personal validation of my ideas, but they really inspire me to think "ok, what cool thing can I create next?"

Spun-tastic

Remember these lovies? They made my Best of 2010 finds, and this week I debuted them at the Vintage Bazaar in Chicago, along with a cute little plant stand.

I honestly had no idea what they were when I snagged them at a flea market, but loved their mod look. Turns out they are quite collectable and very durable. After Googling them a bit, I found that they are known as Spun Fiberglass chairs from the 60's.

Although natural in color, most of the ones you'll find have been painted white and mine were no different. Since they were a little dingy, I gave them a fresh coat and moved on to the seat.

After looking for months for a cushion that fit the diameter, I turned to my handy hubby to make some forms so I could make my own.

He used a low profile plywood and I used some batting and a vintage vinyl tablecloth for the cover. Seemed to fit the retro vibe and also easy to clean.

2 of them (and the stand) went home with a lucky designer on Saturday, but I still have one left. Check out my Etsy shop for more details.

thinking outside the vase

After a very long winter and cold spring here in Wisconsin, it looks like warmer temps are finally here and all those beautiful blooms are dotting our landscape. Bringing those fresh flowers in are an instant way it brighten your mood and your decor. But why settle for a boring glass vase, when a more unique vessel is probably in your collection. Taking old product tins, cans and cups are a much more creative option.

This coiled oil can highlights the long tulip stems

while this orphan tea cup makes the purple in these hyacinths really pop.

vintage product tins are perfect for big bunches of blooms.

and my little antique recorder cans work great for just a stem. The key to many of these floral re-uses are to include an interior vase. A second hand drinking glass, shot glass or one of those boring clear glass vases. Once you add water, rust and other by products of these old treasures can drastically shorten the life of those bouquets. And don't forget my mom's tulip saving trick.

Craftstravaganza 2011

I am back from Minnesota & the 6th annual Craftstravaganza and what a show it was. From 9 to 5 the Fine Arts building at the MN State Fair grounds was literally packed with shoppers. Considering I went thru nearly every single one of my business cards, I am imagining this is the first visit for many to my site. So, a very warm WELCOME and thanks for stopping by.

Along with sharing projects, green tips and upcoming events, this blog has links to my Etsy shopping site, Facebook page and some of my favorite blogs and shops. Also, I have recently added a RSS feed option (the little orange icon to the left) so you have the option of getting new blog posts to your inbox or Google reader. Typically I have about 1 to 3 a week.

A great big thank you to Saturday's organizers Andy & Jenna Krueger, their fantastic volunteers and all of you wonderful supporters of handmade goods. What a great event and I was thrilled to be a part of it.

For those of you looking for something you saw at the show, I will be restocking my Etsy shop thru out this week, but in the meantime, feel free to email me. Contact info is along the left hand column. Thanks again and welcome to my little corner of the cyber world.