Upcycling Becomes a Treasure Trove for Green Business Ideas This story first appeared in the April 2011 issue of Entrepreneur. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Like everything about Looptworks, the signature on CEO and co-founder Scott Hamlin's e-mail is a call to action: "Did you know that it requires more than 400 gallons of water to make one organic cotton T-shirt? Upcycle." If you're not up on the green lingo, the best way to think of upcycling is that it's like a sexier, even greener version of recycling. Looptworks personifies the upcycling trend. "There's a plethora of people looking into different angles in different industries--the opportunities in upcycling are fascinating," Hamlin says. For its part, Looptworks uses what it calls "pre-consumer excess" as source material for its accessories, gear and apparel. "Our goal," he says, "is to influence consumer awareness and figure out a way to promote this non-mass-produced approach on a large scale." There's also serious behind-the-scenes innovation happening. No kidding.
DIY | Burgundy Cut Out Shirt Cut out shirt seen at Maison Martin Margiela amongst many other labels. Burgundy seen at Acne, also amongt many others. I just hopped on the burgundy bandwagon. Today I found a large silk mens shirt at a vintage shop and decided to cut in it a bit. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Repeat - Mason Jars Yes, they are everywhere. Yes, I have posted on them before. And yes, I am still smitten! How could I not be? They are affordable. Sometimes free. I should note...I'm a little obsessed with how the matte black came out and have more outside drying as I type this. Then, in my Pinterest crazed obsession, I found this little DIY image. This led me to trying my own version with a milk jar, fabric marker and glue gun.... She's not perfect, but I love that about her. For all you DIYers with questions on how to or the materials used for this project...I did a follow up post that can be found here.
How-to make the Infinity Convertible or Wrap/Twist Dress **disclaimer: I am not a professional designer or tailor by any means. I love to sew and craft so this has become a beloved past time for me. I have adapted these instructions for my own use from the Shira.net and Rostitchery websites. If you have any questions please private message me :) Supplies newsprintpencilcompass (or string)metre stick (yard stick)square (right angled ruler)pattern weights (or traditional pins or things like soup cans)scissorsfabricpinsthreadserger (or sewing machine)1 inch elasticbodkin (or safety pin)large open space (floor or table) Terminology: right side of fabric - right side or face of fabric...Jersey fabric may or may not have a design on it, the side with the clearer design is the right side, alternatively the shinier side will also be the right side. Step one: Roll out the newsprint on the floor or table. Using your compass draw the first 1/2 circle at the top centre of the pattern. Now you will need two measurements for the wrap panels. Step Two: Step Three
Paintstick Starburst My friends, if there ever was a bandwagon, this carefree DIYer is jumping right on it. For months, I’ve seen fabulous versions of the sunburst mirror pop up all over the blogosphere. And for weeks now, with every stop in the paint department, I couldn’t help but notice how those paint stir sticks might just make a very cool version of this decorative favorite. I couldn’t figure out how to stack them nicely enough around the center to make it worth my effort, but that little road bump didn’t stop me from snagging more than my fair share of free stir sticks at a time, like 8 or 10, over the course of a month. When I read how Danielle used an embroidery hoop, that convinced me to make my own version too! How to Make a (Paint Stir Stick) Sunburst Mirror Paint your embroidery hoop. Some paint stir sticks have a small curve in them, so I simply trimmed mine with my compound miter saw. Test out your design around your mirror so you know how many sticks you’ll need to paint.
Summer skirt decored with hand carved rubber stamps Browse Documents Document Type Categories Show Advanced Filters ∨ Hide Advanced Filters ∧ all docs Document Library User Contributed Docstoc Certified Most Recent Docstoc provides the best quality and largest library of documents, videos and resources to start and grow small businesses. Documents The best documents & resources to start and grow a business. How are you planning on using Docstoc? By registering with docstoc.com you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service, and to receive content and offer notifications. Already a member? Sign Into your Account Not a member yet?
Scrabble Coasters Is everyone ready for today's Pinterest challenge? I know I'm excited to share my project and can't wait to see what everybody else came up with. Pinterest in general just makes me tinkle in my pants with joy! So let's get to it! Lately I have been obssessed with games like Words With Friends, Wordosaur, Scrabble and any other word games that make me use my noggin. If you ever want to play with me you can come over. Online these babies go for $26, but with a little crafting and an old scrabble game, these can be yours for practically free! Here are the materials you need: 64 scrabble letters (check yard sales, thrift stores, or order some on Ebay or Amazon if you don't have any on hand)1 thin cork board (buy at any craft store)1 x-acto knifesuper gluehot glue gunmodpodge/sealer Step 1. Arrange 16 letters to make 4 words that you are happy with on your coasters (Ex. Step 2. Glue letters together using a thin layer of super glue leaving about 15 seconds to dry between each letter. Step 3.
Little Red Infinity Dress Tutorial | Sew Like My Mom February 14, 2011 I’m always searching for a beautiful, well-fitting, versatile dress, and I finally found it. In fact, I MADE it. The infinity dress has got it all! I made my infinity dress in about 3 hours and for under $20! I found these infinity dresses on Craftster years ago and have always loved them. First, you need to do some measuring. So, 30/6.28 = 4.7. Then I decided on length of skirt and came up with 18″. To make your straps, you need to decide how wide to make them. To determine strap length, you need to make them 1.5 times your height. So, got that? To make your pattern, get packing paper, freezer paper, or a bunch of pieces of computer paper taped together. Then I measured 18″ down from that and made another line for my skirt length. Cut out on your lines. Now, keeping your fabric folded in half with selvages matched, fold the fabric in from the end so it’s doubled on itself. Next, cut a waistband 10″ tall and the length of your waist you measured. Now for construction.
Corkboard Journals Here's another DIY project from our sweet friend, Sasha - from the The Gilded Bee. Be sure to check out her awesome shop full of handmade packaging lovelies. Thanks for being here with us Sasha! I'm delighted to share my book tutorial with you today: Supplies you’ll need to make this project: • One—8.5 x 5.5 sheet of cardstock • One---1/2 x 3 inch piece of cardstock or paper • Two---2 5/8 x 3 1/8 inch pieces of cardboard, chipboard or matboard (not corrugated) • Hot glue gun and glue sticks • 25---3 x 5 inch ruled or blank index cards • Two---3 x 5 inch sheets cardstock • 2 rubber bands • Pencil • ¼ inch wide Ribbon: One-6 inch piece, plus two-1 inch pieces To make the page block: * 1. * 2. * 3. * 4. * 5. * 6. To make the cover: * 1. Make a little mark at the center of each side of your paper (4.25 inches on center). On each side of those center marks, draw three lines paralleling each other (6 lines total): 5/16”, 5/8”, 13/16” inch from the center mark. * 3. * 4. * 5. * 6. * 8. * 9. * 10.