Charming Chainmaille

Where did the sunshine go? I woke up this morning to dark grey skies and drizzle. So to cheer my day up I logged onto Artfire to check out new listings and the first item I saw, top of the front page was a beautiful hand crafted chainmaille necklace. It really lifted my spirits to see such an unusual piece...

LeafLee was the creator of that item and this is it. I think it is gorgeous! From it's flattering V shaped lines to the materials used to make it, it is just fabulous. Did you notice yet that it is made from recycled soda can ring pulls?

This lead me to searching for more chainmaille items. Barbs Designs created this rainbow coloured full Persian style bracelet. It's so pretty and just the right for brightening up a grey day like today.

Marion's Dream Works presents these very elegant and stylish Tetra orb chainmaille earrings. They are made from solid silver wire and Capri Blue Swarovski Crystals. They would suit all occasions.

This bracelet from Carol's Creations in some ways reminds me of beautiful serpent skin. The way the chainmaille links are fitted together creates a pattern that echoes the shapes found on the most regal snakes skin.

This very fine detailed sterling and pearl necklace from Red Panda shows so perfectly that chainmaille isn't all just about big bold chunky pieces. They can be delicate chic looking pieces like this. Utterly stunning!

Chainmaille comes in many shapes and sizes and after checking out what was on offer for sale at Artfire this morning I think there really is something there for everyone, from those that want a large statement piece to wear through to someone that wants something simple and elegant. There are items for men, women and children. Chainmaille is so versatile and as you can see from the above items the masters of the craft can create the most gorgeous jewellery with it. It has really lifted my day writing this article. Thank you all you chainmaille artisans.

Don't throw it out! Fix it!

I followed a link today that SwirlyArts put up on Twitter and it lead me to a site I have seen before but forgotten about, so thank you Swirly for reminding me of it. The site was Wardrobe Refashion and if you have never heard about it I urge you to go and take a look. It has been set up by Nichola Prested a fellow UK crafter that relocated to Australia in 2004. The basic idea is that people pledge to refrain from buying new clothes for a period of time. It can be one month, 2 months, 6 months or for life... whatever time scale you feel able to achieve. In that pledged time, instead of running off to the shops to buy new clothes when you need them you will either have to repair, repurpose or recycle clothes and fabrics into the garments you need.

I think it is a fantastic way to encourage people to be less wasteful and to encourage people to learn new skills. The site has lots of examples of what people have made and plenty of the people share how they made/repaired the items they are showcasing. Imagine just how much waste would be eliminated if we all jumped in and pledged to do this... So who is up for joining in and making the pledge?

These people are already recycling fabrics and fibers, so if you don't feel creative enough to do it yourself, then go to the handmade sites and type in "Recycled" into the search engines and find people that will do the crafting work for you.

Kaboogie has a shop full of recycled leather shoes and boots. I couldn't resist featuring these cute red suede Mary Janes.

Knit Nats had reclaimed this yarn from a merino wool sweater and then hand died it to get these pretty shades of red and pink. Now you can make whatever you need from it.

Taking a mixture of lovingly pre used sweaters and fitting them together in new ways is one of Spicy's talents. These arm warmers are a perfect example.

Are you looking for a hat to finish off that perfect outfit? Original Sample has just the thing for you. Again this hat is made from previously loved fabric and has vintage button embelishments.

Kenspeckle created this beautiful hoody by repurposing fabric from other clothing and then hand dyed it to get the beautiful shades of colour you now see.

All these people above have one thing in common. They are making a difference. They are not allowing perfectly good fabric to go to waste by reinventing them into other wonderfully useful items. More power to their elbow! I say lets all pledge to support them and rejoice in their recycling, upcycling, repurposing talented ways!

Coriandr Sellers

Today is all about sharing with you some of the beautiful goods you can purchase from talented artisans through Coriandr. This site is fairly new, but it has lots of style and has attracted some amazing artisans to set up shop there. It's still looking for new sellers, so if you are creative and looking for a new venue to sell through, check it out.

I have been looking longingly at Katcha bags for some time. This lady makes the most amazing bags that tick a lot of my boxes when it comes to buying. They are stylish, well designed for purpose, made from recycled rubber, car seatbelts and they are hand sewn. No electricity used. Fabulous!

The Shy One doesn't need to be shy about her work. It is gorgeous! This Autumn thistle print of a watercolour is one of a limited print run of 30. I love the colours, textures and feeling of motion in the picture. If you look in Carols shop you'll see her talents don't stop at watercolour painting.

Miss Bumble is very talented in a craft I have tried and failed at. Needle felting is very hard to do well and Miss Bumble does it amazingly well. This giraffe is proof of that. I'm somewhat jealous. I chose to show you a close up of his head so you could see the intricate detail.

Sarah Watkins Fairbourn is the designer of this beautiful wardrobe. It would be perfect for a nursery or young girls bedroom. Sarah collaborates with a local cabinet maker who builds her designs. I think they do a fantastic job. Click on the photo so you get taken to the listing where you can see close up's of the pretty details.

Kaytea grabbed my attention instantly with her purple and orange coloured blocks. What baby could resist playing with these? Beautifully soft fleece makes them cuddly as well as fun to play with and they are fully washable, which as any mother knows is very important.

There are many other really talented, creative people selling over on Coriandr. Have a visit and a little surf around the shops and see if you can resist buying or recommending goods to other people. I couldn't! I hope you enjoyed my choices.

Fabulous Flickr Friends!

Lately there have been some very beautiful and exciting photos posted on out Flickr group. The group has been set up to not only showcase the work of people already in the handmade world, but we wanted to encourage people to have a go at arts and crafts that maybe they hadn't tried or had forgotten that they could already do. At the beginning of March we are going to be running a monthly challenge from this blog and the Flickr group. There will be a topic set and we are inviting anyone and everyone to create something that fits with the topic. We hope this will trigger off peoples imagination and draw out their creativity. All the details of how to join in will be posted at the beginning of March. In the meantime I's like to share some of the photos that have been posted up on the Flickr group.

Lesley Messam created this stunning leaf pendant from silver PMC. When I first saw it I just thought WOW! Check out some more of her work on Flickr. Lesley not only creates she also teaches other how to use their artistic flare and turn their ideas and talents into beautiful pieces of jewellery.

StarPixie is someone I have known for a few years. I met her through poi spinning. These little critters are her fist attempts at sock creatures. Aren't they gorgeous! StarPixie is a fabulous photographer, she sews, crochets and generally turns her hand to most craft skills. A very talented lady!

This photo was another picture that made me want to check out more of the creators work. This piece was made by Chameleon Designs. The lampwork bead is so detailed and beautiful. There are many more eye catching beads to see in her flickr account. Take a look and be delighted and amazed at her skills.

The Rainbow Effect is a lovely lady that I met through Twitter. She has a passion for colour and up-cycling exciting fabrics from the past into useful items that can be used today. Her shops are chock full of bright beautiful pieces that will bring a smile to your day each time you see them. These hot water bottle covers come with a matching French lavender bag, who's scent on warming will be sure to aid you to have a restful sleep.

Jake and Noel created these stylish porcelain pendants. She has many different designs, as you can see in her flickr account. I picked this one to share, because of the word "Hope" on it. We all need hope in these troubled times. Maybe wearing this would remind people that see it to hold onto their hopes even though all that ever seems to get reported these days are the worlds troubles.

Come over and join us on the Flickr group. Share with us all your makes. We would love to see them.

Written by Lynne of PiratePixieCrew and Hyperloop Hoops

Artisan of the Week, Leahkl

This week we are bringing back the Artisan of the Week feature and we are starting out with an Australian resident who makes the most cute items from vintage chenille, Leah of LeahKL. Her shop is stuffed full of goodies made from her ever growing vintage bedspread collection. I remember as a child my sister and I having matching bright orange chenille bedspreads on our bunkbeds (what can I say it was the early 70's and orange was very fashionable back then). I loved how soft they were and often used to curl a corner of the bedspread over my finger and rub the tip of my nose with it whilst I curled up in bed to listen to my big sister reading me a story. Ahhh, happy days! When I saw Leah's shop it just reminded me of a time gone by and made me smile, so I asked her to come and be featured on Autonomous Artisan and she agreed!

1. Could you please introduce us to who you are and what you do?
My name is Leah I live in a very small country town in Australia and I have an etsy store that I love, filled with handmade creations from the mountain of vintage chenille bedspreads that I am collecting.

2. What led you to take up your craft?
I am currently a stay at home mum of 4 small children. I have always loved to create. Our first 3 children are boys, our 4 is a girl. When our baby girl arrived, I was inspired to create. After stumbling across a vintage chenille patchwork quilt on the internet, I just had to have one, so I began the costly process of collecting old chenille bedspreads, I love them, and some of the stories connected to them. Chenille bedspreads are taking over our home, my kids love them, so I keep creating with them, I save every little scrap!

3. Which part of your work do you most enjoy?
Collecting the chenille and networking on places such as the Etsy forums, I can spend hours checking out blogs etc, while I sit here feeding my baby!

4. Which part do you find hardest?
Sewing with 4 small children, getting out of bed after I have been sewing into the early hours of the morning!

5.Where do you hope to be in 1 year’s time?
As long as I'm happy and my family are too, I'm not too fussed. I'd love to be making steady sales on Etsy!

6. What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Nothing is impossible!

7. Name other artisans sites/shops would you recommend are worth a visit?
Made By Maisie - Blog & Etsy shop
Cupboard Scraps - Etsy shop
Annie Design - Etsy shop
Alaiyna B. Designs - Etsy shop
This is my blog

8. What is your favourite sandwich filling?
Cheese, lettuce and tomato, boring I know, but I love fresh bread!

Thank you for joining in with the blog Leah. I love your beautiful goods and am sure that your sales will go from strength to strength as more people come across your shop. Recycling at it's best!

As always dear readers if you like the items you see just click on the photo and you will be taken to that item in Leah's shop. I would urge you to have a look around at all the gorgeous items you can find there. They truly are fabulous!

Written by Lynne of Hyperloop Hoops and Pirate Pixie Crew

Rubber reused

So it's been a week since I showed this blog any love and I'm sorry for leaving you all hanging. Thanks for coming back. The last few weeks have been very busy and add to that my health flare up and that makes for one very sad and lonely blog.

Today's topic is recycled rubber. There are primarily 2 types of rubber, natural rubber, that can be bled and refined from the sap of the para rubber tree plant and synthetic rubber, that is made from petroleum. Most of the rubber we use today comes from the second source, so it is best if we try to reduce the use of it and or reuse as much of it as possible. I've found a few Etsy sellers that have come up with great ways to recycle the everyday used rubber around us.

Made For Fun has turned a bicycle inner tube into this very interesting and pretty necklace. It's not so obvious to a casual on looker what it's made from so it will not only look gorgeous around your neck, but it is a great talking point. It really caught my attention.

So, what do you think this colourful bangle from Steven Shaver Designs is made of? Well it's made from chopped up parts of industrial conveyor belts. I love the textures and mix of colours. Such a stylish item made from recycled materials and great way to save some rubber from going into a landfill site.

I have to confess these are my favourite of the items picked today. Not only because I love shoes, but because they are amazing. Courtney's Castle has made a work of art in a pair of shoes. Recycled rubber and cardboard used to fabulous effect.

Lost and Found Objects2 has also used bicycle inner tubes to create this necklace, but the result is very different from the first necklace, which just goes to show how many different ways you can use the came materials if you have the imagination. It's so pretty and delicate.

The last item is another little recycled gem! It comes from 18 Meadow Larks and it made me smile. This lovely shawl pin is made from recycled Wellington boot rubber. I think it's great fun and very useful for keeping your scarf or shawl in place.

All today's items show that reusing rubber is not only a good thing to do for the environment, they show that reusing rubber from tyres and industrial waste can result in the creation of fabulous goodies of great beauty. Thanks to all 5 of the artisans featured today for showing us the way forward.

Recycled Computer Parts

Today is just going to be an uber quickie post as I still have so much to do to get ready for Southern Lights. The excitement of spending a weekend in a field with a whole bunch of fire spinners, hoopers, staffers, poi spinners, jugglers.... well lets just say I'm wiggly squiggly with anticipation!

So back to today's post. Recycling is a subject close to my heart and computer is the weeks word, so I picked out some lovely goods made from recycled computer parts to share with you.


Jason Creations made these fab funky coasters. I'm loving the colours and the way the components look like crazy electrical insects trapped in resin.

Is your dad full of geeky goodness? Are you looking for something to give him on Fathers day? I say give him this gorgeous computer parts flower from Geek Gear. It's perfect!

This silver mounted pendant from Violets New Vintage is so pretty! Who would have guessed it once was part of a circuit?

Debby Arem Designs shop is just full of stunning recycled goodies. Just go take a look! This tie pin is just one of them. Flippin' Fabulous!

Have you ever wondered what the inside of your hard drive looks like? Well this clock from Pixel This lets you see exactly what it looks like. What a great Desk clock this would make!

Well that's me out of here for today. More hoops to make and a hoop stand to finish. Have a fabulous day dear reader. Oh and if any of you have a spare moment, let the people I've featured know I've put them on here and tell them that I adore their creativity. I might not be able to get around to doing it today.....

Do you buy recycled goods?

All there items I found on the first few pages of Etsy when I did the searched "Recycle". There were so many great items I just had to close my eyes and point to get this group of very different but very wonderful items.

This drums body from SlapHappyDrums was created from recycled salvaged hardwood oak flooring. What a great way to use up off cuts! I just wonder what kind of sound this drum has. I'm a big fan of the West African Djembe sound.

I don't think I really need to say any more than is on this fabric patch. AndyEastonlyCandy has pretty much said it all! So get recycling because I really don't want to have to eat your pants!

We won't have to eat Lespetitechoses's pants because this little bag is made from recycled cord fabric. It has such a cute little bird on the front that matches the bright beautiful fabric liner.

These Fat Ninja made me smile for more than just the reason that the pictures are fabulous, they come with recycled brown envelopes. Great Job Interrupt! Don't you just want to tickle them and make them giggle?

This cute little elephant family from MaidenLove are made from re-purposed vintage fabric. Perfect little cuddly toys for those eco-friendly babies out there. Those trunks look just the right size for little hands to hang on to.

Recycling glass couldn't be more direct than this. BottleBottoms is aptly named, because she takes glass bottles and cuts them down to make tumblers/drinking glasses. These were made from Perrier bottles and look great!

So if I could find all these amazing goods just by typing one word into a search engine and they are all recycled goods, why aren't we all buying more recycled goods?

In need of directions?

Do you sometimes feel lost, not knowing the right way to go? Are you in a rush, but unsure of whether you need to turn left or right? Maybe these recycled maps can help you.

Maybe this little bird knows the way. He was made by CottonBirdDesigns from a recycled map of the Isle of Man, which is just off the coast of Great Britain. He looks so alert and cheerful. Even if he doesn't know the way he would at least raise your spirits.

Urbanstax has made these envelops that could help the postman to find his way. If you pick carefully which envelop you use you could mark the house it's to be delivered to on the map. Genius! No more lost mail!

These antique map earrings from picapicadesigns aren't really going to be all that much help in locating your position but you can at least look stylish whilst you are lost. The maps are of 1950's New York, so I'm guessing a lot has changed since they were printed.

These pretty little butterflies are the ones to follow when they flutter by. Their wings were made by dogsrule from maps from the Boston MA area. They are so beautifully folded and are so eye catching.

Are you in need of a rest after all your travelling? Well why not take a little sit down on this amazing map covered chair made by Bombus. I has the river Thames flowing across the seat and chair back. Due to the chair being coated and sealed it is perfectly usable and also a great talking piece.

Now don't forget, next time, before you go out, pin a badge to you with your home location on it so you can find your way back. If you ask dustDesignCo I'm sure they can make you one!

You never need to get lost again. Take a trip to etsy and get looking for all the recycled map goodies, to help you find your way.

New Etsy sellers with the recycling passion

Getting started in any business is hard work. Getting started in sales on a site like Etsy can seem like a very big hill to climb. There are so many other people all vying for customers attention that sometimes you can feel a little behind and lost in the race to get a sale. Well today we are going to be seeing some of the people just starting out. They have all been at etsy less than 3 months and the other thing they have in common is a desire to recycle.

As the Captain of the Pirate Pixie Crew, Kirby caught my attention straight away with this cushion that's made from recycled cotton twill. I could see me having a relaxing day in a hammock with my head resting on this pillow whilst the sun shone down on the deck of the Galleon. I have a feeling some of the naughty little pixies might run off with it though.

Zoe of Redkindled really does seem to have a great passion for recycling and I really loved this statement from the description of this necklace "Using reclaimed materials is not only eco-friendly but also ensures that this necklace is totally unique and one of a kind." Never a truer word has been said. So if you want to stand out from the crowd by being stylish and environmentally friendly, go along and give her shop some love.

Do you have a baby? Do you want to do your bit for recycling and give your baby stylish shoes? Well Connie of Scandeez has the perfect goods for you. All her baby leather moks are made from reclaimed soft leather and they all have pretty surprise shapes on the bottoms to make them fun and stylish. I think she should start making them in adult sizes too!

Well Shiver me timbers if I haven't found another item that the Pirate Pixie Crew might need for the cold nights out at sea. CussinCrafter makes fabulous "fluff-a-rump" diaper covers from recycled lambswool sweaters. They have many styles and lengths on sale. Fun and Funky, they really are a perfect bit of recycling. I, of course, had to pick the pirate pair to share with you.

This item made me bounce in my chair with delight. My friend and I used to run a fancy dress hire shop and in that shop we used to have lots of gorgeous 1950's original dresses. We had one that looked just like the one on the front of this vintage pattern that's for sale in SmartiPants shop. If I thought I had the skill and time to make this I would be buying the pattern and making it. I think it would be great if you could find some original 50's material to make it in.

Last, but definitely not least for today we have this sumptuously small bag from SalvagedExpression. This lady collects up items other people no longer want and she turns them into gorgeous creations that people are clamouring to own. Dressing up as David Bowie got her the Boa for this creation... there seems to be a great story behind all of her goods. I think that makes them even more fun to own. Go take a look at the other goodies she has made and see if you can't find a story that you want to own.

I had great fun looking through all today's selection. I recommend taking a trip around their shops. You're sure to find something that makes you stop and look.