Elevated - 2012

Go on over, and be jealous of my Elevated Envelopes (but more jealous of the ones that are coming in the mail.... )

(but you're just jealous.)

HOW TO : Envelopes from Handmade Paper

My take on the Elevated Envelope...

I've made paper several times this summer (because it's AMAZING.) This time I made envelopes out of everything I could find. Check out the how-to info over here.

HOW TO : Make Paper

I finally did it - made the paper leap when Rachel came over for a crafty retreat. You can find documentation of my Adventure here.*

I have big plans for the outcome, but you'll have to wait and see...

*I should warn you, before you attempt this yourself, that now I look at everything differently. I've been thinking of stealing flower petals, and I have been stealing the recycling.

How To : Pad

When I was visiting Portland last weekend I spent some quality time with my college roommate and we got to talking about book cutters. I also said something about padding, and thought I would link to an old project over at my blog...

Padding is super easy, and is one of my favourite things to do. I just finished some scrap-paper books that will be going up on my etsy shop using some of the same methods I used in this tutorial.

Click here to see the JunkMail Book...

CRITIQUE: Scrap Feather Headbands

Hi! I am in need of some feedback on a new product I am in the midst of developing for Camp Smartypants. First I'll give some explanation as this particular item has some restrictions/different goals than my other Camp Smartypants product:

- This is a fall/winter product. I've wanted to create some new products that didn't scream tie-dye. Most of my current product is very loud (color). I'm worried that I am narrowing my market. The base of the feather is still created using leftover scraps from my tie-dye shoulder bags, but I wanted to incorporate other elements into the design to make it different enough to appeal to people who aren't necessarily attracted to tie-dye.

- It has to be made from at least 50% recycled materials. I recently became a member of Trillium Artisans, a local nonprofit that supports people with small crafty businesses. So far, the only product they are currently helping me sell are my God's Eye Pins (because they are over 50% recycled). I submitted these headbands to their product review board last week and they did not pass. Below is the feedback they gave me (click on image to enlarge).

The fabric and thread used are all scrap/thrifted. But the suede lace and elastic is new (which they say makes it only 30% recycled). They also didn't like how I finished the leather braid with fabric and glue.

They also didn't like that the edges of the feather are raw, and will eventually fray. I actually like this about the design. I think that some fraying fits with the idea of an actual feather and would still look nice.



So... what do you think? Here are some possible solutions I've been thinking over:
- Change the leather braid to a scrap fabric braid. (I don't have a clue as to how I'd find a source for enough scrap/thrifted suede lace).
- Change the fabric/glue on the ends to string wrapped around tight?
- Use better elastic (also try to find as much thrifted elastic as possible)

Any other suggestions? What do you think of the design as a whole? Would you wear one? Do you think that the fraying of the feather over time would be bad? Any help/feedback would be great! Thanks

♥ Rachel