eco Archives - Try Handmade

Shades of Green – Grass

April 16, 2019 by Rebecca Hadfield 5 Comments

It would be nearly impossible for me to choose a favourite shade of green, but if pressed, I would probably put “grass” in my top 10. Of course, that answer is an utter cop-out because grass itself comes in hundreds, if not thousands, of shades. Just last night, while watching my fella cut his lawn, I found myself mesmerized by the way the grass appeared to change colour with each pass of the mower; much like velvet changes when you run your hand across the nap. Before I knew it, my guy was finished with the lawn…and I was inspired. This week’s collection of handmade goods is just a small sampling of the many shades of fresh green grass, chosen not just for their colour, but for their eco-coolness as well.

Wren Willow’s “Ozymandius” (the grumpy owl, above) is an original design hand-screened onto a 100% cotton American Apparel t-shirt, which has been dyed in a gorgeous grass-green. The special water-based dyes that Marla uses are environmentally friendly and will not bleed or fade in the wash. Your shirt from the Wren Willow shop promises to be perfectly unique because, as with all hand-made items, it is the slight differences from one piece to the next that make them so special. So, what does that owl have to be so grumpy about anyway?

This beautiful grass-green votive (above) is made in Spain from 99% recycled glass and filled with clean-burning, eco-friendly soy wax, scented with your choice of Mireio’s irresistible fragrances. Each candle is custom-poured to order and should last up to 20 hours with careful burning, according to shop owner Wende. Once the candle has burned, the holder can be refilled with any of the standard 2oz (15 hour) votives from the Mireio shop.

Bring nature inside and add a touch of colour to your home without going to the mess or expense of painting with these striking vinyl decals by Connie of Circle Line Studios. The removable decals adhere to any clean, smooth, flat surface and are a quick and eco-friendly way to freshen up your décor. Cut from high-quality vinyl, the decals are available in your choice of colour, including my favourite – the grass-green pictured above. Check out the Circle Line Studios shop for dozens of designs or to inquire about a custom creation.

Semra of Istanbul, Turkey is the talent behind these amazing grass-green necklaces pictured above. These stunning pieces were crocheted by hand and are just two examples of the unique and beautiful lace and crochet jewelry items available in the Kirevi shop. Whether you are looking to make a big statement or just a little one, Semra’s bohemian-chic necklaces will add an attention-getting shot of earthy colour to your summer wardrobe.

Hittin’ The Road

February 27, 2019 by Sarah Safranski 3 Comments

Please welcome new columnist Sarah Safranski to Try Handmade! She’s going to be treating us to a weekly column on how you can create popular styles using handmade wares. Looking to recreate a particular style? Let her know in the comments, and she’ll see what she can do :)

:: Erika

Having grown up in the Midwest, the summer months meant three-day weekends and road trip adventures. Our destinations were always peaceful and relaxing, but packing up the car and getting there was half of the fun.

The first essential for any road trip is the weekend bag. This option by StudioOneDesigns is roomy, made from sturdy material, and has lots of pockets to hold all of the little things you need to keep track of while you’re on the road.

When you’ve got a long ride ahead of you, comfort is key. This sweet yellow dress by Gina Michele is the perfect combination of ease and style. Made of bamboo jersey, it is both wrinkle resistant and eco-friendly. You’ll arrive at your destination looking as good as when you first stepped into the car.

Getting lost along the way can make for fun road trip moments, but eventually you’ll need to head in the right direction. This compass necklace by Rubyann Designs will point you in the right direction.

When you finally reach your location, you’ll want to do some exploring. These cute handmade and eco-friendly flats from extraseed will allow you to walk around all day without aching feet. The neutral color will match every outfit, and leave room in your bag for souvenirs.

You’ll want to take lots of pictures to document your trip. This braided camera strap from Loray:n is both stylish and timeless. Made from leather, it’s sure to last through summer road trips for years come.

So, what are you waiting for? Call some friends and hit the road! Just don’t forget the music and snacks.

eliza B green

February 20, 2019 by Erika Jurney 1 Comment

eliza B green: I’m a green designer, working with eco fabrics and existing clothes, repurposing to create something new. All my items are original, one-of-a-kind or limited edition, built from scratch.

Counting the Days

February 2, 2019 by Rebecca Hadfield 3 Comments

At our house, December 2009 was a blur of working, crafting and traveling. Somehow, in all of the excitement and frenzy of the holidays, the 31 days of 2009’s final month felt more like 13 days. There just never seemed enough time! That must be why, almost a full week into the new year, we are just now getting around to replacing all of the calendars in the house. In past years, I have always grabbed a big, glossy shrink-wrapped calendar from the big-box bookstore, but this year I am looking for something different. Because we are going to have to live with it for the next 12 months, I want something unique, clever and, of course, eco-friendly.

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Come Away With Me

January 18, 2019 by Rebecca Hadfield 4 Comments

I am writing this week’s article from a hotel room in Toronto. Earlier, while I was waiting in a seemingly-endless line at the check-in desk, I had a few moments to peruse the hotel’s “environmental pledge”. It got me thinking; as diligent as we are to remain environmentally-friendly at home, it seems that many of us slip into bad habits as soon as we check into a hotel. How soon we forget that the little things, like leaving the light on when exiting the room and taking extra-long hot showers, can quickly add up. You probably don’t wash your bed sheets every day or use a fresh towel (or two) for each shower that you take at home, so why should you expect it elsewhere? I’ve compiled a few tips to help you “go green” and reduce your impact when you travel. Of course, I’ve also included a few eco-friendly, handmade items to make your trip a more pleasurable one, too. (Upcycled suitcase, above, by Get Ready, Set Go!)

Have you ever wanted to throw a dart at a map and travel to the spot that it hits? While that idea has a certain spontaneous appeal, perhaps a little more thought should go into not just the location, but the timing of your trip. Traveling during the high-season can mean a higher stress level for the traveler and for the destination itself. By shifting your travel plans to even just a month after a peak period, you allow the area to recover and rejuvenate itself. Plus, chances are that you and your family will get to see things that high-season visitors don’t and you will be get a more authentic experience. It’s a great way to get to see a culture at it’s relaxed and natural best. (Passport holder, above, by My Paper Garden.)

Eco-conscious travelers choose tour operators and facilities with strong environmental sustainability policies Before you book, do a little research and ask questions about the property that you intend to visit. If they have good practices in place, then they’ll be happy to brag about them! You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that your hotel composts kitchen waste, or that they are taking actions to conserve water and energy. Ask about low-flow toilets, water-saving showerheads and earth friendly housekeeping, then reward companies that put these polices into practice by giving them your business. And, don’t forget to write home – recycled map stationary (above) by Dote.

As the old saying goes, “take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints”. While those little single-use shampoos and soaps are cute, they tend to generate more garbage than they are worth. Before you depart for your adventure, buy small, refillable containers to port your own toiletries. Not only will you reduce waste, you’ll be using products that you know are good for you, rather than leaving it to chance. Even better than bottled, the Lemon Basil shampoo bar (above) by Beautiful Soaps contains conditioning rose hip seed and neem oils and is 100% spill proof – perfect for the suitcase or backpack.

Whether you are hostelling or staying in 5-star comfort, you can always try to make a positive impact on the places you visit. By treating your home away from home with the same care that you treat your own, you help to ensure others who follow will be able to experience and enjoy it, too. We can all can make a difference, especially if we take the steps, both large and small, together. What else can we do? I would love to hear your eco-friendly travel tips – please comment and share them with us. (Travel journal, above, by Blue Toad.)