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Etsy Finds: Mothers Day Gifts [slideshow]

Becky Striepe — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:44 +0000

Can you believe that Mothers Day is less than a month off? It's coming up fast on May 8th, and if you're looking to buy handmade now's the time! Finding just the right Mother's Day gift can be tough, so we've rounded up some beautiful, eco-friendly finds that are sure to make mom happy!

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Back to School at Etsy

Becky Striepe — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:25:54 +0000

I just learned that the kids here in Atlanta start school again on August 9th! That seems crazily early to me. Didn't school start closer to fall when we were kiddos?

My running partner and I were talking about that first day of school. Her kids are so excited! They've already picked out their first day of school outfits, and they're on the hunt for bags, binders, and other school supplies to get them ready for class.

Are your kids getting ready to start classes again? Why not send them off with some of these eco-friendly, handmade finds!

Get those kids organized and ready for class with:

They can tote their supplies in style with this organic messenger bag.
Keep those pens and pencils in order with a cute quilted pouch made from reclaimed fabrics.
For taking notes, this recycled paper notebook is just right!
Help them organize their assignments with an upcycled magnet board.
A recycled clip board made from an old circuit board is perfect for doing homework just about anywhere!
For younger kids, this coloring bag made from repurposed jeans is handy for toting books and art supplies.

When do your kids start school again? Are you picking up new school supplies for them, or are they reusing items from last year?

Six Awesome Handmade Father’s Day Finds

Becky Striepe — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:47:58 +0000

Father's day is coming up on June 20th, and I don't know about you, but I have the toughest time shopping for my pops! I like to either make gifts myself or purchase handmade if that isn't a possibility, and there just isn't as much handmade goodness out there that's dad-appropriate.

A bit of diligent internet-scouring turned up a nice batch of handmade Father's day gift options from eco-minded crafters. All of these crafters use repurposed or organic materials to create awesome gifts that any dad would love!

If your pops is a busy fella, help him tote his stuff in style with this recycled man bag from Mandinka Designs. They make the bag entirely from revamped suits, and it's got plenty of pockets for all of his gizmos.
Strawberry Hedgehog has your Father's day covered with her all natural shaving set! It comes with a handmade shaving mug, vegan shaving brush, and her mending minerals shaving soap.
Don't you just love Pierogi Picnic's twist on the usual necktie? Her Blue Skies Tie is made from a thrifted t-shirt.
From Marz makes these sweet mp3 player stands using all reclaimed wood. They double as business card holders, if that's more your dad's speed.
Really, what would dad like more than to spend some time with you? Tanja Sova's reclaimed wood tic tac toe game promises quality time long after Father's day is over.
Is your father a creative type? Does he love jotting down his thoughts or making lists? He might dig this upcycled blank book by Monkey Dog Studio. Not only does she make her journal covers from old record albums, the pages are 100% recycled paper, too!

Have you guys run across any good handmade Father's day ideas? We'd love to hear about them in the comments!

Buy Handmade: Green Valentine’s Gift Guide

Becky Striepe — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:11:45 +0000

Still haven't found that perfect Valentine's day gift for your sweetie? Rather than hitting up a big box store, you can show a little love to your giftee and an independent artist at the same time with one of these eco-friendly, handmade finds.

Even last year when spending was down, Americans shelled out over $17 billion for Valentine's day presents! Imagine the difference that money would make if your dollars went to support an indie businesses making eco-friendly products! Not only are these finds better for the planet, they're helping the handmade community continue to thrive.

It's getting down to the wire, and items that are coming in the mail may not make it in time for the big day. If you're worried about showing up empty handed, you might try printing out a picture of your in-transit gift on recycled paper and including it in a card. Maybe with some recycled forever flowers?

Go to the Valentine's Gift Guide →

Image Source: Spirit Cloth & Jude Hill on Flickr

Buy Handmade Gift Guide

LiveOAK Staff — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:55:18 +0000

A great way to go green this holiday season is to take the Handmade Pledge at BuyHandmade.org. We've assembled a list of great handmade gifts that'll lighten your footstep and lighten the heart.

Go to the Handmade Gift Guide...

Also, if you aren't taking the pledge check out our 2009 Holiday Green Gift Guide too.

2009 Green Holiday Gift Guide

LiveOAK Staff — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:21:51 +0000

Welcome to the 2009 Holiday Gift Guide! Check out these great green gift ideas...

Go to the Guide...

Last Minute Mother’s Day Green Gift Guide

Doug Gunzelmann — Sat, 09 May 2009 15:07:33 +0000

The clock is ticking away to Mother's Day and you are empty handed! Don't worry, we have a few ideas that can get you out of this jam and save you from looking like the rotten egg of the family.

This list is comprised of DIY projects, donations, and ideas that can be done on the spot, will show effort and thought, and can truly be a gift from your heart. What mother wouldn't be pleased!

1. The DIY Birdhouse (this coconut version is particularly slick)

Perfect for the arrival of spring, could be done solo or with the kids, and doesn't have to be made from a coconut. Use your imagination to create a house for mother nature's creatures from any old container lying around the house.

2. Hammered Leaf and Flower Prints (naturally made with a little elbow grease)

These beautiful prints we found at Instructables and are made using leaves, flowers, or any colorful foliage, some acid free water color paper, and a hammer. The basic concept is that you smash the natural dyes of the plant material into the paper. Stunning and simple, perfect for a card or even a framed print!

3. The Homemade Solar Sun Jar (these have been a round for awhile but mom will get a kick out of them)

These jars lights are solar powered, can be quickly made at home (with a quick trip to the hardware store), and are much more appealing than your typical solar powered garden light. I have to admit, perhaps not the greenest concept considering you have to destroy a perfectly good solar lamp to make it, but if you have an old one from years gone by give it a face lift!

4. Make a Donation to American Forests and Plant a Tree!

This could be a two part gift. First, plant your own tree in honor of your mother, then make a donation to the American Forests Foundation where every dollar plants a tree. American Forests to protect, restore and enhance the natural capital of trees and forests.

5. DIY Recycled Flower Pot (easy to make, good project for the kids)

All you'll need are some basic scraps from around the house to make this crafty item from Kaboose. An old plastic milk jug, some paper and felt scraps, soil, white glue, a flower, paintbrush, water, knife, bowl and you are off and running!

6. Sponsor a Wild Place, One for Mom One for Mother Earth (easiest of all, just requires your wallet!)

One For Mom One for Mother Earth from Sierra Club is a donation for the conservation of one of our great natural treasures. You can make a donations towards the Giant Sequoia National Monument, Grand Canyon National Park, Everglades National Park, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park , Acadia National Park (this one is close to my house!).