Newlessness : REduce REuse REcycle REsolution

I've never quite understood the logic behind making a new year's resolution. I figure if you want to make a change in your life, why not start today? For this reason, I'm not the greatest at making or sticking to resolutions, however, this year, I had a great idea for one. I've been thinking quite a bit about my spending habits and one of my weaknesses is shopping. And then when I'm not shopping, I'm envying what other people have. Sometimes I try to convince myself that I'm just, well, admiring a cut or style and consider it research for my new shop... But, I'm not fooling anyone... not even myself. So, I've quit cold turkey. I've made a committment not to buy one new item for an entire year. I must admit, at first, I thought it was going to be a simple resolution and personal challenge. Here I am, not even one month in, and I about had an anxiety attack when I went to the mall. Okay, I might be exaggerating just a little, but it's definately harder than I thought it would ever be. Since I imagined it would be a simple resolution, I didn't think I would blog about it, but my friends convinced me otherwise as soon as I confessed my struggles with this challenge. I just never thought about how many new things I buy on a daily basis.

Now, you might be thinking you can't buy everything used. Well, you're right. I've made a few exceptions to my challenge, such as food, some toiletries and business supplies. However, I've found ways in even those categories to cut down on spending and to incorporate recycled items. My business is a great example. With Bambu Earth, I make a lot of my supplies from recycled materials, such as my handmade plantable paper labels. With Bambu Closet, most of my clothing items are made using recycled fabrics and eco-friendly fabric from other Etsy suppliers who are destashing their unwanted material. And with Bambu Studio, so far, this challenge wouldn't apply since my only supplies are my computer and my super SWEET Photoshop skills.

These categories aside, I've committed to buying only used, recycled items. So, I have to determine whether the item of my affection, sitting there on that store shelf, staring at me with shiny new packaging is something I really need, something I really really want or just something I kind of want. If, after weighing these options, I find that it is something I need or if it is something I really really want, the hunt ensues. I then have to search out ways to get it without buying it new.

My first challenge was a simple pair of jeans. I've been meaning to buy jeans for a while now. I guess if I were a bit smarter, I would have gone on a shopping spree before January first (however, refer back to the part where I mentioned that I assumed this to be a simple resolution). Okay, so jeans don't seem like they would be that difficult to find used, right? Wrong. Most people reading this probably don't have a 35'' inseam. Finding name-brand jeans, long enough for me to wear, without being altered, and that make my butt look good? It's hard enough finding those qualities in a new pair of jeans from the department store. I started browsing Craigslist and Ebay listings, and I realized I probably needed to try jeans on before commiting to the purchase. I tried to search brands of jeans that I've owned because I know how they will fit, but I just couldn't seem to find the right measurements or sizes.

After surfing the internet, I decided to go to a local thrift store. We have a great one only a few miles from my work called the Buffalo Exchange. They typically have some great stuff. If you don't mind sifting through the array of sizes and styles, this is a great avenue for buying used items. Thrift stores in general are pretty good about accepting only clothing that is in great condition and some items even still have the tag on them. Since I was on my lunch break during my visit, I couldn't spend too much time looking around, but I managed to find a few pair of jeans that seemed to be decent candidates and tried them on. One pair of Bebe jeans fit perfectly, were super long so I can even wear them with heels, and had a price tag of just $22!! These jeans easily retail for well over $100. It made me wonder why I hadn't been shopping at thrift stores all along. I've worn my "new" jeans several times already. They are my new favorite.

Until my next adventure, I challenge YOU to go take a gander at your local thrift store and don't forget to comment if you find something extraordinary!

How to Make Paper: An Easy Picture Tutorial

Lets get right down to it. You want to try your hand at making your very own paper. Sounds complicated, but it is quite simple. You need paper to make paper. The kind of paper you use will determine the kind of paper you get, and you can get pretty creative with it. 

::STEP 1::

Supplies

Wood frame (you can use an old picture frame)

Fiberglass screen

Staple gun

These items can be found at Home Depot. 

Just stretch the screen tightly over the frame and staple into place with the staple gun. (Watch your fingers!)

Deep tub or plastic basin like this:

It must be larger than your frame so that your frame 

may be totally submerged.

I used a cement mixing tub that I got from home depot for a few dollars. It works perfect and fits the larger 12x12 frames.

Blender:

(I used a margarita blender.. you DON'T need the pour spout, mine just happens to have one.)

Scrap paper:

Any kind of paper will work for this, I usually mix up what I have in my scrap paper stash. Old bills, letters, scraps from crafts, magazines, tissue paper, construction paper, napkins, you name it.

For thick paper use postcards, old greeting cards, advertisements, etc.

I usually use a mix of both for a medium stock paper. I use this for my soap labels.

Paper Shredder:

(This is not mandatory but it makes the process loads easier. You can rip up the paper by hand if you don't have one.)

A few last supplies include:

Sponge

Fleece, flannel or felt fabric

Liquid starch (optional)

Hand and body towels

Newspaper or brown paper

Additives: Flower petals, colored thread, seeds (for plantable paper), herbs (for coloring), etc.

::STEP 2::

Process

Okay, now you are ready to start making paper!

First, shred or rip your paper:

Fill the blender half way with your shredded or ripped paper:

Fill the blender the rest of the way with warm water to soften the paper:

Pulse mixture slowly at first and then increase speed. Blend until the paper is pure pulp. If there are still paper scraps and pieces, blend longer. This usually takes about one minute or less:

Fill basin or tub half way with water. Then pour pulp into basin. Repeat as needed until you get the desired amount of paper pulp. The more pulp, the thicker your paper will be. I usually use about 2-3 batches of pulp. Add 2 teaspoons of liquid starch to mixture (this is optional but it will prevent ink from bleeding if you plan on using the paper to write on). Stir mixture to evenly disperse:

Slide prepared screen mold into basin and immerse completely. Let paper settle over screen, making sure the paper pulp settles as evenly as possible:

Once it is the thickness you would like it, lift frame up out of the water (I set mine on the corner of the basin) and then you can add botanicals, colored thread, leaves, or pretty much anything else. Get creative! You can also add these to the basin when you are pouring your pulp, but I like to add it once the paper is on the screen so that I can use the left over in the basin for a different decoration or style:

Transfer mold (screen down) onto the fabric of your choice:

Fold fabric over top of paper:

Press firmly to remove excess water:

Turn over mold, carefully, not too loosely:

Lift off screen side fabric, which should now be on top:

Sponge screen side to soak up water until the paper releases from screen:

Cover paper with towel to soak up as much excess water as possible:

Slowly lift paper on towel. Curl over with your hand under the paper while lifting so that it doesn't fall and tear. Stack onto other towels. I had made several other sheets prior and I continue to stack them on top of each other with layers of towels in between:

Layer towel on top so that it can soak up any excess water:

After this sits for about 30 mins, I uncover and transfer each sheet to a newspaper or brown paper to dry. Depending on the thickness, you can use a clothesline. If the paper is very fragile, I wouldn't recommend it. The newspaper is usually your safest bet:

The rest is easy, just wait for it to dry, and it is ready to use and enjoy!

I hope you've found this tutorial useful. If you have, please leave a comment so that I am encouraged to make more! I'll be eagerly awaiting your feedback. If you would like to buy some of my plantable or decorative handmade paper, see me on Etsy at www.bambuearth.etsy.com

Recycled Arts

So I'm always raving so much about recycled treasures, and I just have to share with you some original pieces I came across this weekend.

Recycled Arts Recipe

2 cups passion
1 cup creativity
4 Tbs resourcefulness

pinch of sensibility
beauty for garnish

Combine passion and creativity, mix thoroughly. Gently fold in resourcefulness until mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add a pinch of sensibility. Spoon into serving dish, garnish with beauty.

This recipe comes to mind when I see such ordinary, everyday things brought to life by an artistic, resourceful mind. I would love to share with you such originality:

This crazy cool little butterfly was once a grapesoda can. Now, it's holding up someone's kid's report card up on a fridge somewhere. And... It's beautiful. Imagine that.

Seriously? A little funky, a little urban, a splash of color and you have an upcycled masterpiece in no time. Or maybe a lot of time. I don't know, but I couldn't resist.

Time and time again. Ok, last pun... promise. But how adorable is this? A pop of golden color with some organza ribbon and cord resuscitates this vintage watch movement. Who knew something so forgotten could be so attention grabbing?

Rubber is one of those things that, unless it is natural rubber, isn't biodegradable. And a wallet is something most every man uses. Why not combine the concept? Kudos to palepink for such an innovative and practical approach.

So this is a double shot of goodness! And I'm not talkin' espresso. Not only is it recycled felted wool, but it is also stitched with organic cotton. And it's green to boot! Honestly, need I say more?






Thank you to: KMStudioDOTcom (Recycled Aluminum Can Magnet/Brooch - Grapette Butterfly), 1byliz (carrot recycled bike clock), asecondtime (Portrait of a Butterfly - Steampunk Jewelry - Vintage Watch Movement Pendant - Designed by A Second Time - FREE Shipping to the USA and Canada), palepink (Bike inner tube wallet with neon elastic closure), remadeshop (spring green recycled felt mug cosy)