Update on Upcycled

Upcycled recently underwent some remodeling, and in the process requested a new artist statement/bio/ and photo  from each seller. The requirements were to describe who you are, what you're doing, and why you're doing it in 100-150 words. I just finally finished putting mine together and thought I'd share.

I’m a native New Yorker with the classic story of coming to Missoula and falling in love with the mountains, people, and place. Aside from making these Steampunk accessories, I sell vintage clothing, décor, and knick knacks on Etsy, and spend my days blogging, sipping coffee, and thrifting. I’m inspired through and through by the environment, nature, and the Montana mountains which is evident in the things I make and surround myself with.

I love the challenge of reusing before buying first hand products or materials. Upcycling is not only ethical, but pushes you to be creative in new and different ways, and brings a meaning and story into your creations. This jewelry you see is made with as much recycled material as possible; with wire from Home Resource, and beautiful rustic and distressed bike parts found in the bins of Free Cycles.

With each purchase you are making a statement of support for sustainable transportation, Upcycling, local artists, and your community bike shop, not to mention a statement of  Missoula swag! 

Oh and did I mention I'm now selling in Rockin Rudy's?

also, I now have a pinterest so follow me!

AND new goal; New posts come out every sunday

As I mentioned before, I have been extremely busy with my new etsy store. You’ll see I have about 22 things listed now, but I have hundreds of photos on my computer waiting to be whittled down, and numerous items to list, and even more to photograph, measure, weigh, and research.

I had Janyssa over last week to do a photo shoot. I had some things I really needed to put on a body as opposed to a mannequin, and I can hardly model my stuff since I'm way smaller than the average person, plus I like to be in control of the camera. So she came over and we had a ton of fun playing dress up. I loaded her with beads and feathers(basically I dressed her up the way I look on a daily basis) retro glasses, headbands, make up. It was a blast. Here’s some of my favorite photos from the whole day:

 

Above is a bohemian dress, a tribal print, which looks like it was sewn from a tapestry. it has these awesome bell sleeves, and drapes beautifully

Janyssa's face was made for modeling 40's hats. On the left is a vintage 40's leather turban hat, and on the right is a beehive fur hat.

I also made my first sale this week which was really exciting. Hopefully that continues to happen! On a side note I sold a bunch of earrings in november at Upcycled. I only wish I could have had a booth at the made fair last weekend, I hear local artists did extremely well. It’s definitely on my venue for next year.

I was commissioned to whip some jewelry up for my roommate Emerald to give as Christmas presents. She wanted me to make some pendants, which I haven’t done before. I was excited with what I came up with

I will definitely continue to make these, I made another one of the last you see pictured above, and I wear it often.