tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16539006408238032962012-01-07T13:13:42.011-08:00upcycled by ashupcycled, recycled, freecycled, handmade, eco friendly, environmentally friendly, handbags, recycled gifts, eco friendly gifts, environmentally friendly gifts, fabric handbags, handmade jewelryAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.comBlogger1341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-19827654897605645832011-07-01T08:30:00.000-07:002011-07-01T08:30:00.194-07:00Pocket Wallet TutorialI always think about doing tutorials but I rarely do. There are a few reasons; first they are a bit tedious with all the photos and explanations and second I tend to just do things. I rarely worry about exact measurements, I usually eye-ball things, and I upcycle so I use the materials I have laying around and I make it work.
Excuses, excuses... If you decide to give this tutorial a go and you Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-83746156115058997272011-06-29T10:53:00.000-07:002011-07-07T21:54:20.172-07:00Pocket Wallets for a Hands Free Night
Pocket Wallet - $20
I went out with some friends the other night and I found it really frustrating that I had to lug my bag around with me. What if I wanted to dance? What would I do with my bag? I'm not a matchy matchy kind of girl with an array of bags to choose from either. My handmade Camo Cargo Bag really didn't look quite right with my silky purple top.
Being me, my brain would not Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-7367472492378972922011-06-09T09:13:00.000-07:002011-06-09T09:13:00.559-07:00Animal Pillows in ProgressPillows in Progress
I'm working on a custom pillow project for a friend of mine. I don't do custom projects very often but this one was right up my alley. It was fun to sit down with my friend and her daughter to pick out what animals we wanted to create and work out the size for each of the pillows.
I love that my friend already had most of the fabric we used and we just had to pull out a few ofAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-12742579483852412172011-06-08T09:32:00.000-07:002011-06-24T10:19:23.249-07:00Be Square Quilted Wallet
Be Square Quilted Wallet - $50
Fun Squares and retro modern quilting make this
handmade freecycled wallet and eye-catcher!
It's been a while since I had a wallet to post, and to be honest I made this one last fall but I never got around to posting it. I'm not really sure what happened but when I went through my stock I found it, photographed it and now I've posted it. Next step... Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-34855461914799424292011-06-06T22:14:00.000-07:002011-06-07T07:13:35.485-07:00Gigantic Upcycled Beach Bag!
Gigantic Upcycled Beach Bag - SOLD
Yes, I used a gigantic pair of navy blue pants that I picked up at a yard sale to make this bag. The fun circle material is a freecycled donation from a friend.
This is one seriously big bag! It is 21" across, 14" deep and 8" wide. The bag easily holds six full-sized beach towels. Two 8" x 8" side pockets are perfect for sunscreen and sunnies.
No lining in Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-62776560146124974062011-06-02T19:30:00.000-07:002011-06-02T19:32:42.570-07:00Say No to GMOAre there living pesticide factories growing inside our intestines as a result of our eating genetically modified foods? GMOs are bad for us and Jeffery Smith of the Institute for Responsible Technology is on a mission to make that clear to all of us.
Video by Alex Bogusky, FearLess Revolution, for shopnogmo.orgIT'S TIME FOR A FOOD FIGHT from NO GMO on Vimeo.
Last month I was introduced to Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-40140744313155607712011-06-01T17:03:00.000-07:002011-06-01T17:05:23.587-07:00Vintage Skirt to Handmade 15" MacBook Pro SleeveI made this fitted 15" MacBook Pro case out of a vintage wool skirt. Does that make it vintage with a modern twist? Whatever it means it's a fun contrast and a snazzy looking handmade, upcycled sleeve for your computer. Well it is as long as you own a 15" MacBook Pro.
"Vintage" 15" MacBook Pro Sleeve - $75
includes shipping
I picked the skirt up at a garage sale last year, it was made for Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-5178510484910827182011-06-01T09:25:00.000-07:002011-06-01T09:25:07.607-07:00Mini WalletsMy handmade Mini Wallets are $28 each. The dimensions (5" x 3.5") and construction of each wallet are the same. The Mini Wallets have three pockets large enough to accommodate credit cards or folded bills. A stiff interfacing holds the wallets form and a snap securely closes your valuables inside. These wallets also make excellent business card holders.
To make a purchase contact me at:
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-17738789693936336712011-04-25T09:00:00.000-07:002011-04-30T08:10:31.960-07:00Lyme Disease Awareness ItemsMay is Lyme disease awareness month. There are so many fantastic and talented people in the Lyme Community. This is just a small collection of some of the great Lyme awareness items they make to support themselves and to help spread awareness about the disease. All these items are available for purchase on Etsy. Simply click the photo of the item you like to be taken to its sales page.
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-81293883442906419602011-04-23T09:20:00.000-07:002011-04-23T10:42:34.224-07:00Auction to Benefit the National Wildlife Federation Ends at Midnight!Don't miss your chance to bid on these amazing items donated to help raise funds for the National Wildlife Federation. Crafters from across the country and around the globe have sent in handcrafted donation to the auction.
This is your chance to purchase some really amazing stuff from super talented crafters and to make a difference to the wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. Anything that doesn't goAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-44371775841241199742011-04-21T09:50:00.000-07:002011-04-21T09:50:00.268-07:00Holy Upcycled Crafty Giveaway!No joke all of this could be yours!
We are having one of the biggest giveaways I have ever seen. OK so it isn't a trip to Hawaii, but we are talking about handcrafted items here. This giveaway is a serious score!
Here is what we have from top to bottom, left to right. Like you are reading a book unless you are in Japan. Eco Friendly Soy Crayons $12, Upcycle Clutch $50, Handcrafted Earrings $31Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-8066972497063662632011-04-20T17:53:00.000-07:002011-04-20T17:53:58.672-07:00Piping Plover Made of Recycled SweatersThis week Upcycled by Ash is hosting an auction to benefit the National Wildlife Federation and their efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. Today marks the one year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent oil spill in the Gulf. The ecosystems in and surrounding the Gulf of Mexico are still being affected by the disaster and will be for years to come.
Piping Plover by Wandering Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-10390940450453828792011-04-16T23:57:00.000-07:002011-04-17T09:48:56.768-07:00Auction to Benefit the National Wildlife Federation and HUGE GIVEAWAY!
Alyssa Milano
Upcycled By Ash is proud to announce our online auction for the National Wildlife Federation. We've gathered a group of talented and compassionate crafters to contribute to our effort to raise funds for NWF, and to recognize the environmental destruction that took place in the Gulf of Mexico one year ago.
This week marks the anniversary of the devastating oil rig explosion and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-82277554314521393152011-04-13T09:21:00.000-07:002011-04-13T09:25:54.443-07:00Food For Thought - What Can Your Sandwich Do?Fantastic video made for the Nikela PB'nJ club by students at the University of Texas in Austin.
Nikela's PB'nJ Club is saving the wildlife of South Africa one sandwich at a time. Put your lunch money to good use, join us today.
What can your sandwich do? Make a difference, give to Nikela today.
April Fundraising Project - Nikela Rhino Rescue
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-16712628698126437192011-04-10T22:30:00.000-07:002011-04-10T23:11:21.765-07:00Nikela Rhino RescueNikela Rhino Rescue - Saving the Wildlife of South Africa. Nikela is dedicated to saving the native animals of Africa. They strive to inspire and educate the country's next generation of wildlife conversationalist and animal experts to preserve their native culture.
Rhino killed by poachers for its horns
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-75378804894015103522011-04-04T10:32:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:15:50.633-07:00Vintage Button Earrings GiveawayAli of Button Willow Jewelry makes these fantastic earrings out of vintage buttons and recycled guitar strings. They are super cute with timeless style. I'm thrilled to host this giveaway for Ali and two of her gorgeous earrings.
Soft Purple Satin Earrings
Silver Tear Drop Earrings
At Button Willow Jewerly Ali pairs vintage and retro buttons with guitar string to create Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-44809555178697697532011-04-01T10:06:00.000-07:002011-04-01T10:08:44.676-07:00Upcycled Leather Cuff BraceletsThese fashionable upcycled leather bracelets are eco friendly. Made from old leather jackets, freecycled beads and recycled rhinstones from ice skating costumes.
Upcycled leather jacket and freecycled beads
Last night my friend sent me a picture of some leather bracelets she saw while she was vacationing in Mexico. She wanted to know if I could make some thing similar. I was immediately Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-81199660447206695142011-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:002011-03-30T20:50:24.304-07:00The Meaning of Life or Life After Death?Religion is a touchy subject. How does the meaning of life fit with the faith idea of life after death?
I went to church over the weekend with my grandparents. The congregation was studying Psalms and the sermon topic was When the Bad Guys Win; why be good if the bad guys win.
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles, their bodies are healthy Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-341775324547112402011-03-29T17:04:00.000-07:002011-03-29T22:15:46.849-07:00Uncle Bob and His Books
Children's Books by Uncle Bob
Items for the auction to benefit the National Wildlife Federation have started to arrive at my doorstep. It is very exciting and inspirational to see these items and to hear the stories behind them. The two children's books from "Uncle Bob" are my favorite donations so far.
The story behind Uncle Bob and his children's books is truly inspirational. Uncle Bob has aAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-60708852204884509942011-03-27T20:35:00.000-07:002011-03-28T11:05:10.318-07:00Save the Planet and the Happiness of its PeopleWe all want to know how to be happy, but what is the secret to happiness? What makes people happy? In our society money and happiness appear to go hand in hand. Research, however, shows that wealth just doesn't rank when it comes to true happiness.
I really love this presentation by Nic Marks. Nic poses the question, "Why is a nation's success measured by its productivity instead of by the Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-31636444053989789462011-03-25T08:06:00.000-07:002011-03-25T08:06:00.066-07:00Recycled Jeans Bag Made from Alyssa Milano's Pants
Upcycled jeans bag - Jeans donated by Alyssa Milano
This upcycled jeans bag is made from a pair of actress Alyssa Milano’s pants. Alyssa donated her jeans and a couple of head shots to be auctioned off to raise funds for one of her favorite charities, the National Wildlife Federation.
I've recycled two pairs of Alyssa's pants for the upcoming auction. See the other bag here- http://Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-16696046759763434102011-03-24T10:46:00.000-07:002011-03-28T07:50:32.085-07:00Calling all Eco Friendly CraftersUpcycled by Ash is planning an online auction to benefit the National Wildlife Federation. If you are an eco friendly crafter who cares about animals and the environment, consider joining the cause.
The anniversary of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster is approaching. In recognition of the environmental destruction caused by the spill, Ucycled by Ash will be running an online auction to Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-12287638802258428692011-03-23T21:20:00.000-07:002011-03-24T11:15:25.847-07:00Consignment - Selling Used Books and Clothes for Cash!Selling used clothes and taking advantage of bookstore buy back programs can mean money in your pocket. Consignment shops and used bookstores have more to offer than just bargain prices.
The Wardrobe
I have to admit that I while I love upcycling and everything eco friendly, I am not a thrift store shopper. I want to be in an out of a store as quickly as possible. I like having a sales Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-33802004924066102572011-03-21T16:58:00.000-07:002011-03-21T17:01:04.000-07:00Upcycled Jeans Butterfly BagRecycled bags are my specialty. It has been a while since I tore apart and recycled jeans. I went over the top with the upcycling of this bag. The lining is an upcycled mens shirt and the recycled butterfly is a piece of an ice skating costume that a friend donated to me.
recycled jeans, recycled mens shirt, recycled figure skating costume
It felt really good to pull my sewing machine out and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-41083503085651124642011-03-18T17:45:00.000-07:002011-03-18T17:45:38.516-07:00Cash for Trash - RecyclebankFrom recycling electronics to cereal boxes Recyclebank.com can help you make money for recycling. Cash for Trash? Sounds good to me!
I was watching The Nate Berkus Show again today, love him, anyway today was all about finding cash you didn't know you had. I was pretty sure there would be no advice in there that would apply to me. There is NO hidden cash in my life. But, I was wrong.
I had no Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-20464129289827488432011-03-17T08:38:00.000-07:002011-03-17T08:38:00.226-07:00The Nate Berkus Show - Recycled Home DecorNate Berkus teaches how to create upcycled, recycled, eco friendly home decor on a budget. My new hero!
I've been sick in bed for the last five days. My doctor thinks I might have the 100 day cough. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he is wrong because I am so bored! There is nothing on TV. If I see another Housewives of Orange County or Bounty Hunters show I'm going to scream. Seriously, are Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-56721832660930274912011-03-13T14:22:00.000-07:002011-03-13T15:28:41.928-07:00What is "New Clothes Smell"?
High Heel Trouser by
White House Black Market
Last week I got a new pair of jeans from White House Black Market. I love them, but they STINK! What is this new pants smell that I seem to be encountering more often lately? Why do my jeans stink? Honestly the smell is so bad that I can't wear them. Are companies seriously finishing clothing with formaldehyde?
The pants didn't smell so bad when Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-20313078430432168092011-03-08T07:30:00.000-08:002011-03-08T16:03:01.603-08:00Sugar, Spice and all Things Nice - Etsy TreasuryMy beautiful baby niece, Gabby, is in the hospital. She has a severe case of RSV, respiratory syncytial virus. Today is her 5th day in the PICU, pediatric intensive-care unit. She is still hooked up to a ventilator and heavily sedated. It is so heartbreaking to see her like this. I'm not a crier, but this past week I have shed a lot of tears.
Her condition is, very slowly, improving. There isn'tAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-1999439163042306702011-03-04T09:12:00.000-08:002011-03-12T16:06:25.173-08:00Handmade Rose Rings and Hairpins
Handcrafted Pink Rose Bobby Pin
These handmade roses are seriously cute! There is a satisfaction that comes from handmade jewelry that you don't get from mass produced items. Most the time you see flower jewelry like rings, earrings and hairpins for sale on Etsy the crafter simply bought the flower and glued it onto the metal base. But not these beauties! Keri Aragon of String Bean Studios Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-71879072441754328272011-03-03T09:04:00.000-08:002011-03-12T16:10:30.738-08:00"Choose Your Own" Earrings Winners!Thank you to everyone who participated, commented and shared about my "Choose Your Own' Earrings Giveaway! Just because you didn't win doesn't mean that you can't own a pair of my handmade earrings. For today, March 3rd 2011, only you can get 15% off anything in the Upcycled by Ash Etsy store by using the coupon code - MARCH3
The lucky winners of the "Choose Your Own" Earrings Giveaway are...Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-68432960596333741852011-02-28T22:23:00.000-08:002011-02-28T22:39:38.547-08:00Spring Has Sprung!Spring is coming and I am soooo excited about it. I made this beautiful Etsy Treasury to celebrate. Have look and let me know what you think! Help me get my Treasury on the Etsy front page by following this link and leaving a comment- http://etsy.me/hIFGmV THANKS!!!
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-18690900934318198802011-02-25T08:35:00.000-08:002011-03-16T22:38:40.970-07:00Making an Asian Inspired QuiltI'm making an Asian inspired quilt. I swore I would never, ever, not in a million years make a quilt. Well... I lied. Although technically I haven't lied yet, the quilt isn't done.
color squares
I really don't know how this happened. OK, that isn't true, I know whose fault it is. Keri Aragon, from String Bean Studios, she is to blame! All I said was that I needed to raise some money and the Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-27809786292558959172011-02-23T08:53:00.000-08:002011-02-23T12:00:58.836-08:00"Choose Your Own" Earrings Giveaway!I've decided to do an earring giveaway this week. Do you like gold, silver or brass? Would you like purple, green, red, blue??? I've got my favorites but now it is your turn to tell me about yours.
Three lucky winners will be able to pick any pair of earring from my Etsy store to call their very own (one each). Be sure to check back throughout the week, I have a bunch of new earrings to post. Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-36307490795127713692011-02-09T09:13:00.000-08:002011-02-09T09:13:13.843-08:00V-day GoodiesLife has been a scramble lately but I did manage to get some designs done for Valentines Day. If you haven't seen them yet you can find them all on my Etsy- http://etsy.me/i0wq3C
Here is a little sample of my "Love" creations. I was super excited to find that I had so many perfect materials to upcycle and freecycle this little collection.
100% upcycled love
100% Freecycled
freecycled Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-60980508999849784282011-01-24T08:46:00.000-08:002011-01-24T16:10:07.415-08:00Lymtastic Winner!!!The winner of my handmade Lymetastic clutch is...
Laura Usher
I have to admit I was going to be very surprised if you didn't win. It was really obvious through all your promoting of the giveaway and commenting on my posts that you wanted this prize. I'm glad that you won.
I'll get your address and send it out to you this week. Be sure to snap a pic of it when you take it out and send it to me!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-85290598193670978772011-01-17T06:57:00.000-08:002011-01-21T09:07:44.190-08:00Lymetastic Giveaway
YAY a giveaway. I feel like it has been forever since I did a giveaway. This month's giveaway item is the fantastic clutch I made for the Turn the Corner Gala. It was a big hit, everyone loved it. Now it can be yours!!!
About the clutch... The outer fabric is a silky, shiny black. The fabric flowers are handmade. The sequined ribbon adds a lot of fun to the design. The inner lining is a green Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-44541981322747880432011-01-14T07:59:00.000-08:002011-01-14T07:59:00.964-08:00Upcycled Packaging
Upcycled boxes, pouches and envelopes!
When I started making jewelry I had to buy boxes to ship the items in so that they wouldn't be damaged. This drove me crazy, what a waste! I hated the idea of buying little boxes, I still do.
I was totally inspired when I received an order I place with my friend Molly at Seeking Serendipity. She makes her own boxes out of paper! It was so beautiful, way Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-71270137275544355772011-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:002011-01-13T08:00:05.841-08:00Lyme Time
Flower Lyme Bracelet
I spent some time over the past few weeks working on mew designs for Lyme awareness jewelry. I got a bunch of new freecycle green beads and went to town!
Everything here is available for purchase at my Etsy store- http://www.etsy.com/shop/upcycledbyash
The original Knotted Lyme Awareness bracelet is also still available. Lymenaide has the rubber awareness wristbands too. Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-55676472525413665972011-01-12T18:44:00.000-08:002011-01-12T18:44:22.077-08:00Back in the Sewing of Things
Ready for Spring!!!
I sat behind my sewing machine again! It's been a while, I've been busy with life and Lyme. Actually I have sewn a few things that I didn't post. And, there is one annoying upcycled project that is giving me grief, it keeps breaking my needles!!!
Anyway today I made a dress! I even took all my measurements and followed the pattern. Then I totally altered it when just as I Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-23616227457692399032010-12-19T10:08:00.000-08:002010-12-19T10:08:37.478-08:00Giveaway on String Bean Studios!
My friend Keri at String Bean Studios is hosting a giveaway for me!
I know I've been MIA big time lately. I'm going to blame Lyme. It's been rough and my sewing machine is literally starting to collect dust in the corner. I have lots of projects cooking around in my brain though. Soon I will get my stitch back!
The giveaway is on String Bean Studios so head on over for the details and get Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-62529066858546170272010-12-14T08:42:00.000-08:002010-12-14T08:42:33.668-08:00Damsel in DistressI don't often ask for help. I'm one of those I can do it myself kind of girls. Unless my husband is around, then I make sure he takes care of all the "boy" jobs. Which is exactly why I found myself needing to ask for help yesterday.
I have a slow leak in one of the tires on my car. I noticed that it was looking really low. I use to know how to change my own tires, but after being with my husbandAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-11744709237378351652010-12-08T11:10:00.000-08:002010-12-08T11:10:15.087-08:00I was quoted in the Chicago Tribune today!I know this sort of post is generally reserved for my other blog, Lymenaide, but this is important. I was recently quoted in an article from the Chicago Tribune entitled, Chronic Lyme disease: A dubious diagnosis. I wasn't misquoted although the quote was slightly spun and definitely chosen for a specific purpose. The following is my response:
I started getting really sick in 2000. I felt Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-58223447441219007602010-12-04T17:13:00.000-08:002010-12-04T20:32:29.615-08:00And the Winner is... Me!I seriously hope to hear those words one day very soon. I have decided that I am going to win a giveaway and I really hope that it is the giveaway that Kristen from Our Ordinary Life is doing right now! I totally want a Flip UltraHD and she is giving one away! There aren't many things on my Christmas wish list but that is one of them.
I want to start Vloging without needing the help of my Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-6950802744591605642010-12-04T07:51:00.000-08:002010-12-04T07:53:00.346-08:00No Crafting for Me :-(This sucks, and it HURTS! It's totally putting a crimp in my plans too. I just received clothing donations from two friends and I was super excited to start playing. Then this happened.
I did not hit myself with a hammer or slam my hand in a door. It wasn't a bee sting either, although... maybe that would help make it better! Bee venom is a natural pain reliever. (Note to self- If I see a bee, Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-76199869773588335242010-12-02T14:49:00.000-08:002010-12-02T14:49:31.959-08:00Upcycling Myself
A few weeks ago I asked myself and my readers if Upcycled by Ash was still an accurate name for my blog and my business. What is in a Name. I got some great advice and responses both here on the blog and sent to me by email. One person helped me to see that the definition applied to more than just the individual items that I make.
Upcycling is a fun thing to do with pre-loved materials. MakingAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-89119069471451278482010-11-30T09:00:00.000-08:002010-11-30T09:00:03.238-08:00Intentions and Realities
Silver Disk Earrings
Yesterday my intentions and my realities were at war. Being chronically ill this is nothing new but it doesn't make it any easier. It was Cyber Monday though and I had just announced my Etsy Store opening. I wanted to be updating the page all day with the jewelry that I have ready to sell! Those were my intentions. My reality... I was in bed feeling like I'd been hit by a Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-68562806732853116902010-11-29T08:12:00.000-08:002010-12-04T20:34:54.913-08:00It's Official, I Have an Etsy Shop!
Upcycled by Ash on Etsy
It's Cyber Monday, where are you doing your online shopping??? You'd better have some plans to check out my brand new Etsy shop!
That's right, I did it. I set up shop on Etsy. It is going to be a lot easier to keep track of everything sales related there than it is here on the blog.
Please stop by and let me know what you think! I will be adding more soon. I have Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-7241634362026282082010-11-22T07:00:00.000-08:002010-11-22T07:00:05.687-08:00GIVEAWAY!!! Whimsical Ocean Necklace Whimsical Ocean Necklace
Sweet! My first jewelry giveaway. OK, yes I did a giveaway of a pair of earrings for my friend Keri, BUT this time it is a piece that I made and I love it!
I rarely find any jewelry that I really like. Since I started making it myself I have discovered why... I like super unique styles. I don't want any cookie cuter pieces that everyone has or anyone could make in aboutAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-40113395778684011562010-11-19T07:53:00.000-08:002010-11-19T20:27:31.965-08:00What is in a NameI am sure I am not the only crafter who has found themself facing this question. Does my name still accurately describe my business?
This summer I had an idea to make pants into messenger bags. I was just starting to learn about upcycling and freecycling and I totally loved the concept. I wanted to get my business started online which meant I needed to decide on a name. I love Upcycled by Ash Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-68969557685097157052010-11-18T07:50:00.000-08:002010-11-18T22:10:07.984-08:00To Be or Not to Be... on Etsy That is the QuestionOK, honestly I think I already know the answer. I need to get an Etsy shop. It is way to hard to keep up with everything here on my blog! Having an online store is what Etsy was designed for not Blogger.
In the beginning I did not want to use Etsy for two reasons.
#1 I wanted to keep as much of my profits as possible to keep my prices low. I already lose a percentage to PayPal and I have Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-47283626523559330512010-11-16T07:00:00.000-08:002010-11-16T07:01:10.242-08:00Holiday Arts and Craft Open House!
I am so excited to take my artsy crafts to another show! I love it, I always meet such cool people. Last week the Santa Cruz Farmers Market was a blast. This week is going to be awesome and more intimate.
So if you are anywhere near Santa Cruz, CA this Sunday I expect to see you at this Holiday Arts and Craft Open House!
Sunday November 21 11:00am - 5:00pm 6008 Winkle AveSanta Cruz, CA Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-83011322561257225412010-11-10T09:10:00.000-08:002010-11-29T08:36:49.391-08:00Playing with Jewelry
I'm loving this jewelry stuff! It's creative and much faster than sewing. I like instant rewards.
I bought some pendants that I like, raided my bead stash and dug up some ribbons I bought for another project I never started. I so want to do more! I actually have another piece in progress right now, I'm thinking of keeping that one though!
I love the messiness of the Tree of Hope. I used a Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-48157828481802067772010-11-09T09:32:00.000-08:002011-06-01T08:49:59.996-07:00Upcycled Button Necklaces Brown Buttons
I've been having a lot of fun the past few weeks playing around with jewelry making. A few days ago my bag of random buttons was sitting right next to my box of random beads and strings/ribbons. Suddenly inspiration struck. Could I make a necklace out of buttons? YEP, and I love it!
My favorite thing is that these are really upcycled. I didn't have to buy anything. I've had some Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-21047106757991052842010-11-08T22:01:00.000-08:002010-11-18T08:33:26.769-08:00JewelryThis is all the jewelry I currently have available for sale.
To make a purchase contact me at:
ashvantol@gmail.com or send me a tweet @upcycledbyashPayments are via PayPal, Credit Card or Personal Check
*****
Green Flower $28More and bigger pics on the Upcycled by Ash Facebook page- http://on.fb.me/9e6iaO
Purple Flower $28More and bigger pics on the Upcycled by Ash Facebook page- http://Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-995070754080160162010-11-08T13:20:00.000-08:002010-11-08T19:52:33.062-08:00Earring Giveaway from String Bean Studios!
String Bean Studios - Keri Aragon
I am in Santa Cruz right now, which means I get to spend some time with my friend Keri from String Bean Studios. I love hanging out with Keri, we both have Lyme so it's easy to understand each other. This Wednesday Keri and I are going to be sharing a booth at the Santa Cruz Farmers Market. I am very excited, this will be the first time I take my creations out Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-30134924080304200922010-10-26T09:50:00.000-07:002010-10-26T09:50:00.613-07:00Alyssa Milano's Pants
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Save the Turtles to be auctioned off for the National Wildlife Federation
I finally finished the first of the bags I am making from Alyssa Milano’s pants for my Gulf Project. I would have finished Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-60150791623256003672010-10-25T09:33:00.000-07:002010-11-29T08:35:42.853-08:00Eco Dolly
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Eco Dollies price varies by doll
Without internet this past week I have had a lot more time to play around with designs and ideas. My sister recently sent me a photo of a simple doll and asked if I Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-90259059955026394142010-10-24T09:17:00.000-07:002010-10-24T09:17:00.242-07:00Tiz the Season
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Mini Wallets are $28 each, includes shipping
I was down in Santa Cruz a few weeks ago and I went to my favorite fabric store, Hart’s Fabric on Seabreeze. I always find fantastic fabrics there, Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-26505155326365870012010-10-23T16:17:00.000-07:002010-10-23T16:17:32.899-07:00I Love This Bag!!!
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Ginger's Beautiful Bag
Honestly I really like almost every bag I make, but this bag beats them all. I love it! If I hadn’t made it specifically for Ginger I would be keeping it for sure. I had no Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-25019547583664546762010-10-23T16:10:00.000-07:002010-10-23T16:10:34.379-07:00Blessing in Disguise
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I have been without Internet at my house for over a week now. I am totally addicted and going through withdrawal. I have an iPhone so I have been getting a little fix everyday, but it just isn’t the Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-33223515105492146352010-10-15T09:14:00.000-07:002010-11-29T08:31:33.756-08:00Knotted Lyme Awareness Bracelets
Knotted Lyme Awarness Bracelet$13 each $1 of each sale will go to Lymenaide
As you know, I recently discovered Jewelry making and I got hooked. Yesterday I decided it was time to make a unique Lyme Awareness bracelet. My rubber awareness band is fine and definitely gets people asking what it's for, but it isn't very stylish. However, I am really liking the new combination that is residing on myAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-88622042894852657632010-10-14T08:39:00.000-07:002010-10-14T09:33:28.105-07:00Fancy Dress for the Turn the Corner GalaI'm really excited to be going to the 5th annual Turn the Corner Unmask a Cure Gala on November 3rd. I've never been to a Gala or anything like it before. I feel like I'm going to Prom for grown-ups and a good cause. Well almost, I'm sure there will be no binge drinking before the event or the after parties mom's and dad's worry about.
Ash's Gala Dress & Bag
Last week while my in-laws were hereAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-5161146796215452922010-10-13T09:14:00.000-07:002010-10-13T09:14:03.108-07:00Working Vacation
Ginkgo Mini Wallet
I've been away from home again! I feel like I've been away more often than not recently. It isn't going to change either. At the beginning of November I am going to New York and when I get back I'm not even going home! I'm going to be staying in Santa Cruz for a while to get a treatment for Lyme disease and will be there until probably December! For those who are interested IAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-90949505909583403182010-10-08T12:29:00.000-07:002010-10-08T12:44:20.838-07:00Little Imperfections = Donations
Opps, I stitched in the wrong place!
I am soooo not perfect. I botch things up all the time. Some are so bad I have to throw them out. Sometimes I can salvage pieces for another project. When I'm lucky I can salvage the entire thing, give it a few tweaks and call it good. The two mini wallets in this post are examples of a tweak and save.
On the green and blue wallet I lined up my pockets to Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-85286039315201923982010-10-07T10:22:00.000-07:002010-10-07T10:22:08.437-07:00These Ain't Yo Grandma's Pearls
These Ain't Yo Grandma's Pearls
I tried my hand at jewelry making/beading last night. There is free 'class time' every Wednesday night at the local bead shop. I didn't even know about the shop until my mother-in-law took me there. I'm not sure if it that was a good thing. I may have been better off not knowing the place existed. It was a find for sure. I feel a new hobby coming on...
I haven'tAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-1699288750007669782010-10-06T11:29:00.000-07:002010-10-06T11:30:46.197-07:00My Little Flower Gardern - linked tutorials
My little flower garden
Over the past two three days my mother-in-law and I have been making a dress for me to wear the Turn the Corner Gala I am attending in New York this November. OK, she has been making the dress. Despite the fact I made my wedding dress, I have a little phobia of making clothing. My mother-in-law on the other hand grew up in Holland and learned all about how to be a good Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-21665143227260857592010-10-04T09:11:00.000-07:002010-10-11T14:48:43.265-07:00YAY for Mini Wallets!!! - Giveaway Mini Wallets$28 each includes shipping
While I was gallivanting around Northern California and Southern Oregon with my family I stopped in every artsy store I could find. (Ashland, OR is an excellent place for the Artsy) At one of the fabric stores I saw some cute little wallets. They had the most amazing fabrics at the shop, the wallets were adorable. They weren't exactly the way I would want Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-77280010459471113692010-10-02T10:18:00.000-07:002010-10-02T10:25:06.421-07:00Reunited
Gift bag and mini wallet
So I am finally back home and reunited with my sewing machine. Yesterday I whipped up to gifts for an unexpected cause, one more today and they will be ready to ship. Of course I didn't pick any of my current designs to make, that would be way too easy. I decided to make three different things I have never made before. I looked at a pattern for one of them... I didn't Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-3586281732225117332010-09-29T08:35:00.000-07:002010-09-29T08:35:00.607-07:00Home Sweet Home...
Lassen Park overlooking the area where I grew up in the distance.
The house I grew up in.
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Over the past week I have been on a road trip. My in-laws are here from Australia, my husband and I took them Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-16438475983007634592010-09-27T09:21:00.000-07:002010-11-08T22:05:31.490-08:00Retro Chic Wallet
Retro ChicSOLD
Lyme Project
I'm still on my road trip but I did manage to whip up one funky little item while we were at my parents house in Redding, CA. Today we are off again so there won't be any more chances to sew until the weekend when I think I will have to go stitch crazy!!!
I used my mom's vintage sewing machine to make this wallet. She owns the oldest sewing machine I have ever Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-71501016647007472922010-09-23T09:26:00.000-07:002010-09-23T09:26:00.504-07:00Family Fun
How could you say no to this face???
I haven't been able to sew as much as I would like to lately. Not a good thing when I have three celebrity items in the works and a dwindling inventory! To top it off I'm on the road again, this time without my sewing machine.
It's all worth it though. I'm getting to spend a lot of time with family. All my in-laws are here from Australia. I haven't seen Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-43512324690750796082010-09-20T09:47:00.000-07:002010-09-20T10:28:09.764-07:00Fancy Going Out Purse
Fancy Going Out Purse$70 includes shipping
I loved the Fancy Going Out clutch so much I had to make more! This purse is totally adorable! I would love more fabric like this, so if you've got a dress or a skirt that you aren't wearing... Send it my way!!!
Purse Details-The purse is roughly 5.5 x 9 inches. Plenty of space for everything you would need to go out or to an event. I used a magnetic Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-58795637234233866872010-09-20T08:50:00.000-07:002010-09-20T10:11:15.748-07:00Fancy More?Fancy More Clutch$60 includes shipping
I mean more literally. I increased the size of the original design to make the pouch a bit roomier. The original is big enough to hold the bare essentials including your phone, my iPhone just fits. The Fancy More clutch can easily hold the phone and more.
Clutch Details- The Fancy More clutch is roughly 4.5 x 8 inches. I tried something new on this one and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-30840007801173961172010-09-20T08:19:00.000-07:002010-09-20T08:19:42.034-07:00Lymenaide Holiday Bazaar
I am involved with a Lymenaide project that was just announced today. Seeing as it is a virtual craft faire, I thought I would post about it here as well.
*****
Lymenaide is proud to announce that this year we will be hosting a virtual holiday bazaar. The aim of the Lymenaide Holiday Bazaar is to showcase Lyme artists/crafters, spread awareness about Lyme disease, offer the Lymies a way to Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-6216589319112426192010-09-15T09:14:00.000-07:002010-09-15T09:14:00.478-07:00Fancy Going Out Fancy Going Out Clutch$50 includes shipping
Super cute little clutch! Yes it looks like a wallet but it isn't. When you pop the snap you will find just one pocket perfect for a night out with the bare essentials. Or a wedding, my husband is convinced this is going to be purchased for a wedding.
Inside
I love that the fabric on this clutch is 100% upcycled!!! The white outer is from a dress I Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-51967539825123030882010-09-14T13:01:00.000-07:002010-09-14T13:01:49.083-07:00Orange Bamboo WalletsI got some fabulous fabric from mom when I was visiting this past week. These four prints just kept calling to me screaming, I WANT TO BE A WALLET! So I made it into three.
I've also settled on using a stiffer interfacing for my wallets from now on. I feel it gives them a better more sturdy form than my originals.
The Orange Bamboo I and Orange Bamboo II have eight credit card pockets and two Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-34008833521889997052010-09-13T06:14:00.000-07:002011-03-16T21:24:51.025-07:00Alyssa Milano Donates to Upcycled by Ash
photo used with permission
Thank You Alyssa!!!
Getting a donation from Alyssa Milano seemed like a good reason to do my first ever vlog post. Alyssa sent me two pairs of pants to be upcycled and sold as part of my Gulf Project to raise funds for the clean up and animal rescue efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. Donations will be made to the National Wildlife Federation.
Huge thanks to Alyssa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-74411503656370700922010-09-12T12:30:00.000-07:002010-09-12T12:32:59.107-07:00Nesting
Painting the drawers and what the desk looked like before upcycling.
I was away from home for about two weeks. I left here with two regular sized bags, my sewing machine and my dog. By the time my husband came to pick me up from my parents house I had collected enough to fill the entire car. Remember my Garage Sale Score in Santa Cruz? Mom and Grandma took me to Joann Fabric for some bits and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-47235720473666465502010-09-09T09:17:00.000-07:002010-09-09T09:17:05.917-07:00Guitar Hero Wallet Guitar Hero$50 Includes Shipping
My husband plays guitar and as a tribute to music lovers everywhere, enter the Guitar Hero wallet!
I'm happy that all but one of the materials of this wallet are freecycled!
Wallet Details-
I tried something fun with the stitching; what started as a zig zag turned into a pretty unique funky stretched stitch. Each panel has stitch detail and so do certain key Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-24283364815004819382010-09-08T12:36:00.000-07:002010-09-08T12:36:24.720-07:00Design Dilemmas
I've had it in my head to make a smaller wallet for a while now. I want it to be a design that can work for men and women. Yesterday I had a go at it... OK, I had two goes at it.
I made the jean/striped one first. I LOVE the striped material, it looks great. I ran into a few problems though.
The zipper pulled out of the seam. BUMMER!
When I had my dad try it out he had a hard time getting it toAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-37462657826742148672010-09-07T09:08:00.000-07:002010-09-08T09:11:15.723-07:00Surfy Too Wallet Surfy Too$50 SOLD
Like it's big brother the Surf's Up Wallet the Surfy Too rocks. I just love these fabrics! I was stoked to have enough material left over to make a second wallet with this theme. Wallet Details-I pieced bits of four different fabrics together to make this wallet. The same fabrics are used on the inside and outside. Lots freemotion and stitch detail on this wallet.
The Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-40734336348939070432010-09-06T09:47:00.000-07:002010-09-06T09:47:15.899-07:00The Business Side
I have been putting off making business cards for Upcycled by Ash. At first I didn't want too. I wanted to stick with the upcycled theme, get a stamp and make cards out of scrap paper. That still would mean designing a stamp, which I haven't gotten around to doing.
My friends and family disagreed with my not wanting to get business cards. They said I need real cards to look professional. I Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-4495933466372137502010-09-05T09:40:00.000-07:002010-09-05T18:36:35.627-07:00Cherry Blossom Tote Cherry Blossom Tote $65SOLD
I am really looking forward to getting my photographer back, taking these photos on my own is hard work. Today I enlisted my mom's help and realized how much Sander and I have learned since we started taking these photos.
I was very excited about making this bag. I took photos of the whole process with the intention of making a tutorial. Unfortunately the photos are Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-44931282677807272592010-09-04T09:18:00.000-07:002010-09-20T15:59:58.337-07:00Surf's Up Wallet Surf's Up SOLD
I love this wallet! It turned out so awesome. When I was putting it together I was really unsure, I didn't know if it was going to actually come out that well. It's funny how that happens when you are creating something. When you spend so much time making something it is very rewarding for it to turn out so much better than you'd expected.
If I was still living is Santa Cruz I Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-77733571555805897372010-09-04T08:44:00.000-07:002010-09-13T11:55:46.831-07:00Geisha Girl Wallet Geisha Girl SOLD
My mom has a lot of Asian inspired fabric. She has had it for a long time with the intention of doing something with it. So far all she has done is collect more! Most of it has now been freecycled onto me. YAY!
I am still playing with ways to add a zip to wallets since I've had a few requests for them. I didn't even think about the lack of a zippered pocket when I sent a Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-55017137822513135762010-09-03T13:51:00.000-07:002010-11-29T08:32:43.209-08:00Hope Tote & Donation from Amy Paffrath Hope Tote $150 Lyme Project
Anyone who has Lyme disease knows that at times it all just seems so hopeless. We feel ignored, overlooked and dismissed because our illness in not always recognized as a legitimate health condition. It can be hard to stay positive and hopeful.
There are people out their listening and fighting for us though. Amy Paffrath is one of those people. Amy donated her time Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-48524941628812879112010-09-03T13:06:00.000-07:002010-09-13T11:56:38.520-07:00Asian Blue Wallet Asian Blue SOLD
It's been hard to get any sewing done as I'm traveling around Northern California visiting my sister, niece, grandparents and parents. But, I have without doubt now claimed my parent's dining room table as my temporary craft/sewing space.
I love the pond in the backyard here! It looks great in the photos. For the first time in two years I wish that I had my meditation pillow so Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-31607652428463870182010-09-01T00:12:00.000-07:002010-09-01T22:05:13.123-07:00Winner of the Choose Your Own Bag Giveaway!!!And the winner of the first ever Choose your own bag giveaway on Upcycled by Ash is...
Abigail Ameri!!! Congrats Abbie! I know you really wanted to win.I used a different random generator to find the winner this time- http://www.psychicscience.org/random.aspx just to mix things up.
Abbie is a friend and a fellow Lyme Warrior and crafter. I love the crochet armbands she's been working on this weekAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-81942578844211101982010-08-29T07:39:00.000-07:002010-08-29T07:39:00.387-07:00Rummage Reclaim
Super Sweet Santa Cruz Score
I am so excited about the score I got in Santa Cruz this weekend. I don't go to garage sales that often, but when my parents and I saw the sign for a church rummage sale we decided to go ahead and check it out. Best decision ever!
I got everything above for $30! Clothing items were only $1 each! I found a few things I've been hoping to receive for weeks, black Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-11991301783958099002010-08-25T11:22:00.000-07:002010-08-25T14:40:25.225-07:00Choose Your Own Bag Giveaway!
Snappy Dragon
For the Birds
Ginger Yoga Tote
Pin-Up Girls
Asian Clutch
Paisley Clutch
Do you remember the Choose Your Own Adventure books? I loved them, so this month I decided to do a choose your own adventure style giveaway. I chose a variety of my bags to put into the giveaway. There will only be one winner, but that person will be able to pick from the bags pictured in this post Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-32518365860261860812010-08-23T12:15:00.000-07:002010-10-03T15:59:56.813-07:00Paisley Clutch Paisley Clutch SOLDLyme Project
Cute medium sized paisley clutch. Measures roughly nine inches across, seven inches deep and one and a half inches wide. Lots of freemotion detail on the paisley print. Bag lining is the same paisley minus the freemotion. Interior includes one pocket. Wrist strap is long enough to double loop over the average wrist. Bag closes with with a turquoise zip.
This Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-2733115835992472752010-08-20T10:18:00.000-07:002010-08-20T10:18:24.896-07:00Pin-Up Girls Tote Pin-Up Girls$55 includes shipping
I love the way this bag turned out! I wasn't sure what to do with the Pin-Up Girls fabric when I first got it but now I am inspired. They are so bold and beautiful!
Bag DetailsBig enough to carry magazines and all your personal goodies. The tote is roughly 9 inches deep 14 inches long and has a 2 inch wide bottom. The two straps are 19 inches around, long Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-21426876630939116192010-08-19T13:02:00.000-07:002011-04-16T08:45:32.898-07:00I Love Celeb Pants!!!So awesome when celebrities help out for your cause!
It was hilarious when Alyssa Milano started sending sexy crush tweets to the Old Spice Guy. She made him a video challenge from her bathroom clad only in her towel to donate $100,000 to the National Wildlife Federation. The real, Real Man Challenge.
Then Keith Powell stepped up and took her challenge to be a real man. He started a page on Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-57529398786007037132010-08-18T11:24:00.000-07:002010-09-20T16:00:39.801-07:00Zip Prototype Wallet
Zip PrototypeSOLD
I don't know why I always think that I can do something new without directions. Yesterday I decided I was going to make a wallet with a zip pocket. I probably could have found a tutorial online, but I didn't even look. I sat at my desk folding paper and fabric trying to figure out how to make it work.
The first attempt was a failure. After about three hours of pondering and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-81362430851843274642010-08-17T06:50:00.000-07:002010-08-17T06:50:00.266-07:00Duct Tape Me and Body Form TutorialI have a fancy Gala to go to in November. I've been dreaming of making the perfect dress for the event. It is so hard to fit a dress when it is on you and my husband is no help in this department; I would love one of those fancy adjustable dress forms, but I'm broke and they are EXPENSIVE! I decided to settle for making my own duct tape dress form.
I did enlist my husband for this adventure. Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-8941176925844990352010-08-16T10:19:00.000-07:002010-09-16T13:37:44.935-07:00Asian Silky Clutch Asian Silky ClutchDonated to a Fundraiser for Eric Rutulante
click on the photo to see it larger
Sometimes when you are sewing not everything goes to plan. I found this super cute pattern and I really didn't think it would be too difficult to put together.
The first challenge was making the pattern. More MATH! I thought I was done with math after I figured out how to find the circumference of Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-73977343330262977262010-08-15T12:07:00.000-07:002010-08-15T09:46:38.368-07:00Ginger Yoga ToteGinger Yoga Tote $25 includes shipping prototype
I was so excited about all the new freecycle fabrics I got from my friend Ginger yesterday that I decided it was time to have a go at making a yoga tote. I've never made one before. It's the circular bottom, I was a bit unsure about how to do it.
I think my High School math teacher might be proud of me. Math and I don't get along all that well. Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-6510592905841020222010-08-15T07:06:00.000-07:002010-08-15T07:54:17.023-07:00Freecycle Galore!Thank You Ginger!
Me, Ginger and the Girls
I had a great day yesterday. I got to see Ginger, who I haven't seen since High School, and met her daughters. In itself, that is pretty special. But, there is more...
.Ginger donated three boxes full of fabric, zippers, purse handles, buttons and ribbon to me for my projects! She use to do a lot of sewing but now she makes jewelry. She was happy to Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-1462168073099333092010-08-13T12:47:00.000-07:002010-08-15T01:49:46.766-07:00What Craftivism Means to MeThe first time someone called me an activist I was shocked, almost insulted. Me? A crazy activist?
The accuser assured me, "Yes, You."
It took me a while to get over my preconceived ideas of what an activist was. There wasn't much hope in denying it though. I had become, without even realizing it, an activist.
Craftivism on the other hand was a word and a description I loved right from the Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1653900640823803296.post-60164360261133984302010-08-12T12:00:00.000-07:002010-08-19T08:40:53.025-07:00Lyme Awareness Wallet Lyme Awareness WalletSOLD
This is the first item in the Lyme Awareness Fundraiser here on Upcycled by Ash. If you know me, you know that Lyme disease awareness is something I am passionate about.
I have chronic Lyme disease. I was sick for 10 years before doctors finally figured out what was wrong with me. Up until that point every doctor I saw told me I was fine, there was nothing wrong withAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04552973067731015098noreply@blogger.com1