GUEST ARTIST: ANN MORTON

Ann is a Phoenix area artist and designer who founded the program, Street Gems, a jewelry-making program that aids homeless people.

Caution Tape Crocheted Bead Earrings

"Street Gems is a social enterprise that transforms discarded items from the street — plastic bottles and cups, plastic bags, and caution tape — into jewelry that is wearable art. But that is only one transformation this venture will create, because the individuals crafting these gems are experiencing homelessness — the possibility of their personal transformation is the real treasure this effort can uncover."



A while back, I contacted Ann through the StreetGems shop on Etsy to learn more about this innovative and inspirational program she spearheaded.

Where did the inspiration for starting Street Gems come from?
I had just completed my MFA thesis at Arizona State University and part of my thesis work involved paying homeless makers to crochet parts of a huge project that then one homeless fellow put together to appear in my thesis show. Before that project, I'd been working with the homeless population here in Phoenix for about 1 1/2 years. So as a result, I wanted to see if I could start a small enterprise by designing the items and then training homeless participants to make and sell.



Plastic Bottle Bead and Seed Bead Necklace

Can you tell me a bit about the program's logistics? Do you work out of a homeless shelter? Do you get any monetary assistance for your program or help from volunteers?
Yes, we work out of the Loadstar Day Resource Center (LDRC for short) which operates on the Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix.   This effort is a partnership with LodestarDRC and they provided start up funds for initial supplies, packaging etc. We sell everything through them as they are a 501c3, and then the funds are distributed to our small group of permanent makers. We often have drop-ins that will work for a day, but it is only after a maker makes a commitment to come on a regular basis that they reap the benefits of the sales. I have one regular volunteer and sometimes there is one staff member from the LDRC that attends our sessions. We meet once a week for 3 hours.




How has the program been received in your community?

We started training in June of 2012 to be ready for the holiday season. We are currently in five design oriented retail locations here in the Phoenix metro area (Scottsdale and Chandler). We also sell at a regular event called First Fridays in downtown Phoenix. The items are also online at Lodestar's Just B B Just. This is another enterprise at Lodestar that makes soaps, lotions, etc.

 

The products are not exactly flying off the shelf, but just this past weekend, we got a big article in the newspaper here and a spot on an associated TV news station. We hope that will spur interest.



Plastic Bottle Bead and Seed Bead Necklace

What are the results you have seen from this program in terms of what it has done to assist the homeless people you work with?

I think that more than the monetary value, this has given our makers a sense of accomplishment - especially those that have come repeated times. This is a very transient group, so we've had regulars come and go.

 

" It is no coincidence that we have named this enterprise Street Gems. For, not only do these products uncover the beauty of commonly discarded objects, but, this holistic program uncovers the abilities and the talents of the homeless artisans who make them."



 



 



Click on the links throughout this interview to learn more about Ann's program and visit the shop on Etsy or the Just B B Just site to purchase the unique hand-crafted jewelry items.

 

StreetGemsArizona on Etsy                        Street Gems on Just B B Just

 



GUEST ARTIST: ERICA SIMPSON

I recently interviewed Erica via email to ask her about her wonderful hand bound journals made from rescued old books, record covers and beer boxes.  Here is what she had to say:

 

 How and when did you become interested in book binding?

I have always been a lover of art, but was never the most artistic person out there. My college had an Arts and Crafts department, and on a whim I signed up for bookbinding my freshman year. It was taught by an incredibly talented Studio Art major and I ended up being the only person in the class. I was surprised by how well the medium suited me. The girl who taught it and I would discuss different materials that could be used as book covers. After she graduated, I took over as the teacher of the course for the remainder of my college years. I loved making books for people in my life. Most of my friends and family, and everyone I have ever dated has been given these as a gift over the years.                                                                                                                    

In addition to the book binding course, I was an Art History minor to accompany my Literature major, and in the process took a few drawing courses. As a young kid, I was a precocious aesthete, spending hours on a family vacation to Europe as an 8 year old glued to the Monet’s, Picasso’s, and Van Gough’s in the museums as my sister was consumed with boredom. But I have never been much of an artist myself, just an admirer of those who posses the talents.

Have you always worked with recycled materials?

I have always striven to use all recycled materials in my books. The paper I use is recycled Canson sketch paper as well.


What qualities do you think recycled materials bring to your journals?

As I mentioned, I majored in Literature, and long before I started creating blank journals out of old book covers I was perusing the books section of thrift shops and spending hours in used book stores. I would find my self getting lost in the stacks of books, amongst the pages, looking for hidden gems, and in awe of the vastness of human creation. I love the smell of an old book, and the care and craftsmanship that went into creating images both on the covers and pages within. I love stories and would get wrapped up in the stories the authors had created and the stories left behind by the people who had handled the books. The notes to the recipient of a gift, the underlines, highlights, and marginal comments, the bookmarks, recipes, pictures, and postcards that would tumble from the pages, long forgotten. It was archeology, and I loved collecting.

 In this world where everything is digital and we are so quick to consume and move on, the art of journaling and sketching is falling to the wayside, as is the love we have for books. Why buy a book when you can load thousands onto your kindle? Why journal when you can blog? In combining old books and creating a new space for the written word, I am hoping to retain some of that which we are beginning to lose.

I have recently started making more and more record cover, wine box, and beer box books in addition to my book journals. Part of this was driven by the fact that in the production of some of my journals, I am left with the byproduct of extra paper. Instead of recycling these scraps, I have begun to look for other recycled objects to use as covers. Old record covers that are being thrown away because the records have disappeared, and boxes on their way to the landfill or recycling plant have been given a new life as pocket sized notebooks.

In all these things (old books, record covers, and booze boxes) there is something for the user to attach to: a favorite old book, a whimsical image, an interesting title, a beloved musician, a retro picture, a travel destination, or a beverage of choice. That is why I love this medium so much, there is something for everyone, old and young, male and female, artist, writer, list maker, doodler, traveler, creative or not. In the book cover journal there are pockets in the back for those scraps the we collect as we move through the world. Old photographs, postcards, notes, letters, stamps, pressed flowers, maps, ticket stubs, and whatever else you want to hold onto.

Do you have other creative pursuits besides your recycled journals?              

I do a lot of creating. Currently I am building a bike powered blender, so look for me peddling around Denver and making delicious treats.

 

Find out more about Erica's smoothie enterprise and visit her Etsy shop to see more of her journals.

 

OffTheChainSmoothies

 

ReBoundBooks

                                   

 

 

Taking My Virtual Shop into the Real World

I've taken a break from the count-down to Earth Day to try to move my jewelry business forward.

Today I met with Janis, one of the curators (for lack of a better word) of the shop, The Funky Caravan in Colorado Springs.  We hit it off immediately.  She loved my stuff!  I brought 45 pieces with me, almost my entire inventory.  The only things I didn't bring were early items I wanted to rework and some wool items more appropriate for Fall and Winter.  She took it all!  It's on consignment, but she is very confident it will move quickly.

The shop sits on Colorado Avenue in Old Colorado City, a national historic district now home to shops and restaurants.  There is abundant foot traffic and because of its proximity to the famous Broadmoor Hotel, it attracts wealthy tourists during warm weather.

This opportunity is fairy tale perfect!  Janis believes they will be able to sell my stuff as fast as I can make it.  So now I have to decide whether it will be worth my while to keep my virtual shop open.  I love the community on Etsy.  It's been a great learning experience, but the computer part of running my shop is so time consuming!  I have lots to think about this week.

Count Down to Earth Day: 38 Days

I'm offering one recycle craft idea each day until Earth Day, April 22nd.

Today's Idea:  Silverware Jewelry

Does anyone use fine silverware any more?  Maybe those Martha Stewarts of the world.  Come on, you have to wrap it and store it and then break it out once or twice a year and polish it before you can use it!  When my family gets together it's usually plastic silverware (not very eco-friendly, but it's not my house and I don't plan on washing the dishes).   Whether you have a set you're tired of polishing or you find those lovely silverware orphans at tag sales or thrift stores, I have brilliant news for you.  You can turn it into remarkable jewelry!

 
Vintage Silver Spoon Bracelet by Debbie Holborow
https://www.etsy.com/shop/2ndLifeJewels

You can use just the handles and make lovely bracelets or earrings.


Vintage Swedish Demitasse Spoon Earrings by Debbie Holborow
https://www.etsy.com/shop/2ndLifeJewels

Or you can use fork heads and bend the tines into curlicues.


Fork Necklace from Antique Silverplate Upcycled Silverware by Jennifer Edmondson
https://www.etsy.com/shop/laughingfrogstudio

You can use just the head of a spoon, hammer it flat and stamp it with your favorite quote.















Upcycled belt leather cuff-Silverware Jewelry  by Scarlett
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SalvagedCreations

The handles also make nifty rings.


Antique Spoon Ring by Tom and Jessica Dickson https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaliforniaSpoonRings

And so much more creativity!

 
 Silver Fork Bracelet in Original Weaving Hearts Design by John Marchello https://www.etsy.com/shop/MarchelloArt

 Angel Brenn Believes In Love - Art Jewelry Pendant - Upcycled Sterling Silverware, And PMC by Robin Wade

https://www.etsy.com/shop/robinwade

  

 
 Quotes on Fork Tines Silverware Necklace-MADE TO ORDER by SpoonerZ https://www.etsy.com/shop/SpoonerZ

Stop by tomorrow for another recycle craft idea.

Count Down to Earth Day: 39 Days

I'm bringing you one recycle craft idea each day until April 22nd.

Today's Idea: Paper Mache Beads





 Paper mache "turquoise" nuggets, my design

I love working with paper mache.  I used to work with polymer clay.  One of my problems with polymer clay was that the chemicals in the clay are toxic.  You need a dedicated oven just for your clay unless you want to poison your family.  Paper mache can't replace polymer clay.  I'm not suggesting it has any of the same qualities, but there is something wholesome about it.  It's just recycled paper and flour paste.  Of course there are more elaborate recipes you can follow, but they don't really improve the finished product when you're making beads.

 

Paper mache beads, drift wood and chandelier crystal, my design

 

An easy way to make paper mache beads is to start with shredded office paper.  This paper needs to be broken down into pulp.  You could leave it to cook down on the stove for several hours, but that's not very eco-friendly.  Instead, when you're getting ready to wash a load of clothes in hot water (also not very eco-friendy.  I only do this when something is extremely soiled), throw in a batch of shredded paper.  Here's how you do that without ruining your machine or your clothes:

 

Take an old pillow case.  Stuff it with shredded office paper.  You don't want to completely fill it unless you're planning to make a ton of beads.  Gather the top of the pillow case and  wrap it several times with some sturdy string or twine and tie in a tight knot.  You do not want this to come open in the wash!  Run it through a normal cycle.   

 

 







Faceted paper mache beads and drift wood, my design

 

When you pull your pillow case from the washer, throw it right into the dryer.  Double check that your string is still tightly tied.  After it's been washed and dried, your pulp is ready for use, or you can save it to use at a later date.

 

Paper mache, felt and wood beads.  My original design.

 

To make beads, empty your paper pulp into a large bowl.  Mix up some flour paste.  This is not an exact science.  Here's what I do.  Take a microwave safe bowl and fill with about a cup of tap water.  Heat on high until it just reaches boiling.  Handle with care, bowl will be hot!  Take some flour (white flour works best for a smooth paste) and sprinkle about a tablespoon into your bowl of boiling water while stirring briskly with a fork.  This will start to thicken.   Add small amounts of flour at a time until you get the consistency of pancake batter.  If you make it too thick, thin with a small amount of water.

 

Allow your paste to cool slightly.  Put on a pair of rubber dish washing gloves (or not) and add about half your paste to your paper pulp.  Get your hands in there and start working it around and squishing it up like you're making meatloaf, (or for my fellow vegetarians, lentil loaf.)  This part is not an exact science either.  Work in enough paste that it holds together when you squeeze it into a ball.  Make it too wet and it's hard to work with and will never dry; not wet enough and your beads won't hold together. 

 

Handmade Old Gold and Green Rustic Paper Mache Beads by Renee

https://www.etsy.com/shop/studioRenee

 

Now shape your beads.  You can't roll this type of paper clay between your palms the way your can polymer clay or ceramic clay.  You have to kind of pack it together like making a snowball.  When you get all your beads shaped, carefully poke a hole in each with a toothpick or wooden skewer.  Put your beads on a cookie sheet or tray and space them so they aren't touching.  Find a warm place to leave them to dry for several days.  A sunny window or near a heat vent would be ideal to speed up drying time.  Turn your beads once a day for ever drying.

 

Once your beads are completely dry, it's time to paint them!  You can seal them with a water based polyurethane for protection.  When that's dry, they're ready to be turned into marvelous jewelry!

 

Handmade Copper and Aqua Paper Mache Beads by Renee

https://www.etsy.com/shop/studioRenee

 

I hope you've found this tutorial useful.  Stop by tomorrow for another recycle craft idea.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Count Down to Earth Day: 40 Days

I'm bringing you one recycle craft idea each day until Earth Day, April 22nd.

Today's Idea:  Popsicle Stick Tramp Art

You may have thought that popsicle stick art was reserved only for kindergartners, but take a look at the fun and sophisticated creations below.  With warm weather in the forcast, popsicles might be on your shopping list.  Think twice before throwing those sticks in the trash.


Vintage Basket Purse
https://www.etsy.com/shop/snapitupvintage




 Vintage popsicle stick lamp
https://www.etsy.com/shop/StarLightMemories


Vintage Popsicle Stick Sewing Basket
https://www.etsy.com/shop/wilshepherd


Popsicle Stick Folk Art Lamp



Popsicle stick table, lamps, sconce amd mirror frame by artist,  David Hrobowski


Popsicle stick Christmas tree by David Hrobowski

Tune in tomorrow for another recycle craft idea.
 

Count Down to Earth Day: 41 Days

I'm offering one recycle craft idea each day until Earth Day.


Today's Idea:  Repurposed License Plates

Today's idea is not a single project, but a survey of objects made from old license plates to inspire you.  Anyone who's ever moved to a different state probably has an old license plate or two hanging around.  (I know I have several stashed in my garage that my husband and I have saved over the years.  I've just been looking for the right project.)  So I turned to Etsy for ideas.


Initial Keychains by Brooke and Todd Theriot
 https://www.etsy.com/shop/KoolPlatez

 

 

License Plate Belt Buckle by halfmoonroad
https://www.etsy.com/shop/halfmoonroad 

 









License Plate Trays by lahaine
https://www.etsy.com/shop/lahaine

 

Reagan Juel (see her interview on my blog from Feb.)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReaganJuel

License Plate Birdhouse by StressTheSeams
 https://www.etsy.com/shop/StressTheSeams

 
XOXO Wedding Sign by BarnDoorEvents
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BarnDoorEvents



Glacier Cuff Bracelet 5 by Jenna B
 https://www.etsy.com/shop/jennaBstudios




Peace Sign by ruraloriginals
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ruraloriginals


5 Point Recycled License Plate Star Decoration by StressTheSeams
https://www.etsy.com/shop/StressTheSeams

Come back tomorrow for another recycle craft idea.