Going Green

Nikko, Japan. 2007.  The biggest trees I've ever seen! 

I love being green. I love the color green. I love being frugal and saving some green in my wallet. And perhaps above all else, I love making strides to creating a greener earth. Recycling to reduce waste, up-cycling to increase creativity--that's just how I roll.

So when I heard that eco-conscious furniture company, Arhaus, had struck a partnership with the American Forest Foundation, I was excited to say the least. Arhaus features skilled artisans that utilize recycled copper, reclaimed wood, and an ethical means to manufacturing to furnish homes with unique wares that don't comprise the environment. Arhaus dining tables, for example, come in various styles including traditional, modern, and industrial. And if you take a look around, you'll see that the reclaimed wood and recycled materials are put to fine use. I, for one, LOVE the barn wood!

Did you know that approximately 3.5-7 billion trees are cut down every year in the United States?* 

It's becoming crucial that as consumers, we advocate for companies and organizations that keep the environment in the forefront of their decision-making. And in addition to their transparency with their manufacturing policies, this Arhaus partnership is putting your purchasing power to work for the environment. 

Every purchase that you make from Arhaus will help plant a tree through the American Forest Foundation--an organization that promotes wildlife funding and conservation projects across the country. 

But if you're not in the market for furniture, Arhaus (with a little addition from Let's Go Thrifting) has these handy tips to make your home more eco-friendly. So in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, when you're out to spend money...spend it smart. Do your research into the companies that support the causes that matter. Look for the materials used. Look for nonprofit organizations and foundations that the companies support. Look for natural, organic, locally made goods. And don't forget to look to the thrift store!

How do you plan on going green in your home? 

*Source: Rainforest Action Network

The Resource Exchange of Philadelphia, PA

In the Port Richmond area of Philadelphia, within a red-bricked building a mere 20 minutes from my home, lies a business based entirely on creative reuse.

Since 2009, The Resource Exchange has salvaged tons, literally tons of what was once considered waste. From theatrical props and set pieces, to art supplies, fabrics, lumber and a miscellany of remnants from buildings and movie demolitions, The Resource Exchange will take it all in and sell it cheaply to Philadelphia artists and crafters. This cyclical rescue mission lessens the landfills, keeps the theatrical goods in Philly for creative reuse and makes for interesting browsing.

Here's just some of what The Resource Exchange had in store.

If you ever find yourself in the Philadelphia area and are looking for some creative inspiration when it comes to secondhand supplies, The Resource Exchange at 2829 Cedar Street is a must-see salvage center. 

Let's Get Crafting: A Wicker Shelf Makeover

Back in April, I was fortunate to attend the Bagels and Bargains event at Impact Thrift. I won a $25 gift certificate and brought home this cream-colored wicker shelf, among other vintage goodies....for free!

Freshly inspired by the event hostess, Denise Sabia of The Painted Home blog, I embarked on my very first DIY craft makeover.

So how did I transform this very basic, bland shelf into a display piece and functional homage to foreign travel?

First, I hit the Home Depot for the supplies...a plastic tarp to protect my lawn, an all-purpose indoor/outdoor primer and a can of the brightest, boldest pop of color I could think of. For this project, I went with Rust-oleum Deep Blue in a gloss finish.

It wasn't long before I learned that the elements were not my friends. Come rainclouds, wind and high pollen...nothing wanted to cooperate on a schedule that worked for me. But finally, after finding the ideal time for priming and two coats of spray paint, I was ready to take my wicker shelf to the next level.

And the next level involved recycled maps, Mod Podge, ribbon and more than a bit of patience. 

My main takeaway in making a decoupage from my beloved maps of Japan is this: The thinner the paper, the least amount of Mod Podge needed. I  just went Mod Podge mad, slapping that  wacky adhesive all over the place. This made it  quite difficult to get the creases and wrinkles rolled flat. 

So, if you're a first-time decoupage DIY-er like I was, go light on the Mod Podge. Let it dry between layers and just roll on. 

Literally, roll on. You should have seen how messy my first attempt was prior to busting out the sponge roller.  But with the time and the patience, I made it work. 

I even made the bold decision to add some sparkle to the top of the piece, after  decoupaging two heart-shaped maps of the Tokyo metro line. I sealed the secondhand deal with Mod Podge High Gloss Acrylic spray, and stopped to admire the finished product. 

It didn't take long for me to realize that the entire project, step-by-step, was a true learning process. Mistakes were made, ones that I made a mental note not to repeat in the future if I can help it. Case in point, the Mod Podge mess.  But don't let me dissuade you from venturing on your own thrift DIY makeover. Plan out a project. Gather the supplies and get to it! It really can be a fun process once you get your hands dirty with all the paper scraps, glue and glitter. 

In the end I really love how this project came together. It's bright, colorful and it reminds me of a time when I felt most adventurous in my life. 

It's not perfect. But, hey. It's me. 

Tools Used:
Rust-oleaum Primer
Rust-oleum Gloss Spray Paint in Deep Blue
Sponge Applicators and brushes
Ruler
Fabric scissors
Exacto Knife
Sparkle Mod Podge
Mod Podge Gloss
Mod Podge High Gloss Acrylic Sealer
Mod Podge heart stencil
5/8" black ribbon with white trim
Recycled maps of Japan
And of course...
**Safety goggles, gloves and ventilated face mask for painting**

What craft project are you planning?