You see the term “repurpose” or “repurposed” more and more. It’s often used synonymously with “recycled” or “upcycled.” Artists reuse or recycle materials, giving them a new purpose.

zJayne’s shop is a classic example of how t-shirts can be used for many different products, from market bags to dryer pillow sheets. She uses as much of the original t-shirt as she can, even making drawstring bags from the sleeves.

You’ve probably seen some sweater bags, or purses made with old sweaters. Sometimes a wool sweater can be washed in hot water to shrink it and create a thicker fabric that’s perfect for creating a new purse or bag. Here is an example of a yellow sweater that I made into a purse and then cut up the sleeves and made mittens. There are still some bits of the original sweater left that will be perfect for flowers and other embellishing projects.

Repurposing isn’t limited to fabrics. Rigmarole, for example, has repurposed some vintage papers into fun vintage vinyl wallets. This one is made from colorful, vintage fast food wrappers.

The Vintage Brooch Company repurposes pieces of vintage jewelry into stunning new brooches and necklaces.

With a little creativity, you’ll find lots of things that can be repurposed. You can find a new use for clothing, buttons, broken jewelry pieces, purse handles, men’s ties, paper, bottle caps, game pieces, and more. The possibilities are endless!

There are just three simple things you need to do to enter:

1. Visit mtmarge7’s shop and take a look around. Make a note of your favorite item in her shop.

2. Then either visit our artists page or search Etsy for the “clevelandteam” tag and check out some items from other Cleveland Handmade member artists. Make a note of your favorite and which shop you found it in.

3. Come back and leave one comment on this post telling us your favorite item from mtmarge7’s shop AND your favorite item from another Cleveland Handmade shop, and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that simple!

You have until Wednesday, March 10 at noon EST to get your entry in, so commence browsing. There’s lots to discover!

We’ll randomly draw one winner from the comments posted.

Read the giveaway rules here.

I’m not sure what it is about this fantastic Celtic Crow/Raven card from Red Maple Studios that makes me love it so, but I do. Note the Celtic knots in the shamrock leaves.

I adore this Dichroic Fused Glass Four Leaf Clover Pendant by glasfuzion. It shows off the shamrock with subtle style.

These Playful Shamrock cards from bdoodlez are just adorable. What a sweet way to send greetings to your friends, whether they’re Irish or not.

This pretty shamrock headband from MaidenJane will help you keep your hair out of your beer when you’re celebrating.

Buying online can be extremely convenient and allows you to shop at places you could never reasonably drive to. Buying online can pose some problems, however, if you don’t know exactly what size to buy.

When it comes to jewelry, rings might be the hardest. Not everyone knows what size ring they wear on every finger. That would be a lot to keep track of seeing as how we have 10 possible choices and not all of your fingers will be the same size.

Here is the best way to find your ring size at home without going to a jewelry store.

1. Find a piece of string or ribbon.
2. Wrap the piece of string or ribbon around the base of the finger that you want to measure.
3. With a pen, mark on the string or ribbon where it overlaps to form a complete circle around your finger.
4. Measure the length with a ruler in millimeters.
5. Compare this measurement with the chart below.
6. Purchase ring with confidence!

What is your first memory of your craft? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
My mother was a very talented elementary school art teacher, so I just absorbed it from her but I was also really influenced by nature. I remember making little paper birds with wings, owls out of acorns and pinecones.

What is it that draws you to your craft material?
I find I am drawn to textiles and paper, making objects that are useful and beautiful.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
I like detail, and I like bold graphic shapes too, lots of bright colors and natural shapes.

What are your inspirations?
Nature and history.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
Usually the newest is my favorite, I have to say I’m loving the printed fabric items right now.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
I’ve been self-employed for a long time, so it’s just an extension of that.

Describe your workspace.
Upstairs in the dormer of my bungalow. I installed skylights in 1999; they face east, so there’s no direct light all day — just perfect. It’s too messy to photograph right now.

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
Exploring new ways of printing and illustrating is probably my favorite.
Anything having to do with billing or taxes is my least favorite.

What is your favorite tool? Why?
Right now it is my speedball linoleum cutter, because I can get an idea about a fabric design, cut it out, and see it printed within an afternoon.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I love gardening, especially fruit gardens. I’ve got a fig, strawberries, apple trees, blackberries, and raspberries in my backyard.

Where can we find your work?
Etsy (username: giardino)
Cafepress (username: inhausdesign)
I have cards and framed art at Heights Art in Cleveland Heights, and framed original art and cards at Artefino Gallery downtown, and framed original art and cards as well as fabric goods at Custom Framing in Lakewood on Madison.

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in our members’ shops. This giveaway comes from playnature. The winner will receive a 12-inch square archival paper print of this photographic mandala. The photograph is of a strawflower — what a great reminder that spring is on the way!

There are just three simple things you need to do to enter:

1. Visit playnature’s shop and take a look around. Make a note of your favorite item in his shop.

2. Then either visit our artists page or search Etsy for the “clevelandteam” tag and check out some items from other Cleveland Handmade member artists. Make a note of your favorite and which shop you found it in.

3. Come back and leave one comment on this post telling us your favorite item from playnature’s shop AND your favorite item from another Cleveland Handmade shop, and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that simple!

You have until Wednesday, February 17 at noon EST to get your entry in, so commence browsing. There’s lots to discover!

We’ll randomly draw one winner from the comments posted.

Read the giveaway rules here.

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Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in our members’ shops. This giveaway comes from CMS Designs. These handmade stoneware buttons will make great additions to your creations—be it your latest cowl, hand sewn purse, or cardigan! All glazes used are lead free and food safe. Backs are smooth and glazed.

There are just three simple things you need to do to enter:

1. Visit CMS Designs and take a look around. Make a note of your favorite item in her shop.

2. Then either visit our artists page or search Etsy for the “clevelandteam” tag and check out some items from other Cleveland Handmade member artists. Make a note of your favorite and which shop you found it in.

3. Come back and leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite item from CMS Designs AND your favorite item from another Cleveland Handmade shop, and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that simple!

You have until Wednesday, February 10 at noon EST to get your entry in, so commence browsing. There’s lots to discover!

We’ll randomly draw one winner from the comments posted.

You can read the giveaway rules here.

Look for a new giveaway at 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 4.

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Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in our members’ shops. This giveaway comes from Erika Originals. Images from a vintage French dictionary and a vintage atlas showing the cities of Rome, Naples, and Milan are placed into vintage brass settings and covered with waterproof resin to make these fabulous Italian Earrings. The posts and earnuts are made of surgical steel.

There are just three simple things you need to do to enter:

1. Visit Erika Originals and take a look around. Make a note of your favorite item in her shop.

2. Then either visit our artists page or search Etsy for the “clevelandteam” tag and check out some items from other Cleveland Handmade member artists. Make a note of your favorite and which shop you found it in.

3. Come back and leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite item from Erika Originals AND your favorite item from another Cleveland Handmade shop, and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that simple!

You have until Wednesday, February 3 at noon EST to get your entry in, so commence browsing. There’s lots to discover!

We’ll randomly draw one winner from the comments posted.

You can read the giveaway rules here.

Pick a card and think of the perfect thing to say.
The Valentine’s Collection 4 Blank Cards from bdoodlez $8.50

Write a secret message (or a grocery list)!
Two Embossed Matchbook Journals from bettyhendrick $3.95

Buy him a beer.
Blue Moon (or others) keychain from resinNation $5.00

Sweeten his feet?
Two Foot Pillow Show Odor Absorbers from zJayne $12.00

Make plans for the Summer.
Pemaquid Lighthouse Fine Art Photograph from photohale $30.00

I am in LOVE with this romantic map of Paris made entirely from etched copper by the inimitable Chris of Copper Leaf Studios.

Who wouldn’t adore this irresistible heart charm bracelet by SusanK Jewelry?

Everyone loves cheese! And I LOVE this photo by the amazing Susan of photohale, who travels the world over to find the perfect subjects for her incredible photos.

Need an answer? Tell him to RSVP with this great one of a kind gentlemen’s pin by the clever Mary of the Vintage Brooch Company.

You can’t always be there to warm her up, so keep her cozy with these yummy Mulberry mittens by Tricia, the crochet maven of LazyTCrochet.

She’s not a blingy sort of girl and you love her for that! So forget the diamonds and go for pure modern art. I have a thing for this stamped hug and kiss necklace by the multitalented Lori Paximadis, and so will your valentine.

With these fun upcycled patches you can always have a heart on for her! (Did I really say that!?) There’s always good clean environmental friendly fun to be had at zJayne, where Jane Pierce transforms ordinary old t-shirts into functional, fabulous treasures!

Trust me . . . give your special valentine a dozen roses in this gorgeous purple vase by the extraordinary Gina DeSantis, and you will get lucky for sure on the eve of Feb. 14th!

Happy browsing, friends!
With love,
SToNZ from the creative North Coast!