This is a special edition of the blog. It is all about low-waste holiday gifts from Something Different Upcycled. Read on for a quick overview of each of the new items coming your way over the next few weeks!
Important note: The items shown below represent only a small selection of the fabrics, patterns, and colours that will be available. I’m still making things, so follow me on Instagram to see what’s coming! You already know that everything is made from thrifted or deadstock fabrics, right? šĀ
Where to find the goods
Fraser Valley folks, Iāve added a few of these to my shelf at Homemade in Chilliwack already. Iāll also have some with me at the Good Stuff Market on Nov 30-Dec 1 at Heritage Hall in Vancouver. Follow me on Instagram to know when my shelf at Homemade Community Shoppe is restocked, for more details about the market, and to know what Iām taking to each location.
Online friends, if you see something you like, send me a message! Iām probably not going to add any of these items to the Etsy store but Iām happy to work out another way to get your item to you.
Letās get to the Christmas goodies!
First up, Iām making coasters or mug rugs. These are about 4ā square and feature piece of heavier fabric on the back and lighter fabric on the front. I’ve made bundles of two matching coasters as well as individual ones. Theyād be great as part of a themed gift centred around coffee, books, candles. That sort of wintery, cozy thing.
The sample I made is on my worktable to remind me to drink some water. Theyāre machine washable, hang to dry, and pair nicely with a bookmark.
Speaking of whichā¦.
Iām making corner bookmarks! And maybe some straight ones too. The corner ones are about 2 1/2ā square and are machine washable, hang to dry. The straight ones are something like 2āx 5ā and are made from thin fabrics so as not to damage the spines of your books. Bookmarks are great for novels and that sort of thing, and are also amazing for cookbooks, reference texts, and planners. Available individually, these are great stocking stuffers.
And finallyā¦
Lanyards! There are three varieties of these: no safety release, one at the back of the neck, and three points of safety release (back of neck and each side of strap). Fabrics are cotton or poly-cotton blends. Theyāre washable (but use a mesh laundry bag or hand wash). Hang to dry.
Thereās a running joke in my household about the fact that it has taken me this long to make lanyards so there is a good chance that these will become a regular part of the Something Different Upcycled lineup. Folks who work for BC health authorities, Iām told that the three-point release is all good for your workplaces, so have at it!Ā
Maybe one moreā¦
Iām considering making some zippered pouches from very luxe fabrics (think fancy schmancy upholstery fabrics) but I need you to let me know if you want them! Drop a comment, send me a message, or DM on Instagram or Etsy and tell me if youād like me to make a few of these. Iām open to suggestions about sizing as well, so include that if you have a particular size in mind. Have a look at the photo to the above (to the right on tablets and computers) for some idea of the fabrics Iām thinking of using.Ā
Oh! Canāt believe I almost forgot!
I made reusable gift bags! All from thrifted and upcycled fabrics, of course, and made with fully finished seams. Youāll be able to use them for years to come.
They come in 5 sizes, ranging from very small (approx. 12 x 15.25cm or 4 3/4 x 6in) to very large (43 x 60.5cm or 17 x 23.5in), including one thatās perfect for bottles (16.5 xĀ 40.5cm or 6 1/2 x 16in). At Homemade, the two largest sizes will be upstairs in the Christmas Market (Nov 16 to Dec 24) and the rest will be on my shelf.Ā
These will be available exclusively at Homemade Community Shoppe in Chilliwack and at the Good Stuff Market in Vancouver. If youād like some of these, though, and canāt make it to either of those locations, please feel free to get in touch. Iāll do my best to get you set up with the sizes you need.
Support Local Artisans and Small Businesses
As I was making the gift bags, I kept thinking of how great theyād work with some of the items at Homemade Community Shoppe. If you stop by to pick up some gift bags, have a look for things to put IN the gift bags too. All local artisans, all small businesses. You could absolutely get a lot of your holiday shopping done there.
And because Iāll be at Good Stuff in Vancouver, the same applies! Come out and find some great things to put in your Something Different Upcycled gift bags. Who knows? Maybe that will include some other Something Different Upcycled items. Even if it doesn’t, though, come out to support local, small businesses and artisans. I’m so thrilled to be a part of this market!
Got any questions or comments? Want to let me know what you think about the luxe zippered pouch idea? Leave a comment below or send me a message!