Happy 2025, folks. I hope that this year is a bit less chaotic and, well, horrifying than last year. This isn’t going to be terribly long post; I just want to tell you about changes for 2025 at Something Different Upcycled.
First, if you’ve been following along on Instagram, you already know that…
my time at Homemade Community Shoppe in Chilliwack came to an end with the end of 2024.
It was a valuable experience, and I’ve learned a lot of things over the past few months. People who make things as a source of their income need spaces that can support them and help the things that they make to find good homes. Keep shopping handmade, small, and local, friends. Stop into that little shop near your place or on your way to work. If it isn’t for you, that’s ok, but you can still support the little shop by telling people who you think would like it all about it. This is also true of things that you see online. Sharing is a great way to support makers. And word of mouth goes a long way.
Shopping small and shopping local is a tremendously important way to keep communities strong. It’s probably the only way to make sure that creativity and individuality are supported in the face of giant corporations who drain resources from communities and environments by overwhelmingly focusing on profit at all costs.
Second, over the next few months…
I’ll be transitioning the online sales setup for Something Different Upcycled to an on-site system.
What does this mean for you as a person who might want to buy something? Well, the best thing about this is that you’ll be able to see more detailed photos of each item. You’ll be better able to see texture, colour, and the overall gorgeousness of the fabrics I use. It also means that you’ll be able to find me more easily since you won’t have to wade through thousands and thousands of other (re)sellers, like you had to do on that other platform I’ve been using (*ahem* Etsy *ahem*).
I’m working on this by myself so it’s a slow process. I’ll let you know here and on Instagram what’s happening, possible website down times, etc. The Etsy shop will remain open for the time being, possibly with updates, but again, watch for announcements.
Something important to note here: this will be the last blog post until at least the beginning of February. The goal is to allow me to focus on the web shop set up and some other behind-the-scenes computer-y stuff that I need to teach myself how to do as I go. Do other people know more about this than me? Certainly. Without a doubt. But I’m stubborn and like to learn new things so DIY it is!
Third, and this is kind of related to the second point…
I’m expanding the online presence of Something Different Upcycled.
Actually, I need your help with this: help me to decide which platform I should be on next. I’m leaning toward Pinterest but I’m also open to other suggestions. Please tell me where you wish you could find Something Different. This expansion will also help you to find me more easily (at least that’s the goal), so I think something that emphasizes visuals is best.
Finally,
the some of the core line-up of items is changing, as is the way that they’re released.
I’ll be working on more complex, one-of-a-kind pieces, which will be made available for sale periodically as a collection of related items. This does NOT mean that you can expect a Valentine’s Day (or other made-up commercial event) collection. You CAN reasonably expect things related to seasons, the natural world, or a particularly epic piece of fabric that I’ve managed to get my hands on. I’ll continue to make many the eco-friendly low-waste swaps that I’ve always made, like napkins, multipurpose cloths, bread bags, bulk/produce bags.
You’ll get plenty of notice of releases on Instagram and the new platform(s), but with none of that panic-inducing limited-time FOMO business. After all, we all know how it goes with one-person creative activities, right? When I say that something is available in limited quantities and when they’re gone, that’s it, that is simply a statement of fact. I’m not trying to convince you of scarcity to provoke you into buying. I work exclusively with materials that are available only in limited quantities. In many cases, I couldn’t make more, even if I wanted to.
But the reality is that I work with resources that are, in fact, in abundance: unloved, unwanted, and secondhand fabrics are EVERYWHERE. I’ll keep making things, they just won’t be the same things time after time. If you miss a release and want to work with me on a similar custom item, we can certainly discuss the possibilities. Or you could wait until the next release.
Three questions and some answers
First, am I going to be at any markets in 2025? The short answer is that I’m not sure yet. If you know of a markets, fairs, or events that you think Something Different Upcycled would be a great fit at, please let me know. I’m looking specifically for markets that emphasize environment, sustainability, and/or low-waste living. If I DO end up being a vendor at a market, fair, or event, I’ll let you know here and on Instagram.
Second, am I going to be having a sale to clear out old stock? Possibly, but no firm plans at the moment. That said, if you do see something that you love on the Instagram feed that isn’t also listed in the Etsy shop, get in touch! We can work something out to get your item to you.
Third, will I be opening up custom orders again? Yep, but not for a little while yet. I’ll announce it when I do, so check back here on the website and follow me on Instagram to know when.
Those are the big changes for 2025. Got any questions? Drop ‘em in the comments below or send me a message. And please do let me know which online platforms need Something Different. Thanks in advance for that, and for reading. 🙂