Featured Member: Soulfulhues

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564157983828087639.post-58525958531551754042008-07-23T10:27:00.000-07:002008-07-23T12:26:19.393-07:00Featured Member: Soulfulhues<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_DfyOO-BfwjE/SIdsbFGyzxI/AAAAAAAAAEI/0uD7FKbKrA0/s1600-h/DSCF8065.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226265105069690642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_DfyOO-BfwjE/SIdsbFGyzxI/AAAAAAAAAEI/0uD7FKbKrA0/s400/DSCF8065.jpg" border="0" /></a> How did you get started in your chosen craft? I mostly sell vintage items these days. I occasionally recycle and respin cotton yarn. I'm going to focus on the vintage in this interview. When I was about 17 or 18 years old, I discovered thrift stores. It was simply economically wise at a time when I had little money. I soon fell in love with all things "old". I was hopelessly addicted from then on. I started wearing vintage clothing, collecting vintage ashtrays, house wares and furniture to furnish my home with. When I was 20, I fell in love with a store named "Heartbreaker" in Minneapolis. They were an upscale thrift store. Everything was clean, albeit still old and musty smelling (I love that smell by the way), it was all displayed nicely and their prices were a tad higher then the average thrift store, while still remaining reasonable to the average consumer. I swore to myself that one day I would own a store like that. I'm halfway there now. How do you make your craft or etsy store eco friendly? I think reusing items that have already been manufactured is simply the best way to be eco friendly, why buy new house wears when there's perfectly functional, and good looking house wears all around you that are often times cheaper. Don't we all win by doing it that way? I also use recycled packaging. Always. Sometimes it's a bit tedious because I have to actually make a box, but, in the end, it's worth it. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226265105921001778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_DfyOO-BfwjE/SIdsbIRwyTI/AAAAAAAAAEA/ZfqjUlP7uuA/s400/DSCF8055.jpg" border="0" /> Why did you join the EcoEtsy Team? I was looking for like-minded folks to hang out with within etsy. I hit the nail on the head there. Which piece in your shop is your current favourite? It's got to be my Vintage Tupperware Picnic Box: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226265108097298210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_DfyOO-BfwjE/SIdsbQYobyI/AAAAAAAAAEY/TXwmL4qLF0c/s400/DSCF8084.jpg" border="0" /> Or my nesting boxes: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226265482587305362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_DfyOO-BfwjE/SIdsxDeAdZI/AAAAAAAAAEg/2ntY9tnqKZg/s400/DSCF8035.jpg" border="0" /> What steps have you taken to lead a green life style? In our 2 bedroom home, which includes mama, papa, three daughters, two cats and a dog, we've eliminated all paper products except toilet paper, we've replaced it all with cloth, we recycle, grow veggies, compost, we use no gas/electricity to maintain our lawn, we buy used aside from groceries/toiletries 98% of the time, we use non toxic cleaners, and the list really could go on. If this world falls apart, it will not be my fault, that's for sure :) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226265112231192114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_DfyOO-BfwjE/SIdsbfyOpjI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/gyVQKRIMZF8/s400/DSCF8077.jpg" border="0" /> What is the most eco-friendly purchase you have made? <div align="left">For now, I have to say my reel mower. It was new, but from a local mom and pop shop and it saves SO MUCH GAS. That, and my rain barrel. </div><div align="center"><hr /></div><div align="center"> soulfulhues' Eco Tip: Simplicity is Key</div>One of my favorite sites out there for easy tips on how to reduce our carbon foot print is Global Stewards. They advise simplicity. Live simply, buy less things and own less things. The more you go through and simplify your life/belongings the more aware you will naturally become when you’re out shopping. You will start buying less without much thought. While you’re simplifying your things, please send as you can to the landfill by donating it. You’ll be amazed at the stuff people will start hauling away when you slap it on your curb with a “free” sign. You can find more of me at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5165141">my etsy shop</a> or at <a href="http://soulfulhuesknits.blogspot.com/">my blog</a>. Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07809906621253362273noreply@blogger.com