Betsy & Iya Jewelery 100% handmade

"Betsy Cross, a Portland-based jewelry designer working under the label Betsy & Iya, creates shamelessly sentimental necklaces and earrings, kept boldly of-the-moment with techniques like upcycling curtain rings and repurposing vintage materials. Boutique shops nationwide carry the line (named after herself and her older sister-slash-muse), yet she continues to handmake each item—from small details such as her signature earring hooks, hand-formed from sterling silver, to her custom-cast dog tags."

Large, quirky charms and swooping chains characterize much of Cross' designs for a striking yet indubitably feminine effect, while items like the Morse Code Necklace (above right, also customizable) work for a more gender-neutral look.

http://www.etsy.com/people/betsyandiya

WWF Save paper

Interesting WWF advertisement that uses a see through in the shape of South America on a paper vendor. This advertisement campaign would surely decrease the usage of dry hand papers in the toilet.

Raising Awareness

“It is very difficult for a consumer who wants to do the right thing by the planet but part of the trouble is labeling and for the consumer being certain they are buying an eco friendly product would be helpful. There should be a global certificate for genuinely eco-friendly products.”

- a quote I found on a sustainable fashion website that raises a really valid point about sustainable awareness. We should be informing consumers about what they are buying. Where has this product come from and where was it made. If it is made from 100% materials or locally produced then this should be something that is celebrated on the garment or product. The consumer is then rewarded in an emotional sense for buying a product that is less impacting on the environment.

Personalisation

'One off' camera designs. An example of how we can personalise our collections to enhance their story and express an identity that ultimately reflects that of our own. Just as we dress ourselves to express a certain image, we have applied a similar approach to our collections.

The name and lego decoration suggests a sense of nostalgia to our childhood. This camera tells a much stronger narrative to a plain black version. We are constantly trying to define who we are and this is being mirrored in our collections and environment.

an.thro.po.mor.phism

"Does technology need personality?"

Really interesting concept. Branching off personalisation and identity I came across this article that explore the topic of anthropomorphism. How can we form emotion and attachments to objects that have no human emotions? Watch this video! I had to turn it off I felt so sorry for it. The article is attached below.

http://johnnyholland.org/2009/12/09/does-technology-need-personality/

Peppermint Magazine

Another magazine concerned with sustainable issues and value of items. They are responding to this through embracing DIY and other crafting approaches.

{the world of DIY}

Peppermint is a green-living, fashion and lifestyle magazine all rolled into one. Produced in Brisbane, Australia the publication is all about style with substance, starting with the 100% recycled paper and soy inks used in the printing process. The magazine features fashion, culture, art and design - and much more, all of which will either be organic, vintage, locally produced, recycled, fair trade, responsibly-made or sustainable. Peppermint will be cutting-edge and old-fashioned, high-end and handcrafted. It’s the magazine to seek out the best in green style.

Restoring the LOVE

Returning to DIY

A more focused topic. Restoring the old ways - why don't we make anything ourselves anymore? How society has changed so much that they expect everything to be done for them.

- taps into awareness and knowledge. we have stopped passing our knowledge of craft and ingenuity, so that skill is slowly starting to burn out. Accessibility to clothes is a lot easier and cheaper so we are losing the value of objects. Defining what are our 'needs' and 'wants.' Bringing back nostalgia - restoring value and dignity.

The fact that we don't know where the materials came from, or how our clothes were made makes us naive and minimises the value that we have for them. If you are altering/fixing/making your clothes yourself you are reflecting your identity and style. Standing out, not accepting yourself as a sheep is a good thing, being unique is something to embrace.

Why do we buy second hand? the stories that lie behind it. An item that was made by someone you know or by yourself has a rich history. When we get this item we are prolonging it's life and adding to the narrative.

"World Sweet World Magazine gave you a creative hit every few months to inspire you to get making. It consisted of beautifully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for making cool stuff, followed by feature articles about people, places, and sustainable living."

-World Sweet World magazine dedicated to craft and sustainable pracitces.