Meet Etsy shop Recycled Red

Where are you from and tell us a little about yourself?
I live in Portland but I grew up in Chicago. I’ve been married to Prince Charming for 2 years! We are currently studying Arabic. I consider my part time job to be what I do when I’m not creating, not the other way around.


Why did you start your Etsy shop?
I decided I wanted to go to school for interior design, but didn’t want student loans, so I opened an etsy shop to make money for school.

How did you come up with your Etsy shop name?

This is kind of a funny story…I wanted to name my shop after my blog, serendipity daily, but I opened an etsy account not wanting to sell at first. I named my account after my email, vivavividred (because of my hair!). When I couldn’t change it, I decided to call it recycled red because I use recycled materials, and it went along with the url. It’s grown on me and I really like it!

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
This is hard, but my current favorite is the teal Signature Bloom brooch. I love the color, the dramatic size, and the fact that I came up with my own technique to make something so beautiful!

Do any of your pieces have a memorable story behind them?
All of the peacock feathers I use are leftovers from my wedding decorations. I have some white ones I’ll be using soon!

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
That it’s awesome to be feminine, and old clothes don’t have to be thrown away.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I’ve always been a creator, dabbling in different mediums but never fully satisfied with the outcome. A while ago I played around with some leftover ribbon and an old blouse and discovered I had a knack for making flowers. Soon I had a whole garden on my vanity!

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Probably in mixed-media collages. I’m not a great painter, but I would love to express a story on a canvas. With a collage you can use a variety of materials and textures to express yourself in a variety of ways.

Why should people buy handmade?
There are so many reasons! Most people don’t want to look like everyone else, so buying a OOAK (One Of A Kind) handmade accessory adds a special touch of your uniqueness. Buying something handmade from recycled materials is a conscientious decision, and guilt-free!


Any advice on selling things handmade?

It sounds cliché, but follow your heart! Make what you are passionate about. If you think it’s beautiful, chances are others will too. But don’t just sit and churn out a large volume of product with no soul, take your time crafting quality products that have a little piece of you in them. You have to love what you’re making, and make it with love.

Do you have plans for expansion?
I’ve been making mobiles and clutch purses. I have a few plans for other home accessories which I’m excited about unveiling!

Any other sites you can be found on?
My blog: http://serendipitydaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/recycledred 

**Please take a moment to visit Recycled red If you comeback here and leave a comment with your favorite item you can have a total of five extra entries to leave on any or a combination of my current giveaways.  You MUST leave the comments for the extra entries on the giveaways you would like to be entered into.  This offer ends on 11/29 at midnight.