(un)lucky buys

 

Some unlucky purchases in 4 weeks were these two (!) pairs of very expensive boots. The first one looked very promising but after one week I already sensed that we were not a merry couple. I like them still but I decided to buy another pair of a brand I have good experiences with, so I bought a pair of black ones in the same size as my oldies, unfortunately it appears suddenly my feet have grown or sagged :(  I give the latter another chance, they are on the draw-bench at the cobbler's, but the brown ones have to leave the house. Is anyone interested? They are size 39,  dark brown Panama Jack.

On the other hand...
I made 3 lucky buys from the thrift store in 2 weeks time and they were extremely inexpensive (!)  : green leather boots for only €10 - I chopped the shaft off so they weigh much less and fit even better, plus a new grey woolen upholstered twoseater for €15 and two wonderful green cups and saucers....

... and again my inclination and idealism is confirmed that expensive shopping is just no fun...

feature

Flow nr1, 2013,  p83  click to read

My S'WARM stools are featured in this month's Dutch magazine FLOW. 

Out of enthusiasm and gratitude stool orders are shipped free of charge* within the Netherlands in January and February. I'm happy to inform you on different colours and patterns.

* free shipping for package up to 10 kg.

And another feature!
Our ++ Plustwee cushions are in an inspirational artbook which shows the great diversity of textiles "Textiel Leeft" by Ellen Bakker. The book is available in Dutch, German and English here and in my ECO pop-upstore in Groningen (only Dutch version). I still have to take a good picture of our page, will post that later.

smiling ... gleaming....
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nice mailbox

Today I received this wonderfully decorated cardboard box. I was super surprised by the old Dutch stamps! I think this side of the box will make it into a nice mixed media collage one day.

Teuntje liked the box and the content as well!
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Xmas 2012

 

It's hard to let go of the Christmas decorations and the corresponding feeling ....

Happy New Year everyone!
and Welcome 2013... that many great things may come !

SHOP

Some pictures of our ECOpop-upstore.

Hanneke is styling the shop window

a small podium for products in the middle of the shop

During one of our Sustainable Cafes; the Not Fair Fashion Quiz

 

Information board of all our designers and shop participants

GEMS

I just wanted to show you some impressions of the necklaces I created with the pendants I made the other day. Some necklaces are a combination of vintage buttons and my hand made ones. 

I love the colours, they are so much ME! I used olive, dark emerald, teal, fluor yellow, pale salmon etc.

The necklaces are for sale for €19 each, regardless of the number of buttons/pendants on it, in our ECO popupstore and via mail. If you want I'll show or send you more detailed pictures.

 

The length is easy adjustable by the small button in your neck.

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PENDANTS

A couple of weeks ago I made a small collection of handmade buttons. I intended to use them for necklaces, and I did... but to my annoyance the buttons were hanging up side down all the time.

So today I made some new ones with only one hole, I should call them pendants now.
I used polymer clay, and mixed colors to create my own style and palette.

After baking them half an hour in the oven at 110 degrees Celcius I splash the pendants into ice cold water so they become real hard. 

The next step is to assemble the pendants with a cord and maybe vintage buttons or nice beads. I'll show you the results later. 
And for the ones who live close, I will sell the necklaces in our ECO pop-upstore.

magazine spread

I was featured in Dutch magazine 101woonideeën, November edition. I'm proud of course.
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TWO SHOPS

Some times I have none, some times I have two! TWO SHOPS...... 

...one online here and the second temporarily popping up in Groningen in the Zwanestraat 37.

The ECO pop-upstore opens Thursday November 8 and will be open during 2 months (Nov+Dec), maybe a bit longer. The popupstore is more than a shop with handmade design, fair trade and locally produced products, it is also a platform on sustainability. On Thursday evenings we open the shop for the Sustainable Café; talks, discussions (and drinks) on topics like Fair Fashion, Good Food,  a Cleaner World, Eco Interior etc. Check our Facebook page later for the program.

model

Sometimes you are looking too hard, the solution is closer than you think. 
I finally found a model, she's my friend. We did our first photoshoot yesterday, just us two.
Isn't she great?