Springs n' Things has moved to The Mad Recycler

With my love for Alice in Wonderland and my growing love to recycle anything, I figured it was time for a change, so I have become The Mad Recycler, check out my new blog at themadrecycler.blogspot.com.

♥ Red Gingham and Red Rose - Recycled Cuff 2

I love red gingham, so of course for my next bracelet, I used some scrap red gingham ribbon I had left to cover the cuff.  A recycled soda can rose I had painted red.  I then added some pieces from broken vintage jewelry, flower rhinestones as well as light blue pearls.  I totally love this one and not sure I can part with it! Enjoy!

My Small Business 102: STRATEGIES AND INSPIRATION FOR THE CREATIVELY INCLINED

For all my crafting friends trying to make it in the business world, check out Clarkson University's Center for Entrepreneurship.  I am currently attending the My Small Business 102, which is for the creative artist and crafter.  It is being taught by a very successful north country creator, Sandy Maine, owner of Sunfeather Soap.  Last nights class was about setting goals for yourself, as well as tips and tricks to help the creative person.  I enjoyed this class and will definitely be suggesting it to others.

image from clarkson.edu/entrepreneur

With this I would also like to announce that Springs n' Things will be going through a change in the next week or so since I feel my recycling has gone way past just springs!  

I didn't get home until around 8:30 last night and wanted a snack.  The BF had made a grilled peanut butter and fluff sandwich for lunch that day and suggested I try it.  It is the same as making a grilled cheese just with peanut butter and fluff and it was delicious!  Definately not healthy, but great comfort food (at least I used wheat bread).  

I've moved onto jewelry! Recycled Cuff Bracelet

After taking a couple days of much need break, I found some time to do some creating last night and came up with this chunky recycled bracelet.  The center swirly flower was made from a used brass bullet casing that I cut apart and twisted.  I then adorned with pieces taken from vintage jewelry as well as some vintage buttons.  The cuff itself was made using an aluminum bracelet cuff and vintage ribbon.  It looks so much better on and is a great statement piece.  So excited that my recycling has moved into wearable pieces!  I would definitely love some feedback on this piece.   And hopefully will have a bunch of unique jewelry at my next show!  Enjoy!

Nothing says summer like Fireflies - Bedspring Firefly Wreath

“So you treat your love like a firefly, like it only gets to shine for a little while. Catch it in a mason jar, with holes in the top, and run like hell to show it off.” ~ Miranda Lambert

I love fireflies!  The firefly wreath was created by running a battery operated 10 light strand of lights through the springs and attaching little firefly soda can cut outs to each light  I also added some grass to each spring to give it a natural feel.  It is really hard to photograph with the lights on so this one will not be in my shop unless requested, but will definately be at the craft show at the Canton Day Care Center from 9 am - 3 pm.  Stop by and check it out!  I am also working on a firefly jar!

For the Nerd or the Crazy Cat Lady - the book clutch ♥

My latest recycled creation.  I have been buying old books to make flowers out of and was trying to think of something to do with the covers and I came up with a book clutch.  Some of the covers are so beautiful, and have such rich colors that they needed to be used.  I linked it with some heavy blue seersucker fabric, that I had leftover from a previous project. I try to only buy books that no one will probably read, this one was title "The Science and the Mystery of the Cat".  So all you nerds and crazy cat ladies ENJOY!

Don't forget craft show in Canton this Saturday at the Canton Day Care Center 9 am - 3pm.

Etsy Shop: PheonixThread

I think for all of us who do not have kids out there dressing up our dogs is a good replacement.   Poor little Bubba has endured the t-shirt yarn sweater as well as other things I have created for him to wear (like his Christmas Bow Tie).  Etsy Shop PheonixThread has this down to an art.  She creates dog clothes out of upcycled garments, which makes her another one of the great recyclers out there.  I fell in love with the I Love NY dog tee, but its white so Bubba would have it a mess in less than 10 minutes, but I did request a black one if she ever comes across a black I love NY tee to upcycle.

Upcycled I Love NY Dog Tee - $19.99

I will definitely be keeping my eye on this shop and I suggest all you pet lovers do the same!

I had a great time at the Holiday Shopping Kick Off Fair!

Of course as normal, I forgot to bring my camera and take pictures of my booth, with the new magnetic setup.  I received lots of great feedback and have tons of new ideas.  I also go to try the new scentsy scent of the month, Jumpin' Jelly Bean and absolutely loved it.  I had some great cupcakes from Simply Cupcakes by Allie, so any of my readers who are getting married or having a party, definitely check out her stuff! The cupcakes are to die for.  I brought home a 20 pack of mini filled cupcakes for the BF and had to force myself not to eat them all when I got home.  I also bought adorable bows from Boogies Bowtique!   The next Holiday Shopping Kick Off Fair will be April 15th at the Winthrop American Legion from 4 - 9 PM!

Happy Friday! Sign up for Etsy Newsletters!

I receive daily emails from Etsy which are mostly themed in some way, but I totally love them and suggest them for others.  It is something I look forward to everyday b/c the items are so unique.  Visit the Etsy Newsletter site to sign up for several different options, such as Etsy Finds, Etsy Weddings and Etsy Dudes!

I absolutely fell in love with this weeks Etsy Weddings e-mail titled "Miss Peony", Check it out! - And yes I apologize to the BF again for looking at wedding stuff :)

One of my favorite items is from a jewelry/accessory maker, sayagdis, out of the Netherlands.  Almost all of the peices are used creating vintage jewelry.  Recycled at its finest and I would love to own any of the pieces they make!  And for all of my friends getting married, great unique wedding pieces!

Romantic flower bouquet vintage collage bridal haircomb - $85.00

Don't forget the Holiday Shopping Kick Off Fair this Saturday, March 12 at the Massena American Legion from 3 - 8 pm.  Become a fan on Facebook, to see when we will be visiting a town near you!

Thanks Everyone!

Just wanted the thank all of my supporters!  Springs n' Things Etsy Shop has really taken off this week, I've sold 2 bedspring wreaths and 1 bedspring pumpkin.  Now hopefully I can keep up with all of this and the 2 upcoming craft shows!

I hate Microsoft!

This is a little off topic but I needed to rant!  Probably some of you don't know that by day I am a Web Designer and where I work we are currently going through a large web redesign project, which involves migrating over a 10,000+ page website to a new design.  Needless to say we are beyond busy.  Today I was having trouble with Mozilla Firefox not showing certain elements I needed so I upgraded it and had to restart.  My computer was unusable for the next hour while it installed Windows 7 Service Pack 1.  I am sorry, but on restart you should be warned that your computer will be down for the next hour or that it has a large amount of updates.  Otherwise I love Windows 7 it is 100 times better than Vista.  But come on a little warning never hurt....

Don't forget Holiday Shopping Kick Off Fair this Saturday, March 12th from 3 - 8pm at the Massena American Legion :)

What a week! Countdown to Holiday Shopping Kick Off Fair - 2 days to go!

It has been a crazy week for me and unfortunately I have been neglecting my blog, but I have still been really busy creating!  My exciting news is I have created a new design for my wreaths.  Instead of wiring on all the decorations, I am now attaching small magnets to the back of each decoration to they can be easily changed!  I do not have this in my etsy shop yet, but it will be at the Holiday Shopping Kick Off Fair, this Saturday, March 12th at the American Legion in Massena from 3pm - 8pm.  So stop by and check it out!  I love this idea, and wanted to kick myself for not thinking of it sooner!  The best part is it follows my recyclable/sustainable belief.

Wreath with Magnetic Recycled Daisies!

A simple change, since it uses magnets and a sampling of other new creations!

Happy Friday! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi - A Great Upcycled Treasury

Took a break yesterday from blogging because I have a really great project to share next week that has really changed the direction of my bedspring wreaths.  Earlier this week I created a wonderful treasury on Etsy to featured other great shops that create using upcycled/recycled/repurposed materials.

The treasury list is titled: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

60" Flower Garden Rug Made from Recycled T-Shrits in a fellow NYers shop: greenatheart

Silhouette SD Giveaway on Sugar Pop Ribbons

I am extremely excited about this and would totally love one of these machines, if you do not know what it is or want more info visit Sugar Pop Ribbon's Blog to read her review.  So far it is the most versatile machine I have found, it cuts fabric, paper, heat transfer material, and vinyl.  I really hope it can cut through aluminum cans as well b/c I could create such wonderful decorations for my bedspring wreaths.  So cross your fingers for me everyone and lets hope I win it!

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You" - Happy Birthday Dr. Suess! - Vintage Paper Rose Tutorial

I have received some requests as to how I made my vintage sheet music paper roses, as seen on my music note bedspring wreath:

 Here is the tutorial, it is very similar to my Recycled Soda Can Rose tutorial, but with some mod podge fun!

What you need:

1.  Soda Cans that have had the bottoms and tops cut off - see recycled rose can tutorial if you need more help

2.  scrap paper (can be just about anything I've used newspaper, stuff from magazines, comics, old books, etc)

3.  Mod Podge (you may want to put paper or a mat down on your work surface)

4.  Paper Punch (I use a seal punch you could use a petal)

5.  Paint Brush

6.  Scissors
7.  Wire

8. A Tack (and something same to press it into)

9. A large nail or a skewer to use to roll the petals.

Step 1.  Cut out from the soda can using the paper punch at least 2 shapes for each rose. 

Step 2: For each soda can piece, you will need two cut outs of the paper of your choice, I chose old sheet music.  

Step 3:  Using an old paint brush, put mod podge kind of heavy on one side of the soda can cut out and line up the paper piece cut out over it and smooth it down and let it dry.  

Step 4:  If you didn't use a petal punch, you will have to cut your cutout into even "petals" and then using the tack poke two holes in the center to thread the wire through. 

Step 5:  Thread wire through the two holes on one cut-out and then on another.  Then using the nail or skewer , create your petals, by rolling each petal around the skewer or nail and shape it until you like it!

"Ruffles can make anyone a Lady" - I LOVE RUFFLES ♥

Yesterday I was in the checkout line at the Big M in Potsdam and there was the March 2011 issue of Brides Magazine.  Of course they had to feature a ruffled wedding dress on the cover and since I love ruffles I am dedicating this post to my favorite ruffled wedding dresses.  I just want to apologize to the BF in advance, if he does happen to read this post.

The above dress on the cover is this dress by Wtoo Brides and surprisingly the price wasn't outrageous according to brides.com $1000-$1500.

Style No. 16819 Liane

Now for some others I love!  A mix of new and old designs, but I would probably make my dress anyways b/c it would have so much more meaning to me.

Melissa Sweet - Billie ($$$$$$$, but I still love it)

Melissa Sweet - Katya

WINNIE COUTURE BRIDAL

Style No. 8354

And that was only just a brief selection!  I think it would be amazing what I could do with ruffles if I made my own dress :)

New Items added to my Shop!

I've added these great creations to my Etsy Shop!  Check them out!

Bedspring Bud Vase

Bedspring Star Tealight Holder

Music Note Wreath

Music Note Wreath

Yummy Health Breakfast - Crepes with Strawberries, Bananas and Nutella

This weekend I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to, but there is always next weekend!  I did get to go snowmobiling which may be the last time this year since it is raining today, which I'm not sure if I am happy or sad about the rain.  Anyways, sunday morning I had the BF's mom and grandma over for breakfast since he was working and decided to make crepes.  Crepes are actually very easy to make and can be a healthy alternative to pancakes. Check out the recipe below from Prevention.

 

PREP TIME: 25 MINUTES + 1 HOUR RESTING /COOK TIME: 35 MINUTES / MAKES 4 SERVINGS

The key to successful crêpes is a pan that allows the crêpes to release easily without sticking.
Crêpes can be made ahead of time, separated with foil, parchment, or waxed paper, then
wrapped and refrigerated until ready to use.

CRÊPES

1/2 c all-purpose flour  (I used King Arthur Whole Wheat White Flour)
1 Tbsp sugar (I used Splenda)
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 c fat-free milk

FILLING

2 c strawberries, sliced
1 banana, sliced
2 tsp sugar (I used Splenda)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 Tbsp chocolate hazelnut spread, such as Nutella, warmed  (I used less, only lightly coated each crepe)

 1. TO MAKE THE CRÊPES: Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a separate bowl. Whisk the egg mixture into the flour mixture until well combined. Cover and let rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight. (I didn't let mine rest and they came out fine)

2. PREHEAT the oven to 275°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

3. COAT a nonstick crêpe pan or 8" skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.Pour 3 tablespoons of crêpe batter into the pan, tipping to coat the bottom evenly.Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Repeat 7 more times with the remaining batter. Stack the crêpes as you work and cover to keep warm.

4. TO MAKE THE FILLING: Combine the strawberries,banana, sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl.

5. ARRANGE the crêpes on a work surface. Spread each with 1 1/2 teaspoons chocolate-hazelnut spread in a straight line across the center. Top the spread with 6 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture, then roll up jellyroll style. Transfer the crêpes to the baking sheet, seamside up. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, until the filling is warm.

Nutritional Info Per Serving: (1 serving = 2 filled crêpes)
280 cal, 9 g fat, 2.5 g sat fat, 135 mg sodium, 44 g carb, 3 g fiber, 9 g pro, 10% calcium

In my version by using Splenda, I came out to about 220 calories and I had a small glass of juice, so my breakfast totaled about 300 calories and for Sunday breakfast that is not bad at all, and boy were they tasty!

Words for the Weekend

Print available to purchase in Irenesuchocki's Etsy Shop

"Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them" - Anonymous

Happy Friday! Recycled Jar w/ Chalkboard Label and Upcoming Events!

TGIF!  This is the first weekend in a long time I haven't had something to do!  Unfortunately the BF has to work all weekend so I will be on my own.  I think I might try to re-organize my spare bedroom/shop b/c honestly there is no way anyone could possibly sleep in this room right now :).  I have already warned my little sister if she is coming to stay she needs to give me a weeks notice.   I totally destroy it every time I have a show to do, so I think its time for some organizing and hopefully a little creating as well.

What I have to share today is actually what I used to display my fabric/soda can/sheet music roses last weekend at the FFA Craft Sale.  I have been saving jars from food for awhile now and finally came up with a use for them that is rather easy, but cute.  Using the same idea as my upcycled mail holder I taped off a square section on to each jar, painted it with a layer of white paint and then several layers of chalkboard paint.  I then let it sit overnight and voila cute reusable jars.  

Upcoming Shows

I just recently joined the Holiday Shopping Kick-off Fair which is a travelling fair that visits a different town each month and includes some of your favorite vendors, such as Avon, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Gold Canyon Candles and so many other great local vendors.   The next fair is Saturday, March 12th from 3 pm - 8 pm at the Massena American Legion.  Become a fan on Facebook to know when we will be in your town!

I also signed up for another craft sale to benefit the Canton Day Care Center.  This should be a rather large one b/c they have 4000 square feet for vendors to set up.   This show is Saturday, March 19th from 9 am - 3 pm at the Canton Day Care Center at 205 State Street Road in Canton.  There will also be several raffles to win items so check it out!

Recycled Newspaper Origami Seed Starter Pot

As you may have noticed by yesterday's post I have a lot of planting to do!  Year's in the past I have just used the jiffy seed starting trays and while they do work well, I just don't like to buy them and I wish they were a little larger to let the roots get larger.  This year I started looking for a DIY version and stumbled upon etsy seller lovebybean's version and remembered a tutorial on Netflix Origami for a box.  If you have never been to Netflix Origami its a neat site to make things out of a Netflix wrapper, and it is actually where I first started to learn origami.  I took yesterday's newspaper out of the recycle bin at work and brought it home to make some seed starter pots of my own.

So you will need:

1. Newspaper
2. Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Marshmallows :) (Optional)

So working at my normal station of the coffee table trunk in the living room, I started by taking one page of the newspaper.

Fold the short site to the top to create a triange and then cut off the excess, leaving a square of newspaper. 

Follow the instructions on Netflix Origami for just the box, not the lid too (unless you want lids).  

The end result:  

Too bad I still have way too many to fold!  Once the seedlings are ready to be planted outside, just put the whole newspaper box in the ground and it will break down and leave nutrients in the soil for your flowers!  

Enjoy!

"Earth laughs in flower." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson - When to start your flowers inside!

Along with all the other things I enjoy doing, I love to garden as well, both flowers and vegetables.  Last year I started about half of my plants, including zinnias, snapdragons and roma tomatoes.  All of it turned out great and I felt so accomplished.  I also canned at least 35 quarts of homemade spaghetti sauce from my tomatoes which we are still enjoying now!  I grew several large pumpkins as well.  

large and small zinnias, lilies and glads

This year my hope is to start all my own flowers as well as again start all my tomato plants.  For flowers,  I plan to start pansy, begonia, snapdragon, dahlia, black-eyed susan, zinnia, cosmos, sunflowers and morning glories.  This may seem rather ambitious but I think I can do it.  Years in the past I haven't done any research on when to start plants but this year I changed that and now I have a plan in order.  According to the almanac, the last frost date for Northern NY can fall between May 1st - May 31st, so I set my tentative planting day as May 22nd and then did some research about how many weeks plants should be started before they are put in the ground and came up with the below planting schedule.  

Plant	Weeks	Start Date
Pansy	12-14	2/26
Begonia	12-14	2/26
Snapdragon	8-10	3/13
Dahlia	8-10	3/13
Black Eyed Susan	8-10	3/13
Snapdragon	8-10	3/13
Tomato	8-10	3/13
Zinnia	4-6	4/10
Cosmo	4-6	4/10
Morning Glory	4-6	4/10
Sunflower	3-4	4/24

Check back tomorrow for a recycled seed starter pot!

Weekend Recap - FFA Craft Show

Sorry I decided to take yesterday off from blogging, but today I wanted to share how the FFA craft show went this weekend.  Unfortunately, the lovely weather in Northern New York decided not to cooperate and it was cold, windy and snowy so not many people ventured out which I really can't blame them, it was a good day to stay inside!  I did however sell a couple hand-painted butterflies as well as a wreath and spread the word about what I do.