Eco Etsy Fall Gift Guide

eco etsy: fall gift guide

As if there’s not already enough to love about fall, my favorite Etsy group, Eco Etsy, put together the most adorable Fall Gift Guide to go along with all your favorites for the season!

Featuring genuinely handmade creations by earth conscious artisans, the collection includes one of my favorite minimalist Pierogi Picnic designs, the “Point Out the Way” tunic. Click on the image above to learn more about each item, as well as the creators behind them.

Designs: The Dodger

the dodger: eco-friendly cowl

Oh boy – do I like a man in dapper duds! Maybe it’s the Dr. Who fan in me – but bow ties, hats, scarves – you name it and I’m there!

Finally acknowledging this lust for gentlemanly accessories I’ve decided to focus this season’s menswear on fun little additives. My hope is to help guys be a bit more posh than the dude next door.

First up in the new collection is what I simply call,  “The Dodger“. Inspired by the “No Sweat” men’s sweatshirt that has become one of my all-time best-sellers, “The Dodger” works off a similar design premise: chic, comfortable, and tangle-free. With a fun color-blocked design and subtle military-inspired details, these new cowls are sure to be a hit with no-nonsense guys who want to add a pop to their cold weather wardrobes.

Here’s to decking out the boys in lots of fun accessories this season!

Greening Martha: Eco-Chic Mother’s Day Gift Wrap

Greening Martha: DIY Eco-Chic Printed Paper

No matter what you’ll be gifting to your mum this Mother’s Day, there’s one thing that’s certain: you’ll need gift wrap. Whether it’s a unique one-of-a-kind creation or a store bought token of affection, we’ll all be scurrying to package up our presents before handing them off to our moms. So rather than purchase yet another roll of paper from the store – why not make your very own!

That’s exactly what Martha Stewart’s team did in a recent tutorial they featured on her website. But as is true to the name of our series, Greening Martha, we wanted to take this fun how-to one eco step further. The easiest way to do that was give the supplies a sustainable spin.

Rather than purchase virgin paper for the shabby chic printing, we reached for some recently read newspaper. Not only is it a more earth-friendly way to DIY, it’s also a great way to save a few bucks! Beyond the papery base, there was also the question of buying stencils for the project. Rather than purchase an item for the one time craft, we decided to get creative by digging through the fridge to find some just-past-fresh produce to use for stamping. We grabbed a shady looking celery stalk and decided to give that a go for the print-making. And boy were we pleasantly surprised! The simple geometric shape of the stalk, combined with a vivid set of hues, made for the sweetest set of wrapping papers that we’ll use to get our presents ready for mom.

And you can give it a try too! Below are our step-by-step pictorial instructions on how to make a simple and eco-chic set of wrapping papers using everyday items. Give it a whirl and be sure to experiment with different shapes, sizes and colors to add even more personal touch to your presents.

Pierogi Picnic Greening Martha: Eco-Chic Printed Paper for gift wrapping

My Christmas Wishlist

When shopping this holiday season there’s nothing better than scooping up items that are handmade, vintage or sustainable. Not only does it mean you’re supporting a smaller business, you’re also promoting a greener economy.

With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites off Etsy. Here’s my own whimsical wishlist:

Etsy Treasury: christmas wishlist

What’s on your holiday wishlist? Are you dreaming of something vintage or handmade? Share links to your favorites in the comments.

Designs: Sir Cycle in Stock!

Sir Cycle: Eco Upcycled Men's Cowl Hoodie by Pierogi Picnic

Sir Cycle, definitely my most popular design of the season, is now in stock and ready to ship!

I have several of these super warm and chic men’s hoodies remaining from last weekend’s Renegade Craft Fair. Those of you who are doing your holiday shopping can now skip the wait for a custom order and buy one that has already been created!

Check out my Etsy shop here to scoop one up before they’re gone!

DIY: Cozy Sweater Bracelets

I’m always looking for quick easy ways to update my wardrobe. Whether it’s with layering, belting or accessorizing – there are so many methods for updating an outfit for a whole new look.

By far my favorite tactic is giving ‘fashion facelifts’ to already owned objects. Recently I updated a set of bracelets into cozy looking winter bangles using sweater scraps from a recent sewing project. Super easy to make and ultra cute – these fun seasonal accessories are a breeze to create. Try making one for yourself, or as a holiday gift, using this four step tutorial: Continue reading

Item of the Week: Sweet Stitch

My obsession with sweatshirts continues with this new and uber-comfortable pullover design!

Handmade from pre-loved men’s tops, my new “Sweet Stitch” ladies fit sweaters have the cozy goodness of fleece with a cute cut that flatters and smooths. Including a subtle hi-low bottom hem, 3/4 length sleeves and a loose fit, these sweatshirts are trendy while retaining a classic winter chic.

Embellished with a hand-cut, hand-stenciled design that boasts fun geometric shapes, each top is also embroidered with a contrasting stitch, giving them a detailed charm. Great for wearing with jeans or dressing up with a tunic, leggings and boots, these sweatshirts make a great gift for any green gal this holiday season!