04/8/13

Etsy BikeCraft Spring roundup

by Jessie Kwak

Christmas is like the Scotch broom of holidays—it looks pretty in the spot you planted it, but pretty soon it’s spreading like an invasive species, threatening to choke out all the holidays around it. Before you know it, there’s even Christmas in July.

Black Friday is even more insidious, like Japanese knotwood. You know how they were referring to Black Thursday this year? Remember when we used to call it Thanksgiving? Apparently chains are now starting to have Black Friday sales at different points throughout the year. Ick.

April 20th is Earth Day, and I’ve always thought it deserved a bit of creep of its own. All of April could be Earth Month!

In that spirit, I want to highlight some of my fellow Etsy BikeCraft team members who are using their craft to the benefit of our planet. These folks have taken previously loved bits of bikes and transformed them into gorgeous works of art.

Check ‘em out! (And click on any image to go to the listing.)

First off, these earrings by Rose Pedals Jewelry are just lovely! They’re made of inner tubes and brake cables, but you’d never know it if Megan didn’t tell you that.

I had a chance to meet the folks behind Fillettante at BikeCraft in Portland last December. I’d been wondering what I could do with all the valves I was cutting out of bike inner tubes—Amanda and Jim make them (and other bike parts) into some pretty awesome jewelry.

These chain ring earrings are so cheery! William of The Spokes Man also makes some really fun bracelets out of bicycle spokes and glass beads.

This saddle bag and wrist cuff by Urchin Bags are both pretty sweet, as well as being apropos to my continuing inner tube crafting series….

Happy Earth Month!

11/16/12

Gift Guide for Cyclists: unique, local, hand-made

by Jessie Kwak

Once, when I was much younger, I stood in line at 4am to get into a big box store. I was with my aunt and cousins, and we were there to get the free Beanie Baby promised to the first 50 customers. I think we were also taking advantage of a great deal on electronics, or some such.

That was my first and last Black Friday experience. I dislike shopping, I especially hate crowds of shoppers, and I’m really not into standing in the cold in the middle of the night, in the middle of winter. I count myself blessed that I’ve never had to work retail during this hellish season, (seriously, have you seen this bullshit?), and this year I intend to continue my yearly tradition of staying the hell out of the fray.

Why am I ranting on the internets? My super-secret agenda for this post is to steer you away from the big boxes and in a hand-made, artisan direction. Namely, Etsy.

Many Etsy stores will be doing promotions for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and—icing on the cake—by taking advantage of those promotions you’ll also be participating in Small Business Saturday. Aaand you won’t have to wrestle extreme couponers at Target at 2am.

Oh, and the gifts you give will be awesome, unique, and treasured for way longer than an imported plastic gadget.

(And you won’t have to go to Target at 2am.)

I’ve collected some of my favorite cyclist-related Etsy items to help you get inspired. If you’re in the Northwest, you really also ought to think about taking a trip down to Portland for the Bike Craft show on the weekend of December 1-2.

By the way, if you’ve been eyeing anything in the Bicitoro Etsy store (custom-made cycling jersey? reflective belt? Rainy day earrings?), I’ll be offering free shipping from 11/23 through 11/26.

Happy shopping!

For the ride

Check out these beautiful bike bags from California seller Paris Packs and Hans Bagworks in Missoula.

Paris Packs

Hans Bagworks

And really don’t miss these really unique ones from Pencilnek Designs.

Pencilnek

For the ladies, Mercy and Ruth Handbags make some truly adorable handbags that strap onto your handlebars.

Mercy and Ruth

I love the idea of a simple belt that can carry your essentials on your ride, like these cycling belts from Stashpack. There are other designs, though I don’t see one with a u-lock holster, which I think would be necessary.

Stashpack

These cycling belts from Bird Industries do have a u-lock holster. (And check out their sweet skirt garters while you’re on the site.)

Bird Industries

Around the home

Cyclists can be obsessive sorts of people. They not only like to ride their bikes, but they like to be reminded of bikes wherever look. These bicycle book ends from Shine on Sporty Girl are pretty damn awesome, and she’s got a great selection of ornaments, too.

Shine on Sporty Girl

Also? I love this lamp by Ensoule.

Ensoule

Or you could just decorate with your bike, with this super classy bike holder from Joshua Rutherford.

Joshua Rutherford

Stocking stuffers and Ornaments

Wandering Jeweler makes all sorts of neat jewelry out of recycled bike parts.

Wandering Jeweler

Laura of Surly Girl makes these delightful star ornaments out of bicycle chains, and Artful Ends makes snowflake ornaments out of recycled inner tubes.

Surly Girl

Artful Ends

This bicycle can cage from Walnut Studios looks pretty ingenious, as well. After all, it really doesn’t work to put your beer in your water bottle cage. (You can go ahead and buy one of those for me. Merry Christmas!)

Walnut Studios

For you DIY folks

Guys, there’s still time to pretend you’ll make your own hand-made presents, if you’re the ~~crazy~~ crafty type. Or, give one of these kits to a crafty someone who’d enjoy learning something new.

Make a hat from these pattern from Kozie Prery or Little Package. (Both shops also sell ready-made hats if you come to your senses.)

Kozie Prery

Little Package

Here’s a cool seat bag pattern from Hemma Designs, or try your hand at electronics with this nifty DIY bike light kit from Electric Apparatus.

Hemma Patterns

Electric Apparatus

Whew! What great indy-designer finds have you come across out there?

09/7/12

Upcycled bicycles: Northwest designers edition

by Jessie Kwak

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of upcycling, which is definitely the most fun and inventive part of the 3 Rs (Reuse).

You might also have guessed that I’m a fan of bicycles. Normally I gear my crafty posts toward things that are useful to you when you’re riding your bicycle, but for this round I want to feature objects that are actually made from bicycles themselves.

This list is limited to Northwest designers, and I know it’s far from complete. Got someone to add? Leave a note in the comments!

Now, without further ado….

From Seattle, the very cool chain ring clocks from Lampcycle. I saw these folks at Urban Craft Uprising last winter and bought a desk clock for Rob. According to the Etsy shop info, Leo’s set up a stand at Pike Place Market with his fantastic clocks. Can’t wait to check it out!

Also telling time in Seattle is ReCycle Clocks . I’m digging this Cherry On Top Sprocket Clock.

For a man who still rocks the uber-sexy French cuff, a set of valve cap cufflinks from Mancornas in Seattle.

Tons of people are doing recycled inner tube jewelry (feather earrings are super popular), but my favorites designs are coming from Urban Lace Jewelry in Portland. Barbi and Aaron create bracelets, necklaces, earrings and even masks with incredible detail.

And for your head, check out Bicycle Heroes. Nick and Chris make excellently tailored hats from recycled clothing and remnant yardage, and are pretty passionate about keeping production green and Hecho en Seattle.

Seattle company Alchemy Goods has been around for forever, and has an impressive lineup of bags and other products. They use mainly recycled inner tubes and advertising banners.

Julian of Rebicyclist makes belts out of inner tubes and tires. I had a chance to check out his booth at the Portland Saturday Market, and they looked very excellent.

Bonus designer from Indiana because I love this and my mom’s from Indiana so it’s practically Northwest.

And wow. I love this. Actually, I love everything I’m seeing on Nufangled Wall Designs’ Etsy page. My imaginary apartment is totally chic enough for this sort of style. (My actual apartment is a bit too… eclectic).

So tell me. Who are your favorite designers who work with upcycled bike parts? Feel free to shout out non-northwesterners–I’ll definitely be doing similar posts for other regions in the future!

03/29/12

New in the shop: Mens jerseys

by Jessie Kwak

I just added a few more jerseys to my Etsy store and to my Pedalr store–go check it out!

I’ve had to curb my Goodwill trips lately, since I can definitely buy merino sweaters much faster than I can make them into cycling jerseys, and piles of them are threatening to take over my studio. If you like what you see but would prefer a different color or size, shoot me an email and let’s talk. I probably have what you’re looking for.

And, yes, that last one is Star Trek inspired. I knew you’d like it!

03/6/12

Etsy store is up and running

by Jessie Kwak

Just a quick announcement: my Etsy store is up and running!

Right now you’ll find four womens cycling jerseys upcycled from cozy merino wool sweaters (man, that’s a lot of adjectives). I’m putting the finishing touches on some mens jerseys which I hope to have in the shop this weekend.

Merino wool is a staple of high-end athletic wear, and makes for an especially good base layer for running, climbing, and, of course, cycling. It’s excellent at regulating body temperature and wicking moisture, keeping you warm and dry even after a hard workout. These jerseys are perfect for the cold (I bike to work in the winter wearing only 2 layers of merino and a fleece vest), and excellent on their own for warmer days.

These jerseys are inspired by the vintage cycling jerseys of yore, but with a modern twist. Eachy is upcycled from 100% merino wool sweaters, which are washed and reconstructed into a stylish top with features like zippered necks, back pockets, and made extra long for good coverage. Each piece is completely unique.

I’m constantly adding new pieces to the shop–If you need a size other than what you see offered, feel free to convo me and we’ll come up with a cool custom piece just for you.

I’m slowly getting them put up on Pedalr, as well. If you haven’t come across this site, it’s a pretty neat marketplace geared toward cyclists. From their site:

pedalr is a better marketplace for people who love bikes. It is a virtual marketplace for individuals, bike builders, manufacturers, and shops to sell their new and used bikes, gear, accessories, and really anything cycling related in a common marketplace. pedalr provides persistent listings and profiles for individuals, shops and manufacturers to list who they are, and what they have for sale online, for free. Shoppers can: browse listings, seller profiles, comment and ask questions about items for sale.

Because you were looking for another great site to spend money at, right?

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For the ride

Around the home

Stocking stuffers and Ornaments

For you DIY folks

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