Creative & Green Gifts

Hope everyone had a fulfilling Thanksgiving! Now that Thanksgiving has passed the anxiety of Christmas shopping has officially begun. But before you go out and join the crowds and spend away those hard earned dollars, here are a few gift ideas that are creative, handmade, green and made in the USA.

Tofu Killa T-shirt, Perfect for the vegan nazi! Check out viidrio.com all designs are made by using thread and 100% organic cotton. Plus most t-shirts come in a unique corresponding package.

Forgo the necktie for dad and get him a wallet instead! From etsy.com, prix-prix shop makes wallets out of retired neck ties and wool suits.

A neat little Modern Bowl from Perch! is handmade and uses non-toxic, food safe glazes.

Set of glasses made from recycled beverage bottles, made by YAVA glass at etsy.com.

Sketchbooks handmade from vintage BINGO cards by SOMA VENUS at etsy.com.

Also check out the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale for last minute holiday shopping at Fort Mason, SF. K

Effie’s Heart

Effie's Heart Endless Summer Dress

While at the Maker’s Faire a few weeks ago I came across a fashion booth for Effie’s Heart based out of Santa Clara. The designs of Effie’s Heart immediately grabbed my attention because the clothing was modern, fun and had the vintage flare that I adore.

One of my favorite pieces from the Summer Catalog is this “Endless Summer Dress.” I love the convertibility of one garment having six different uses. This dress can be worn as a dress, a skirt or a long top. It is not only ideal for traveling but takes up less space in your closet! This is a direction I hope to see more fashion designers’ move towards. Quality clothing that is fun, practical, adaptable and well designed.

Effie’s Heart sells women’s clothing in boutiques nationwide. You can also buy online at effiesheart.com. k

Patchwerk Press

Chair on Fire Cardigan. Screen-printed on a 2nd hand cardigan at the Swap-O-Rama. Screen-printing courtesy of Patchwerk Press

At this year’s Maker’s Faire Pachwerk Press of Oakland, California was lending a hand with screen-printing at the Swap-O-Rama. These dedicated men & women need an extra pat on the back for their patience, hard work and dedication to their craft. They must of screen-printed thousands of t-shirts, bags, patches, skirts, sweatshirts you name it for tips only over the course of two days. They deserve an extra shout out.

Patchwork Press is a collectively owned and operated community screen-printing shop located in Oakland. Patchwork Press offers screen-printing services, memberships to use their screen-printing studio and community screen-printing classes through Rock Paper Scissors Collective. Check them out at patchwerkpress.org. Thank you for sharing your designs and hard labor with the DIY community.