I'm such a Slacker

Yes, that's right. Slacker with a capital S. Sadly, I have neglected this blog. I spend so much time keeping up on my main blog when I have the spare time that I neglect this one. You will be happy to know that I have not neglected creating "green" designs.

Pictured is a bracelet made with all vintage buttons and attached to a "repurposed" bracelet. The original bracelet had faux pearls, crystals and filigree brass beads on it. Pretty in its own right but this new design is so much more fresh.

The vintage buttons give it a warm homey feel that can only be attained by using true vintage pieces. So, while being green is so easy while creating keeping up on my blog apparently is not.

Practicing green techniques while beading also sometimes means reusing wire, toggles and my favorite-those goofy looking swirly light bulbs. I'm saving energy every time I flip the switch. I work entirely with hand tools, wear my bathrobe while beading in the winter in lieu of a space heater and at the moment a kitty named BooBoo is keeping me warm while I am typing.

My studio area happens to be a basement studio so it can be very cold. Fantastic in the summer months but not so comfortable in the winter. Which leads me to my next "green" act. Going to bed early, by almost three hours. Saves electricity in so many ways!!

We continue to use the empty margarine tubs for leftovers. I have also discovered that other empty containers (plastic coffee containers for one) are super fantastic for leftovers. Not to mention all the money I save by not spending $4 on one container that just breaks after a few uses.

Recently, when mailing items for an etsy sale I used egg packaging to ensure safe delivery. I'm sure my "customers" are always suprised at the packaging they receive items in. I do disclose in my etsy profile that I reuse ALL packaging material. In fact, due to my own online shopping and packages arriving, the only thing I have had to buy is the actual envelopes to mail items in. So far, I have received no complaints due to my shipping/packaging.

So, that's a wrap. Being green has never been so cool. Spread the word, tell your friends. I started being "green" before I knew what it was. Cool....like winter that is almost upon us. Any advice on being green in the winter months??

Here's an idea! The guy/gal with the best green idea for the winter months that is emailed to me by Jan 1st, 2010 receives the following:

I will post your entry on both of my blogs (giving you credit of course), I will twitter about your "green" topic, mention it on facebook,americancraftguide.ning.com and indiepublic. I thought maybe I would throw some actual green your way....I sat here thinking about all of the green things I could include. Green m-n-m's, green cupcakes and then my mind started to wander. I realize I have had way too much sugar today and will revist this "reward" in a couple of days after I start to see entries hopefully coming in.

Email your entry to: tera @ bohemianglitz.com

Life Throws You a Curveball

This year has been a lot of curveballs....that is why my main blog is called "balanceandmarketing". Life takes a turn and sometimes it's a sharp one. One that will send you reeling if your not careful. Balance is so especially important. Friends of all kinds, lifelong friends, new friends and internet friends can make your day. I have a rather new friend that gave me a picture and a birthday card and I didn't even realize she knew it was my birthday.

This brings me to my next thought. As I get older, I put up with less. Less drama, less stress, less of everything. That doesn't mean that somehow it doesn't manage to sneak into my life. I just don't put up with it. I am the curveball that goes out of its way to avoid these things. Instead, I look for peace and solitude. A long walk to the post office when I could have waited for the car. Taking pictures of bunnies so my son could see them when he wakes up. Mowing the lawn, gardening, creating a new design for an old friend. I found peace by shopping for handmade magnets on etsy just last night!

Life should get easier as we get older, right? You would think so anyway. Life has given me enough. Enough hardship, enough grief, enough setbacks. It has also given me joy, children, adventure, wisdom, strength, courage and humility. I pray that my children find the same things in due time.

Until then, I will continue to catch the curveballs.

GREEN Online Craft Show

Shouting from the rooftops!!
Singing out loud in the rain!!

I and many others who are eco friendly artists are involved in an online arts & craft show beginning 4/15/09....please visit the website http://www.americancraftguide.com and check out the virtual/online craft show. My shop is Bohemian Glitz. :)

To be eco friendly I use a lot of vintage materials, "found" items and I "upcycle". If you are not familiar with the term ~ Upcycling: creating something new and beautiful out of something that may have been headed for the garbage heap.....(worst case scenario). When shipping out I often reuse packing materials and instead of driving to the post office, I walk a minimum of almost 2 hours round trip. I use those twirly bulbs in my work area that are supposed to be more effecient. That's just a few things that I do when crafting. I am "green" or eco friendly in other areas of my home/life as well.

Please be sure to visit-each shop is running a special and there are prizes being given away!