New Americana Cup Cozy Set - Handmade - Reusable - EcoFriendly

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Get My Handmade in Etsy Shop -- or Privately

New EcoFriendly Cup Cozy in Americana Red, White and Blue By RSS Designs In Fiber!

Handmade with EcoFriendly Cotton Yarns - a Red, White and Blue Ombre held together with a Solid Navy Blue to make it double-worsted - These Cup Cozies are Hand-Crocheted in a Stretchy Cotton Stitch - these Cup Cozies will fit on most usual size of Hot Coffee / Tea Cups at places like Starbucks and Panera (I have used mine at both when I don't bring my own cup)!  Photo above taken with one on a Panera Cup!

Carry this Cup Cozy with you in your pocket, purse, knapsack, briefcase to just grab every time you buy a cup of Hot Coffee or Tea!  

They work much better than the disposable paper ones these places offer - and they are Reusable many, many times!

And these are in Patriotic Red, White and Blue!!!

See on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RSSDesignsInFiber/posts/10155475824006735

See on Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/567594359284208531/

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I blogged about my other Cup Cozies I've made - and they are all in my Etsy Shop!! -- And I can always make some Custom for a Customer in some of the other colors of the cotton yarns I have!!

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And I've been Crocheting and Knitting in Americana for years now - here are a couple of other Handmade Americana currently in my RSS Designs In Fiber Etsy Shop!!

Custom "Made-To-Order" Decor in Orange for Fall - Handmade Crochet By RSS Designs In Fiber on Etsy

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Get My Handmade in my Etsy Shop -- or Privately

Hi!  This is RSS Designs In Fiber on Etsy - and I do Custom Orders per a customer's request, but I also have 2 "Made-To-Order" listings in my Etsy Shop and both are in the Fall Color, Orange!!

The Photo above is of a 5-piece Pumpkin Coaster Set as pictured.  I already sold one set on Etsy - this is for a "Made-To-Order" listing for the whole 5-piece set, but you can do Custom Orders on Etsy - and if you would want a set of 2, 3, 4 Pumkin Coasters - or more - or even just one, you can contact me on Etsy to arrange it!

Here is a Photo of an Orange and Cream Potholder, Hand-Crocheted in Afghan Crochet:

I also have a "Made-To-Order" Listing for a Set of 2 of these Potholders on Etsy!  These are great for handling Hot Dishes, Pots and Pans!  That Listing is for a Set of 2 - but you can put in a Custom Order on Etsy for any number of them!

There is time to make Custom Orders for Halloween, Harvest,  and Thanksgiving - just go to my Etsy Shop - either of these listings - or send me an Etsy Convo - or click on the "Request Custom Order" button in my Etsy Shop - to contact me for your Custom Order!

RSS Designs In Fiber on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RSSDesignsInFiber/posts/10155438156571735

RSS Designs In Fiber Pumpkin Coasters Set on Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/567594359266193401/

RSS Designs In Fiber Orange and Cream Potholders on Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/567594359283964380/

Cross Partners in Promotion Group on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1524102557906116/permalink/2113349692314730/

Feel Free to Contact RSS Designs In Fiber for a Custom Order in Fibers!

And Take a Look at my RSS Designs In Fiber Blog Page: Fall Colors Handmade (All By RSS Designs In Fiber!!!)

( Repeat of Blog Post I did at:  Cross Partners in Promotion Team Blog )

Eco Crochet Cup Cozy in Colorful Yarns By RSS Designs In Fiber

Ruth Sandra Sperling

RSS Designs In Fiber - Get My Handmade in my Bonanza Booth or my Etsy Shop -- or Privately

I Crochet and Knit pretty much all the time - people who have been in my apartment have seen all the Handmade items that I have made myself and use in my daily life .... and that is how my newest Handmade Crochet product came to be.

It is called a "Cup Cozy" Red and Green Set of 3 of them in this photo to the left.

But those who I have met in a Starbucks - and the people working at Starbucks, where I go the most often for that cup of Tea (I don't drink Coffee any more) while I am On-The-Go, have seen my Cozy that I carry with me and put on my Hot Cups there - instead of those paper ones they give out that I can't stand.

Here to the right is a Cup Cozy Set of 2 in Blues - and, hey, these go with your Jeans (LOL)!!

They are all crocheted with Cotton Worsted Yarn doubled up - or Double Cotton Worsted Yarn - both of which I have plenty of in Peaches and Cream Colors (new colors - and older discontinued colors that I still have).

These are soft Cotton - they stretch a little bit to fit and "hug" whatever cup size you buy - they actually make it easier to hold the cup and really protect your fingers from the Hot Cup.

I like mine that I carry with me (in a color not yet available in my Etsy Shop) -- works much better and adds a bit of color to that part of life!!

Eco-Friendly for three reasons:

1. Replaces the disposable paper cup cozies given out at most Coffee/Tea Shops - Reducing Waste!
2. Made with Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic Cotton Yarn (I have checked - this particular Cotton Yarn is made with non-toxic colors and that is verified by tested waste-waters at the yarn manufacturers.).
3. Re-usable for a long time!!

I have lots of this Cotton Yarn - I have 2 more Cup Cozy Sets in my Etsy Shop, as shown below - and I can make Custom Orders for people in the Colors of their choice by Request ... h-m-m-m, I think there is an Americana Red, White and Blue Set coming soon!!

Funky Multi-color Cup Cozy Set of 2

Pink And Burgundy Cup Cozy and Coaster Set

Celebrating Earth Day with Nature Themes in My Designs In Fiber

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Handmade Designs on ETSY - and elsewhere online!

Cottontail Rabbit in A Bush

Well - here it is -- my most recent "Inspired by Nature" piece!  And just in time for Earth Day!!

My "Inspired By Nature" pieces are available in my online shops  - or I can do a Custom Order privately!

Though I do Nature themes all the time -- and, for me, Every Day is Earth Day -- this is a project especially for this Spring and for celebrating Earth Day 2011!

You see -- I designed it based on the real Desert Cottontail Rabbits I see in the wild fields in the town where I live (like in the field in the photo of my small town in upper left-hand corner of this blog!) -- they are grayish brown with white Cottontails -- and they run through the fields and then dive under bushes or jump down holes!!

So funny - they make me smile!

Like I said above:  Every Day is Earth Day to me!!

Most people who read my blog already know!

It is how you live -- and how you make decisions in life, such as Re-using, Recycling and therefore Reducing our waste. 

And how about Restoring? 

And getting Locally Grown produce - or at least growing your own herbs, like I do!  You can grown them inside if you have nowhere outside to grow them!

Now that Spring is really here and the below-freezing nights are over, I am pruning my herbs, which are growing more now -- and I have my first Basil plant of the year already!!  My Rosemary plant of several years is doing very well -- and my perennial herbs:  Chives, Oregano, Stevia and Mint plants are all coming back!!  It so great to have the fresh herbs just outside my door -- and fun, too!!

So, Celebrate Earth Day as a Reminder -- Every Day is Earth Day !!

Here are a few other of my Designs In Fiber that show my love of Nature!!

Tree Tapestry Pillow

Mountain Cabin Landscape in Filet Crochet

Bear Head Silhouette in Filet Crochet

Proud Rooster in Textured Filet Crochet

Tree Tapestry Home Decor

Celtic Woven Garden Suncatcher or Ornament

TO LIFE!!

VIDEO - GUIDE TO MY ECO-FRIENDLY HANDMADE BAGS AND BASKETS

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Get My Handmade in my Bonanza Booth or my Etsy Shop - or Privately

I Crochet and Knit Handmade BAGS and BASKETS -- here is a Video of them!

All One-of-A-Kind!!

You can find some I made and sold in my Etsy Shop -- or Email me about a request for a Custom Order Privately Here .


Here is a List of the Handmade Bags and Baskets I have made ---


BAGS:
1. Red and White SHOULDER BAG or TOTE
2. Multi-Color Shell SHOULDER BAG
3. POINSETTIA FLOWER Small TOTE BAG
4. Crocheted White Lace BAG with Silver Accents
5. AMERICANA Pouch
6. Christmas Berry POUCH or BAG
7. Blue Striped Drawstring POUCH or BAG
8. LIGHT BLUE TWEED DOUBLE-THICK LAPTOP SOCK OR SLEEVE


BASKETS:
1. Blue and White Hand-Crocheted Lace BASKET or BOWL
3. Bands of Fall Colors MINI-BASKET
4. Woven Blues BASKET SET
5. Red Gingham POTHOLDER and BASKET SET
6. Red and Green Graphic BASKET SET
7. Fall Color Basket in Wavy Woven Crochet - Primitive Style

Here are a few Photos:

Tree Tapestry Laptop Sock

Crocheted Blue Striped Pouch

Americana Pouch in Red, White and Blue

Cotton Yarn Basket in Fall Colors: Orange, Sage Green, Tan, Ecru

Emerald Green and Burgundy Red Basket - Crocheted in Geometric Spike Stitch

YES!!  ALL HANDMADE BY RSS DESIGNS IN FIBER !!!

More REUSABLE Bags!! Handmade! Eco!! This Time Small Ones in Thread!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers


I like making REUSABLE Bags!!

The ones I make are all Cotton, Washable, -- but most and best of all, REUSABLE -- in fact, from personal experience and use, bags like the ones I make last quite a while!!

This is about some small ones I have made - all hand-crocheted "fabric" in different sizes of Threads - in Seasonal or Occasional themes. They can all be found in my Etsy Shop (each picture links to the Etsy listing)!

You know, Handmade REUSABLE Bags are Eco for several reasons: Handmade is Low Carbon Emissions, most of my materials are washed/bleached cotton with non-toxic dyes -- and always made to be REUSABLE and replace disposable alternatives!!

Here they are:


In Red and Green and White -- usually associated with Christmas, but also a Nature theme year round:




In Blues - a popular color theme year round, but also associated with Judaica ... Hanukkah ... French Country ... Nautical ... Beach Themes ...




In White with Silver Accents in the form of blending filament crocheted in -- Made with Weddings and Graduations and Summer Evenings in mind ....



Eco Reusable Bags, such as these are popular with my fellow team-mates of Team EcoEtsy!!

I was a Winner of A GIVEAWAY!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers






Thank You to Kenna Foster of Beholden To Nature and Fine Art, Nature Conservation Photography by Kenna
-- for holding her "Vow NOT To Recycle" Giveaway -- for 2 reasons!!

First of all, I so totally support REUSING and using REUSABLE CONTAINERS over using plastic bottles that have to be recycled (or heaven-help-me -- thrown away into our overfilled Landfills!!!).

It has been some time now since I signed onto the "Break the Bottled Water Habit" Campaign --- and I am really doing it!! I have 2 stainless steel bottles that I use both around the house - and when I go out - for water and other beverages; I also have a PUR water filter on my kitchen faucet rather than buy bottled water.

I just don't buy bottled water any more unless I am backed into a corner and I think that happened once in the past year. Otherwise, I just carry my trusty stainless steel bottle with the screw-on top (which has the added bonus of not leaking) everywhere I go and I love it -- water, tea, coffee -- it serves me so very well and I don't have those disposable/recyclable bottles to worry about any more.

I also managed to find a somewhat insulated travel cup with a stainless steel inner cup that I take with me when I stay out overnigt because I can use it at the coffee bar at the hotels or restaurants I go to usually. Don't have to take their disposable cups and the drinks stay hotter in it, too!!

And, Second, by gosh -- I was one of the Winners of Kenna's Giveaway and I am getting the photo pictured at the top here!! It links to Kenna's listing in her Etsy shop!! (photo used by permission)

Maybe using the RESUSABLE CONTAINERS and not even having to recycle, let alone throw away, will help preserve the beautiful nature spot in the photo -- Havasu Falls in Arizona!!

REUSE! -- REUSE! -- REUSE! -- REUSE! -- REUSE! -- REUSE! -- REUSE! -- REUSE!

ARTISAN FEATURE: Debby Arem Designs Three Ring Circuits

Ruth Sandra Sperling

It was shortly after I joined my first Etsy Team, Eco Etsy Street Team, that I discovered Debby Arem's Designs and her repurposed circuit board creations - and loved them!! I have told my pro-environment family and friends about them with very positive responses!! So, here on my blog, I am finally doing a Feature of these great repurposed circuit board creations!! Some of them make me laugh and the rest of them I just think are really great -- one of these days I am going to get one of her clocks I think .... !!

Debby of Debby Arem Designs Three Ring Circuits

Question: What is(are) your Craft(s)/Art(s)?

Answer: I use vintage circuit boards from the 1980's that have never been stuffed and repurpose them into many many different products! Since 1992, I've been making earrings, pins, and necklaces as well as men's cuff links and tie tacks. -- I also, along with my husband, make a variety of green office products such as clipboards in all sizes including magnetic ones for your fridge, bookmarks, key chains, pencil boxes, pill boxes,business card holders, magnets and rulers. -- In addition, we also make sun catchers, clocks, picture frames and last year we introduced a menorah for Hannukah! I've probably forgotten to mention something as our line has expanded so much in the past 17 years!




Question: Are there places you sell your Craft(s)/Art(s) on the Internet?

Answer: I of course have a shop on Etsy: http://DebbyAremDesigns.etsy.com
- as well as on ArtFire: http://ThreeRingCircuits.artfire.com
- on Da Wanda: http://en.dawanda.com/shop/debbyaremdesigns
- on Cosa Verde: http://cosaverde.com/store/debbyaremdesigns/
-- and my own website: http:// DebbyArem.com !!






Question: Are there places you sell your Craft(s)/Art(s) off the Internet?

Answer: We currently are selling a variety of our green office products at the gift shop at Chicago's Museum of Science and Technology, the Newseum here in Washington, D.C., and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill's book shop to name a few.

Question: What/Who has been the inspiration behind doing your Craft(s)/Art(s)?

Answer: I have a degree in Fine Arts and a background in silk screen design.
I was and still am a bead artist ( you can see some of my work at another one of my Etsy shops http://ForeverInStyle.etsy.com as well as my own personal website http://DebbyArem.com). -- I wasn't intending to start another company, but one day in the early 1990's, I literally wandered into the back room of my husband's company which manufactured PCBs and saw a circuit board for the first time in my life . I was immediately hooked and I remember thinking "These circuit boards have the most fabulous patterns - what great jewelry you could make from these!" -- I love to do custom work for people and have even combined my 2 lines and made necklaces using all vintage beads as well as recycled circuit boards! Here is an example of one of these custom designs.

Question: Can you briefly explain to our readers how you do your Craft(s)/Art(s) (methods, skills, materials)?

Answer: After a number of years of trial and effort figuring out how to ' cut' huge circuit boards down to size, we figured out the perfect method which still remains a secret to everyone else but us! ;-) I then add recycled metal from scrap metal facilities, vintage beads, and many times recycled old electrical components to create the pieces we sell. I use wire, jump rings and industrial epoxy to assemble our various products.


Question: How did you learn or develop your Craft(s)/Art(s)?

Answer: After LOTS of trial and error, cut fingers, and broken fingernails, my husband and I figured out how to cut some of the larger circuit boards that we salvaged into smaller more usable sizes. None of the circuit boards that we ever use have ever been 'stuffed' so they're all very smooth. -- People are always asking us this - especially in the case of a clipboard because they want to know if the surface will be smooth enough to write on and the answer is 'yes'! --- We were most fortunate because at the time, we had a neighbor who manufactured circuit boards and any prototypes that had imperfections had to be disposed of so we had plenty of material to work with to perfect our trade. We always joke that we were 'green' before it was a movement back in 1992 and our neighbor was wonderful and let us acquire circuit boards from her before they would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.


Question: Are you continuing to study your Craft(s)/Art(s) - and, if so, how?

Answer: I would say that I'm definitely still 'studying' my craft because I'm always coming up with new products to add to our Three Ring Circuits line. My husband is wonderful as he's the one many times who figures out how to execute my idea. We work as a team many times to bring the product to the marketplace!

Question: What is your personal history in your Craft(s)/Art(s)?

Answer: I received my B.A. in Fine Arts from American University here in Washington, D.C. and have been an artist for almost as long as I can remember!
I got my first big break in the early 1980's when I had begun stringing and knotting beaded necklaces for friends. I feel like a dinosaur in that respect because I knotted all my necklaces and still do (which protects the beads and gives a nice finished look.) --- Nowadays, most people merely put the beads on wire which of course is much less time consuming. --- Anyhow, I approached the buyer at Bloomingdales' jewelry department to see if they might be interested in carrying my line which I was in the process of developing and that's when I got my first break - a trunk show! --- From there, I moved on to trunk shows at Saks Fifth Ave and a number of other upscale dept. stores all over the country and ultimately sold my necklaces through the Smithsonian's museum shops and mail order catalogs on a regular basis. When I began Three Ring Circuits, since I already had an 'in' at the Smithsonian, I was able to approach the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum who began to sell my recycled circuit board products.


Question: Are there other interests in your life that you would like to discuss here (hobbies, charities, other careers, etc.)?

Answer: When I'm not designing jewelry, my husband and I both volunteer with 2 rescue groups for dogs. We're always trying to educate people to 'spay and neuter your pets' and we try to help out as much as possible doing home visits, vet checks etc. I also am an avid knitter and gardener and love to cook!


Question: To anyone aspiring to do the Craft(s)/Art(s) you do, do have any suggestions or recommendations?

Answer: I'd say to definitely try to find circuit boards that aren't stuffed or you'll spend hours trying to remove everything!


Please Note: Features on RSS Designs In Fiber are based on the artisan's answers to questions I give them and the photos they send me or choose or approve -- I give all artisans I Feature full editing rights.

Kootsac Reusable Bag Giveaway -- A WINNER!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers









There is a WINNER on IndieNorth today for Kootsac's Reusable Bags (of EcoEtsy fame!)--



Laura! -- Congratulations!



-- And I hope more people know more about available Reusable Bags now!!





Ruth

REUSABLE BAGS - For Produce, Grains Etc. -- GIVEAWAY THRU SUNDAY MAY 31ST

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers





Reusable Bags -- I have a whole bunch of them. Have for years!! Actually, I grew up with some, though when the family went shopping when I was a little girl, there were all those paper bags -- but we use to save them in the Kitchen closet and reuse them!!

What is even a bit funnier is that I remember my Grandmother had some string cotton reusable bags -- I wonder -- did she bring them over from Germany when they emigrated here in 1936???

I think you get the point - re-using bags and reusable bags are not a new thing in my life -- or in my family.

The disposable plastic bags, now so prevalent in stores, are a relatively modern creation that is part of our throw-away society, that I dislike so much.

So, today, I want to feature a Giveaway on IndieNorth of Reusable Bags from Kootsac on Etsy.

If you buy a lot in bulk, I think these bags would be a great asset to you -- and much better for you and our environment than the plastic bags available in the stores. They are also much more attractive.

I am going to feature two styles of the bags that Kootsac has on sale on Etsy, though Kootsac has quite a few different colors and sizes -- and even weights.

The first is my favorite bag - a Produce Bag in 100% natural cotton in white with attached ties. Part of the reason this is my favorite is that this bag has ties attached, which I think is very convenient. I also like cotton.










The second is a Large Light Nylon Blue Food Bag -- can be used for quite a variety of different types of items according to the description!!










Kootsac's Profile on Etsy covers why these are better than plastic bags.


Did you know that it can take 1000 years -- or never -- for a plastic bag to disintegrate in a landfill?? Boy -- all these disposable plastic bags are going to be haunting this planet for a long time!!!


I think the Giveaway on IndieNorth is a great way to introduce people to these Reusable Food Bags -- participate -- learn what is available -- and maybe win some!!!


And - OH - Kootsac on Etsy is a member of one of my Teams on Etsy -- EcoEtsy!!


I have blogged previously about Reusable Bags -- I think they are important part of living an ethical, healthy life -- check here http://rssdesignsinfiber.blogspot.com/search/label/reusable%20bags for my other posts on the subject!







Ruth

BE SMART ABOUT PLASTICS - BE AWARE OF DIFFERENT TYPES & FIND WAYS TO NOT USE THEM -- AS WELL AS RECYCLE THEM

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers


Being concerned about anything toxic affecting me medically, I have been being quite careful in a variety of things in my life.

One of the biggest areas to be concerned about is PLASTICS - because there still seems to be a lot that is either unknown or not fully researched or in research in the subject of PLASTICS - and what toxins they put in your foods, drinks or environment.

Being Smart About PLASTICS means keeping oneself informed.

This guide from pbs.org in PDF form is quite useful as far as the different types of plastics that you can find, especially as regards food packaging:

http://www.pbs.org/strangedays/pdf/StrangeDaysSmartPlasticsGuide.pdf

But you need to keep up somehow on what research is going on - I tend to check with certain organizations and individuals who I have quite a bit of trust in, because, unfortunately, there is false data in the world. Not being a chemist or other kind of scientist, I am not capable of evaluating the accuracy of research or testing - or evaluations by individuals. I try to get to the basic article written by the person doing the research or testing - or an article at least quoting them.

Most recently there is an article on the Internet about the possibility found in testing mineral water in PET plastic bottles (plastic #1) of an estrogen-mimicing chemical. This plastic has been previously considered to be safe and is also recyclable.

Here is the article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090312.BOTTLES12/TPStory/Environment

It quotes someone from the University where testing has shown "...consistent contamination of bottled water with a hormonally active substance leaching from PET, one of the world's most popular packaging materials." Another scientist who has done research on BPA's is quoted in the same article stating "...he worries about exposures to synthetic estrogens because they add to the natural female hormones already in people."

So, basically now I am worried.

It is kind of humorous - I have already been avoiding these PET bottles of water by using my own resusable water bottles (now stainless steel or glass ones) for environmental reasons -- it is better for the environment to not have to make and constantly recycle these bottles when you can reuse your own bottles. See my earlier post on "Breaking the Bottled Water Habit". Now, it appears that it may also be good to avoid them for health reasons, so I am going to continue avoiding them and more than before. I don't want to take the risks.

Reading and using the "By Number Guide to Plastics" may really be a good thing to do -- I recommend it both for health and environmental reasons.

There is so much PLASTIC out there in the food packaging business.

Based on what I have read including this article I read in 2005, http://deliciouslivingmag.com/greenliving/dl_article_1527/ , there are all kinds of reasons to avoid all kinds of plastics.

But I strongly urge everyone to especially watch out for the following:

1. Styrofoam cups for hot drinks like coffee and tea -- some restaurants still use them - they are made of styrene, which leaches into the hot drinks. It is plastic #6 and if you look on the bottom of the cup, it will have a triangle with a "6" in it. I am studiously avoiding such now.

2. Plastic bottles of what are considered healthy drinks, such as soy milk, I have seen in BPA plastic bottles. This plastic will have a triangle with a "7" on it. I found a bottle of Vitasoy soy milk in such a bottle. Not buying those any more.

Several Senators, including one of my own - California Senator Dianne Feinstein - are proposing a law banning BPA in all food and beverage containers. I read about it here: http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/41215752.html .

It is also in the Recent Headlines as of Sunday, March 15, 2009 on Senator Dianne Feinstein's own website: http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/

-- and here is the Press Release from her website: http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=NewsRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=01832CD5-5056-8059-76DB-C984D14B7FCE

I hope all food manufacturers stop using Plastics 3, 6 and 7 right away.

Maybe they will eventually have to stop using Plastic 1, too.

I guess we will see.

In the meantime -- you can take steps yourself and use your own reusable bottles for drinks - waters and teas. Some places will let you use your own bottles to get water or cold teas -- or use your own hot cups to get hot coffee and hot tea. I know some that do in my life: the Cafe at the Palmdale Transportation Center and the Plaza Deli and Grill in the UCLA Westwood Medical Plaza -- when I have asked at both, they were very nice about it and said yes.

So, for your own health -- and the health of our planet and our environment, be smart about PLASTICS -- AND GET YOUR OWN REUSABLE BOTTLES, SUCH AS AT HERE:

http://www.newdream.org/marketplace/nubius.html

I got my stainless steel water bottle at Walgreens, but I don't know if they always have them!!

And don't forget recycling all the PLASTIC that you can!!


Ruth

SPRING! SPRING! SPRING! Think Ahead! The Season of Plants Reviving!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of My Handmade Designs In Fiber






Spring is pretty much my favorite season. Even though I love the warm, golden, orangey colors of fall - the bright spring green leaves budding out on trees, herbs and plants in Spring are so beautiful for me!!

And then the flowers!!

I just love it!!

So, I go all out in my fiber crafts through Spring and Summer to celebrate the colors and themes of Nature!!

Spring actually comes in March, but for decorating, you need to Think Ahead!

So, I am starting to emphasize SPRING in my ETSY shops now.

Here are a few pictures of some SPRING/NATURE Designs In Fiber in my shops:


SPRING YELLOW FLOWERS IN SPRING GREEN LEAVES http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20993809







A WHITE LOTUS FLOWER FOR SPRING
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11197430












A SUNBURST - LAYERS OF YELLOWS
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20239520












A TREE LANDSCAPE IN TAPESTRY ART CROCHET http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13105129












A COTTON FRINGED SCARF/SHAWL IN MULTICOLOR RIPPLES http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15404298











A KEYCHAIN OF IRISH LEAVES AND ROSES

Take a look in my shop - maybe there will be something you would like to decorate with -- or give as a gift -- or use around your home: RSS Designs In Fiber

And keep in mind -- I DO CUSTOM ORDERS -- so you can request something designed in the color or subject you would like!!


And most of the things I make are made to last a long time - to be reused whenever you feel like it!



To the Season of Revival - SPRING!!

Ruth

reusablebags.com - BYOB - "BRING YOUR OWN BAG"

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread

As I have mentioned this before, anyone who knows me or has read some of my blog knows how I feel -- I HATE those disposable bags (both plastic and paper) and I use and promote reusable bags.

I recently discovered the wesite http://www.reusablebags.com/ and am putting their plastic bag counter here on my blog! I found out about it from http://www.greenbaglady.blogspot.com/, who I had found out about from http://www.mygoodhouse.wordpress.com/, who I found out about on Twitter because mygoodhouse is following me there!!

reusablebags.com is great for those who are looking to buy reusable bags online, but I either get mine locally at Trader Joe's or make them myself!!!

Here are a few examples of reusable bags I have made.

First of all, for going to the Post Office or just around where I live, I have my own green bag which I crocheted years ago that I use all the time - people in my neighborhood know it well - it is a shoulder bag. I crocheted it with Peaches and Creme Emerald Green and Shades of Green worsted cotton yarn. I refuse the disposable bags all the time around my neighborhood - what I buy either goes in my trusty green shoulder bag - or one of my little canvas bags that I use if I buy heavier things. Here is a picture of my trusty hand-crocheted (by me!) green reusable bag!!

I also make reusable bags for gifts and to sell. Here are a few examples of some I have for sale on Etsy:

First, I have a Gift Bag that I crocheted in yellow, green and red - a Poinsettia Bag!! It is in my shop on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13688791.

Next, I have some bags that I made and sell in my etsy shop for wearables that can be used as reusable bags -

1. Hand-Crocheted Tote Bag with a squared-off flat bottom and shoulder-length straps in bright red and white: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12929064

2. Hand-crocheted small shoulder bag with a coin purse - it could be used as a small reusable bag/tote or like a shoulder-strap purse: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15451961

All of these bags are actually my own designs put together by me. I use Peaches and Creme worsted cotton yarn because I know how strong it is and that it will last as I have used it myself for years in my own life!!

If someone would want a unique reusable bag just for them, they can contact me either by email - or if you are on Etsy, you can contact me at http://www.rssdesignswearables.etsy.com/ either through a private Alchemy request or by Etsy Conversation about what you would want. I have about 5 colors in cones of Peaches and Creme in stock right now that I could make a bag out of - and there are a few colors I can get locally and their whole line of colors I can get online.

I really do custom orders - I knit and crochet them and the way I make them, they are beautiful and they last!!!

Or find your own patterns and make your own in your own choice of fabrics or colors of yarn!!

Ruth

REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS MADE FROM 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread





Went to one of my favorite stores today - Trader Joe's!!


When I go shopping these days -- and for a number of years -- I take my own reusable shopping bags with me.


I do this for several reasons - most importantly, I can't stand either paper bags or those disposable plastic bags that most stores give out.

I greatly prefer my collection of reusable shopping bags that are either heavy duty canvas or long-lasting plastic ones that hold more than anything the stores give out and don't fall apart.


Today I had 3 reusable shopping bags and a rolling knapsack with me. By the time I got to Trader Joe's, 2 of the reusable shopping bags and the rolling knapsack were full -- and I knew I would need 2 more, so I decided to buy another one of Trader Joe's reusable bags that they sell.


Well, lately I had seen this new one in my "local" Trader Joe's. I had already read the info on it -- it was made 100% of recycled plastic bottles - and I knew that that was the one I was going to buy today and I did.


Here it is, folks -- and read the balloon message on the bag!!







....at least some of those plastic bottles I've recycled are being put to good use!!


Find your "local" Trader Joe's here: http://www.traderjoes.com/


I realy love this "chain" of stores!! Been shopping there for over 20 years -- even when I had to go find one in another community.


My "local" Trader Joe's - well, I was one of those people in the Antelope Valley calling their corporate office asking when they were going to put one here before there was one. I use to have to go down to one of the valleys south of here to find one.


Go there regularly now -- the guys running it are great -- great products (even if they do change periodically) and great service!!


Find one near you -- or not so near you -- you might find it worth it to go!!





Ruth

EcoEtsy AUCTION FOR A CAUSE Ongoing!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread

Our EcoEtsy AUCTION FOR A CAUSE is still ongoing with some bids already put in -- yes, we have some bids and if you are interested in it and haven't bid yet, you'll need to bid yourself by the Thursday evening (Oct. 30th)!

Check here! http://www.ecoetsy.com/auction-oct2008.html

After today (Sunday), there are 4 days left to bid on the collection of about 60 handmade, eco-minded items!!

Take a look at the pictures of what has been donated and is being auctioned off:

http://ecoetsyauction.myphotoalbum.com/

Remember -- the proceeds go to The Nature Conservancy!!

I have a picture here of the bag I crocheted for the Auction. It is a small bag - about 3 1/2 inches in diameter and 5 inches high. It is green, ecru and glittering sienna.

Us like-minded folks in EcoEtsy really have the welfare of our environment and the people who live in it on our minds (you should see our emailing sometimes!). We really make an effort to live our lives and conduct our businesses in such a way as not to harm our environment and maybe even help it!!

Below I will quote my favorite philosopher on the environment, Aldo Leopold, in that there is a value to protecting our environment even if there doesn't seem to be a commercial profit in it. Protecting elements in our environment that are essential to its healthy functioning, even if that protection doesn't have a commercial value, is important for our lives. Of course, if you find new ways to use things that would otherwise be thrown out, you can reduce waste (good for the environment) and save money you would otherwise have spent on something new (good for your pocketbook), but some economists would tell you that consumer spending is a good sign of the economy - I would say to find other things to spend your money on while Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.

Aldo Leopold from "Substitutes For a Land Ethic", which is part of "The Land Ethic", which is part of "The Upshot" in the book, A Sand County Alamanc, copyright 1966 by Oxford University Press:

"To sum up: a system of conservation based solely on economic self-interest is hopelessly lopsided. It tends to ignore, and thus eventually eliminate, many elements in the land community that lack commercial value, but are (as far as we know) essential to its healthy functioning. It assumes, falsely, I think, that the economic parts of the biotic clock will function without the uneconomic parts. It tends to relegate to government many functions too large, too complex, or too widely dispersed to be performed by government.

"An ethical obligation on the part of the private owner is the only visible rememdy for these situations."

We, in EcoEtsy, who are putting on our AUCTION FOR A CAUSE, are private owners.

The Nature Conservancy is an organization who's funding is based on donations from private owners and who works to protect those uneconomic parts that are so essential to the healthy functioning of the land community we live in -- to our "web of life".

We, at EcoEtsy, are trying to be ethical in our lives and businesses - and our AUCTION FOR A CAUSE is part of that.

From me, Thanks to everyone who has participated - our EcoEtsy Co-Leaders, the donators, the bidders and all who helped promoting!!

Ruth

P.S. - You can find the book, A Sand County Almanac, online - and through the Aldo Leopold Foundation, http://www.aldoleopold.org/.

EcoEtsy AUCTION FOR A CAUSE is ON!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread

OUR AUCTION IS ON!

The auction information: http://www.ecoetsy.com/auction-oct2008.html

THE PHOTOS ARE UP!!

The photos of what is in the basket being auctioned for the donation:
http://ecoetsyauction.myphotoalbum.com/.

A VARIETY OF THINGS FROM JEWELRY TO BAGS TO CARDS TO SILVER -- TAKE A LOOK -- ALL HANDMADE, ALL ECO-FRIENDLY, SOME THINGS MADE FROM RECYLCED, RE-PURPOSED OR "RESCUED" MATERIALS!

FINAL PROCEEDS TO THE NATURE CONSERVANCY!!

Ruth

THE ECOETSY STREET TEAM FROM www.etsy.com IS DOING ..... AN AUCTION FOR A CAUSE OCT. 20TH THRU OCT. 30TH 2008

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber.etsy.com - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable.etsy.com - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus.etsy.com - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread

The EcoEtsy Street Team from http://www.etsy.com/ and http://www.ecoetsy.com/ and http://www.ecoetsy.blogspot.com/ has come together to donate a basket of Eco-minded goodies to be auctioned off for the benefit of the Nature Conservancy. This auction is entirely a non-profit event, created by the members of EcoEtsy (http://www.ecoetsy.com/) in order to promote handmade,eco-friendly goods and to support a worthy organization.

About the Auction

The benefit auction started preparations in the spring of 2008, and each participant that donated to the auction basket were required to follow a set of rules for their items:

● Every item is Eco-related in some way. These include repurposed, recycled, up-cycled,and eco-friendly products.
● Every item is handmade.
● Every item includes a small card that describes the item and how it relates to ecopractices.
More than 60 individual items are contained in this beautiful, eco-friendly auction handcrafted by people who care about nature and our environment. The total of all donations is valued at more than $300 retail.

Auction Details

Donation photographs will be available beginning October 20, the first day of the auction.These photographs can be accessed by viewing the album at http://ecoetsyauction.myphotoalbum.com/

Auction Start Date: October 20th, 2008

Auction End Date: October 30th, 2008

This auction is open to US residents only. This is to prevent any legal issues as well as preventshipping issues that may arise due to regulations that other countries have.

Bidding: Bids may be placed on the auction basket by emailing promo@ecoetsy.com. Updates will be announced regularly on the EcoEtsy blog (http://ecoetsy.blogspot.com/) with the highest bidding amount.

Please note that the monies raised will also be used to ship the donation basket to the winner.

The highest bid placed by 9 PM MST (-7 GMT) will be awarded. The auction basket will be shipped within one week of bid payment receipt – payment details will be sent to the winnerafter the auction via email.

About EcoEtsy

Eco Etsy is a group of like-minded people who are coming together to spread the word about reducing, reusing, and recycling. We concentrate on educating other Etsyians to be more aware of the waste we create when packaging our items, and therefore offer tips and tricks to help other members create a greener way of life in their shops and in their personal lives. EcoEtsy is open to all Etsy sellers who want to waste less in the process of creating, selling, packaging and shipping and to encourage buyers to do their part as well. Please feel free to learn more about EcoEtsy and the products we create, the tips we produce, and the efforts we are involved in byvisiting the following websites:

Eco Etsy Website: http://www.ecoetsy.com/

Eco Etsy Blog: http://www.ecoetsy.blogspot.com/

Street Team Page: http://team.etsy.com/profilest/eco.shtml

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy, please visit http://www.nature.org/

Since their founding in 1951:
● They've protected more than 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of riversworldwide – operating more than 100 marine conservation projects globally.
● They work in all 50 states and more than 30 countries – protecting habitats fromgrasslands to coral reefs, from Australia to Alaska to Zambia.
● They address threats to conservation involving climate change, fire, fresh water, forests,invasive species, and marine ecosystems.

I HAVE DONATED A REUSABLE BAG I CROCHETED WITH "RESCUED" OR "RECLAIMED" CROCHET THREAD FOR THIS AUCTION FOR A CAUSE -- I ALSO VOTED FOR THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IN THE POLL TO DETERMINE WHO THE DONATION WOULD GO TO. THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS SO AMAZING IN THE PROJECTS THEY SUPPORT, ORGANIZE, FUND AND INSPIRE -- ALL OVER OUR PLANET!!

CHECK HERE OR ON ONE OF ECOETSY'S ONLINE LOCATIONS FOR WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH OUR AUCTION!!

Ruth

DESIGN STYLE GUIDE - INTERIOR DESIGN TEAM ON ETSY - I'VE JOINED!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread


www.etsy.com is a great website for people who do handmade and sell it -- and for those who are looking for unique handmade items to buy.

As a seller at www.etsy.com, one of the things that are offered is teams to join to network with other sellers that have common interests, live in a certain area or sell items in a certain category or classification.

Well, I was recently invited by Klaire of MysticSilks on www.etsy.com to join the Interior Design Team there - DESIGN STYLE GUIDE. (I love what is in MysticSilks shop and will be posting about it in the near future!)

Well, I am now a member and I am really excited about it!!

The DESIGN STYLE GUIDE is a very talented group of artists who sell hand-made Interior Design items.

I have just been an active member since this morning and have several new friends there who do some beautiful work -- photographs, paintings, woodwork!

You can check out the items being sold by the members of this team by searching for this tag on www.etsy.com: interiordesignteam.

You can also check out their blogs to get more information on what DESIGN STYLE GUIDE is doing:

http://designstyleguide.blogspot.com
http://interiordesignteam.blogspot.com

If you look down on the right side of my blog, you will see my badge (widget) for my page for Design Style Guide on ning.com.

If you are looking for some items to decorate your home -- or for some very useful functions around your home, check out what this team is making and selling!!

And if you are looking for eco-friendly items to purchase, they have a category ECO/UPCYCLED and they have members who are selling items made from recycled, rescued, repurposed and reused materials -- including me!!

Go take a look - gosh there are just some beautiful items there!!


Ruth

MEDITERRANEAN CORK FORESTS - IMPORTANT FOR BIODIVERSITY - PROMOTE THE USE/SALE OF CORK

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread


Do you know where the cork of your cork wine bottle stoppers and coasters comes from?

I didn't until today when I read an email and post by Summer (http://www.ottoman.etsy.com/) from Eco Etsy about cork and cork trees.

Then I read the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) website on it: http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/europe/what_we_do/mediterranean/about/forests/cork/index.cfm

I also looked at the map that they have.

Then I pulled out my map from Conservation International (http://www.conservation.org/) of the Biodiversity Hotpots.

There is a Biodiversity Hotspot, "Mediterranean Basin" that includes the countries mentioned on the WWF website where the cork forests are: Portugal, Spain, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Tunisia, and France. I took a good look at it and it looks to me like the cork forest areas are in the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot.

As I have quoted below, this means promoting the sale of cork products from cork forests managed to Forest Stewardship Council standards will help to protect the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot as "...cork is the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) which renews itself after harvesting, commercial exploitation is environmentally friendly, as not a single tree is cut down." (from WWF webpage on cork oak landscapes).

Protection of areas within the Biodiversity Hotposts identified by Conservation International is one of the environmental issues that I focus on. Below are a series of quotes off my map from Conservation International:

"The loss of bioglogical diversity is the most critical environmental issue
facing our planet at the dawn of the new millennium. The problem at times
seems overwhelming. The solution is to identify strategies that will
prevent further loss of the species , ecosystems, and ecological processes that
comprise the Earth's biological wealth. .... The biodiversity hotspots concept,
created by Norman Myers in 1988, has been the most influential priority-setting
approach of the past decade. It was adopted by both Conservation
International and the MacArthur Foundation as their principal conservation
strategy in 1989.

"The hotpots concept recognizes that a small number of ecoregions occupying a small portion of the land surface of the planet account for an inordinately large share of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity.
....

"Given the great concentration of biodiversity in such a small
and highly threatened fragment of our world, it is obvious that these areas
require very special attention from the international community. If we
fail to act effectively in the hotspots, we will lose a major portion of life on
Earth in the first half of the twenty-first century regardless of how successful
we are in other areas."

FOLKS -- WE ARE IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY!!

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN YOUR LIFE TO PROMOTE PROTECTION OF THESE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS???

LEARN WHERE THEY ARE - http://www.conservation.org/explore/priority_areas/Pages/hotspots.aspx

CONSUMER-DRIVEN CONSERVATION REGARDING PRODUCTS FROM THESE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS THAT ARE PRODUCED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PROMOTE ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY IN THESE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS IS ONE WAY ANYONE CAN HELP.

A FEW SUGGESTIONS FROM ME:

1. DON'T BUY CERTAIN PRODUCTS, SUCH AS ANYTHING MADE FROM REDWOOD FORESTS IN CALIFORNIA, UNLESS THEY ARE CERTIFIED BY THE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL -- THE REDWOOD FORESTS IN CALIFORNIA ARE IN THE CALIFORNIA FLORISTIC PROVINCE, A GLOBALLY SIGNIFICANT BIODIVSERSITY HOTSPOT IN THE UNITED STATES.

2. BUY THE TEA, GUAYAKI -- IT IS GROWN SUSTAINABLY IN THE RAINFORESTS OF SOUTH AMERICA FROM THE WEBSITE FOR GUAYAKI (http://www.guayaki.com/) : "Guayakí has pioneered an innovative business model called Market Driven Restoration in which Guayakí serves as a bridge linking consumer purchases of healthy yerba mate products in North America with indigenous communities engaged in sustainable agriculture and reforestation projects in Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Each person that drinks two servings per day of Guayakí Yerba Mate helps protect approximately one acre of rainforest every year."

3. BUY ORGANIC COFFEES GROWN SUSTAINABLY IN THE RAINFORESTS OF THE WORLD. I PERSONALLY HAVE TRADER JOE'S PERUVIAN CAFE FEMENINO GROWN DEEP IN THE ANDES MOUNTAINS OF NORTHERN PERU, WHICH I BELIEVE, ACCORDING TO MY MAP FROM CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL, IS IN EITHER THE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT "TROPICAL ANDES" OR PART OF THE AMAZONIAN WILDERNESS AREA!!

4. IF YOU BUY WINE, BUY BOTTLES WITH CORK STOPPERS.

If you live in California, like I do, there may be many things you can do to help protect the CALIFORNIA FLORISTIC PROVINCE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT in your daily life in your community. Other than the high arid and low-lying desert areas of northeatern and southeastern California, the remaining 70% of California lands are within the Biodiversity Hotspot. Yes the well-known cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and San Diego are all in the California Floristic Province Biodiversity Hotspot (I have a map of that, too) - and I am afraid that the development in these cities are part of why the biodiversity in this ecosystem is threatened.

Our Eco Etsy motto of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" is one way we can all help to protect biodiversity on our planet -- especially if you live in a biodiversity hotspot, like I do!!

Ruth