D.I.Y. or DIE: Suit up for Summer
Yes, summer, we know you’re almost here.
Yes, summer, we know about your relentless, oppressive, hypnotic heat that gets nearly everybody amped to go frolic outdoors, host garden parties with dear friends, and let loose, because that is the effect you have on people. It’s not a healthy relationship–even if there’s SPF protection involved–but still, there’s much you do to the human psyche for just being a simple season. People get giddy.
Some have been preparing in gyms and yoga studios all year, awaiting your arrival. Some couldn’t care less. One thing is for certain though–the rituals of water to combat the heat–be it in swimming pools, the beach or a cracking of a hydrant–will commence.
Ahem…That being said, if you’re about to purchase a new swimsuit, I’d urge you to wait just a moment. As an advocate for simple D.I.Y. projects, I think it’d be best if you’d entertain the idea of turning your favourite Alien Sex Fiend band shirt into a cute bikini or one-piece. It’s really all too simple, and it’d be a unique alternative that allows you to upcycle something you might’ve not warn as frequently otherwise. Here, take a peek at these vids.
Just remember, if you’re planning on making a functional swimsuit from a t-shirt, unless it’s just you and your lover(s), you’ll need extra material and padding…unless you’re into that wet t-shirt look and want the world to see your goods. If so, carry on without.
Now, if you’re not about to take to a sewing machine, NY’s own Vin-T can take your t-shirts and turn them into a custom swimsuit for you.
If you’re not prepared to transform your band shirts, that’s fine as well. When purchasing a new swimsuit, consider checking out brands such as EcoSwim, Odina Swim, Becca and Ruby Moon for sustainable and/or ethical fashions.
If you’re a guy, try Nautica, Greenlines, or even something from H&M’s Conscious collection.
Etsy Bomb: Episode #5 | Parts and Scraps
I’m a sucker for a good choker, especially if they incorporate ribbons. So it’s only natural when I stumbled upon Parts and Scraps I lost my #$!@ upon seeing the chokers and necklaces. They’ve incorporated and transformed can soda tabs, recycled computer bits, and recycled bicycle parts into stellar pieces of wearable art. And how attractive they all are! Colourful, sustainable fashion accessories that are seriously affordable are always welcome here. Take a gander at Annemarie’s Parts and Scraps in January’s (late) Etsy Bomb!
*Also, in case you didn’t know, you can right click the pictures in the slideshow to go to the direct web page. Save yourself some time and energy, yeah?
Winter Inferno: Alternatives to Firewood
Have you ever heard of a No-Burn Day? They exist in places like Arizona, where air quality can get really foul sometimes. These No-Burn Days set restrictions to the burning of firewood–a huge culprit of particulate and toxic air pollution. Now obviously, if you have a fireplace, or fire-pit, or bonfire, or some kind of place to light things ablaze, firewood might seem like the least likely choice environmentally to keep yourself toasty-cozy. So, what are your options? Lucky you, I did some research for ya.
For the most part, logs that aren’t firewood are either made from wax, a wax and biomass mixture, paper, or a paper/saw dust-mulchesque mixture. These firewood alternatives tend to be a bit more expensive than say, purchasing regular wood, but they burn cleaner, and tend to burn longer. Some of them are even scented, or change the colour of your fire. Here’s a quick list of some major brands you can pick up online or at your local grocery story. Also, there are tools to help you create your own bricks and logs for your fires as well.
Relay: National Costume Swap Day
October 12th, 2013 is the date! Organized by Green America, trading posts will be set up in cities country-wide that allow both adult and children costumes to be swapped. Instead of purchasing a new costume, why not obtain a gently used one, or rather, a custom costume that can’t be purchased in stores? And for those of us who don’t see the month of October as just a silly holiday, there might be certain outfits and accessories that can be new staples in your wardrobe.
Locations nationwide can be found here, and if you want to host a Costume Swap in your city, you can fill out a form here.
The Countdown Begins…
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us once more, and Flora Gothica aims to lend an inspirational hand in your eco-endeavors this Halloween! Be sure to keep a lookout for this month’s Etsy Bombs, DIY Tuts, and various articles right here on Flora Gothica. There might even be giveaways for followers, so definitely stay tuned, and stay sustainable in the dark!
Etsy Bomb: Episode #4
September’s Etsy Bomb’ll be showcasing Bianca Strom’s Etsy shop, Alter-Eco Clothing!
Based in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, Alter-Eco Clothing’s lineup changes every-so-often, with new designs that are mainly geared towards female fashions. The shop owner herself has two other Etsy shops, as well; ReLovePlanet features more cutesy apparel, accessories and gifts, and Enstasy Designs stocks handmade jewelry. All of her products are either upcycled/recycled, eco-friendly and vegan and/or utilize vintage materials. Custom-order are very much encouraged, so be sure to drop her a line if you want something specific and unique!
Etsy Bomb: Episode #3
To welcome in August (which, might I add, feels nothing like so on the East Coast), I have some incredibly handsome jewelry that is made with the utmost care, and are of the highest quality I’ve seen to date. Check out the Ear Emporium!
K.C. Peck’s Gift and Ear Emporium features almost 30 pages of gauges, earrings, necklaces, and other items for gifting, such as money clips, pins, and even nightlights. The artist uses a variety of materials which include metals, glass, and more importantly sustainably-harvested woods including walnut, oak, and maple. The accessories feature a variety of themes such as nature motifs, gaming references, religious/ethical themes and exquisite patterns–specifically the honeycombs! His gauges are available in a variety of sizes, and custom orders are encouraged, granted you call/ leave a message regarding your request.
The Ear Emporium has over 10,000 fans on the Facebook page, so if you like these products, be sure to Like the page as well for updates and perhaps future deals on accessories!
Etsy Bomb: Episode #2
After a couple weeks of lurking and waiting, our featured Etsy artists for Episode #2 gave me the okay to feature their work!
I’m quite thrilled, and you should be too.
Introducing the work of Mihaela Slav and Roberto Toselli at their shop, dECOnstructionLabs!
dECOnstructionLabs is a collaborative store between Mihaela Slav and Roberto Toselli that has a mission to turn scrap fabrics, leathers, and reclaimed vintage into functional, appealing accessories and attire. Based out of Turin, Italy, they make sure each one of their products are made entirely or partially from recycled materials, and they strive to ethically produce their goods in the respect of people, and nature. dECOnstructionLabs ships worldwide, excluding Cina, Peru, and Brasil, and they’re even open to wholesale orders! So go ahead, and browse their wondrous goods at their Etsy page ASAP!
Update: dECOnstructionLabs also has a Facebook Page! I hadn’t realized before, but if you go and like them, you can keep up-to-date with their pieces, along with seeing pictures of their work process!
Mihaela was also an angel to both myself, and my followers! When purchasing at their Etsy shop, if you mention FloraGothica, you’ll receive a one-time 5% discount on any item!
So now, there’s really no excuse. Just give in and buy–all their products are beautiful!
Flora Gothica 