The New Year

Christmas is now over, the presents unwrapped, the paper is being recycled, the gifts put away and all the excitement gone. But wait, the New Year is coming! And with it a new Greenpurse. If you read our newsletter you already know we are changing in 2010. The votes are in and the technique decided. We hope you stayed tuned throughout the year and have a wonderful 2010. Happy, happy week!

Maybe I should write a book

Good morning Greenies,
I had my second interview with a gal writing a book about "green" women entrepreneurs. I'm afraid I cannot reveal much more than than until after the book is published. I'm excited to read it and am sure I will learn much from others who have succeeded in business. It's facinating what we can learn from a book and there are books out there on everything. From cooking to cleaning and how to raise our children and take care of our elderly parents. Finances, dreams and how to juggle (never did quite master that one). I have thought about it before and even have a name for my book. Who knows, if the winter is slow with sales, perhaps I'll begin yet another new venture. A very Merry Christmas to all!

What success means to me

I read a lot and listen to many entrepreneurs and business people and so many are focused on success being money. Although money is important and we all need some to survive in this culture today, it is not success in and of itself. To me success is peace, living in a happy, thriving marriage. Watching my three grown children live good, productive lives. Running a business with honesty, respect and dignity, yes, trying to make a couple bucks in the meantime, but with fairness and good business practices. That being said, I am the most successful person I know! Happy, happy week!

Liquida

Good morning all greenies! I cannot find my email as to why I have this logo on my desktop. I'm pretty sure I promised to mention them in my blog. They are the first Italian User-Generated-Content based news portal. To be brutally honest, I don't get much of this social networking stuff. I know you can take classes for help but really, who has time to follow all the people you have listed as following? So much of what we do in society is a game. Yes, the same one I am playing right now. If I ever figure it out, I'll blog about Liquida at length. Stay tuned to gpurse.com for a new direction in 2010. Happy, happy week!

Festival of Trees

November 21st was not only the Kohler Arts and Crafts fair, but also the day the Festival of Trees was held at Blue Harbor. My donation of Holly Berries did not place, but there is always next year. I do wish they would let the individuals know how much their donated item sold for or if it was well received. That would be benifical in producing the following years entry. Perhaps I'll try to get a hold of someone on the committee and make this suggestion. It is always satisfiying to give to those in need and will continue to do so as long as I am able.

A day late and a dollar short

Good morning all,

Didn't get a chance to blog yesterday and that's what inspired the title for today's blog. Busy week and weekend getting ready for the Kohler Arts and Crafts Fair. Lots of people attended and the fair was a success. I should have brought my camera for a few photo ops. It was a learning experience and if I do it again next year I will do it different. These shows are not really my forte but I thought it would give me a chance to clear some inventory and that it did. Still quite a few items left. It did get me thinking which is something I don't necessarily need, nonetheless, that is one thing that came from it as well as meeting a bunch of nice hardworking people. Pictured is a necklace made from scrap fabric and broken jewelry. Happy, happy week!

Young Women's Conference

Good morning all. I was a presenter at the Young Women's Conference held at UW Sheboygan yesterday. It is a terrific program for young women to experience some things they might not otherwise. Most are hands on type classes and range from animal care to Zumba. I had four groups of 12 and they came up with some really great ideas. Most made purses (what girl doesn't like a new purse!) but some brooches and bracelets. I think I get more joy and experience from it than the kids do! I hope they invite me back again next year.

I promised a photo of the completed quilt and here it is. I need to check with the school so see if a raffle is possible. It measures 103" x 103". Hope to see you at the fair Saturday between 9am and 4pm. Happy, happy week!

Work in Progress

Good morning Greenies! November 21st the Kohler School is having a Arts and Crafts Fair. I've done a few in the past and promised myself I wouldn't do another. Once again I find myself a liar. A friend came by with a donation of wool and felt. I've been wanting to make a quilt from sweaters, coats, etc. and this was my perfect opportunity to get it done and have a place where lots of people could see it. I rented a booth for the Kohler Fair. My main attraction will be the quilt I am in the process of creating. It will not only be warm but a centerpiece to any bedroom. It doesn't really look like much now, but I have a feeling I'll hate to pass with it! Next week I'll post the finished quilt and let you know how you can win it! Until then. Happy, happy week!

The Artist in You

Time on a Bottle
From Bags to Fruit

I never really considered myself to be an artist however, when I looked at my craft in a different way I could see how it could be considered just that. With encouragement from a friend and colleague I entered the John Michael Kohler Arts Center 8 Counties exhibit. Here are my submissions. Wish me luck. Find the artist in you! Happy, happy week!

Scary Crows

Giving Thanks

Now that Halloween is nearly upon us, it is time to think of Thanksgiving. Why is it I wonder, we cannot enjoy the here and now? I guess it is human nature to think of the future (hopefully we have one!). All that being said, I am preparing for turkey day, planning the menu, people to invite, time of the festivities, etc. I'm also big on decorating for the holidays. It sets the stage and really gets me into the celebration. Here are a couple ideas I came up with for Thanksgiving. (Halloween is much easier!)

To purchase these and other decorations visit gpurse.com or email me, green.purse79@yahoo.com. I can also send you directions and patterns to make your own. I'd love to hear from you with your ideas!

A shout out to http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com, what a great "green" idea!

Hall of Fame

This week I'd like to talk about another new found friend, the women at WE magazine. I entered a cover story competition a few months ago and was informed that I did not make it into the top fifteen but did make it into the Hall of Fame as an honoree (so did all the entrants). Nonetheless, I was happy they did it. Here is the link to the magazine if you choose to take a look at what they offer and follow the contest. Some very amazing women! http://wemagazineforwomen.com. Happy, happy week!

Confrere

WE ADD UP is 12,630 strong and counting. I've joined with them in helping to spread the consciousness of environmental change. Sign up today, lots of cool prizes to win and you'll feel good! http://www.weaddup.com/climategiveaway. Please send this link to all your friends and hope you win. Happy, happy week!

Billboard

Just returning from a little golf vacation north and made an attempt to see our billboard on Hwy 41 North near the Oneida St. exit. No such luck! It is electronic and changes I think every 7 seconds or so.

Anyone seeing our billboard and placing an order this month will get 50% off their purchase. Expires October 31, 2009. Thanks to Celebrate Green's Green Halloween for post on your blog!

Attack of the killer tomatoes

At the end of the growing season I always end up with tons of tomatoes from family and friends. We quite frankly are sick of them by this time and I hate throwing anything away. I like to make stewed tomatoes. Easy and they make a great addition to chili, stew or any other recipes you like tomatoes in. Roma are great because they peel the best. Boil water and drop in your tomatoes. After one minute take them out, cut off the stem end and squeeze gently from the back. POOF! Skinned Roma. Regular tomatoes take just slightly more effort. Cut into chunks, add green peppers,onions, salt and pepper to taste, cook until peppers are tender. Cool. Fill Ziplocks half way, lay flat in freezer. Happy, happy week and happy cooking!

If you can believe it, I still hear peoples air conditioners running when I walk early in the morning. I have on a jacket and in some cases mittens and headband. I find this ridiculous and irresponsible. When did we get so spoiled and entitled? It inspires me to always be on the look out for other companies who think green and are making a difference. Through my friends at HARO, I discovered two places I find doing just that. http://www.greenandsave.com and http://www.weaddup.com. I've written an article for Green and Save and plan to write more. At We Add Up, I'm involved in a give away. So watch both for interesting stories on Greenpurse and other "greenies" and how to enter to win some cool stuff. Until next time, happy, happy week!

Cooking Together

When planning and preparing food I try to conserve. For example, if I'm buying a green pepper for a recipe but only need 1/2 cup, I find another dish that uses green pepper so I can use the whole vegetable. I also utilize the source for cooking my meals. Yesterday I had the oven on for baked beans, so I cooked bacon and chicken in the oven as well. You will find you throw less food away and you save on energy as well. (in the winter it also makes your kitchen nice and toasty) It takes a little more time to plan and prepare but is worth the extra effort. Let me know what you think! Happy, happy week!

A promise

I know it is only Wednesday, but I mentioned on LinkedIn that my newest creation would be up on my blog. Custom wall art created from an array of fabrics with varying textures. Leather, burlap, satin, corduroy, gauze, canvas, etc. I decided it would be cool to make it in three pieces. I've always liked photos or painting arranged in this fashion and you get three pieces of art for the price of one. Stay tuned! Enjoy the rest of the week!

Labor Day

Now that Labor Day weekend has arrived, summer will officially be over (in my mind anyway). When I was a kid, that was the last weekend before school started. That meant of course summer was over. That being said, we're looking to create purses and items for the fall and winter months. This bag was custom designed for a client who was looking for a purse with a cool weather look. Fish Scales (that's the name of this purse) was something I wanted to try for some time. The base is constructed from a pair of linen Capri's using the waistband as the handle. The scales are circles cut from donated deer hides. I'm not certain they really look like scales, but that was the idea. I'd love to hear any ideas or comments to this or any other post. Happy Labor Day!

Never Ending Summer

Keep summer around all year long by creating your own flowers made from scraps of fabric. They are fun and relatively easy. Almost any fabric will work just fine, in fact by using different fabrics you get different effects. For example, if you use a polyester fabric your flower stays more ridged. use knit and it curls when sewn. You can also change the way you assemble your flower for a variety of looks. Therefore, you can get two or more flowers from one pattern. You can make your own pattern/s or purchase The Rose from gpurse.com. More to come! Happy, happy week!

Another Blog

Last week I was given the opportunituy to share a Christmas project with Favecrafts.com. (Great site by the way!) They have inspired me to put up on my site, patterns for people to create their own one of a kind "green" projects. I only have two up at the moment as I have no patterns for most everything I create, therefore, need to take the time to make patterns. They can be purchased at gpurse.com for a minimal fee or naturally, you can purchase the item directly from Greenpurse. Don't forget you can send Greenpurse your old clothes and have them make a custom piece just for you! Until next Sunday - happy, happy week!

August Newsletter

The post this week is the ever popular Vintage View. Take advantage of the special and don't forget to make a guess on the trash question for a $5 voucher. Happy, happy week!

For women

My blog this week is a day late. We were out of town. In order to promote Greenpurse I've attempted to get the word out on other sites. A brand new site for women called GALTime.com featured and article with a give away on Greenpurse. Please check it out, your feedback is always welcome. Happy, happy week!

Recycling 1-7

I believe a while back my community started recycling all plastic 1-7. That's fantastic! Not all areas do so I'm forever trying to come up with ways of reusing the plastic we create. Here is a simple but cute (I thought so anyway!) idea for using hair gel containers. I carefully cut the top off and cleaned the remaining gel out. I cut a piece of wall paper sample to size and used hot glue to attach it to the container folding the ends into the bottle and securing with hot glue and ribbon to cover the raw edge. This also serves as a water fill line. Ribbon for the bottom also cut to size and glued in place. Hemp serves as a hanger simpley wrapped many times around the top and tied. I filled with water and glycerin to preserve more lavender. The animal print vase is a piece of fabric surged around the edges, gathered at the top and tied with hemp. I added a few stones in the bottom for weight. These were fun and easy. If you'd rather purchase them, that's okay with me. They are not yet posted to my site, but will be soon. Stay tuned. Happy week!

Fat Free Green

I've been wondering how these supposed "green" companies or products can be labeled as such. It's like when "fat free" came to be. Fat-free means less than 0.5 grams per serving, therefore not really fat free. What I've read about "green" and "sustainable" is that these terms mean how how much less harm the items or process is to the environment, then no harm. Therefore, they can still cause harm, but if they've made strides to reduce environmental damage they can still be considered "green". Interesting! Nonetheless, I believe to be one of the greenest of the green. I may even start referring to my self as the green queen. (just what I need, another nickname). I'll keep doing my part and hope you all try to do yours. Happy, happy week!

Hope

This weeks featured item is a necklace called Hope on a Rope. It was created really on accident. I needed the inside of a clothes line to secure a handle to a purse and in pulling out the inside I was left with a new creation. I am dedicated to helping kids so the entire sale of these necklaces will be donated to charity. So please buy yours today and make a difference in a kids life. I guess it really should be called Hope in a Rope. Nonetheless, the kids still get the money! Happy, happy week!

Alterations

I've been asked recently to alter some pants. So instead of dissecting them and creating a purse, I'm changing them to be useful again in there original form. This too is being earth conscious and "green". If Bob were to give them to a second hand store it would force him to buy new ones. If he simply threw them away he'd have to buy new ones. Regardless of what he did with the pants he'd have to replace them. New fabric, buttons, zippers and thread, all manufactured, creating pollution and waste. Perhaps it's good for our eco system but not so much for our economy. So in conclusion, mending, altering or transforming are all means of recycling. Something to think about! Happy, happy week!

Lavender

We were out of town last week golfing in Peshtigo. A couple weeks ago we blogged about lavender and it uses in wreaths and the like. We would like to follow up this week with the idea. Remember Twilight Zone episode where this guy's house and then ultimately himself, starts turning into foliage? That's the first thing we thought of when our lavender covered vase was complete. Not everything comes out well, but you never know unless you try. Hope all had a great 4th of July and are rested and rejuvenated. Happy week!

Happy Father's Day to all you dad's out there. We know there is not much on our site for you guys but it's a great place for you to shop for your wives, sisters, girlfriends, etc. Once upon a time it was considered rude if you received a gift from someone and then gave it to someone else as their gift. Worse yet, the original card was still in the box! It was coined re- gifting. Great idea! New this week are wrapping kits and bags, and will be featured on our main page at gpurse.com starting in July. Re-Gift Wrapping kits and Re-Gift Gift Bags come in three sizes and work just like the wrapping paper or bag you'd buy from the store. The cool thing is they are intended to be used over and over and over. Housed in a coordinating envelope, each comes with blank cards for your personal notes as well as a card for keeping track of all the homes, cities, states or maybe countries your Re-Gift has traveled. Additional cards can be ordered for a minimal fee. Not so great at writing your own note! Verses are available at gpurse.com under the merchandise tab. Click the more button and go to the Re-Gift section, you'll find some ideas there. Next week we should have the lavender project complete and ready to blog about. Happy week.

June's Newsletter

This weeks post is our June Newsletter. Some highlights are Trash Trivia and the answer to the April Trash Trivia question. We are also running a special, so don't delay, read The Vintage View today! Happy Sunday.

How does your garden grow

Now that the gardens are starting to grow we can use some of their harvest. Lavender is so fragrant. The smell somehow is reminiscent of being a kid in the loving home of your parents. We learned a cool trick a number of years ago using glycerin. This won't work with flowers. For foliage, cut sprigs and wash dust and dirt from leaves. Cut away the lower leaves and stand in a solution of two parts water to one part glycerin. Big leaves may do better in a solution of 50-50. Keep a watch on them and  after a week or two the leaves color will have changed, it is then that they are ready. Now your plants are preserved and you may create arrangements or wreaths, etc. We've got a new idea we're excited to try, so watch for it in the days to come. Happy, happy week!

Flower Sack

I thought this was a very clever way to use the Flower Sack. Instead of a wreath Kimberly uses this hanging basket to bring color right up to the door. Many plants work well in the Flower Sack but if put in a shaded area impatients work beautifully. They get so big and full by about mid July you can barely see the basket (maybe that's not a good thing). If you've got a unique way of displaying your flowers, I'd love to hear from you. More about the garden next week. Blog me!

Too long

It's been way to long since my last blog. Now that the new site is live, we'll have to blog frequently. Planting time is here and we are again using the Nordem Outdoor collection to add a unique look to the patio, yard and porch. I did have one client throw away a Flower Sack because it became mildewed. No worries, just clean it in a bath of soapy water rubbing where needed until it comes clean. Be sure to rinse it well. The Spanish moss can also be reused. Hey that's what we're all about! We need your comments and feedback. Please don't be shy. Have a great Memorial weekend.

Green bird

Here is one of my latest creations. These are sure to stimulate the economy, as everyone will surely want one. I am in search of gloves of any kind. Please contact me if you have ones that are no longer of use to you. I'm still struggling with this whole blog thing. Thanks, I look forward to any input, any!

I know its been to long since my last entry. How do people do it everyday? Nonetheless, I'm wondering if the whole green thing is a fad. It seemes to me it is here to stay. I'd also like to know what our Noble Peace Prize winner is doing for the environment these days. I've tried to email him but to no avail. Any blogs I should be viewing, I'd love to know about. One day soon, I'll start attaching photos. I have to figure that part out yet. Peace

Recycled Resource Center

I met with a gal yesterday who is starting a recycling resource center in my area. She has done them before in the Chicago and somewhere in New Mexico. She is currently looking for warehouse space, but she has supplies and knows how she wants to run the center. I was very impressed and will help any way I can. I'll post more when I know more about it. I guess that's it on the green front for today. Hopefully more tomorrow.

More Green

In an effort to get more connected to more green people/companies, I'm meeting with a local woman that heads up the Reusable Resorce Center in my community. I'll post more tomorrow on what I learned at our meeting. 

Day two

It's only my second day blogging and I'm afraid I'm not very successful as of yet. I have a business that creates new items from what otherwise would be throw away clothes, grocery bags, shoes, window shades, etc. You get the picture! It is called Greenpurse and I would love feedback on my site as well as suggestions for other materials I could use and resorces for getting materials and any ideas to give to organizations, especially those having to do with abused children. My site is gpurse.com, thanks

My first blog

Bear with me, this is my first blog. I started after reading a suggestion to do so from Scott Ginsberg, that guy with the name tag. I plan to blog on a daily basis. So far so good!