Through green colored glasses: The day after Christmas and all through the house

Through green colored glasses: The day after Christmas and all through the house: "It is the morning after Christmas and all through the house are reminders of the wonderful season. One last party to host tomorrow with foo..."

The day after Christmas and all through the house

It is the morning after Christmas and all through the house are reminders of the wonderful season. One last party to host tomorrow with food and gifts galore. This is also my last post of the year. I still have not decided on a theme for 2011, but better very soon. Here is one more new project being considered. I love using scraps of fabric. They typically aren't big enough for much but sewn together can be useful and fun. I could use help with naming it as well as your thoughts about it. See you next year!

Fabric Mache

I got the idea one evening to try to create art using fabric and the good old paper mache glue. The frame is scrap foamcore and old piece of burlap. I'm also working on another art project using fabric for next week with a Christmas theme. Your thoughts are always welcome! Happy, happy week and a very Merry Christmas!

Winter Wonderland

This morning I awoke to a winter wonderland. It sure is beautiful! With the snow on the ground and Christmas in the air, it feels like the right time to introduce the HollyBag. Designed and inspired by none other than our very own Holly Wick. I've been carrying mine for two weeks and like the idea I can get lots of stuff inside if I need to. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Better yet, place an order for one and get 25% off! (not yet available at gpurse.com, email orders only). My email is green.purse79@yahoo.com. Happy, happy week!

Pillow Pals

Good morning all,
Todays post is again about a new idea. Not so new as much as a knock off. My grand daughter wanted a Pillow Pet. The unicorn in pink and black. It only comes in purple and white. I told her I would make her one. They really are very cute and a cool idea. This one is not "green" however, but they certainly could be made from reclaimed materials. I appreciate all you thoughts and ideas. St. Nic comes tonight! Happy, happy week!

Dickie is back

Good morning,
Remember the good old dickie from years back? That turtleneck thing that went under sweaters to give the illusion of having on a full fledged turtleneck? Well I've come up with my own version of the dickie. Meant to be worn outside of your clothes as an accessory or as a means of keeping warm. I've got several new ideas I'd like to try for 2011 and with the new year fast approaching, each week I'll be blogging about one of them. I need your feedback and appreciate your support! Happy, happy week!

Santa's Workshop

Good morning,
Bookworm Gardens is a really cool place to visit for not only children, but adults as well. Wednesday December 8th I'm presenting at a workshop on turning trash into treasure at the Garden. All participants are to bring something that would otherwise end up in a landfill and we will transform it into something once again useful. We plan to do more in the future but I recommend you book your spot today as the class is sure to fill up quickly. Happy, happy week!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snowman

Good morning,
Another successful conference yesterday with lots of cool projects created. I hope all the attendees enjoyed it as much as I did. This coming Saturday (the 20th) I'll be at the Kohler Arts and Craft Fair where I'll be featuring several snowmen and santas made from upholstery tubes. Stop by and mention you read my blog and get a $10 Greenpurse Greenbuck! Hope to see you there, happy, happy week!

Fountain of Youth

Good morning,
I truly believe the youth are our future. I also believe it is the responsibility of us seasoned adults to lend a helping hand, wisdom and advise. I'm honored to be presenting once again this year at the Young Women's Conference on November 13, 2010. During these hour sessions I talk to the girls about what it is to be green and challenge them to create something useful from the materials they rescued from a landfill. I hope to be doing more in the future and will keep you posted. Greenpurse does offer home parties with gifts for the hostess. Interested - email Tina at green.purse79@yahoo.com and we'll set you up! Happy, happy week!

Cork Neck

Good morning all,
Today I want to share with you my Cork Necklace. I've always thought cork was cool. I've seen cork stops use in several different ways, but thus far not as a necklace. Cork is also becoming somewhat rare and wine makers are moving to synthetic stoppers. How is this green you ask? The beads were left over from another project therefore saved from a landfill. Happy, happy Halloween!

Give Away

Good morning all,
Blogger Carol Harlow of Songberries contacted me to partner with her for a give away. I sent her the Two Birds bird feeder and in return she featured Greenpurse in a blog. THANK YOU CAROL! I think you will enjoy Songberries and strongly suggest you shop now for Christmas and place your order at gpurse.com! Happy, happy week!

Raking it in!

Good morning all,
With the falling leaves comes raking, and lots of it. A week or so ago my husband realized the tines on our plastic rake were worn (you know the curved part at the bottom) flat. He removed the handle to use for another purpose and the rake head being plastic sat next to the recycling bin. The longer it sat there the more I thought I should do something with it. I think it turned out kinda cute! I'd love to hear your ideas!!! Enjoy your Sunday. Happy, happy week!

Greener Halloween

Good morning all,
While decorating for Halloween last week I discovered a set of lights had gone out. I've tried in the past replacing the fuse, pushing in every bulb, shaking the string and the ever popular "dance of the lights". To no avail! I always have an extra set just for such an emergency (that one went out too!). I wound the lights around my arm like you would a clothes line and thought it looked kind of cool. Colorful without having the string lit. If I added a bow, it would look like a wreath. So I cut the ends off, tied a bow on top and I have a unique wreath. I have another door/outside decoration idea for next week so stay tuned! Happy, happy week!

Green Halloween

Good morning,
Every year when we get the gardens ready for winter I try to use as much as what still looks good and bring it inside. My two basil plants did quite well this year and I could have made pesto, but quite honestly, didn't feel like it, so instead I made a fresh centerpiece. I used a pumpkin cookie jar I had and colored the water orange and added the basil. Looks festive and smells AWESOME! I guess I still could make pesto as long as the basil stays fresh. More to share from the garden next time! Happy, happy week!

Fiber Art

Good morning friends,
It is amazing what you can find on the internet and all the talent people have been blessed with. I recently had the opportunity to be included in a very cool blog about fiber art called Beading Arts. Cyndi Lavin wrote a nice piece about what I call costume jewelry. (I think I prefer the term "fiber art" better, don't you!) Here is the link - http://www.beading-arts.com/2010/09/fiber-artist-tina-wick.html
Many thanks Cyndi! Happy, happy week!

Oh so empty!

Good morning all,
My post today is about getting every last bit of cream from your bottles. I cut them open to expose the interior and the cream/lotion still left inside. I use the bottle then as a vase. You can't see it, but under the mitten is the Eucerin bottle. You can also cover them in cloth or wallpaper. Need to know more? Feel free to contact me any time! Happy, happy Labor Day!

BLT Bites

Good morning all,
The open house yesterday was terrific. It was great to see everyone and I appreciate the support. Thank you! In preparation for the gathering, I of course needed to serve a few snacks. BLT Bites are a little picky but worth the trouble. You will notice in the recipe they suggest you scoop out the pulp and discard it. WHAT! Oh no, not Greenpurse! When ever I make these I also plan a meal such as chili, stew, spaghetti or the like and add the pulp to it. Enjoy the rest of your day and happy, happy week!

Spend $50 get $10

Good morning all,
As most of you know, I am having an open house showcasing the Maasai August 28, 2010. In conjunction with that I'm offering a spend 50 greenbacks and get 10 greenbucks back to spend on more Greenpurse products. I'd like to open the offer up to those of you who cannot make it Saturday. Please send and email along with your order and mention greenbuck give back. Offer good through August 29, 2010 Happy, happy week!

August Newsletter

Good afternoon,
This weeks post is our bi-monthly newsletter. Full of lots of fun, funky and green stuff. Have a happy, happy week!

Two Peanut Butter Cookies Went Into a Bar

Good morning all,
Okay, I don't really have a joke about cookies in a bar but I do often have just a couple cookies, or two pieces of pizza or half a sandwich, etc. that I do not want to throw away. I almost always grab a baggy and store the leftover in it. One day I realized how wasteful that is! I have since been using those really small containers we all have and keeping them there. My conscience is clear. I would also like to share the recipe with you. No, this is not a mistake!

One, One, One
One cup of peanut butter
One cup of white sugar
One egg

Mix well and spoon out on an ungreased cookie sheet
Press in a crisscross fashion with a fork
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes

It does not make many, but I'm told they are good! Let me know what you think!
Happy, happy week

Two Birds

Good morning,
Amanda T. contacted me a few weeks ago with a proposal to participate in a give away on her site. I sent her the Two Birds bird feeder and in return she posted a very nice blog about Greenpurse with a voucher for $25. The catch is, it ends today! Here is the link... http://mylifewithratsandmore.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-and-giveaway-green-purse-bird.html
Happy, happy week!

P. S. Something really big happening before summers end so stayed tuned!

Fish on barby

Good morning all,
Last week my husband fired up the grill for some traditional foods cooked outdoors. He was finishing up and wanted me to join him. I told him I couldn't because I was just about to make the fish for our sandwiches. I almost always make my fish the same way. Dredged in crumbs, sprinkled with a little butter and baked. It was such a hot day, he suggested we try them on the grill. I went for it! They were cooked indirect, therefore, no grill marks. They were delicious! We conserved energy by not turning on the oven, that kept the house cooler so the air didn't kick in (not for a while anyway) all while saving money. The biggest bonus... I didn't have the mess and smell of cooking fish indoors. The moral of the story, next time you cook outside, think of other things you could throw on to save you some time, money and energy. Happy, happy week!

Plants don't care about germs!

Good morning all,
As many of you may know my husband and I host a 4th of July party most every year. Lots of food, fun and beverages. With it goes lots of garbage, cans and clean up. (not complaining, had a great time!) In the process of getting the garage and yard back in order, you find cans and water bottles half full or full in some cases. I used to just pour the water down the drain or anywhere in the grass or driveway, but since starting Greenpurse, I've become more aware of waste. I also became aware of the fact that plants don't care about germs! I now take all the water bottles and empty them into a watering can. We also drained the water from the coolers into cans and I ended up with two days worth of water for my potted plants! Now I just need to find out if they like beer, soda and leftover fruit salad! Happy, happy week!

Independence

My thanks once again to all who serve and have served to make this country free and independent. God Bless America! Have a wonderful, safe 4th of July!

Rain, rain go away

Wow! What a lighting storm! I've been awake since 3:00 am and it is still raining. I'll have to use my bike in the basement if it doesn't let up soon. It seems to be raining just the right amount this summer. Everything is green and lush (except what the rabbits have eaten!). Pictured is one of my Nordem Outdoor Flower Sacks. How pretty is that! I sent out this week a 4" Flower Sack and a 12" Bird Feeder. I hope to get some feed back (no pun intended, but funny nonetheless!) on both soon. I'll keep you posted and you please do the same! Happy, happy week!

June Newsletter

Good morning all,
This weeks post is simply my June Newsletter. Congratulations to all the father's. Happy, happy week!

Give Away

Good morning all,
I'm enjoying our beautiful weather and the gardens and potted plants are really growing, that is if the rabbits haven't gotten to them. I like adding color to my yard with hanging baskets and naturally our Nordem Spring Baskets are among my favorites. I guess Danyale of Evoluchun's Misc. thought they were pretty cool too. We partnered to do a give away for one and it ends tomorrow. So do not delay! Here is the link to enter and win! http://evoluchuns.blogspot.com/2010/06/greenpurse-giveaway.html
Happy, happy week!

Screen Saver

I was washing windows last week and noticed I had hole in one of my screens. We've all seen the repair job using a small piece of screen somehow affixed over the hole or the screen sewn together in that spot. I started thinking. I'm a good seamstress and thought I could take some black thread and duplicate the screen pattern. No matter how I thought to accomplish my task I knew you would see the knots in the thread and it would still look like a repair job. I thought some more. People put sun catchers in windows or crystals as decorations and that got me thinking even more. I could sew a decoration over the hole! I picked a flower. Yes, you see the knots, but they are part of the design. Now that is what I call a screen saver! Happy, happy week to all!

I'm getting married in the morning...

Good morning,

For those of you that know me this blog must come as quite a shock. I'm not really getting married tomorrow, but someone probably is, or at least planning for a wedding. Kelly Hunt writes for the Wausa Wedding Planning Examiner and was kind enough to blog about Greenpurse. Here is the link to the article. http://www.examiner.com/x-26304-Wausau-Wedding-Planning-Examiner
Thanks Kelly! GOD BLESS ALL WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES TO KEEP AMERICA FREE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. Next week, something really unusual, stay tuned and happy, happy week!

How does my garden grow?

Good morning,
Now that the nice weather is here to stay (ha, ha), we've decided to do our planting. This year in addition to flowers we are planting some vegetable and herbs. Buying them fresh is very expensive and sometimes wasteful. Recipes often call for just a few leaves of one kind or another or 1/2 cup of this or that. So if you don't plan on using it in something else, it ends up in the garbage. Growing them yourself, you can cut what you need and harvest large or small fruits. Can hardly wait to get started! Stay tuned, you know I'll keep you posted. Happy, happy week!

Nordem Outdoor

Good morning all,
We had lots of rain and now a little sun. The trees, shrubs and plants are leafing out and the grass never looked better. I've got planting on my mind! I just delivered a couple Nordem baskets for a very dear client and she was delighted! They add color and flair to any outdoor area. The open weave design gives these hangers excellent drainage so plants thrive. Available in many sizes and colors with several designs. Visit gpruse.com to place an order. Do it before June 1st and save 25%! Happy, happy week!

Green Bride Guide

Good morning,
Kate L. Harrison of the Green Bride Guide was kind enough to join with Greenpurse on a give away . One bridal bouquet, grooms boutonniere, four bridesmaids flowers and boutonnieres for four groomsmen with a value of $250. Many varieties and colors are available from our stock of fabrics. But better than that, we can create your arrangements from something that has meaning for you. Perhaps it's a table cloth of your grandmothers, or your mothers wedding dress that is in disrepair. Either way, our flowers are beautiful and last a lifetime. We also offer a free service for re-arrangements after your wedding! Please visit: http://www.thegreenbrideguide.com/webform/may-contest-survey to enter. All contestants get a $10 voucher just for trying and as always, 10% of all sales goes to children of abuse. Happy Mother's Day and happy, happy week!

Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

Some great tips from other entrepreneurs who have been through it all. http://tinyurl.com/2w8kt7e

Happy, happy reading!

Interviews

Good morning all,
I've been very fortunate to have had many interviews over the past couple years. Perhaps our recent Earth Day has inspired several of these companies to post my interview. The first is with a business called Gaebler Ventures. They are a business incubator and hold company located in Chicago, Illinois and has been investing with companies since 1999. Impressive and interesting indeed!

The second interview is with Courtney Dirks of Meylah. Her blog focuses on helping creative minded people with entrepreneurial advice and social networking know-how (and boy can I use it!). Also a very nice blog with lots of good, practical advice and articles.

Many thanks and continued success to Ellen Hanson of Gaebler Ventures and Courtney Dirks, Meylah. Happy, happy week!

Brain Foggles?

To be honest, I did not know what Brain Foggles were so went to the dictionary for help. Brain is a word, foggles is not, nor is foggle. It is not unusual for companies to make up words or names for their products and Connie is no different. Connie Roberts is a product review writer and blogger with several interesting blogs. Brain Foggles, Connie's View and My Chronic Life. Here is the URL Connie has posted with a $25 Greenpurse gift certificate. http://brainfoggles.com/2010/04/23/greenpurse-giveaway-mothers-day-gift-guide-event/. Enter to win on this site and do not delay, give away ends May 6, 2010. Happy, happy week!

Earth Day E-guide

Good morning all,
I'm not the only one celebrating Earth Day Thursday April 22, 2010. People from across the US will celebrate by planting trees, cleaning up parks and highways, adopting coral reefs and so much more. Susan Hawkins of Favor Affair was kind enough to include Greenpurse in one of her many books. Earth Day Celebrations That Make the World Go Round is a fun and informative resource for going green. I look forward to reading her other books that are FREE on her site http://www.favoraffair.com. Take some time this week to enjoy the earth and give a little something back. Happy, happy week!

Earth Day

Good morning all,
As Earth Day approaches it's 40 year anniversary, I'm mindful off all the things we can but may not do. For example, I never used to recycle ChapStick® containers or clean aluminum foil. I'm constantly aware of what we can be reusing and it's really all a matter of habit and that starts many times at a young age. I think we need to teach our children that recycling is not only throwing your cans in the proper bin but looking at everything in a way it can be reborn. April 21, 2010 I'll be traveling to Madison to show some 2nd and 3rd graders how they can use trash to decorate a frame. The frames will all be cut from rescued foamcore and look something like this. What kinds of recycling tips are you teaching the youth in your life? Happy, happy week!

Where the Wild Things Are

My grand-daughter just read me this book over the phone and I thought it was a great title for this blog. The image you are viewing is a bathroom I just completed. All hand painted by yours truly. Wild isn't it! The only thing "green" about it is we didn't take off the wall paper, therefore, it didn't get thrown away and now harsh chemicals used in the removal. I didn't think to ask if we could use earth friendly paint. I know it is available, but haven't used it yet. I'll be sure to check into it for my next painting project. Happy, happy Easter to all!

March Madness

Happy Palm Sunday,
I blogged about a craft fair I entered a few weeks ago and it was yesterday. It got a lot of traffic and I did fairly well. Boy, was I pooped! Lots of people seemed very interested in the "green" theme. I should find out soon about two more I applied for and naturally will keep you posted. The best selling item was the new Ragg Mopp™. I got the idea from the Mission Mop and was ready to order one. I would have needed to get the mop head as well as a new handle so I immediately thought "what will I do with my Swiffer, I can't just throw it away"? So in typical Greenpurse fashion, thought I could make one and did. It has nylon cord for strength and static and reclaimed wool as the mop head with rescued fabric as a means to attach it to the Swiffer. Use and reuse, then throw it in the washer and dryer and you are ready to use it again and again. It is so new it is not yet on my site but anyone interested can send me an email and I'd be happy to get one out to you. $12.50 each. green.purse79@yahoo.com
Happy, happy Holy Week!

Spring has sprung!

I don't know about you, but I am most excited about spring this year. With Easter just around the corner too, it is a time for renewal, beginnings and second chances. I'd like to do more vegetable planting this year and start a compost (if my husband agrees to that). I'd also like to use more of my Nordem baskets and flower sacks. They help use those nasty plastic grocery bags and are as great for the plants as they are for the planet. Buy one hanging basket and get a 4" Flower Sack for FREE! Just send me an email with your order and they'll be shipped straight away. Hurry! My Shopping Connection has featured them on their blog and they are sure to be going fast! Here is there URL, check them out today.
http://www.myshoppingconnection.com/tips-trends/whats-hot/greener-choices-for-home-decor-fragrance.php

Four Green Steps

Good morning green friends,
This week I'd like to introduce you to some folks at Four Green Steps. It's a really cool site about everything "green" (how appropriate with St. Patty's Day arriving Wednesday!). They have four areas of interest, Marketplace, Infozone, Community and School Programs. As a vendor, you can upload your "green" products for free!!!!!!!!!! It really is FREE! I worked with a gal there who uploaded the stuff for me! Tracy Gutwillig and her group are terrific. Here is the URL http://www.fourgreensteps.com
A side note: Greenpurse has a booth at the Spring Bazaar at Emil Mazy Union Hall in Sheboygan on March 27th from 8:30 until 3:00. Hope to see you there! Happy, happy week!

Old Friends

Good morning all,
I was perusing the the Internet the other week and came across one of our Tie One On bags. This particular bag was created exclusively for BTC elements in Santa Barbara, CA. They have many beautiful lines and I encourage you to take a look at them. Here is the URL http://www.btcelements.com. So, thank you friends for inclusion on your site of one of our most popular bags!

FYI, I am still trying to get a hold of QVC about the sweater bags they were interested in. I have a feeling it won't be long now. I'll keep you posted. Happy, happy week!

SVA

Their is a group in my area called SVA, Sheboygan Visual Artists. A very good friend of mine is a member and asked if I would consider doing a canvas for their Small Works Project (I actually did two!). You receive a 8" x 10" canvas and get to work. The panels are exhibited at the EBCO Artworks building from January through June. June 25, 2010 the panels will be for sale by claim ticket for just $20. For more information and to view the panels or get your panel, go to http://www.sheboyganvisualartists.com. Happy, happy week!

Extra Blog

I was so excited about my new idea I had to blog about it. See the press release attached or go to www.gnosisarts.com. Happy, happy Friday, Saturday and Sunday!