Zombie Feltie Kitty

Zombie Kitty

How Cute is this little cat? Ok, so she is supposed to be dead which is a little disturbing. You have to check out this book, Zombie Felties. There is even a Michael Jackson zombie feltie named Thrilla! The kids and I are hooked.

dead duckies

As far as easy crafts for kids go, these guys are definitely on the difficult side. Even the single skull difficulty level (which means easiest) zombies are a challenge for little hands that haven't sewn before. I was frustrated teaching the kids to tie knots and constantly reminding them which stitch they were working with, but, they loved it.

They are very proud of their little "dead ducky" creations. Not bad for a 8 and 9 year old who have never sewn before. They think they are totally ready to move on to a two skull difficulty level zombie (actually they are convinced they are ready to tackle the four star zombie surfer). I'm not so sure... I better do some yoga and practice deep breathing to prepare!

I didn't realize how small these little zombies were going to be. They are only about 2 inches tall. I had a lot of felt left over. Can't let that go to waste! I'm hosting a Meetup in Menlo Park, CA (San Francisco Bay Area) to make more of these little critters. The felt was the only supply I had to buy for this project. I already had the rest of the bits and bobs in my abundant stash of crafty goodness. I love that there is part of a bracelet that I made in high school around my zombie kitty's neck. (The black and white beads are supposed to represent an eyeball. Did you see that when you looked at the picture? Neither did I.)

Stay tuned, there are more zombie felties to come...

Animal Pillows in Progress

Pillows in Progress

I'm working on a custom pillow project for a friend of mine. I don't do custom projects very often but this one was right up my alley. It was fun to sit down with my friend and her daughter to pick out what animals we wanted to create and work out the size for each of the pillows.

I love that my friend already had most of the fabric we used and we just had to pull out a few of my scrapes and goodies to jazz up our frog. He's looking almost kissable minus the mouth I haven't added yet but with all that upcycled bling on his toes he is bound to turn into a prince.

Next week these pieces with be turned into pillows. I'll post more pics then!

Frog Prince

Cheeky Squirrels 

Vintage Skirt to Handmade 15" MacBook Pro Sleeve

I made this fitted 15" MacBook Pro case out of a vintage wool skirt. Does that make it vintage with a modern twist? Whatever it means it's a fun contrast and a snazzy looking handmade, upcycled sleeve for your computer. Well it is as long as you own a 15" MacBook Pro.

"Vintage" 15" MacBook Pro Sleeve - SOLD
includes shipping

I picked the skirt up at a garage sale last year, it was made for Bullock's. I've never been to a Bullock's store, they don't exist anymore. No, to me Bullocks (spelled Bollocks) is another way to say Bullshit, although the official definition is something more along the lines of "the balls of a male bovine animal".  Trust me this sleeve for your 15" MacBook Pro is no bullshit. It fits like a glove.

The measurements are roughly 15.5" x 11". I won't guarantee that it will fit any computer other than the 15" MacBook Pro though. The 7.5" flap closes with a strip of red Velcro. The outer is made with pieces of a vintage wool skirt and the interior is made of a remnant of fabric for a previous project. Stiff interfacing holds the shape of the sleeve and protects your computer from scratches and minor damage.

To make a purchase contact me at:
upcycledbyash@gmail.com or send me a tweet @upcycledbyash

Payments are via PayPal, Credit Card or Personal Check 
 Additional charge for international shipping

Stylish!

Lookin' good!

Fits like a glove!

Nice lines!

Auction to Benefit the National Wildlife Federation Ends at Midnight!

Don't miss your chance to bid on these amazing items donated to help raise funds for the National Wildlife Federation. Crafters from across the country and around the globe have sent in handcrafted donation to the auction.

This is your chance to purchase some really amazing stuff from super talented crafters and to make a difference to the wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. Anything that doesn't go in the auction today will be returned to its retail price and sold to continue to raise funds for the NWF. Currently the starting bids for all the items are below retail value. If you like something now is the time place that bid!

To bid simply follow the provided link and leave a comment with your bid under the photo in the Upcycled by Ash National Wildlife Federation Auction photo album on Facebook. Bidding ends at Midnight Pacific Coast time. Note, you must "like" the Upcycled by Ash page in order to leave comments. 

 

Piping Plover 
Starting Bid - $35
Retail Value - $45
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/eRAPtA

 
Recycled Water Bottle Bracelets
Starting Bid - $18
Retail Value - $30
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/ftPfyd

Recycled Kimono Neckalce
Starting Bid - $12
Retail Value - $24
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/eRRNgD

Upcycled Bag - made from Keith Powell's pants
Starting Bid - $90
Retail Value - $120
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/hrrZuK

Recycled Paper Bead Butterfly Necklace
Starting Bid - $20
Retail Value - $25
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/eRoqvq

Upcycled Bubble Bag - made from Alyssa Milano's pants
Starting Bid - $95
Retail Value - $120
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/fg2tQ5




 


Upcycled Turtle Bag - made from Alyssa Milano's pants
Starting Bid - $95
Retail Value - $120
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/hQR4bV

Handmade Necklace Scarf
Starting Bid - $15
Retail Value - $20
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/hZydyh

Uncle Bob's Books
Starting Bid - $25
Retail Value - $38
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/gY14XC







Hand Knit Scarf
Starting Bid - $38
Retail Value - $45
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/fIH8MK








Hand Knit Shawl
Starting Bid - $45
Retail Value - $55
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/eeVwoO

Handmade Mermaid Wallet
Starting Bid - $40
Retail Value - $50
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/fRXm3s

Sea Animal Earrings
Starting Bid - $25
Retail Value - $36
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/i7cAn7

Recycled Paper Bead Earrings
Starting Bid - $15
Retail Value - $18
Go Bid - http://on.fb.me/hoqw8b

Holy Upcycled Crafty Giveaway!

No joke all of this could be yours! 

We are having one of the biggest giveaways I have ever seen. OK so it isn't a trip to Hawaii, but we are talking about handcrafted items here. This giveaway is a serious score!

Here is what we have from top to bottom, left to right. Like you are reading a book unless you are in Japan. Eco Friendly Soy Crayons $12, Upcycle Clutch $50, Handcrafted Earrings $31, Adjustable Ring $N/A, Hand Knit Pot Holder $N/A , Upcycled Hair Clip $N/A, Paper Bead Earrings $18, Handcrafted Polymer Clay Rose Ring $21, Upcycled Pin $N/A, Upcycled Necklace $12, Handmade Toddler Size 3 Lemon Skirt $15, Upcycled Faux Leather Wrist Cuff $15.

This giveaway is part of the Upcycled by Ash auction to benefit the National Wildlife Federation. Check out the auction here- http://on.fb.me/fQuOi7 The auction and the giveaway are running until midnight on Saturday April 23rd.

How to enter the giveaway: 

You only have to do one of the following but you are welcome to do everything to increase your chances of winning.

• Place a Bid, each bid placed will also count as 1 ENTRY EACH into the giveaway 
• Write a Blog Post, write a post about this auction on your blog. 5 ENTRIES. You must include links to upcycledbyash.blogspot.com, the auction, and your favorite item/artist's online shop, blog or facebook page if provided. Leave a comment on the giveaway photo in the auction with the link to your post - leave comment here, https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=203439823021809&set=a.203155696383555.51473.143109902388135&type=1&theater 
• Write a Facebook Note, follow the directions for a writing a blog post, but post it as a note from your personal facebook page. You must tag 30 people in the note to receive the 5 ENTRIES. Don't forget to tag Upcycled by Ash in the note so we know that you wrote it and shared it with your friends.
• Share, share the link to the auction album and/or your favorite items on facebook. 1 ENTRY EACH. Be sure to tag @Upcycled by Ash in your post so we know you shared.
• Tweet, tweet about the auction and/or your favorite items on twitter. 1 ENTRY EACH. Be sure to mention @upcycledbyash in your tweet so we know you tweeted.

Auction to Benefit the National Wildlife Federation and HUGE GIVEAWAY!

Alyssa Milano

Upcycled By Ash is proud to announce our online auction for the National Wildlife Federation. We've gathered a group of talented and compassionate crafters to contribute to our effort to raise funds for NWF, and to  recognize the environmental destruction that took place in the Gulf of Mexico one year ago.

This week marks the anniversary of the devastating oil rig explosion and spill that swept the gulf, poisoning the environment and the wildlife inhabiting it. A heart breaking number of animals lost their lives and countless were severely injured and displaced. Sadly, animals residing in the gulf are still appearing covered in oil today. These innocent creatures are paying the price for human error and destruction. 

Actress Alyssa Milano, a genuine supporter of the NWF and its efforts, donated her jeans to Upcycled by Ash to be recycled and used for our cause. Ash upcycled two pairs of Alyssa's pants into eco-friendly bags which are available for bidding in the auction, alongside the many other beautifully handcrafted items donated by passionate crafters. 

The Upcycled by Ash auction to benefit the National Wildlife Federation will run from Sunday April 17 through Saturday April 23 on the Upcycled by Ash facebook page.

Click here to go the auction site now

How to participate:

1. "Like" the Upcycled by Ash page on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Upcycled-by-Ash/143109902388135
2. Go to the photo album "National Wildlife Federation Auction". This is where the auction and bidding are taking place. - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.203155696383555.51473.143109902388135
3. To bid, leave a comment with your bid under each item that you wish to bid on. Note - You must "like" the Upcycled by Ash facebook page in order to leave comments/bids.

Don't miss out on the giveaway 

component of our auction!

Our giveaway features 12 items donated by the various crafters who donated to the auction. One lucky winner will win all 12 items! You only have to do one of the following to enter but are welcome to do as many as you like to increase your odds of winning.

How to enter the giveaway:

• Place a Bid, each bid placed will also count as 1 ENTRY EACH into the giveaway 
• Write a Blog Post, write a post about this auction on your blog. 5 ENTRIES. You must include links to upcycledbyash.blogspot.com, the auction, and your favorite item/artist's online shop, blog or facebook page if provided. Leave a comment on the giveaway photo in the auction with the link to your post - leave comment here, https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=203439823021809&set=a.203155696383555.51473.143109902388135&type=1&theater 
• Write a Facebook Note, follow the directions for a writing a blog post, but post it as a note from your personal facebook page. You must tag 30 people in the note to receive the 5 ENTRIES. Don't forget to tag Upcycled by Ash in the note so we know that you wrote it and shared it with your friends.
• Share, share the link to the auction album and/or your favorite items on facebook. 1 ENTRY EACH. Be sure to tag @Upcycled by Ash in your post so we know you shared.
• Tweet, tweet about the auction and/or your favorite items on twitter. 1 ENTRY EACH. Be sure to mention @upcycledbyash in your tweet so we know you tweeted.

Thank you for your support and participation. Please help us spread the word about this auction to benefit the National Wildlife Federation by sharing the links with your friends and family. Together we can make a difference!

Click here to go the auction site now

Here are a few of the awesome auction items

Upcycled Turtle bag made from Alyssa Milano's pants.

Upcycled Bubble bag made from Alyssa Milano's pants.  

12 Eco-Friendly Sea Turtle Soy Crayons 

Fair Trade Bangle Bracelet

Upcycled Messenger Tote made from Actor Keith Powell's pants

 Upcycled Kimono Fabric Necklace

Vintage Butterfly & Recycled Paper Bead Necklace 

Upcycled Piping Plover

Recycled Water Bottle Bracelets

Vintage Button Earrings Giveaway

Ali of Button Willow Jewelry makes these fantastic earrings out of vintage buttons and recycled guitar strings. They are super cute with timeless style. I'm thrilled to host this giveaway for Ali and two of her gorgeous earrings.

Soft Purple Satin Earrings

Silver Tear Drop Earrings

At Button Willow Jewerly Ali pairs vintage and retro buttons with guitar string to create distinctive designs with a unique twist. Ali uses her Grandmother's and Great Grandmother's vintage buttons in many of the pieces, adding a touch of history and love to each design. 

Enter by doing one or more of the following-

• Leave a comment on this blog post telling me which of the two giveaway earrings you like best, the silver or the purple.
• Leave a comment on this blog post with the link to your favorite pair of earrings from the Button Willow Jewelry Etsy shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ButtonWillowJewelry
• Share the link to Ali's store or your favorite item from her store on Facebook http://www.etsy.com/shop/ButtonWillowJewelry.
• "Like" Button Willow Jewelry on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Button-Willow-Jewelry
• Share this giveaway on twitter, make sure to include @upcycledbyash and @TheButtonGirl in the tweet so I can see that you shared.
• Subscribe to the Upcycled by Ash Blog (see the widget/links in the side bar).

Each action you complete is worth one entry. Be sure to leave a separate comment here on this post for each action to be sure we count all your entries. Please leave your email address on your comments. If I have no way to contact you, you can't win.

This giveaway will run for one week, April 4th - April 11th. On April 11th the winner will be announced in a post here on Upcycled by Ash. The winner will also be notified by email.

Good Luck!!!

Interested in entering another great giveaway? Check out this one going on now through April 8 at String Bean Studios - http://string-bean-studios.blogspot.com/2011/04/exclusive-giveaway-build-your-own.html