Introducing... SmallGreyCat. A jewellery and accessories store run by Shelby (yet another Canadian etsy shop owner, yay!). SmallGreyCat sells upcycled/recycled hair bows, cute jewellery, and more, and they're very reasonably priced!
First, a little quote from my good old buddy Wikipedia. What does "upcycled" mean? "the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials of better quality for the better or for better environmental value". Sounds to me like "upcycled" is synonymous with RESOURCEFUL and ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY! COOL! :D
I asked Shelby a few questions out of total curiosity and thought I should share:
How did you get started on Etsy?
I've always been crafty, and enjoyed making things for myself and my friends. I have a friend down in Pennsylvania who holds an annual charity event for lung cancer called "Every Breath", and last summer she asked if I'd make some things to sell at the event. Of course I said yes. It was pretty successful, but I had a lot of things left over. Those things became the beginnings of SmallGreyCat! I've done a lot of shopping on Etsy over the years, so it seemed like a good place to start.
Is everything in your store Upcycled?
The only things in my shop that aren't upcycled or recycled are the jewellery I'm not sure if I have all the upcycled things listed as "upcycled" though. Anything made out of yarn or fabric started out being a blanket, shirt, pillow case, table cloth, etc. I spend a lot of time in thrift stores looking for interesting colours of patterns. I then take them home to wash them, iron them and turn them into something else.
If it's not upcylced, where does it come from?
Most of the materials that aren't upcycled come from Etsy! All of my jewellery findings (earring posts, chains and clasps) I purchase in bulk from other sellers on the site. E-bay is also a good place to find unique pieces for earrings and rings. You can also find some great things at thirft stores and yard sales if you're up for a hunt!
Shelby was kind enough to send me three items to test out to my hearts delight! eeeeeek. I wish you could hear my squeals of joy!
Big White Hairbow ($5.50) |
This is an upcycled piece made from Shelby's husband's dress shirt.
This bow holds its shape quite well because of the type of structured men's-dress-shirt material it's made out of. It also has a "French Barette" clip (there's an Alligator clip option too) which holds onto my slippery hair with ease. I think it'll be perfect for spring/summer with a sun dress. SmallGreyCat has bows made of lace, metallics and more...So darn crafty...
Tiny Strawberry Earrings ($4.50) |
If you know anything about me, you'd know that I LOVE fruit.... Mangoes are my favourite, but it'd be weird to have mango earrings. These are honestly the most adorable earrings in the world. They're smaller than the tip of my pinky and subtle and small enough that I can wear them to work without looking like a crazy lady.
Silver Anchor Earrings ($6) |
I have no idea if the sailor trend is still in or not, but I really like sailors and sailor inspired style... **flashback to Sailor Moon**. Thinking about sailors makes me think of all these funky OOTD ideas that I have. Any ways, these dangle earrings are very pretty. I found the part that goes in your ear to be a little pointy (as are most earrings), but this adds a "captian obvious" sailor look to any oufit.
For all you lovely readers, Shelby has offered a 50% OFF Code to her shop. That means you can get a pair of earrings for $2.25 or a bow for $2.75! Thanks Shelby :D
**Not valid on knit or crochet items.
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own Etsy shop? What do you think of "upcycling" What's your favourite Etsy store?
SHELBY'S LINKS:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SmallGreyCat
**I received these products for consideration. All opinions are my own and very much brutally honest :) .**