I’ve been working lately on getting a store going on Etsy.com, a unique community of crafters, DIYers and their appreciators where handmade and vintage items along with supplies can be bought and sold in a centralized, well-designed online venue. While almost all handmade and vintage items are thoughtful about their place in the world by design, I wanted to create a shop where I could post upcycled goods, dumpster-dive treasures, supplies and kits for more environmentally-conscious living, and other such items that challenge the typical consumer patterns of cradle to trash.

Well I’m happy to report that as of this afternoon I finally have my first items posted to WALRUS & magpie! They are a series of upcycled beer-cap buttons made from 100% recycled materials (used beer caps, pop tabs and safety-pins once used at the dry-cleaners). They’re a little rough, so I’m selling them for 50% off what I will charge for subsequent items, but I’m still thrilled to be a part of the growing Etsy community and what looks to be a great proponent to DIY and alternative consumer culture (with a healthy emphasis on creativity as opposed to an overbearing attention on consumption).

Check out my store at http://walrusandmagpie.etsy.com and be sure to let me know what you think!