Monday, November 30, 2015

What Is Upcycling?

Upcycled Christmas Ornaments by StartTalkingVintage
What is Upcycling?
The word Upcycle, is a term that in very recent years has become quite important in terms of sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. By definition, ‘upcycle’ is a verb meaning to reuse, to take something discarded and create something new out of it. Something of higher value and use then it’s original predecessor. Ever see a wine bottle light? That’s upcycling! Recently we posted on our Facebook page a how-to for turning old jeans into a cute gardening apron - this is also upcycling! No waste and reused.

What is the difference between Upcycling and Recycling?
Recycling is a term we are all familiar with. Many of us recycle weekly in our communities and as part of our trash pick up. By definition, to recycle means to use again in it’s original form or with minimum alteration. To pass through a cycle again, hence the term RE-cycle.

The major difference between these two processes is that with recycling, the item ultimately will become trash at some point. It’s use is stretched out as far as it can go before becoming trash. You may have purchased recycled paper before, or drank from recycled bottles. These are items that already once were paper or bottles and have put through the process a second time to become their intended use once more. Upcycling, however, is not put through a second cycle, it is completely re-purposed into a different object or item that is less likely to become trash again. For example, it’s very popular to upcycle clothing. Cutting up an old sweater to repurpose it into fingerless gloves and a hat. There is a whole movement of artists and craftspeople who make nothing but upcycled products or present DIY how to’s on making your own upcycled goodness.

Why is Upcycling So Important?
Our great country is overflowing with too much trash! Waste has a negative effect on our environment with the release of chemicals and greenhouse gases from our landfills. The amount of waste we create is constantly increasing. As our world population continues to grow, the waste will also continue to grow. It’s only a matter of time before we run out of space or worse, destroy our environment. By reducing and reusing, we can stretch that time out. And save our planet for future generations.

Some of our Nutmeg Collective team mates already incorporate recycling and upcycling into their businesses everyday!

Upcycled Mixed Media Art Doll, Letter Opener by WrenInAWillow
Upcycled Swingy Silver Hinge Earrings by TheTinyWren.
Recycled Vintage Southwestern Cowboy Jacket by ValleyVintageLLC

Feeling inspired? Here are some fun and innovative resources for doing some upcycling of your own! It is truly limitless the amount of projects you can pick from. Furniture, displays, clothing, accessories, jewelry, lamps, gadgets, fine art. Go forth and upcycle!

http://www.upcyclethat.com - Great blog dedicated to upcycling projects and their creators.

http://upcycledtreasures.com/ - Blog by an everyday upcycler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAD4fYsEjFQ&list=PL5DE33D5E20649F97 - Over 1000 upcycling DIY project tutorials.


Valley Vintage is a combination of style from Jillian Lyons and Matthew Sensenig, vintage enthusiasts and partners in both love and business. They are located in the town of Seymour, CT nestled in the heart of the All American Valley! Their collection consists of vintage clothing and items that they simply can't resist. Nothing enters the Valley Vintage shop unless both Jillian and Matthew see something special about it. Everything is hand picked and curated together. They hope you'll see that something special in their picks too!



Friday, November 27, 2015

Holiday Weekend Sales!



The Nutmeg Collective has a slew of great sales for your local shopping this holiday weekend!  Check out the offers below; click on the shop name to go to their page to shop!

The Burnt Shop: Free handsewn fabric gift bag with each purchase (go green!)

Pure Naked Soap: Free shipping for November on orders over $30 with code NOVEMBERSOAP

Treefort Naturals Use code SMALLBIZ for free shipping on all orders Friday 11/27 thru Sunday 11/29

Little Bee of Connecticut: 10% off orders of $30 or more. Use code 10%OFF$30 at checkout.

Valley Vintage and Jillian Lyons Designs: Free shipping!

Solstice Handcrafted: Free shipping with code BLACKFRIDAY

Glitter & Bold: Free wrapping on all orders placed Friday through Monday

Smirking Goddess: 10% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY

Hickster Tees: Free Shipping on all orders Friday 11/27 thru Sunday 11/29 with code SHOPSMALLBIZ2015 

MSD Design- Get 20% off your order with code 20BFCM valid 11/27-30

tinymack- 11/27: $10 off $30 or more with code STAYHOME15; 11/28 and 11/29: free shipping with code SHOPSMALL15; 11/30: 25% off with code CYBERFUNDAY

Seaglass Designs- 20% off Friday - Monday, use code SMALLBIZ

Queenvanna Creations- Use code DEC20OFF for 20% off current merchandise, expires 1/1/16 

Designer Dwellings- 25% off select cutting boards, utensils and utensil holders through Cyber Monday. No coupon code necessary 

****

Want to do some live handmade shopping this weekend? Join us at the following events:

November 27- The Coventry Regional Farmers' Market presents their Holiday Makers Market on Main Street in Willimantic.  Stop and talk to The Burnt Shop!

November 27 and 28 - Downtown Handmade Market in Shelton.  Grab some honey from Little Bee of Connecticut.

November 28- Stop by the soft opening of Cinder + Salt's new flagship store in Middletown, CT!

November 28 and 29 - Get Baked's Love Local Market.  Co-sponsored by the Collective, come see members Solstice Handcrafted, Milo and Molly, Nutmeg Naturals, Heart Stone Gallery, Doug Hockman Photography, Queenvanna Creations, The Leather Genie, MSD Design, HicksterTees, The Burnt Shop, Evelyn Pelati, andMorgan, fallenpeach, Pure Naked Soap, The Tiny Wren, and Purring Pottery during this weekend event!

November 29 - Rowayton Historical Society's Annual Holiday Bazaar in Rowayton, CT.  Say hi to Little Bee of Connecticut!

Thank you for supporting our local small businesses this holiday season!

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!


We wish you a restful and relaxing holiday with family and friends.  
Join us back here tomorrow for some holiday shopping coupons and local events.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Local Love: Favorite Connecticut Shops for Pets


At the Nutmeg Collective, we love our pets.  While making your holiday lists this year, don't forget your four-legged friends!  We asked our members for some of their favorite local shops for pet gifts - run, trot, gallop, fly, and swim on over and check out these wonderful places!

Dogology in Canton

Green Tails Market in Farmington




The Pet's Choice in Deep River

Petals and Paws in Canton

Kibble 'n Stuff in Windsor Locks

Pet Aesthetics in Southbury

Treat your pets to something special this holiday season - treats, grooming, toys, maybe a new sweater- and support a neighborhood business!


Monday, November 23, 2015

Shop Small, Shop Connecticut

Small Business Saturday is fast approaching!  Similarly to Black Friday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is a day where people are encouraged to get out of the big box stores and shop small, local businesses.  We love that idea all year round, and we've got some super collections below created by our members, all of which contain shops solely from the state of Connecticut.  Click on each photo below to go to the collection on Etsy, where you can link to the items and/or the shops.  Happy shopping!

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTgzNTc5ODh8MjcyNzk4NDA0NA/merry-bright-ct?index=8&ref=treasury_search&atr_uid=
Collection by Alonda Baird-Juhasz of Designer Dwellings

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI1NDA1MjZ8MjcyNzk4NTgyNg/red-barn-in-snow?index=7&ref=treasury_search&atr_uid=
Collection by Kristen Skelton of Milo and Molly

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTUyMzg2MzZ8MjcyODAyOTMwOA/ct-gift-guide?index=0&ref=treasury_search&atr_uid=
Collection by Jessica Rosario of Cottage Wicks

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA4NTA1MjF8MjcyNzk4ODA5MA/leafy?index=5&ref=treasury_search&atr_uid=
Collection by Evelyn Pelati

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzgxOTB8MjcyNzk3NjU1OA/we-are-connecticut?index=9&ref=treasury_search&atr_uid=
Collection by Suzanne Urban of Smirking Goddess

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTUyMzg2MzZ8MjcyNTQ2Njg1MQ/ive-got-the-blues?index=1&ref=treasury_search&atr_uid=
Collection by Jessica Rosario of Cottage Wicks

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NDU5ODY5NDV8MjcyODAzMTQ0NA/christmas-in-connecticut
 Collection by Jillian Lyons from Valley Vintage

Thank you for your interest in shopping local and for supporting our businesses.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Thanksgiving Farm Shopping

Sub Edge Farm :: Photo by Connecticut Food and Farm

Here are a couple opportunities to stock up for Thanksgiving with local, farm-fresh produce and sundries for your table.  If you know of others, please feel free to add them in the comments!

Thanksgiving Farm Shop
Sub Edge Farm
199 Town Farm Rd, Farmington, Connecticut 06032
Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

"Shop local this Thanksgiving. Pick up a selection of classic autumn vegetables for your feast at Sub Edge Farm. We will have butternut squash, onions, leeks, kale, collard greens, cabbage, braising mix, beets, carrots, potatoes, lettuce, red cabbage, turnips, sweet potatoes, radishes, parsnips, eggs, grass-fed beef, honey plus local bread, apples and cider!"


Photo by Connecticut Food and Farm

Feast & Fiddle Harvest Market
979 Main St. Willimantic, CT 06226
Sunday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

From the Facebook Event Page:

"The Sunday before Thanksgiving, join us for our Harvest Market held in the historic, Grand Bellingham Ballroom. On the old stage, Dan Foster will perform Old Time, Celtic, and Scottish Fiddle and the Irish dance academy, Scoil Rince Luimni, will dance. The event will feature 29 vendors and be brimming with fresh, locally-grown foods for your holiday weekend!

18th Century Purity Farm
NoRA Cupcke Company
Falls Creek Farm
Sixpence Pie Company
Woodstock Hill Preserves
Apis Verdi Farm
Cato Corner Farm
New Boston Beef
Easy Pickins Orchard
Farm to Hearth
Little Bird Provisions
Stonewall Apiary
Meadowstone Farm
Shayna B’s Gluten Free Bakery
Farm to Gold Ghee
Whole Harmony Teas
Pure Love Granola
Russo’s Roots
Oak Leaf Dairy
Botticello Farms
Green Valley Farms
Dragon’s Blood Elixir
Merianos Bake Shoppe
Keifers’ Kettle Korn
Norm’s Best
Creative Living Community Microgreens
Lucky Girl Bakery
The Burnt Shop
Mystic Knotworks
Rainbow Kids

This event is free and open to the public.

There is lots of municipal parking in Willimantic. There is a parking lot to the back of town hall, where we'll be, and another across the side street next to the Willimantic Brewing Company. There is on-street parking to the side of town hall and down Main Street. There are additional lots and parking areas nearby including Walnut Street, High Street, Crosby Lot/North Street, Bank Street and Riverside Drive."



Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Local Love: Favorite Connecticut Gift Shops

source
We asked our members for some of their favorite local gift shops for holiday shopping.
Check out these wonderful places in your Connecticut travels. 

SOULBURY in Woodbury

Pondering Creations in Terryville

The Hoot in Willimantic

The Wooden Toy in Wethersfield

Amato's Toy and Hobby in Middletown

Daybreak Coffee in Glastonbury


Museum Shop at the NBMAA in New Britain

Over the Rainbow Toys in Glastonbury


Windowbox Boutique in Stafford Springs

Grace in Niantic

Design Forum in Farmington

Ally Bally Bee in Ridgefield


source

There are also shops owned by some of our members.
I'm sure they would love to see you during the holiday season!

Get Baked in Windsor

Hartford Prints! in Hartford

The Brothers Crisp in Hartford


Cinder + Salt in Middletown

Mystic Knotwork in Mystic




Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Thanksgiving Table

Place Cards from Laura's Paper Creations
Thanksgiving is such a great holiday with food, friends and family.  
Here are some great ways to dress up your table and support some local makers.


Napkin Rings from Mystic Knotwork



Gold Bamboo Cutting Board from Designer Dwellings

Tea Towel from &Morgan

Custom Bowl from Heart Stone Gallery


Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com





Monday, November 16, 2015

Hartford Stitch's Sip and Sew Party: Mug Cozies


Hartford Stitch is having a Sip and Sew Party hosted by Hello! Artisan Shop & Studio on December 2 from 7 to 9 pm. Here are the details from the event page:

"Cold outside? Looking for something to warm you up (but not burn your hands!)? These mug cozies are deceptively easy to sew and make for the best gifts! Hot chocolate, tea, coffee or a splash of something else -- what you give with it is up to you!

We'll provide everything you need to sew: from instruction to machines, fabric to buttons. You just show up ready to sew lots and lots of these (there's no limit to how many you can make!).

Here's how it works:
1. Register using this link:  Tickets
2. We go into elf mode and get everything prepared for your party.
3. On Wednesday, December 2nd, you show up ready to have a great time and learn something new!

Registration closes Monday, November 28th."

If you need more information on the event, please visit the event page here: Sip and Sew Party: Mug Cozies

And check out how easy these cozies are to make with a time-lapse video from Hartford Stitch!
My first time lapse video (be kind!) but I just wanted to show how easy these Mug Cozies we having come up are to make! It doesn't matter if you failed High School Home Ec or are a professional sewist... we make it fun and easy for you to sew! Register for this Sip & Sew Party Hello Artisan Shop + Studio today! https://www.facebook.com/events/1507645886222568/
Posted by Hartford Stitch on Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Friday, November 13, 2015

Seasonal Spotlight: Wool

Jenny Fields Fiber

It's that time of season to think and get cozy.  What better way to get in that cozy frame of mind than with a little wool?  Check out these great examples of woolly goods from our members.

Start Talking Vintage

Valley Vintage

The Felt Haus

That Retro Girl


*****


Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com




Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Health Benefits of Cold Weather Vegetables


Here is a handy list of cold weather vegetables and the health benefits associated with each one from Jillian* of Valley Vintage.  You can find all of these vegetables from your local farmer.  Eat your veggies!

Brussels sprouts
  • Prevents cancer
  • High in vitamin K which supports bone health
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Reduces cholesterol
  • Good for the heart

Cranberry
  • Proven to inhibit UTI infections
  • Prevents H. pylori infections, which are associated with stomach ulcers
  • High in antioxidants
  • Rich in fiber, vitamin C and bioflavonoids

Cabbage
  • Lactobacillus naturally occurs on the surface of cabbage and very powerful probiotic when allowed to ferment into sauerkraut
  • Fresh cabbage juice can help heal ulcers
  • Can help with wound healing
  • Helps the body detox from heavy metals

Cauliflower
  • Helps increase blood flow, when there’s poor circulation or clogged arteries.
  • Prevents many types of cancer
  • Inhibits viruses including Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
  • High in B-vitamins that are often low in vegetarian diets.

Kale
  • Helps detoxify the liver
  • High in many vitamins and minerals
  • High in lutein, it promotes eye health
  • Contains called kaempferol is truly the fountain of youth -- it turns on the genes that promote longer life.

Parsnips
  • Although lacking in the beta-carotene that gives carrots their color, parsnip are actually higher in most nutrients.
  • Relieves constipation
  • Helps keep blood sugar steady 

Pomegranate
  • Proven to help with cardiac ischemia
  • Inhibits LDL oxidation
  • Reduces erectile dysfunction
  • Protects baby's brain during birth trauma

Pumpkin
  • Helps weight loss
  • Protects the skin
  • Pumpkin seeds promote prostate health and boost your mood

Squash
  • High in vitamins and antioxidants
  • High in fiber
  • Improves lung health

Yams
  • Helps menopause due to a unique phytoestrogen known as diosgenin, a chemical compound with estrogen-like properties that can substantially decrease menopausal discomfort.

*originally published in The Life Center of Connecticut blog by Jillian Lyons



Valley Vintage is a combination of style from Jillian Lyons and Matthew Sensenig, vintage enthusiasts and partners in both love and business. They are located in the town of Seymour, CT nestled in the heart of the All American Valley! Their collection consists of vintage clothing and items that they simply can't resist. Nothing enters the Valley Vintage shop unless both Jillian and Matthew see something special about it. Everything is hand picked and curated together. They hope you'll see that something special in their picks too!

Monday, November 9, 2015

One Thing: Gift Sets

Designer Dwellings

Having ready-to-gift options is one thing you can create in your shop to attract new customers and keep your loyal fans coming back.

Poor & Pretty
Take a look at your current offerings and imagine yourself as a customer looking for gifts for different occasions.  If you have items that could be paired together to give as a gift, create a new listing for them using keywords that will help that gift-giver find your items.

Painted by the Shore
 You can also offer a gift set or a singular gift that includes gift wrap.  Customers want you to solve their gift-giving problem, so ensure that is as easy and complete as possible.  You can offer gift wrap as an add-on to your items or include it in the price of your items.  Make sure to take a photo of the gift-wrap option.

Treefort Naturals
 If you can offer different price points for your gift sets, you can fulfill the needs for different gift-givers.  Commonly, gifts are between $20 and $50, depending on the recipient.  There is also the token gift that can be between $10 and $15. Try to have a variety of options for both of these price point ranges.

Nutmeg Naturals
If you keep in mind who your gift set might be for, how much they want to spend and make it easy for the gift searcher to find your item, you can open up a whole new area for your shop and your customers.  Happy gift-giving!


Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com




Friday, November 6, 2015

Shop Small: Shop Connecticut

Ready to shop for the holidays? Check in with our members as they curate some wonderful themed collections that are sure to give you some holiday shopping ideas.

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzgxOTB8MjcyNzk3NjU1OA/we-are-connecticut?index=0&ref=treasury_search&atr_uid=

This collection from Suzanne Urban or Smirking Goddess is made completely of Connecticut-based makers.  Click on the photo above to shop!


https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjE0Njg5NXwyNzI3OTY5ODM4/host-and-hostess-gifts?index=1&ref=treasury_search&atr_uid=

Will you be visiting this holiday season?  Jillian Morgan from &Morgan has come up with a collection of host/hostess ideas ready for gifting!

From Connecticut: 

Keep checking in with us for some more great holiday shopping items.  Connecticut is full of handmade gift ideas!