Babongo Handmade

Nothing ever stays the same...

2011-05-21T15:24:00.000+02:00

Thrifted!

2011-04-10T12:40:00.000+02:00

Just had to take this home with me....

New cards!

2011-04-09T14:34:00.000+02:00

Wheee, found time to create again. Some new cards from recycled paper and fused plastic bag left over pieces.

More Nepal

2011-02-11T09:30:00.000+01:00

Nepal too

2011-02-10T09:31:00.002+01:00

Nepal

2011-02-09T20:30:00.000+01:00

Cards

2010-12-16T16:50:00.002+01:00

What do you think? I made this from recycled cardstock and scraps of fused plastic bags. In my shop after the weekend.

Yep, this is me

2010-12-09T15:42:00.004+01:00

How cool is this??!!
(Click to enlarge)

Winter wonderland

2010-11-27T12:34:00.000+01:00

So early!

mini mobile

2010-11-20T14:31:00.001+01:00

Remember I made a huge mobile? I made a mini too. So cute and so much fun to make.

Happy weekend everyone!

my workspace

2010-11-11T15:03:00.000+01:00

The weather was rather gloomy when I shot this. And it usually does not look like this. It's usually A LOT messier.

Bridge

2010-11-09T10:50:00.006+01:00

Somehow I love bridges. I guess it's the idea of bringing people together that appeals to me.

Sailing

2010-11-07T09:53:00.003+01:00

We went sailing a couple of months ago. How I long for these blue skies right now. I love all of the nifty technical stuff a sailboat has to offer.

Dark forest

2010-11-06T16:48:00.000+01:00

t-shirt yarn

2010-10-30T16:24:00.001+02:00

Recently I visited Strawberry Earth Wonderland in Amsterdam. I was there with Dutch Handmade members Marta and Lies and Anda Corrie from Etsy. It was a really cool event. Look at the video here. At Strawberry Earth people could learn from us how to make t-shirtyarn and make a cool accesory. It was so much fun and ever since I've been fascinated by t-shirtyarn. I especially love the little scarves/necklaces you can make from them. Like this one.

Would you like to know how to make t-shirt yarn? Visit Dutch Handmade blog for a tutorial.
And here's some creations I found on Etsy.

Guitar strap by ASpinnerWeaver

Scarf by janicewallace

Business card holder by greenatheart

Ananda

2010-10-14T18:06:00.001+02:00

While groceries shopping my eye fell on the beautiful packaging of this chocolate. It's called Ananda. Find the website here. Here's the pictures of the three flavours I bought. Pretty!

Besides pretty packaging it's also very tasty chocolate. Yes, I tasted it right away. Hey, I couldn't write about it and not tell you what it tastes like? That wouldn't make sense ;)

I tasted Coffee break, a dark chocolate with coffee beans, Pure Extase, premium dark chocolate and Blissful Banana, with chewy banana, which is my favourite so far. BUT, they have two more flavours! Bye Bye Sugar and Mentally Mint, yet to be tasted by me, I'm thinking soon.

So, here's what else is really cool about this chocolate:
It is entirely made in Ecuador.
It's organic.
The box is made from paper from responsibly managed forests and vegetable-based ink.
The foil it's wrapped in is biodegradable.
Ananda chocolate is a product of Amigos International whose mission is: 'Developing rural areas in developing countries by offering ecologically and socially responsible, 100% processed products from these areas to local, regional and international (EU) markets.'

Well, what can I say. These people seem to be doing like everything right!

Lao III

2010-10-12T17:29:00.000+02:00

Remember I promissed I'd show you more pictures? Well I did. And here's some more.

rainbow

2010-10-11T09:10:00.000+02:00

The other day I was staying with Bai from ThongbaiTatong near Amsterdam. We were getting ready to go to Crafymarkt and saw this incredibly bright rainbow. Isn't is gorgeous?

custom order

2010-10-10T10:32:00.000+02:00

Yay, this was such an exciting project. Working on a custom order for the Etsy Berlin office. I made this huge (2m high and 1.15m wide) birds mobile. I think it turned out awesomely.
I'll be making bigger mobiles more often. Well, maybe not as big as this one, but bigger than the regular ones in my shop.

Shop re-opening

2010-10-09T12:28:00.000+02:00

Nooo, is it October already?! I've meaning to talk to you guys for weeks. But well, I'm back!
And I have a few things I want to share. I've re-opened my first Etsy shop, Babongo with new designs.
I've been making brooches from felted woolen sweaters. In the second and third picture below I used stamping techniques with stamps I designed and handmade myself. Fun!

They are available at Babongo. From the same felted sweaters I've made this necklace below.

Yay for already existing, endlessly available, ready for upcycling supplies!

Of course I've been continuously working on upcycling plastic bags too. More about that soon.

O, and I'd love to hear what you think about the new designs!

Ingermaaike

2010-09-09T15:01:00.000+02:00

Hi again,

Just can't believe it's September.
I've been meaning to show you the present Ingermaaike has sent me a couple of weeks ago. It's supersoft and warm, it's gorgeous, it's original, it's handmade, it's colourful and I love it. Thanks a gazillion, Inger.

Frontpage

2010-08-26T09:21:00.000+02:00

This treasury I made hit frontpage on Etsy yesterday

Noorderzon!

2010-08-19T21:01:00.001+02:00

Vandaag is Noorderzon van start gegaan. De kijkdoos en containerwinkel van Grun(n) Gemaakt zijn vandaag geopend. En morgen beginnen de workshops voor kids. In de containershop kun je handgemaakte zaken van Grun(n) Gemaakt bewonderen en kopen. Grun(n) Gemaakt is er iedere dag van 16.00 tot 21.00 uur tot en met 28 augustus.

Ik probeer er zo vaak mogelijk bij te zijn. Kom jij ook?

In de kijkdoos kun je je eigen decor samenstellen en een polaroidfoto van je laten nemen, als aandenken.

Today Noorderzon started. The show-box and containershop have opened and we've already welcomed visitors. Tomorrow kids workshops are starting.

You can admire and buy handmade goods by the Grun(n) Gemaakt artists in the containershop. In the show-box you can create your own decor and have a polaroidpicture taken. Grun(n) Gemaakt is ready for an incredible ten days at the festival!

Noorderzon!

2010-08-15T14:44:00.002+02:00

Van 19 t/m 29 augustus vindt Performing Arts Festival Noorderzon in Groningen weer plaats. Tijdens het festival zullen mijn mobiles in de containerwinkel van creatief collectief Grun(n) Gemaakt verkrijgbaar zijn. Heel spannend en leuk!
Grun(n) Gemaakt bestaat onder meer uit de dames van Werkpost en nog een aantal vormgevers, kunstenaars, levensgenieters. Lees hier meer.

From 19 to 29th August Performing Arts Festival Noorderzon is taking place again in Groningen, my hometown. During the festival my mobiles will be available for sale in the containershop of creative collective Grun(n) Gemaakt. I'm very excited about this!

Skating

2010-08-14T20:12:00.000+02:00

Today I went skating with a friend. I so enjoyed it. Wind in my hair, sun on my face, excersise, nature. I've been an enthusiastic skater for many years, but this year somehow I never got around to it. Today I thought, what has kept me? This is so relaxing. What do you do to relax?

Cosa Verde finds

2010-08-10T17:35:00.001+02:00

What I really love about Cosa Verde is the fact that you don't get lost in their website and it's easily browsable. And of course that it's all about earthfriendliness! Today's favourites.

Porcupine tree neckwear by eveldasneverland

Large plush trout by Leftz

Rocket in my pocket by Usefulbooks

Organic cotton washcloths by Zummi

Patterns and colours and prints

2010-08-06T09:00:00.032+02:00

Just like Marlous from PlanetFur I just love patterns and colours and prints. She gave me the idea for this blogpost. Thanks, Marlous.
I find patterns and colours very inspirational and they make me feel really happy and crafty and hopeful.

Ecofriendly Hemp Bangle by hippiekingdom

Spring hearts by Thaitied

Hello Notecard by papersquid

One million short stories by inaluxe

Custom hand painted quilted silk patchwork pillow by crrysstall

Why choose organic cotton?

2010-08-05T14:06:00.000+02:00

Click here for the answer. Thanks, Liesbeth, for sharing.

Cosa Verde finds

2010-07-29T13:51:00.000+02:00

Whilst browsing Cosa Verde, I found out my shop is shop of the week! Thanks, Liz, for this wonderful feature and your kind words.

I also found this amazing eco-friendly shop, Sara Tops. Sara makes 'cute things from recycled vintage and found paper'. Everything she makes is earthfriendly. Well, that sounds like music to my ears.

Library Card Notebook - The Hallowed Ground

Recycled map garland

We have a winner

2010-07-19T20:29:00.000+02:00

Remember my give away last week? I'm giving away this bunny pincushion.

Loved all of your comments, thank you so much. But how to pick a winner? Randomly? Nah, boring. Then I thought I'll pick the person with the nicest comment.
This proved to be an impossible task. So, I wrote the names on pieces of paper, put them in a box and picked one. And we now have a winner........ Rebecca! Congrats! Will you send me your adress, please?

Cosaverde

2010-07-13T19:11:00.000+02:00

Recently I discovered c osaverde, an online showcase where you'll find sustainable handmade goods. I opened a store there, because I feel my products fit well and because I love the green, handmade theme.
Here's some of my favourite cosaverde finds:

Where there are trees by PansyMaiden

Tanktop by Tangente

Layered vintage zipper vase by Amalia Versaci

Swordfish pillow by Chakra Pennywhistle

Recycled paper vase by pica pica

Skirt and give away

2010-07-11T16:13:00.002+02:00

Today I was working on this skirt. Because of the hot weather I feel like wearing a skirt and when I jumped into my closet I found no skirt. Nope, I'm not really a skirty girl. Anyhow, I dove into my fabricstash and found a piece of lovely cotton I found thrifting once. It's Ikea and it was never used. Because I'm Dutch I love the fact that I now have a skirt (well almost) for 50 eurocents.
It's almost finished, it just needs a seam and a waistband. And I think it needs something else too, somehow I'm not quite happy about it, but I'm not sure what it is.... any ideas?

O, and while I was sewing I also made this:

It's a bunny pincushion made from hemp and filled with wool sweater remnants and I'm giving it away, because I now have 100 blogfollowers. Thanks! If you LIKE / WANT / NEED this pincushion, please let me know WHY. I'll pick a winner in about a week.

I will soon list pincushions in my shop too. They are inspired by the drawings I made for the mobiles in my shop. Here's a sneak preview.'

result Etsy craftparty

2010-07-10T13:47:00.000+02:00

Remember I attended Mitsy's craftparty a few weeks ago? Mitsy sent all of us the results of our hard work that day. Wanna see? Click here for pictures before and after firing.
I'm really happy about how my buttons turned out. The colours are great. Looking forward to using them in some of my projects soon. Will keep you updated about that.

Hearts

2010-07-09T09:06:00.000+02:00

Recently I felt the urge to sew hearts from felted wool sweaters. Some of them are already available in my shop.

vintage finds

2010-07-07T13:43:00.005+02:00

Hello everyone, I'm way behind in blogging. I have so much to tell you, but I'll start with my thrifting adventures of last week. We'll catch up on other things later this week.
I found this very pretty vintage memorygame from 1959. Way before I was born, but it feels totally familiar and it brings back some childhoodmemories. Which is why I love it so much, no doubt. It also has something to do with the gorgeous pictures and illustrations. They are somewhat scruffy on the edges, but I find this quite charming. I was considering selling some of my vintage finds in my shop, but I'm not sure I'll be able to part from them.

I also came across these vintage cups by Seltmann Weiden Bavaria. In excellent condition and so beautiful. Love the blue on white.

Nature at its best

2010-06-21T07:20:00.000+02:00

Last night we went for a stroll. There's protected nature behind our house. We just couln't believe what we saw. I was so glad I took the camera and was able to capture this beauty.

Etsy Craft party at Mitsy's

2010-06-19T14:06:00.000+02:00

Remember I went to a Craftparty at Mitsy's? Well, we had a great time, it was fun, crafty and eatsy.

Mitsy picked paper porcelain clay for us to work with. She opened her studio, home and garden.

Above: before the arrival of the crafty ladies and after we were finished working the clay.

Of course there was food too... in the lovely garden.

At the end of the day we all went home with a lovely goodiebag made my Mitsy and Marta.
We all agreed we should repeat this lovely gathering and I'm sure we will.
Special thank you to dear Mitsy for taking care of everything. And thank you for being such a lovely host, having me as a guest in your home for two days and making me feel so at ease in your home. And thank you Greet, Kim, Mariana, Ina, Annemieke, Veerle for being such great company.

Happy birthday!

2010-06-18T09:50:00.002+02:00

Today is Etsy's fifth birthday. All over the world craftparties are thrown in honour of this event. I'll be attending one at dear friend Mitsy's studio. Yay! It's going to be so much fun.

Pssst

2010-06-16T19:42:00.001+02:00

Cute.... Thanks, Daan.

Lao II

2010-06-15T10:59:00.001+02:00

Monday Moodboard

2010-06-14T09:19:00.001+02:00

The bird tales wooden necklace by psarokokalo
Yogamat bag Love by LslieArt
Fordite Purse Faux Chenille by StarBags
Vintage jade green ring by DeerLola

Lao

2010-06-07T21:20:00.005+02:00

Some pictures of our travel through Lao. Would you like to see more?

Chaos!

2010-06-01T11:28:00.000+02:00

I've been meaning to show you my workspace, when it is all tidy and nice, but somehow that never seems to happen.

Splendour

2010-05-29T13:30:00.000+02:00

A few pics taken in our garden. I'm so enjoying this!

Boomkroonpad

2010-05-27T18:00:00.001+02:00

Last weekend we visited the Boomkroonpad not far from where we live. It's a great place where you can walk through tree crowns. Great fun for kids too. We were there with my brother, his wife and two kids. The forest it's in is so beautiful.

Work in progress

2010-05-27T10:42:00.002+02:00

Busy making butterflies, birds, flowers to put on a vase. Will bring these to the Sunday market. What do you think?

We have a visitor

2010-05-26T09:24:00.002+02:00

We have a regular visitor, it's our neighbour cat. Don't know his/her name, but she loves to sit on our garbagecontainer.

Preparing for Sunday Market 6th June Amsterdam

2010-05-25T09:14:00.001+02:00

To some of you this is not news. I will be attending the Sunday market on 6th June in Amsterdam. I am working hard to make all the necessary preparations. And so today I decided to 'practice' my booth setup. I stuck my mobiles to the ceiling with some adhesive tape to see what it will look like when they hang from the booth. I took some pictures. Here's one of them.

More posts about preparations coming soon.

Monday Moodboard

2010-05-24T08:46:00.001+02:00

Cell phone sleeve Tree of Life by Kuutydruk
Roses and cream paper bowl by Atelier28
Vintage bobbin with fibre ends by PaperPhine
Broken heart by JKphotography

More Monday Moodboards at Fleurfatale's blog

Sunday Market

2010-05-18T15:06:00.000+02:00

I'll be attending the Sunday market in Amsterdam on 6 June. So, I'm really busy right now preparing for it. I'm pretty sure it will be great fun because I'll be meeting up with Etsy friends like Artmind, Martice, Viltalakim, ThongbaiTatong, Broochefrommaris, planetfur, vadjutka, NancyvdBoom and many others.

Will you join us? We'd love to meet you there!

Monday Moodboard

2010-05-17T10:00:00.007+02:00

Springfeelings

Lost - mini art feeling by Artmind
Laminated patterned paper globe ornament by Atelierpompadour
Vintage cotton ribbon by Karuskisupplies
Little unicorn - felt mounted unicorn head by Planetfur

You can visit Fleurfatale's blog for more Monday Moodboards.

Win a handmade Babongo upcycled butterfly mobile!

2010-05-14T21:07:00.000+02:00

Kristal from Rikrak studio is hosting a give away on her blog of this mobile made by me:

YOU can enter this give away and maybe you will WIN this mobile. Read more about how to enter this give away here. Of course this mobile and my other upcycled mobiles are also available in my shop.

Be sure to visit Kristal's shop on Etsy too. Kristal's Rikrak studio is the home of handmade one-of-a-kind and limited edition upcycled vintage fabric creations, & fabulous goodies made from new recycled felt.

Aren't these lovely, colourful creations?

Monday Moodboard

2010-05-10T09:00:00.018+02:00

La Fleur et la Sable necklace by Fleurfatale
Knit long sleeve maternity blouse by Boutiqueseragun
Atlantic Ocean Red Algae Natural Soap by CampoDiFiori
Copper Earrings with moss green flowers by DeerLola

You can find more Monday Moodboards at Fleurfatale's blog

Visiting Turkey

2010-05-08T10:00:00.004+02:00

We visited Turkey recently and enjoyed ourselves extremely well. It's such a beautiful country and we met amazingly hospitable and friendly people. Here's an impression of our travelling.

Visiting Utrecht, meeting friends

2010-03-31T19:35:00.001+02:00

Last Saturday I visited Utrecht. I met up with some members of the Dutch Handmade blog. This blog promotes Dutch Etsyshops and their owners. I contribute to this blog by interviewing members. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of this meeting. That's not the only thing that didn't go as planned. We agreed to be there at 2 and I tried to make it in time, but the traffic was terrible, I don't know Utrecht very well and sort of got lost. Well, to make a long story short, I was late.
But it was great fun to meet up with PlanetFur, Mamutopia, ZsBcreations, GreenEnvydesigns, Handmade Handsome, Pinipiru, MissMinoes, BisouVanRianne and KittyKilian, who is not a seller on Etsy. Off course all of these shopowners have normal names, but I don't remember all of them, sorry guys!

After the meeting I met up with one of my dearest friend, who I have known almost our lifetime. We usually catch up while drinking tea or having lovely dinners or both, because we always have a lot to talk about. I always look forward to this.
We had dinner together last Saturday in a great restaurant, but before we did, we went for a stroll through the old historic part of Utrecht and that's when I remembered I took my camera.

Monday Moodboard

2010-03-29T09:30:00.008+02:00

Hand painted silk chiffon scarf by Silkshop
Fruit Jellies - Eco Notebook by Ciaffi
Faceted green Amethyst drop pendant by steinschmuckdesign
Lampshade / pendant lamp by Lillyberlin

My work available at Werkpost

2010-03-28T15:47:00.005+02:00

Sinds gister is mijn werk niet alleen verkrijgbaar op internet, via my Etsyshop, maar ook in een echte winkel, bij Werkpost in Groningen.
Werkpost is een creatief-collectief van ontwerpers en vormgevers op een breed gebied. Van textiel tot fotografie, van objecten tot interieurontwerp.
En Werkpost heeft ook een winkel aan de Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 50-52 in Groningen. Geopend iedere zaterdag van 10.00 tot 17.00 uur.

In de Werkpostwinkel is uiteraard het werk van het creatief collectief bestaande uit Van San, Marjolein Perin en Siepsfabriek verkrijgbaar. Daarnaast kun je er ook het werk van o.a. Studio Violet en Jurianne Matter bewonderen en na betaling meenemen. En nu dus ook de mobiles van BabongoHome. Je kunt je wellicht voorstellen dat ik er erg blij mee bent.

Since yesterday my work is also available in a real shop in Groningen, my hometown. This shop is called Werkpost. Werkpost is a creative collective consisting of designers occupying themselves with a wide range of activities, from textiles to photography, from objects to interiordesign.
Werkpost also has a shop in Groningen where the work of the designers Van San, Marjolein Perin en Siepsfabriek is available. You can also find work by Studio Violet, Jurianne Matter at Werkpost. And now my mobiles are also available at Werkpost. I'm thrilled about this!
Some more pics

Europe on Etsy

2010-03-25T13:36:00.005+01:00

From Scandinavia

This is spring - clutch by Karuski
Custom face special Momigami or The Konnyaku Paper Doll by QuirksMode
Spring breeze - little tray by Birribe
Purple Arrow ring by Jealousydesign

From the UK

Red earrings by FionaChapman

Tiny treasure purse by Maimy

Party banner by millalove

Pink butterflies by RubyRecycled

From the Netherlands and Belgium

Cotton wrap or scarf by ThongbaiTatong
Carnivale by JKPhotography
Hungry - mini art feeling by Artmind
Classy Kawaii by Dinafragola

Monday Moodboard

2010-03-22T09:00:00.024+01:00

Organic Cotton Dress by mumusyros
Earthy green necklace by Jealousydesign
Pretty pastels recycled fabric bunting by Deepindigo
Notes Blue, ecofriendly handmade notebook by thespottedsparrow

These are all ecofriendly options, available on Etsy.

View more Monday Moodboards at Fleurfatale's blog

Natural finds

2010-03-21T11:43:00.000+01:00

Little brown bird. embroidered wall art by lapomme
The natural big pouch in linen/ striped fabric by Aylla
Cloud cards set 1 yellow by Mamutopia

FP Treasury

2010-03-19T19:14:00.000+01:00

This treasury by my hand made it the frontpage of Etsy yesterday. It was called Ecofriendly Europe.
Congrats to all featured.

Give away on Dutch Handmade blog

2010-03-14T16:39:00.000+01:00

The Dutch Handmade blog is hosting a give away by me! Read more about it here. I'm giving away one of my mobiles, the upcycled bunnies mobile. Do you think it's cute and would you like to receive it? You can read more about how to, here. Quickly, before it ends!

Also available in my shop

Monday Moodboard

2010-03-01T09:42:00.000+01:00

Deep blue ocean earrings by Leelabijou
Broken - 1 - Mini art feeling by Artmind
Pom pom stud earrings by Karuski
Iris in stonewashed purple by milloo

You can see more Monday Moodboards at Fleurfatale's blog

Seven facts

2010-02-28T10:00:00.009+01:00

Marlous from PlanetFur nominated me for the beautiful blogger award. Thank you, Marlous, for the nomination and your kind words about me. I look forward to meeting you in March!

Part of this nomination is thanking the person who nominated you, which I just did AND come up with seven facts about yourself. Ahum!

1. I've read the Harry Potter series at least eight times.

2. I bike to work every day, well on the days I work at the office anyway. It's a 9km ride.

3. My boyfriend wants a cat, but I have an allergy.

4. I'm a kind person (don't tell other people). I believe in love. I know!

5. I'm not good at getting up in the morning. Which means I'm always late for work.

6. I love to travel and have been to Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Cuba, Cabo Verde, China, Tibet, Lao, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. And I hope to do more travelling with my boyfriend in the near future.

7. I challenge you to tell me what you think is one of my worst characteristics.

I'm supposed to now nominate seven more blogs, but I won't. If you feel like sharing 7 facts about yourself, please do. Consider yourself nominated :)

Introducing Wooly Bison

2010-02-27T15:49:00.002+01:00

I'd like to introduce to you Wooly Bison by Ingrid Rowe. Ingrid makes satchels, purses and other goodies out of vintage and other wool. She graduated from Seattle Central Community College's Apparel Design & Manufacturing program in 2003, where she fell in love with the smell of steamed wool and learned to sew. She fell into a dream job at a small messenger bag company in Seattle, where she learned about running a small business, met amazing people, polished her skills at sewing and learned to stitch applique. Five years later, she was itching to try a business for herself, and decided to get serious. Some of the nicest wools are used for tailored suits, she says -- it made sense to her to take advantage of the abundance around town.

Ingrid and I had a little conversation through e-mail and here are the answers to the questions I asked Ingrid.

Babongo: When did you start creating and what did you start with?
Ingrid: 'Art' was always something I wanted to do as a kid, even though I don't think I've ever figured out what that meant. I've never gone long without having some sort of project - 'publishing' books out of typing paper, Pee-Chee's, oil pastels and tape; building cars from skateboards and boxes; some hideous lace sachets with porpourri; handmade paper.

Looking back, things that involved creativity and repetition were always extremely satisfying. It hasn't been that big of a leap to go to full-time bag making!

Babongo: When did you first discover Etsy and what went through your mind when you did?
Ingrid: My friend Jean and Chika (of Chikabird Inc http://www.chikabird.350.com/ and Ladies & Gentlemen http://www.ladiesandgentlemenstudio.com/ ) told me about it. I thought -- where has this been my whole life? It's so great to have access to such an abundance of wonderful, lovingly handmade things all in one place. It's hard NOT to find something to love. People are beginning to think more about where things come from, and value what it means to create something.

Babongo: What are your dreams for the future?
Ingrid: I'd love to make Wooly Bison flourish as a business, build a home and studio, and spend the days sewing projects, cooking and growing food, entertaining friends and family and try to find a couple ways to make this world a little better than when I found it.

Babongo: What would you like the world to know about you?
Ingrid: I'm a shameless indoor kid with an affinity for the outdoors and the aesthatics of the late seventies. Almost nothing makes me happier than wandering around thrift stores collecting hidden treasures and bundles of crazy fabric. I love being able to take something out-of-date or forgotten and re-form it into something different and new.

Frontpage!

2010-02-23T14:06:00.001+01:00

This treasury I made hit the frontpage on Etsy yesterday. Congrats to all featured.

Monday Moodboard

2010-02-22T09:00:00.016+01:00

Clutch-purse in teal by Karuski
La princesse au petit pois by Matilou
Sunshine. Decorative coasters by Birribe
Cinnamon wool needle felted heart by Woolicious

Want to see more Moodboards? Visit Fleurfatale's blog.

Monday Moodboard

2010-02-15T19:14:00.002+01:00

Sticker set by Carambatack
X-Long scarf by Karlita
Sterling silver ring with melonbeads by DeerLola
Japanese Wintergarden earrings by Fleurfatale

Introducing Marian Smale

2010-02-03T09:00:00.045+01:00

Let me introduce to you the wonderful world of Marian Smale's amazing garments from upcycled, vintage or handpainted/dyed materials.
Marian: 'Each piece is made with lots of love, enjoyment and attention to detail. It's important to me that it stands the test of time & wear'. Sounds like music to my ears.

I had a little conversation with Marian through Etsy and I asked her some questions about herself and her work.

Babongo: What would you like the world to know about you?
Marian: I grew up on a remote farm in a very steep high hill country in NZ with native bush [forest] beside the house and a sense of nature being my closest companion/friend. From there I grew as a daydreamy sort of random creature who was always puddling away outside with the wealth of materials nature gives.....combined with a mum who was relaxed about kids and dirt!She was a great gardener and an early memory is of a little square patch in her garden she said could be mine and I can still picture the plants she let me choose from "her" garden to transplant and get mine started.
I was second of five children and as we grew our father took us more and more to help on the farm [outside school time]. This entailed very long horse rides and wonderful adventures "out the back" as we referred to the further reaches of the farm. Glorious, wild, free exhilarating adventures which quietly gave a sense of enormous empowerment. The contrast to this was my silent, still space where I would dream and ponder and create.
As I write I see how closely to this I still operate. I love contrasts and I'm not methodical in my creative process. Everything I make is some kind of adventure, be it long or short. I often begin with no idea where the journey will go. I value that process above almost everything in life. People come first and I suspect that hidden in everyone is the ability to create. To me it's a key, a thing of wonder and reverence that connects us to the great mysteries of life. A process to be guarded fiercely and nurtured and if one is lucky, to be shared with others. [I feel like this about other peoples creativity as well.]

Babongo: When did you start creating and what did you start with?
Marian: My earliest memory of sewing is of taking part in hand stitching a very small circle skirt for a doll. The fabric I can picture as tiny black and white striped cotton with posies of bright coloured flowers sprinkled across it. I'm not sure how old I was...maybe 4 or 5 years.

One of my darling grandmothers worked as a seamstress and although I don't remember her teaching me I know she was a huge influence. My mother also made lots of our clothes and taught us to embroider and do tapestry as well as sewing on an old treadle Singer sewing machine.

Another very early memory of making was of shaping two little clay birds [the clay was on the banks around the farm] leaving them to dry in the sun and then painting them bright colours with my watercolour paintbox. For some reason I did all this on top of the big concrete water tank that stored the rain water we used. At the end I left them there again only to be sadly disappointed the next time I looked that the rain had "melted" them! I've tried working in clay as an adult but without much satisfaction. Cloth and paint are my favourites and I never tire of experimenting.

Babongo: When did you first discover Etsy and what went through your mind when you did?
Marian: Etsy I was told about by a New Zealand craft website some years ago when I submitted some photos to them. I looked once but thought it very far away and at that time didn't have the computer confidence to have a go! [I didn't go further with the NZ one either]. I had remembered Etsy without looking again until when I joined.

Babongo: What are your dreams for the future?

Marian: My dreams are to live in the country again [I am currently living in town till my last child finishes school] and devote my time to creating and having a self supporting business on Etsy. Spending time with good friends and my family, doing some gardening, swimming in the sea or river in summer.

Monday Moodboard

2010-02-01T09:33:00.000+01:00

The Kindness Pears by LaPomme
Fuchsia Knitted Minidress by Subrosa123
Jack the pilot Pillow by AtelierPompadour
Sea Urchin Collection: soft grey necklace by Staroftheeast

Soft bowls

2010-01-29T09:59:00.002+01:00

Yes, our subject of today, soft bowls. Upcycled from wool blankets and wool sweaters. Thrifted, felted in washingmachine, cut and sewn by yours sincerely.

These are great for storing those cute little bits and bobs and remnants we all have lying around the house. You know, these things that drive you nuts because you keep stumbling apon them when you don't need them and can't find them when you do. I know you know what I'm talking about.
Available in my shop now.
More bowls in different colours soon to come.

Thrifted finds

2010-01-28T11:21:00.002+01:00

Yesterday I took our car, raced through the province I live in and visited several thriftstores I know. And found, amongst other things, these vintage magazines. They are called Ariadne Handwerken and are monthly craftingmagazines from the seventies, from around the year I was born, 1975 *sigh*. I'm absolutely thrilled about these finds.
Here's an impression of the subjects they discussed

Embroidery

Weaving

Patchwork sewing and knitting, fashion

Embroidery

Crochet

Knittingpatterns

More embroidery

Fashion

Some more embroidery

Would you like to be featured here?

2010-01-26T09:00:00.019+01:00

As I mentioned earlier I'll be using my blog to feature artists in 2010. I would like to feature artists that recycle, upcycle or use vintage materials. In other words, artists that reuse. So, if you fit this 'profile' and are interested in being featured here, please send me a message through nicole@babongo.nl.

I'm thinking about:
1. you showing us your favorite place in your home.
2. a short interview by me about you and your craft.
3. you show us where you live, your town, your home.

Fairy House by Barbarix

Gingerbread houses by PetitPlat

Charming countryhouses by thelittlereddoor

Birdhouses by Sparklehen

Let me know what you'd like the feature to be about.

Monday Moodboard

2010-01-25T08:00:00.018+01:00

Spoon Fossil Wristlet by LaTouchables
My patchwork heart by PamelaAngus
Cups Creamy stoneware with ethnic slib decoration by Suuskeramiek
Turtle, journal, notebook, leather by Kreativlink

Introducing Karen Thurman's felt art

2010-01-06T08:00:00.020+01:00

Sometimes you come across work on Etsy or on the internet you love so much you just want to share. That's exactly what I'll be using my blog for in 2010. Well, besides sharing my own work of course ;-) I think I'm making a great start with the felt art works of Karen Thurman. She's a feltmaker from Portland, Oregon, USA. She is in love with felt. It's a simple as that.
Karen: "Felting is my passion, my compulsion and my joy that accompanies me throughout each day. From the beginning, the process of transforming fiber from a beautiful live animal into cloth has struck me as magical.

Over the years, that magical process has had its way with me, leading me from hobby to art. Making felt fills me with a sense of accomplishment, and has proven to be a most amenable vehicle for translating inner vision to outer reality".

Karens work is colorful and vibrant and will brighten up any home decor or outfit. All felts are handmade with natural wool fibers using a traditional wet felting process. Because I think pictures speak for itself, here are some of my favourite pillows.

And some more details

You can find Karens work in her Etsy shop.

Her tablerunners are also worth checking out:

Karen also makes and sells gorgeous felt scarves.

Please check back soon for more featured artists.

Monday Moodboard

2010-01-04T08:00:00.006+01:00

Caroline Tunic by annafabo
Colorful Afghan Pillow by AtelierAfra
Little House Ornament by KalliasWonderland
Rainbow of happiness handknit scarf by Ingermaaike

You can see more Monday Moodboards at Fleurfatale's blog

Monday Moodboard

2009-12-21T17:12:00.001+01:00

The Blue Rider, a beaded necklace by La Touchables
Multicolour Crocheted Cardigan by Subrosa123
Falling leaves - mustard yellow crochet fingerless fairy mitts by Vaisto
Striped Concave ring by Platinat

You can see more Monday Moodboards at Fleurfatale's blog.

Monday Moodboard

2009-12-14T08:00:00.000+01:00

I so enjoy these colours, they bring so much warmth in these cold winterdays.
Blue Anna Hoops by Fleurfatale
Indigo gloves by Afra
Fake Sapphire Fur Cowl by PlaskDesign
Roses are pink boho chic textile Indian necklace by Barbarix

You can see more Monday Moodboards at Fleurfatale's blog.

Frontpage

2009-12-12T15:33:00.001+01:00

Every now and then one of my treasuries hit the frontpage of Etsy. This means the people included get a lot of exposure. Yay!
Yesterday this treasury hit frontpage. Congrats to all featured.

Monday Moodboard

2009-12-07T08:00:00.023+01:00

Red Chakra - Blank Art Book by Artreasury

Handsewn Fabric Roses by GiftsandStars

Delicate Pink Chessboard Ring by LeelaBijou

Ceries Leather Bag by Ira Grant

Monday Moodboard

2009-11-23T08:00:00.004+01:00

Would you like to see more Monday Moodboards? Visit Fleurfatale's blog here.

Secret Santa has arrived!

2009-11-20T16:15:00.007+01:00

Some members of the European Streetteam on Etsy are playing the Secret Santa game, hosted by Mitsy from Artmind, chief Secret Santa.
Everyone who takes part in this game will make one or more gifts for someone else. The person you are making a gift for doesn't know that it's you who's making the gift, that is the secret part of the game. In order to know more about the person you're making a gift for, we all had to fill out a questionaire. The only one who knows all the secrets is Mitsy, she blogs about this regularly.
Anyway, yesterday a package was delivered at my house. I was really excited. And curious of course. I figured it was my secret santa package, because I didn't order anything on Etsy this week.

I decided to open it right away.

My goodness, my secret santa, Maartje aka Mamutopia spoiled me! I was so happy with all the gorgeous little presents. I felt like a child in a candystore.

Thank you Maartje for the lovely presents and a big thank you to Mitsy for organising this lovely game.

Flower Garden

2009-11-19T13:56:00.001+01:00

I am so in love with this Flower Garden necklace. I made it some time ago, but it hasn't sold yet, so I figured the pictures weren't right, because it can't be the necklace... ; ) Here's one of the new shots I took:

And here are some more fabulous pieces by some of my European Etsy colleagues:

From left to right, top to bottom:
Afghan Winds by Staroftheeast
Lola vintage lace necklace by Matilou
Olive and Wood necklace by Fleurfatale
Necklace reclaimed vintage brooch by Huismus
Mother of Pearl necklace by LeelaBijou
Grey pink recycled necklace by polindim

2009-11-14T15:35:00.005+01:00

Happy Frances, happy Babongo

On 15th October 2009 I started this blog by hosting a give away.

It was won by Frances J Melhop aka enchantedpond and matchstickgirl on Etsy. She is one amazing photographer and creative mind, who has been chosen as one of the worlds 200 best ad photographers by Luerzers Archive 2008/2009!

Frances let me know she was thrilled about winning a 'lovely' and 'dreamy' butterfly mobile. Being the amazing photographer that she is, she shot this gorgeous pic of her upcycled butterflies hanging from a big skylight in her kitchen.

I am totally in love with her kitchen and in awe about this picture. Thank you Frances for letting me use this picture.

2009-11-09T06:00:00.020+01:00

Monday Moodboard

Do you love these wonderful creations by my EST friends as much as I do?

Pommes d'Amour Vase Fillers by lapomme
Rowena. Simple beautiful hearth with Rowanberrie by Birribe
Mini Earth - Azurite, Malachite and sterling ring by Jealousydesign
Tan Pebble Studs by lilarubyking
FOREST cobweb felted thin scarf wrap felt by manonknits
Army Green Capelet / Gloves Set by afra
Fold Top Shoulder Bag - Sage Green Taffetta with Vintage Crochet Leaves by StarBags
Sexy shorts with silver piping by MirthQuakeClothing
Dreaming- bracelet with white vintage lucite beads by Karuski

Would you like to see more Monday Moodboards? You can visit FleurFatale's blog here

Treasury on FP Etsy

2009-11-05T11:20:00.000+01:00

This treasury was on the FP on Etsy last night. I think it was well deserved because these artists featured are just amazing.

Monday Moodboard

2009-11-02T06:00:00.004+01:00

Check out these gorgeous creations by my friends from Europeanstreetteam on Etsy

Autumn comes locket by Momochas

Hoot Hoot Handpainted Clutch by SiyahBeyaz by littleblackdress

Wavy wristwarmers by P8 Accessories

my orb pillow by Psarokokalo

Chocolate Flowers necklace by Fleurfatale

Small - 1 - Mini art feeling by Artmind

Would you like to see more Monday Moodboards, check out FleurFatale's blog here

And the winner is....

2009-10-23T10:00:00.044+02:00

So, today I will anounce the winner of my give away! Scroll down if you want to read more about it. I thought it would be nice to show you part of the process of making these mobiles.
Here are some pics:

A big pile of plastic bags, I collect them by asking coworkers, family, friends to not throw them away. Even though I refuse plastic bags in stores myself, it's not a problem at all to get plastic bags. Did you know between 500 billion and a trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year? That's quite a lot of mobiles ;)

This is the result of fusing and cutting the bags.

These branches all fell from trees nearby our house. We are so fortunate to live near a forest.

Now back to the winner of the give away. How many plastic bags did I use? You might be surprised to hear that I used 14 different plastic bags to make this lovely mobile.

This means that Matchstickgirl has won! Congrats, Frances! You will find a mobile like this one:

in your mailbox soon. And thanks to everyone who entered. I thought this was so much fun!

First blogpost by Babongo

2009-10-15T18:30:00.001+02:00

My very first blogpost! To celebrate this first post, I'm organising a give-away, which I personally love. To participate you have to guess how many plastic bags are used in this mobile: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31236909 The person who guesses right, will receive a mobile like this one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31956879 You can enter by commenting below until 23rd October