Julie at Creative Genius's handmade inspiration

5 years ago I opened a gallery that exclusively sells handmade items. I think as Americans we do not always support our own culture and I think handmade items are a big part of what makes up a culture. One thing I admire about Europe is the focus that is placed on the arts and here in the United States, people have this Walmart mentality. Instead of focusing on the quality of handmade items, people go cheap. It was refreshing to come across this site...hope it inspires a ton of people to appreciate the little bit of personal energy that goes into every handmade creation and that gets transfered from creator to buyer.


Julie at Creative Genius, 40, Gallery owner, www.creativegeniusonline.com
Southern NJ
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 11:24 am

Reclaimed Tennis Balls

my new passion is finding ways to re-use or up-cycle discarded and often forgotten about items. lately i've been focused on tennis balls. our local tennis club just throws these little darlings away by the hundreds in the summer... in the winter, thankfully, they donate them to local schools and after school programs for crafts and chair stoppers.

after having a child of my own, going through 2 days of back labor before even being admitted to Labor/Delivery and then going thru 16 hours of hospital labor, tennis balls were my major source of comfort. throw a couple in a sock and you have a back massager from heaven! even after delivery i found fun new ways to use my little invention.

after being asked about my little sock wonder from many friends and a few family members, i thought there had to be a better way than to buy new socks and stuff them with used tennis balls. and "peanuts" were born!

i only use previously abused tennis balls from the local indoor tennis club. re-claimed 100% wool yarn and remnant fabric that was destined for the trash (never used) in all of the products. No two are alike and all are hand sewn and crocheted.

MeLisa, 28, SAHM, hyenacart.com/Kokomele
Baltimore, MD
Friday, October 24, 2008 10:24 am

100% pure plant oils for the body & massage

Hand-made is the best economic stimulus package going for Main Street USA right now since the Capitol doesn't seem to be able pull themselves together and create an effective plan. I always had a feeling that one day Big Business was going to ruin our society. It's unfortunate that I was so right. I'm happy to direct as much money towards independent business as possible.

the green bubble shop, Social entrepreneur, Independent business owner., www.greenBubble.etsy.com
Miami FL
Monday, February 16, 2009 2:27 pm

Bath Soap

I recently purchased some bath bars. Absolutely wonderful products! her soap is amazing!
website:
http://hyenacart.com/bluebirdbathcompany

Stacey, 26, Pet groomer
Houston, Texas
Friday, July 24, 2009 8:13 pm

Holly's Designs's handmade inspiration

I really like to buy handmade because it helps out local communities. I get tired of seeing everything coming from overseas. By supporting overseas products we indirectly support inhumane working conditions.

Holly's Designs, www.hollystott.etsy.com
Iowa City, IA
Thursday, August 7, 2008 7:52 pm

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