Saturday, October 30, 2010

Etsy's Beans Things ~ Cute Upcycled Magnets!

As you know I'm an Etsy browser. I love checking out all the stores and the wonderful items they all make. When I find an item that is CUTE I have to stop and take a look. That is how I found Beans Things!

But before I tell you about Jeanna and her awesome shop, I want to share with you an online article about 5 Simple Ways to Upcycle at Home. (The whole article can be found HERE)

Bottles and Jars - One way to upcycle common items like used bottles and jars around the house is by reusing them as vases and planters. Spring is here and with Summer just around the corner many people are planting more both inside and out. You can take your old bottles and jars, wash them out, decorate them any way you like and use them for table top vases or planters. Old plastic bottles and jars are better for planting due since you can create water drainage holes easily, while your glass bottles and jars that could heat up with the sun and be too hot for use outdoors are better for table top style vases.

Old Clothes - Instead of just tossing or donating your old clothes, try getting crafty with them instead. There are many ways to recycle old clothes including making baby and toddler clothes from your older adult clothes. You can create patchwork quilts, curtains and table cloths. Some people are taking their old jeans and making reusable grocery shopping bags out of them and I've even come across a lady who makes halter tops and yoga pants out of old t-shirts.
(Remember Jenelle at TrashN2Tees.com and her T-shirt Scarf Tutorial HERE!)

Junk Mail - Even those of us who are on the no-mail lists are still apt to get some junk mail. Keeping in mind that a lot of junk mail won't be recycled by your local waste management because of colored dyes so try upcycling all that lose paper into something useful. You can create works of art, decoupage collages, wrapping paper, or weave wallets and coin purses out of brightly colored junk mail. Some people are also making refrigerators magnets and bags out of the materials.

Old plates - Instead of tossing your old plates, try breaking them to upcycle them. You can use broken plates and cups when you pot plants to help with the water drainage. You can also start making your own mosaic creations with the broken pieces. Decorate table tops, picture frames, sinks and even your old bottles, cans and jars for snazzy vases and containers.

Cardboard - Upcycling cardboard is a great way to get organized and crafty around the home. I've taken cereal boxes and turned them into silverware drawer dividers and organizers. You can also take cereal boxes and turn them into bookshelf dividers and magazine holders. Some people upcycle cardboard tubes by turning them into cable and cord caddies. Some people go even further with their upcycle cardboard projects and create furniture from the material.

Let me introduce Jeanna who is the creator of Beans Things. I first wondered how she got started...

"I have always been crafty...but decided to do this more full time in Dec 2008. I went to a craft show where the lady was selling marble magnets and I thought they were so cool and wanted to learn more...I researched and BeansThings was born....BeansThings came about because my name is Jeanna, which is pronounced as "Gina"...and my in laws call me Jeanna Beanna or just Bean.....so it was fitting to call my business BeansThings"

Do you want to see a few of the items she makes?

This image of bold geometric circle patterns has been upcycled from a piece of paper. The back has been finished with card stock upcycled from a greeting card and then sealed with liquid glass.

Upcycled bottle caps and the paper used for these magnets has been upcycled too!


"My little one is old enough for juice pouches now and I couldn't bare throwing them out...So I created these cool, hip and colorful carrying cases!"

Do you want to see what I got? I ordered three Halloween magnets and four Greenie magnets (shown here) and Jeanna sent me a cutey owl one too because she knew I liked it. So nice! This is what my fridge looks like! Sorry the picture is the not the greatest for seeing the actual magnets. But they make my fridge more fun and they make me smile as I walk by :)


How does Jeanna find our materials?
"I up-cycle the backs of greeting cards and use the cardstock for my magnets or to finish the backs of my pendants. I have a friend save me small mailing boxes and bubble wrap. I also use old calendars and create my own shipping envelopes. I use different containers to display my magnets, earrings or rings in...such as the mini playdough containers, altoid tins..I decorate such items with up-cycled paper. I also use the metal tops from jars and spray paint em and display magnets on them. I also have friends send me up-cycled bottle caps to use for my magnets."

And of course we must ask if she is a Crunchy Mama...
"Not 100% so. I strive to make a lesser impact on our earth and strive to give back to the land and animals. I recycle and up-cycle. I remember growing up in Chicago and my mom setting the example of recycling. There was no curb side recycling or recycling centers at ever corner...we stored our recyclables in our garage and drove an hour each way to bring our recyclables to the center.  I do support breast feeding. So much, that when my son was born two months early, I pumped and bought a stand up freezer just to store my milk. When he was brought home, he wouldn't nurse. I went to specialists to try to figure out how to get him to. But two months of being bottle fed at the hospital did us no good. So I pumped for 11 months and gave him my breast milk with the bottle" ~ That is a fabulous story - us Mamas know what it's like to pump...not fun! Kudos to you Jeanna!!

Would you like to WIN a set of magnets for your fridge? How about these?


MANDATORY Entry ~ Like Beans Things on Facebook and be sure to tell her @Crunchy Beach Mama sent ya!
AND
Be a BeachBum GFC Follower!

EXTRA Entries

Visit Beans Things on Etsy and tell me something you find that you LOVE

Make a purchase from Beans Things within the course of this giveaway ~ 5 entries

Like CBM on Facebook ~ use easy sidebar widget

Follow CBM on Twitter & Tweet "#Win Etsy @beansthings Upcycled BottleCap Magnets @crunchybchmama  http://tiny.cc/iz6aplst1h #green #giveaway"

Subscribe to my emails ~ right sidebar

Enter another Upcycled Giveaway

5 EXTRA Entries to any giveaway this week (or spread them out) by participating in TNT's upcycled scarf tutorial (takes 20 minutes and all you need is an old t-shirt & scissors ~ and it's soooo fun!) Click HERE

 I was not compensated in any way for this post. This giveaway will end on Nov. 9, 2010 at 10:00pm ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to anyone in the US and you must be 18 years of age or older.

74 crunchy comments:

MommieVentures said...

'like' Bean things on Facebook, let her know that you sent me, & am a follower of you!

MommieVentures said...

What's not to like!?
But I think this is my favorite:
Girly Skull and Crossbones- Square Glass Pendant with Black Ball ChainFrom BeansThings

MommieVentures said...

'like' you on Facebook

MommieVentures said...

Follow you on Twitter & tweeted!

MommieVentures said...

Subscribed to your emails

MommieVentures said...

Entered all your upcycled giveaways!

Elaine said...

I like Beans Things on FB. =)

Elaine said...

I liked CBM on FB!

Elaine said...

I LOVE this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60128452/black-and-cream-floral-mandala-round

Julie Kieras said...

Liked Beans Things on FB and commented! :)
GFC Follower
jkrs01 @comcast.net

Julie Kieras said...

email subscriber!

Julie Kieras said...

FB fan!

Julie Kieras said...

Twitter & tweet
https://twitter.com/ayearwithmomdad/status/29331378906

Julie Kieras said...

I entered all your upcycle giveaways! :)

Julie Kieras said...

Love the retro owls bottlecap magnets! :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56954157/4-retro-owls-up-cycled-bottle-cap

slb3334 said...

I like bean things and am a follower.

Amber said...

i follow your blog with google friend connect and I like Beans Things on Facebook and told her Crunchy Beach Mama sent em!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I just love the Vintage Pinstriped Inspired Woman-Glass Photo Pendant with Black Cord-PINESTRIPE NUMBER 3 By DeadpanAlley-Etsy Artist Collaboration from BeansThings Etsy shop!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I follow you on Twitter (I'm @AmberGoo) and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/AmberGoo/status/29396224495
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Terrell said...

I'm a new follower of your sweet blog! I love these magnets! Thank you for the chance to win! *crosses fingers for the win*
~Terrell @ Frou Frou Decor~

Chrystal said...

Follow Publicly via Google Friend Connect (Chrystal)

Like Beans Things on Facebook (Chrystal Jones) and posted on their wall.

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dotcom)

Chrystal said...

Like you on Facebook (Chrystal Jones)

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dotcom)

Chrystal said...

Follow you on Twitter- @chryskay

Tweeted-
http://twitter.com/chryskay/status/29504337603

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dotcom)

taylorbagels said...

I Like Beans Things on Facebook and wrote on their wall
AND
I'm a BeachBum GFC Follower also.
electricisland(at)gmail.com

Yasmin said...

I like Beans Things on Facebook and told her @Crunchy Beach Mama sent me.
And I am BeachBum Google Friend Connect Follower!

alionandalamb at aol dot com

Yasmin said...

My favorite item would have to be...oh who am I kidding? I can't pick one. I've narrowed it down to my top three though.

I love:

Sweet Autumn Birds- 3 Bottlecap Magnets with Hand-Sewn Gift Pouch


2 Brown and Cream Owl Glass Pendants With Chains

Lilac Purple Rose- Silver Plated Adjustable Ring

alionandalamb at aol dot com

Yasmin said...

I like you on Facebook.

alionandalamb at aol dot com

Yasmin said...

I've entered the "Etsy's Brandy Fisher Upcycled Items Giveaway".

alionandalamb at aol dot com

Unknown said...

I like Beans Things on FB & wrote on her wall that @Crunchy Beach Mama sent me. I am BeachBum Google Friend Connect Follower!

http://www.facebook.com/BeansThings?v=app_169505045786#!/BeansThings/posts/496964101627

ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

Unknown said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/795286582595584

ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

Unknown said...

I like Crunchy Beach Mama on FB

Shawna O
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

Unknown said...

I'm a new email subscriber.

ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

Unknown said...

I love the 4 Christmas Cat and Pointsetta Up-Cycled Bottle Cap Magnets with Red Organza Bag as I'm a cat person.

ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

Maria's Space said...

Liked Bean things and made sure she knows you sent me.
Following you through Google Friends

Maria's Space said...

I love all her things but especially the Nature Inspired Nest with Eggs pendant

Maria's Space said...

Maria G has liked you on Facebook

Maria's Space said...

I am following you on Twitter and here is my tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/reesspace/status/1280396536848384

Maria's Space said...

I have subscribed by email

♡♥♬ Raven In A Blue Room ♬♥♡ said...

Google Friends Connect - following your blog publicly as Louis

I like Beans Things on facebook (Louis Here)

Wall Comment

♡♥♬ Raven In A Blue Room ♬♥♡ said...

I love the Birds on a Branch- Whimsical and Vintange Looking- Square Glass Pendant with Silver Plated Ball Chain

Thank you for hosting this giveaway

schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

♡♥♬ Raven In A Blue Room ♬♥♡ said...

following you on twitter @left_the_stars

http://twitter.com/#!/left_the_stars/status/1519613787512832

Kate said...

I follow! Also liked her on facebook- Kate Strycker!!

strycker@slu.edu

Dana West Young said...

Like Beans n things on Fb and I follow via GFC! (Dana Delk White)

susansmoaks said...

follower, fb fan tony l smoaks, told them that you sent me
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

kward22 said...

I like Beans Things on FB - and told her you sentme and I am a Beach Bum follower :) Of course!!
<3
kristin.n.ward@gmail.com

kward22 said...

I follow you on FB :)
kristin.n.ward@gmail.com

kward22 said...

I really LOVE the magnets on the etsy page - I would love a set of these!!
kristin.n.ward@Gmail.com

michtuck said...

Like Beans Things on Facebook and left comment. Follow via GFC too!
fb info = iiiyadirf (michelle tucker)
michelle (at) harrisbb (dotcom)

michtuck said...

I love the Vintage Pinstriped Inspired Woman-Glass Photo Pendant with Black Cord-PINESTRIPE NUMBER 3 By DeadpanAlley-Etsy Artist Collaboration
michelle (at) harrisbb (dotcom)

michtuck said...

Subscribe to you via email.
michelle (at) harrisbb (dotcom)

michtuck said...

Entering the Brandy Fisher giveaway.
michelle (at) harrisbb (dotcom)

michtuck said...

Follow you and Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/iiiyadirf/status/2032436179369984
michelle (at) harrisbb (dotcom)

Lexi said...

I liked Beans things on facebook and told them you sent me. I follow you via gfc.

lexisuby at yahoo dot com

Lexi said...

I like CBM on facebook


lexisuby at yahoo dot com

Lexi said...

I follow you on twitter now and I tweeted about the giveaway.


lexisuby at yahoo dot com

Lexi said...

I subscribe to your e-mails.


lexisuby at yahoo dot com

Lexi said...

I love the 4 Retro Owls- Up-cycled bottlecap magnets!! SSSOOOO cute!! :)


lexisuby at yahoo dot com

Kathy P said...

google friend klp1965
kathypease(at)gmail(dot)com

http://www.facebook.com/BeansThings?v=app_169505045786#!/BeansThings/posts/498814071627

Kathy P said...

i love the Sunlight Through New York Tree- Rectangle Glass Photo Pendant with Black Leather Cord- Original Photography

Kathy P said...

like you on facebook kathy l pease
kathypease(at)gmail(dot)com

Kathy P said...

entered cloth diaper mommy giveaway

angie lilly said...

I like them on FB as Tofu Fairy and left a wall post here: http://www.facebook.com/BeansThings#!/BeansThings/posts/498819876627
I follow you via GFC.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

4 Retro Owls- Up-cycled Bottle Cap Magnets are my fav!!!
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I like you on FB as Tofu Fairy.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I follow you on Twitter as FotoMacro and tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/2103991341154305
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I subscribed to your emails.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

Elaine said...

I have become a Twitter follower and tweeted your message.

Elaine said...

I just subscribed to your emails.

Unknown said...

I like Bean Things on Facebook. I am a BeachBum GFC follower. garrettsambo@aol.com

Donna said...

I am a follower. I liked them on facebook and left a comment.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I like the Colorful Butterflies- Bottle Cap Magnets with White Organza Bag
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I like the butterfly bottle caps.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I subscribe by email.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I follow on facebook.
donna444444@yahoo.com