How do you go ‘green’?

23 Sep

With the UN Climate summit underway  in New York City, it seems like a great time to reflect on how we as individuals go green. In addition to swapping goods, what else do you do?

There’s been a recent surge in campaigns urging commuters to switch to bikes. Some companies are taking that goal even further by using bamboo to build their bikes. Bamboo is regarded as an extremely strong, light-weight material. Would you ride a bamboo bike?

I’ve gone green by switching to a re-usable water bottle, bringing re-usable grocery bags to the store, and being extra careful about sorting trash and recyclables. How have you gone green? Share your ways in the comments section! If you’re looking for new ways to go green, the UN has created a shortlist of ways to reduce your footprint here

Photo from UN Climate Change site

Photo from UN Climate Change site

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Philly Swap in the news!

19 Sep

Hey Swappers!

Our swap at GreenFest Philly made it into the news! Check out the article on Philly.com!

GreenFest Philly!

9 Sep

Thank you to everyone who helped make the swap a success this weekend! Big shout out to our partners Greene Street Consignment, Book Trader, and Philly AIDs Thrift! 

For those of you who were unable to come out to the swap, don’t worry. We have some pictures to help you deal with the FOMO!

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Stay tuned for our next swap event!

Volunteer Opportunity!

29 Aug

If you’d like to attend GreenFest Philly AND do some good, why not volunteer? Philly Swap is looking for volunteers to help out with the clothing swap!

If you’re interested and want to know more, message hailey@wittygritty.com for more details and information on perks! 

Courtesy of GreenFest Philly

GreenFest Philly’s Green Card!

27 Aug

If you’re planning on attending GreenFest Philly, you should look into their Green Card deal, it’s just $30! And don’t forget to bring items for the swap!

The Green Card is an all-inclusive festival package that offers everything a festival-goer needs to make the most of the event.

What do you get?
• $10 Food Credit at any Food Trucks
• 2 Beers at the Greenfest beer Garden
• 2014 Greenfest Philly Shirt printed on fabric made from plastic bottles
• Limited Edition Greenfest Philly Mason Jar
• Clean Air Council Reusable Bag
• Entry into Raffles to win more free stuff!
• Discounts with these exhibitors!
Babylon Gardens – Discounts on water bottles and shirts for sale.  Free seed packets.
Book Grrl – 10% discount on all sales
Gen3 Electricity – 10% discount thru April 15, 2015
Green Mountain Energy – Free bamboo pen!
Greenology Organic Living – $5 off $25 purchase
The Humane League – Coupons for animal-free products
Lafiya Foods – 10% discount on all sales
MECO Designs Jewelry – 10% discount on all sales
Philadelphia Insurance Companies – Free Green PHLLY lunch bags for the first 100
Salvaged & Stoned – Discount on sales
Steel Core – 10% discount on all sales
Sustainability Business Network – 20% discount for SBN Membership
Zipcar – TBD

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Art Star Craft Bazaar now accepting vendor applications!

22 Aug

Hey Philly Swappers!

The Art Star Craft Bazaar is now accepting applications!  The Craft Bazaar will take place on November 8th + 9th from 11-7pm indoors at the 23rd Street Armory!

Click here for the application! The deadline is Tuesday, September 30th.

For those of you who would like to attend the Craft Bazaar, there is an admission fee of $2. In addition to all of the arts and crafts, there will be free games, local food trucks, and  the opportunity to try out a variety of crafting techniques and take home something special!

Click here for details!

Photo from May Art Star Craft Bazaar! Photo by Chris Kendig

Photo from May Art Star Craft Bazaar!
Photo by Chris Kendig

 

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DIY: 5 Steps to a T-Shirt Bag!

29 Jul

We did a lot of t-shirt bag workshops, and now, you can do them from the comfort of your home! If you have any variations that you chose to do, let us know in the comment section!

Step 1: Choose a beloved t-shirt that you no longer wear & make sure its washed!

No one wants a smelly bag AND! if you've never washed the shirt before for whatever reason, it may shrink if you throw it in the wash if by chance something spills in/on it during its new life as a bag.

No one wants a smelly bag AND! if you’ve never washed the shirt before for whatever reason, it may shrink if you throw it in the wash if by chance something spills in/on it during its new life as a bag.

Step 2: Assemble your tools!

Tools can be as simple as just a good pair of scissors, but depending on if you do a variation, a safety pin might be useful!

Tools can be as simple as just a good pair of scissors, but depending on if you do a variation, a safety pin might be useful!

Step 3: Cut off sleeves & cut out neck area

Note: how wide or narrow you make this is up to you, the graphics on your shirt, etc. The neck area is the opening of your bag, so just be sure to keep that in mind!

Note: how wide or narrow you make this is up to you, the graphics on your shirt, etc. The neck area is the opening of your bag, so just be sure to keep that in mind!

Step 4: Close bottom of your t-shirt bag by cutting slits in the shirt about 1-2″ and tying a knot

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Step 5: Admire your work and add this bag into rotation!

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Mine is ready to go back to the beach! (If you didn’t catch the “Reach the Beach” slogan)

 

Sources:

  1. http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Sew-10-Minute-T-Shirt-Tote/
  2. http://www.leethal.net/zine/?p=1344

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We have a resource list!

16 Jul

Howdy PhillySwappers,

Be sure to check out the new resource list! We’ve broken the list into categories that each have their own page under the Resource List tab!

Keep on swappin’!

Get Pumped, Philly!

9 Jul

Dear Philly Swap Community,

It’s been awhile, we know. BUT! We’ve got some pretty cool things heading your way in pretty short order.

First off, mark your calendars for this year’s Greenfest Philly, taking place on Sunday, September 7th! Be sure to clean out your closets/basements/hidden-so-the-guests-won’t-see-areas and bring along your swaps to Greenfest!

Next on the list: We’re excited to bring you a list of resources that will include consignment shops, clothing swaps, upcycle stores, and more! Please feel free to contribute to this list by submitting information to hailey@wittygritty.com. If you run a clothing swap, store, or anything related, let us know, we’d love to add you to the list!

Finally, we want to do more! To begin with, we have some nifty DIY projects to roll out and resources to share, however, community suggestions are welcomed! (Once again, send to hailey@wittygritty.com)

Be on the lookout for more posts and pages!

Frankford Holiday Craft Market Vendors List, Dec 16

11 Dec

HolidayCraftFestWORKING(12-3)GO SHOPPING!

Bonnie Lasses   www.etsy.com/shop/bonnielasses
Fiber wearables: gloves, scarves, necklaces; art pillows; artist books; photographic metal wall hangings; artist cards

Allison Ostertag Photography  www.allisonostertag.com
Photography of local nature with rustic wood framing

Betsy Ann Paper http  betsyannpaper.etsy.com
Holiday greeting cards and stationery gift sets

Philadelphia Map Company  philamapco.com
Maps of Philadelphia neighborhoods and more

Rachel Udell www.racheludell.com
Mixed media of art (collage/drawings/sculpture)

JRochelle Designs  jrochelledesigns.etsy.com
Handmade leather bags/accessories and some vintage home décor items

Iqraa Cafe
Scented candles and scarf sets

Helen Ethel Studio  www.helenethelstudio.com
Handmade jewelry

Sockitz! www.facebook.com/pages/Sockitz/
Sock toys and circle scarves

Bazoja  www.etsy.com/shop/Bazoja
Accessories and small gift items

Sherman Oberson Creations  www.etsy.com/shop/shermanoberson
Homemade jewelry made of vintage parts

Martha Knox  www.marthaknox.com
Wood block fine art prints

Evening Star Gallery  eveningstargallery.etsy.com
Handcrafted cards, bookmarks, pins and assemblages

Art by Meei-Ling Ng  www.meeiling.com
Small handmade sculpture, paintings, and greeting cards

Why B Design  whybdesign.etsy.com
Stationery items made of recycled materials

Jennifer Hermann:Handmade  www.jenmae21.etsy.com
Handmade jewelry, Christmas ornaments and other gifts

Lynnette Shelley www.lynnetteshelley.com
Fine art prints and original artwork

Heidi’s Unique Gifts  www.etsy.com/shop/heidisuniquegifts
Handmade purses, books, hand decorated glassware and photography

Fifth of a Farm Creations  www.fifthofafarm.com
Handcrafted and all natural jams and jellies

M Heston Illustration
Art Prints

Monique Kendikian-Sarkessian Fine Art  www.MoniqueKendikianSarkessian.com
Original artwork, jewelry, and prints

Whitney Superstar whitneyjsuperstar.blogspot.com/
Small wood paintings and handmade birdhouses

Ecocessories  ecocessories.com
Upcycled, unique “green” accessories for adults and kids

Bolt Pottery www.etsy.com/shop/boltpottery
Cups, mugs, chalices, goblets, bowls, mixing bowls, jars

Cats and Keystones www.etsy.com/shop/CatsandKeystones
Vintage wares

Dana Henry
Ceramics – both for sale and for creation

CRAFT & INFO TABLES

Carson Valley Children’s Aid
Information and jewelry making table for our organization with the kids in attendance

The Resource Exchange  www.theresourceexchange.org
Dedicated to promoting creative reuse, recycling, and resource conservation

Frankford CDC http://frankfordcdc.com/
Building assets for the community

City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program http://muralarts.org/
Largest public art program in the US!

Philly Swap www.phillyswap.org
Hosting and promoting creative reuse and up-cycling through workshops, events, and swaps

New Frankford Community Y www.facebook.com/frankfordy
Helping to rebuild the neighborhood

REFRESHMENTS FOR SALE

Sweet Box Cupcakes iheartsweetphilly.com
Cupcakes and hot chocolate

Chewys  chewysphilly.com
Meatball, roast pork sandwiches, and sausage sandwiches – along with soda, water etc.

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