Billboard Bags and Earth Day

I have been busily working on my billboard bags for two upcoming Earth Day events. The first will be held in Hood River on April 17th in the parking lot across from Full Sail. I loved this event last year and am looking forward to spending the day show everyone my crafts made from recycled materials and being surrounded by people wanting to know more about caring for our Earth!!

The second event is the following week in Portland at the Laurelhurst Whole Foods store from 2-7pm. This is the first time I will be attending this event, but am excited to see other handmade recycled crafts.

To get my billboard bags ready, I spread out one in my backyard. I was amazed at it's size! The girls had a great time playing tag on the billboard before I started cutting it up for my bags. Just imagine, if this was not rescued for reuse, it could have ended up in the landfill. Every billboard you see in town or as you are driving down the highway has to end up somewhere!

New machine = new crafts

Finally, I splurged and bought an industrial sewing machine. I have been wanting to get one for a long time now. The stars aligned and I now have my machine. I can sew through almost anything I want... Multiple layers of canvas, vinyl, leather, cardboard. The possibilities are endless. I am sure my old machine is breathing a sigh of relief.

With my new machine, comes new projects. I have been wanting to try sewing with a recycled billboard. Last week I was having a conversation with a bunch of friends and my new project ideas came up. One of the ladies got excited and told me her husband works for an outdoor billboard company and they are always happy to give the used billboards to interested parties instead of throwing them in the landfill! Yesterday, right after getting my industrial machine, I drove to the billboard company and picked up 3 used billboards!! I have been spending the day sewing billboards into bags! I love how they are turning out! I hope to have them ready for my next big sale... Crafty Wonderland's Super Colossal Spring Sale on May 1st and 2nd.