One important thing that will remain consistent with WSS is recycling. It comes in many forms, and plays a large part in all the aspects. It may be the box or bag the product comes in, or the some of the materials used in the handmade wares. Regardless, it's a part that is a driving force here. Let's start at the beginning...
I started cruising thrift stores as a child with my mom and aunt. We would find clothes, cool items and useful items. It extended all through my life. I found that when my bedside broke, I was able to find a way cooler one, full of character and style at the thrift store down the street than at Walmart. Many of the things in my current home are pre-used. Don't get me wrong, there are many things that are new as well. Combined, I liked that unique, quirky, vintage vibe with modern pieces. The same went with my clothing. As I got older, I would find new or different uses for things. That silver pyrex holder without a dish made my plain pots look cooler. The silver platter, it was a holder/water catcher for several of my small plants. That weird old vase, perfect for growing clippings, holding my hair brushes, or pens. Now, I've always been a creative human, not just with decorating. I would refinish something, or add this or that to another thing. I like the challenge of melding the aspects together into something beautiful. This all culminated to creating a birthday gift for my sister one year. She was pretty used to me describing a bunch of old "junk" that I was determined to make into art. Yes she was leery, because who makes a wall hanging with used yarn and a spring form cake pan. It worked out and set me up for the journey that is Wandering Stone Studio. I wanted to make more of those things, combine my knowledge of self taught macrame into it, and keep going. Maybe I could sell these to make money to make more pieces! Maybe there's people out there who love vintage just as much as I do, not just for the sake of having a piece of the past, but for the fun, festive uniqueness it can bring to a home. Recycling in general has also always been important. There is so much waste in the world. There is so much of everything in the world. Why not try to keep a couple things out of it? Reuse them so it just doesn't end up in the garbage. Here, I can recycle, reuse, reduce and upcycle to my heart's content. As much packaging as possible is reused, from boxes, bags and packing material. The envelopes that come with every package is recycled paper, as is the paper the typed letter is on. Often the new macrame cord used, is recycled cotton cord. If there's a way to support another small business in the process, it is done. All the small things can make a difference. Maybe use that box again to give another gift. Maybe use that vintage piece in an interesting way (and take a picture and tag me in it because I love seeing that!!)
All vintage items are quarantined for a good spell first, wiped down gently, and inspected before being resold. Fabric items are put through strip-washing minimum once to ensure they're extremely clean before adorning your beds, couches, or chairs. All used materials have a similar process and are checked thoroughly before being used. In this time in the world, one can not be too careful, and one thing I really want to ensure to my clients and potential customers, is that all items, handmade or vintage are safe to put in your home!