Reuse, the Forgotten "R"

Many of us heave heard it: reduce, reuse, recycle.

Recycling is, in my opinion, the most overemphasized element of conserving our resources. Sure, it is better than tossing your waste into the trash, but even more preferable is diverting these materials from the landfill.

This is really the whole idea with "Mount Phoenix"--beginning with the old and tired, then creating a process of transformation with a new and interesting end product. This is done by reusing materials whenever possible. From the items themselves to elements of my workspace and the packaging materials for sending my items, reusing materials is central my practice of crafting and sewing.

So in the very near future I will be posting information on how to reuse a variety of household materials. Fusing plastic grocery bags, reusing bubble mailers, and "upcycling" old clothes is much easier and less expensive than many might think, and I hope you are excited to try some of these ideas.

Stagnant

It has been difficult. I think most crafters can relate. These are stagnant times for people who depend on income from their art and crafts. Things have been hard, but I think we can make it through.

I think it will become increasingly important for the United States to make a shift in spending. Thus, the time for crafters to shine has come, my friends. Although most of us American crafters tend to expect more money for their creations than do the ever-busy hand across Asia, I think this is an opportunity for other Americans to awaken to the benefits of buying domestically-created products. While to some, it is tempting to buy a new sweater for a dollar, the economic crisis of 2008 has put the U.S. in a position to evaluate the worth of allowing even such a small amount to leak out of the country. Maybe, just maybe, a few more Americans will ask themselves, "Can I find one of these made in the U.S.A.?" in an attempt to keep the cash flowing in our nation.

So crafters, I encourage you to keep on crafting. You are really keeping this country afloat in many ways. And buyers, consumers, and Christmas-gift shoppers, I encourage you to buy products made by hand in the U.S.A. Do this not only for the crafters, but for the health of the nation.