Crafting eco-friendly shopping bags

Last week I was looking for something that I could bring to the W.s in Boston. I figured that eco-friendly shopping bags for our trip to Brimfield would be a fab idea. I have a few that I keep in my handbag for anytime shopping. I chose Harmony, a nice floral by Diversitex Kingsway for her and chocolate brown Basket Squares by Michael Miller for him.
I kept them really simple for easy folding. Then I added co-ordinating handles and an elastic to keep the bags folded in a tidy package for easy transport.
Now I'm itching to make more!

Boston - Day 5

On my last day, Mr. W. was out of town so Mrs. W. and I went for lunch with their friend L. at a cute neighbourhood resto called Orinoco. We saw this Shepard Fairey piece on the way to the restaurant.
Following lunch, we jetted out to the outlet mall in Wrentham. I don't usually do well at outlets, but did manage to find a few things. We ended my visit with a late night dinner at a Korean restaurant and the whole trip had come to an end!

Today I got right back to work and had a busy day working on new designs for Fall/Winter 09. I'll definitely take some photos, so I'll share them once I am done with all the pieces.

Boston - Day 4

Friday my hosts were at work, so I took the day to go on a big walking tour. I checked out the financial district, then walked over to the ICA to see the Shepard Fairey show and to see the small permanent collection. On my way there I walked around the South Boston Waterfront.

Strolled by the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse.

Here is a shot of the Boston waterfront.

My Friend is enjoying a stroll at the water's edge.

Took my time to view the Shepard Fairey/Obey Giant Show at the ICA. Actually, on my walk to the gallery, I observed at least 3 of his Obey Giants around town. The area around the ICA seems to be going through a revitalization and the ICA is a big asset to the area. There was so much construction nearby.

I enjoyed the whimsical nature of the fine art wall in the ICA lobby. The installation is by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Love all the colours!

Then I trekked over to Beacon Hill to admire some of the giant homes. I didn't get any pictures, but they were lovely!

My Friend is enjoying a break in the Commons.

A pretty Beacon Hill drain (?) cover.
Then I dragged my exhausted self to the waterfront. People were sunning themselves, biking, blading and paddling along the lagoon.

Later, in the evening, I got to experience a typical Boston activity. We dropped by some of the W.'s friends' place in the neighbourhood and spent some time "stooping it" with good music and nice drinks. Ended the day gorging ourselves on a good meal at nearby foodery, Union Bar and Grille.

Boston - Day 3

On Thursday Mr. W. was at work but the Mrs. had a day off to roam around with me. We went to a massive jewellery supply warehouse and purchased some supplies that I plan on incorporating in the upcoming Fall/Winter 2009 MoonRox collection. The place was massive! We could have spent the whole day (or more) there.

We ended the day back at the W. residence where they hosted a fish taco night. It was a perfect evening to be dining outside on their back patio.

Boston - Day 2

On my second day in Massachusetts, we drove to the Brimfield Antique and Collectibles Show which was like treasure hunting heaven. I drooled over amazing buttons...

mounds of pristine Pyrex...

and more Pyrex... even some I had never seen before... and lots of stunning Jadite...
trinkets of all sorts... I always love the animal shaped Bakelite napkin rings...

more treasures...

and still more... or are these junk?

We ate Pilgrim sandwiches... My Friend enjoyed his sandwich very much.
After re-fueling, we hit even more vendors. We visited Les with all his Bakelite gems. Many are carved by him and therefore considered altered by the purists, but it was still amazing to see his huge collection. Mr. and Mrs. W. visit him each show, which is 3 times a year, so we had a good chat. His whole booth was filled to the brim with Bakelite. He had napkin rings, bangles, rings and brooches galore, flatware and utensils and oodles more.

Here are Mr. and Mrs. W. at a booth where we bought a few gorgeous Bakelite bangles. Sadly the one I really hemmed and hahhed about fell to the ground as soon as we got it home. It broke into two so I am now trying to decide what kind of glue/adhesive to use to repair it. Anyone have any tried and true suggestions?

It was a great day at Brimfield. I saw lots of inspiring vintage jewellery and plenty of beautiful and wild collections of all sorts. The weather was perfect and we all went home with some good finds. Can't wait to go back again!