Upcycling Expert - Annie Temmink

Annie Temmink

Annie completed her BA in sculpture and math from Davidson College in North Carolina, and received a Thomas J Watson Foundation Fellowship to travel independently for twelve months studying fashion and textiles.  From Indonesia to Japan, India to Uganda and Tanzania, she worked with village women, dove through sprawling second-hand markets and explored fashion in the world’s biggest cities and smallest towns.  The scope of her studies took her from preparing plants for organic dyes to exploring the factories that produce clothing for brand name stores.

Much of Annie’s inspiration comes from common or unwanted materials whose wide availability sparked her interest in recycling materials six years ago. Now she transforms repurposed clothing into sculpture for solo exhibitions and larger installations. Her work catches attention including that of trend forecasting companies in New York and private collectors on the east coast. Annie looks forward to blogging about her experiences and showing you how to create fabulous projects (clothing, jewelry and beyond) with materials from Goodwill.

Annie currently designs and makes clothing and accessories (and dances like-a-fool) in Charlottesville, Virginia. To learn more and to see Annie's projects visit: www.artemmink.com

DIY Holiday Cards

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Dec 17, 2014 2:23:00 PM

diy holiday cardsRunning out of gift ideas?

One of the nicest gifts you can give for the holidays is a handmade card and note showing your appreciation and affection. Really. Getting a card in the mail is so much fun, particularly if it has a handmade touch. At Goodwill you can purchase inexpensive envelopes and paper, along with interesting markers and colored pencils. Whatever you don’t find at Goodwill you can supplement from your desk drawer.

diy holiday cardsOne way to make homemade cards is by using a brown paper grocery bag for a base, and then dress it up with fun characters. Use brads to make moveable cards (horses with legs that move, Christmas tree stars that rotate, etc). You can also use glitter or gold markers, magazine pages, neon pink and green papers, or whatever you can find. The more whimsical and playful, the better.  

diy holiday cardsdiy holiday cardsOnce you’ve made your cards, be sure to take the time to compose a great note.  Think about the recipient and give specific examples of why you’re thankful for them, or maybe add some of fun memories you’ve shared in the past year. 

diy holiday cardsOnce you’ve finished writing, seal the note in an envelope, address, and stamp. You can even draw something fun on the envelope if you like.

While you’re at Goodwill looking for card making supplies, you might even find some great gifts like scarves, hats, ceramics, and fun toys. Shop Goodwill for the holidays and share the treasure hunt with your friends and family.

Topics: holiday cards, gift ideas from Goodwill, Annie Temmink, holiday gifts