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
Most of my friends are astonished when they find out I get most of my shoes from Goodwill. A lot of people expect shoes to be the hardest thing to find second hand, but most of the time, you just need to know how to clean your shoes to have real luck with Goodwill footwear.
Topics: upcycling shoes, shoe upcycle, retrobright, Goodwill, Annie Temmink
Sometimes my taste in art changes over time, and sometimes I’m drawn to paintings that don’t quite fit my aesthetic taste, but still have some interesting qualities. Goodwill is a great place to find unusual paintings, and a good place to bring the paintings you no longer want
Topics: Annie Temmink, upcyling, upcyle, upcycled handbag
I saw several electrical spools on the street waiting for disposal a few weeks ago, so I picked one up thinking it might be good for something. Sure enough, here’s a simple tutorial for turning an electrical spool into an ottoman. This is great technique for small tables you find at Goodwill, too. Maybe they need refinishing or a bit of a facelift? A simple slipcover like this one can do just that.
Topics: upcycle, Goodwill, Upcycling, Annie Temmink
I realized after all of the upcylcing topics I’ve covered, I have yet to give one of the more useful tutorials: how to sew on a button. You’ll want to know how, because factory-sewn buttons tend to fall off. Many times I have found fantastic designer pieces at Goodwill whose only flaw is a lost button. With just a few stiches you can make those great clothes wearable again.
Topics: sewing buttons, buttons, Annie Temmink
Now that summer is really here, the time has come to fill your kitchen with plants and herbs. Particularly with basil coming in, pesto pasta, and salads are a delicious summer treat that can be made so easily if you have a basil plant near by. You can pick up a few plants from your local nursery and repot them in a fun, summery planter to start your own kitchen herb garden.
Topics: herb garden, upcycle, Goodwill, Annie Temmink
When I saw these rubber animals and insects the other day at Goodwill, I couldn’t help but write this post. I know I’ve covered DIY button earrings, and this project is very similar, but bug and dinosaur earrings are so much fun for summer.
Topics: upcycle, Upcycling, Annie Temmink, DIY earrings, animal earrings
No matter where you might be traveling this summer, you’ll need somewhere to put your things. Goodwill has all the bags, luggage, trunks, and totes you could ever need. Even if you find a great suitcase at Goodwill chances are it looks like all the other black suitcases out there. You’ll want your luggage to stand out so you never have to worry about lost bags again.
Topics: Upcycling, Annie Temmink, summer travel, travel bags, customizing your travel bags
I have a favorite pair of shoes from Goodwill- they are simple canvas sneakers that I have completely worn out. Instead of buying new ones, however, I wanted to see if I could bring them back with a fresh coat of paint. It turns out you just need house paint, brushes, and a clear protectant to add function and style to the shoes you find at Goodwill.
Topics: upcycle, Upcycling, Annie Temmink, shoe revival, painting shoes
If this summer has you feeling hot under the collar, try this easy summer top made from a button down purchased at Goodwill.
Topics: DIY shirt, summer shirt, summer clothes, Annie Temmink
Every Father’s Day I struggle with the same question: What should I get for dad? He doesn’t want ties or socks (if yours does, all the better!) but I think it’s always more fun to plan something we can do together. In years past I’ve given my dad a tennis racket from Goodwill and played tennis at a local court. One year I bought him some fishing lures to go fishing, and the following year I made him a pair of pajamas. Each year it's something different, and every year I start my search at Goodwill. With so many dad-friendly gadgets in the store you are sure to find something your dad will love, or something to help you plan a great day together.
Topics: Annie Temmink, Father's Day gifts, DIY gifts for dad
